SAN DIEGO -- After the way Super Bowl XLIX ended, Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks will be sure to never botch a late-game comeback ever again. While it may have only been in a preseason game, the team mounted a successful game-winning drive Saturday night in San Diego to capture a win in the ever-telling third preseason contest.
Dramatic Finish In San Diego
Kicker Steven Hauschka buried a booming 60-yard field goal to put the team up 16-15 with just about 15 seconds to go. Backup quarterback R.J. Archer brought the team down the field from the Seattle 14 yard-line all the way into Hauschka's range in less than two minutes.
The San Diego Chargers ran three plays in fourteen seconds to close out the game, but the last ended in an interception by Seattle linebacker Tyrell Adams at the 48 yard line to expire the clock and hand the 'Hawks their first preseason victory.
Ten unanswered points from the Chargers had them ahead, 15-13 with 8:18 left, but after one successful defensive series, the second-tier D failed to stop the versatile and energetic attack from Seattle and conceded that stunner of a field goal from Hauschka.
Who Showed Up And Who Didn't
Rookie receiver and return specialist Tyler Lockett had another massive game for the Seahawks. He returned a second-quarter punt 67 yards past numerous San Diego defenders to score his team's only touchdown, as well as hauling in a ten-yard catch near the end of the first half that set up Hauschka's first of three field goals. Lockett had a kick-return touchdown in preseason week one for Seattle as well.
Philip Rivers had a strong day passing for the Bolts, completing 13 of 19 passes for 140 yards. Rivers did not throw for a score, but did set up multiple Chargers field goals. Newly-acquired receiver Stevie Johnson benefited in his action on the night, making four catches for 63 yards.
San Diego scored their lone touchdown on a short heave to running back Branden Oliver near the left sideline from backup Kellen Clemens. Oliver sprinted down the sideline 70 yards for six points. He also rushed for 14 yards on 5 carries Saturday.
Fifteenth overall pick Melvin Gordon had a different day out of the backfield for the Chargers, notching only 34 yards on his 14 carries against the tough Legion of Boom defense. Javontee Herndon simply overtook Gordon with his one carry for 42 yards.
Russell Wilson had an okay game at the helm of Darrell Bevell's offense, only completing 7 of 15 passes but notching 79 total yards on the game including his four carries. Christine Michael rushed for 37 yards on seven attempts, and former-Saints tight end Jimmy Graham hauled in two passes for 24 yards.
Both teams showed room for improvement, but they made for an entertaining game. The first teams both looked pretty-polished, however Seattle's offensive line evidently needs improvement. Opening day isn't too far off, and cuts are yet to be made.
San Diego will have trouble with trimming down their offensive line, which exactly oppositely from Seattle's, exhibited great strength and depth throughout the game.
Next week is the last chance for NFL teams to face off against game-like competition outside of intramural scrimmages, so it is time to gear up for another week of practice followed by one last preseason game before the stage gets bigger.