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Can Chargers Rebound From Disappointment In Arizona?

By Dave Thomas

With this past Monday's disappointing 18-17 loss at Arizona in the rearview mirror, the San Diego Chargers hope their home opener provides them with win number one of the season. Oh, it is just the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks providing the opposition.

After blowing a n early 17-6 fourth quarter lead against the Cardinals, the Chargers come home to prepare for another form of bird, a Seahawks team that looks to be firing on all cylinders after routing Green Bay 36-16 in their opener.

While the Seahawks look just as dominant as they were a season ago, especially on the defensive side of the ball, San Diego QB Philip Rivers will not be afraid to test Richard Sherman and company down the field. For the Chargers, however, not leaving missed opportunities out there will be critical. In the loss to Arizona, several Chargers dropped balls that looked rather accurately thrown. Veteran tight end Antonio Gates (missed practice Thursday with a hamstring injury) led the way with eight catches, but even he had a drop or two, balls that he normally catches.

Move The Ball On The Ground

Another key for San Diego to have any chance at beating the Seahawks will be moving the ball on the ground.

In Monday's setback, San Diego had a paltry 52 yards net rushing (Ryan Mathews led the way with 40 yards). Face it, Seattle's defense is tough enough for most teams to penetrate. If the Chargers have to solely rely on Rivers through the air to win the game, San Diego could be in for a long afternoon. Better cuts by the running backs (Mathews, Danny Woodhead, Donald Brown) and improved blocking by the offensive line will be crucial for the Bolts.

On defense, San Diego played a decent game against the Cardinals, but a pair of fourth quarter drives by Carson Palmer and company proved the difference.

In order to improve their chances of limiting Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch and company from having big days, San Diego will need to get some sort of pass rush going, along with doing a better job in the secondary than it did versus Palmer (more than 300 yards passing, two TD's).

If the Chargers can bring their 'A' game to Sunday's showdown, they stand a decent chance of pulling the upset (Seattle is a 6-point favorite).

If not, look for the Seahawks and their fans to leave San Diego on a happy note.

Meantime, the Chargers unveiled their injury report for the game, with the following news as of Thursday's workout:

Jahleel Addae (safety) – hamstring – did not practice
Chris Davis (corner) - ankle - did not practice
Antonio Gates (tight end) - hamstring - did not practice
Melvin Ingram (linebacker) - hamstring - did not practice
Corey Liuget (defensive end) - ankle - limited practice
Brandon Flowers (corner) - groin - limited practice
Keenan Allen (wide receiver) - ribs - full practice
Sean Lissemore (defensive tackle) - ankle - full practice
DJ Fluker (tackle) - knee/ankle - full practice

For more Chargers news and updates, visit Chargers Central.

Dave Thomas has been covering the sports world since his first job as a sports editor for a weekly newspaper in Pennsylvania back in 1989. He has covered a Super Bowl, college bowl games, MLB, NBA and more. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

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