Chargers fall to 0-4 with tough defeat against Seahawks

Los Angeles' horrendous start to 2026 got worse, falling to Seattle at Lumen Field.

Leroy Hinds October 4, 2026·4 min read

The Los Angeles Chargers travelled to Seattle desperate to finally get their season moving after a nightmare start, but already in for a tough task against the defending champion Seahawks, who were keen to respond after a shock loss at the hands of the Washington Commanders, their afternoon immediately became a chaotic one. Justin Herbert threw an interception on Los Angeles’ opening offensive play, only for Seattle to hand the ball straight back when Sam Darnold was intercepted on the Seahawks’ first snap. It gave both teams an early opportunity to settle into the contest, although the Chargers were only able to turn their takeaway into a 40-yard Cameron Dicker field goal.

Seattle soon began to find its rhythm. Darnold led an efficient drive before connecting with Emanuel Wilson on a 23-yard touchdown pass, putting the Seahawks ahead for the first time. The home side then extended its advantage when Rashid Shaheed broke into the open field for a 28-yard rushing touchdown, leaving the Chargers struggling to contain Seattle’s explosive plays.

Los Angeles managed to slow the game down during the remainder of the first quarter, but the Seahawks continued to control the momentum. The Chargers’ offense struggled to consistently move the football, while Seattle’s running game began to wear down the visitors’ defense.

Wilson added another touchdown before halftime, powering through for an 8-yard score that gave Seattle a sizeable advantage. Dicker responded with a field goal in the final seconds of the second quarter, but the Chargers still entered the locker room facing a 20-6 deficit.

For long stretches, Seattle looked firmly in command. The Seahawks were efficient on the ground and made the most of their limited opportunities through the air, while Los Angeles repeatedly found itself playing from behind the chains.

Darnold extended Seattle’s lead when he found Tory Horton for a 6-yard score early in the third quarter. Jason Myers then added another field goal, taking the Seahawks to 27 points and putting them in a commanding position with the Chargers trailing by 21.

The Chargers finally found the end zone midway through the third quarter when Herbert connected with Kimani Vidal for a 9-yard touchdown. It gave the visitors a much-needed spark and shifted some of the momentum back in their direction.

Los Angeles’ defense also began to make life more difficult for Darnold, forcing Seattle into longer situations and preventing the Seahawks from completely putting the game away.

The Chargers carried that momentum into the fourth quarter. Omarion Hampton rushed for a touchdown from close range, cutting the deficit to 30-20 before Los Angeles added another score to make the final period increasingly uncomfortable for the home side.

Dicker’s 36-yard field goal with just over two minutes remaining brought the Chargers within a score, as Los Angeles had scored 17 unanswered points after Seattle’s field goal early in the third quarter, and with the Seahawks struggling to move the ball, a dramatic comeback suddenly appeared possible.

Seattle’s offense, however, managed to do just enough. Darnold was sacked by Tuli Tuipulotu late in the fourth quarter, but the Seahawks defense responded by forcing Los Angeles to use valuable time. Seattle eventually punted with less than two minutes remaining, giving Herbert and the Chargers one final opportunity.

Herbert completed a short pass to Oronde Gadsden before Keaton Vidal picked up nine yards on the ground, moving Los Angeles into a position where one more big play could have completely changed the outcome.

Instead, Seattle delivered the decisive moment. With just one minute remaining, Uchenna Nwosu broke through and strip-sacked Herbert. Derick Hall recovered the loose football at the Chargers’ 20-yard line, ending Los Angeles’ hopes of completing the comeback, remaining winless after suffering a 7-point defeat.

It was ultimately a game of two halves for the Chargers. Los Angeles was outplayed for much of the opening three quarters, but its late surge demonstrated the fight that had been missing during the early stages. The Chargers finished with more total yards than Seattle, but four turnovers proved costly, particularly with Herbert throwing two interceptions and losing a fumble on the decisive late sack.

Seattle, meanwhile, did not produce overwhelming offensive numbers but consistently capitalised on Los Angeles’ mistakes. The Seahawks finished with 286 total yards and only 58 offensive plays, but Darnold’s two touchdown passes and the production of the rushing attack gave the home side enough to build a sizeable lead.

The Seahawks’ defense ultimately made the difference. After allowing Los Angeles to score 17 points in the second half, Seattle came up with the turnover it needed at the most important possible moment.

For the Chargers, the wait for their first victory continued. Despite a promising late rally, four turnovers and another slow offensive start left Los Angeles with too much ground to make up. Seattle, meanwhile, moved to 3-1 and continued its strong start to the campaign, surviving a late scare in front of another raucous Lumen Field crowd.

Touchdowns

Los Angeles Chargers: Vidal, Hampton
Seattle: Wilson 2, Shaheed, Horton