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Wednesday, October 13
Updated: October 14, 11:58 PM ET
 
Baxter Bits: Seahawks vs. Chargers

By Russell S. Baxter
Special to ESPN.com

Seahawks (off last week) head to Qualcomm Stadium looking to continue their winning ways in this AFC West rivalry.

It's all even in this divisional series (20-20) as the Seahawks have prevailed in the last five meetings between the clubs dating back to the teams' second encounter in 1996 -- this after the Chargers had taken five in a row and 8-of-9 meetings dating back to 1992.

A year ago, Seattle took a pair from the Bolts for the second straight season In Week 8 at San Diego, Seahawks WR Joey Galloway caught an 81-yard touchdown pass and returned a punt 74 yards for a score, but it was RB Ricky Watters' 1-yard TD run with 8:43 to play that proved to be the difference as Seattle escaped with a 27-20 triumph.

Seven weeks later at the Kingdome (Week 15), Seahawks QB Jon Kitna overcame three interceptions (1 returned for a score by Chargers' DT Jamal Williams) by throwing for 140 yards and a touchdown, plus ran for another score, as the 'Hawks completed the sweep, 38-17.

Despite two straight wins at Qualcomm Stadium, the Seahawks are just 7-12 lifetime in San Diego dating back to 1978.

Numbers: Since 1996, the Seahawks have given up 423 points in 26 wins (16.3 PPG), 697 points in 26 losses (26.8 PPG). In their last 20 games dating back to 1998, the Seahawks' defense/special teams have scored 16 touchdowns (10 interception returns, 2 fumble returns, 3 punt returns, 1 kickoff return). The Seahawks have been limited to fewer than 100 yards rushing in five straight games dating back to '98.

The Chargers own a plus-8 turnover differential (13-5) in four games in '99, this after an NFL-worst minus-24 turnover differential (27-51) in 16 games in '98. They have allowed 31 points in three wins, 27 points in one loss in '99. The Chargers have committed 23 turnovers in 20 wins, 100 turnovers in 32 losses since '96. Their offense has scored 46 touchdowns in their last 36 games (12-24), while their defense/special teams has scored 14 touchdowns dating back to '97. After committing 24 turnovers in their last four contests in '98, the Chargers have committed just 5 turnovers in their first 4 games in '99. The Chargers have been limited to 17 or fewer points in 16 of their last 23 games dating back to '97. San Diego has been limited to fewer than 100 yards rushing in four straight games.

Things To Look For: With the Broncos reeling and the Chiefs and Raiders still trying to find themselves, Mike Holmgren's team can take early control of the AFC West with a road victory here. But before you dismiss the pesky Chargers, whose offense doesn't scare many opponents, keep in mind that LB Junior Seau and company continue to make things happen and will be in the face of Seahawks' QB Jon Kitna.

Etc.: The Seahawks have won three straight games. They are just 17-40 vs. divisional competition since 1992 (1-0 in '99). RB Ricky Watters (8,162) needs 28 yards to move into 18th place on the NFL's all-time rushing list, passing Gerald Riggs (8,188) and Roger Craig (8,189). Watters needs 63 yards to tie Herschel Walker (8,225) for 17th place on the NFL's all-time rushing list





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