Lots of starters missing for Hawks-Chargers
The third exhibition game is usually the one when NFL teams play their starters the most.
In the case of tonight’s matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and San Diego Chargers, it’s apparently the one when the fans’ eyes glaze over while waiting for the real games to start.
Although the defending NFC champions are coming to town and Chargers (1-1) quarterback Philip Rivers will make his second home start this summer, the game will be blacked out locally because some 5,000 tickets remained unsold at the deadline.
The one-time AFC West rivals will also play Dec. 24 at Seattle. That’s the game that will feature the matchup of marquee running backs Shaun Alexander of Seattle, the reigning NFL MVP, and San Diego’s LaDainian Tomlinson. Tomlinson will sit out tonight, as he did the previous two exhibitions, to avoid the risk of injury.
The Seahawks are 1-1 after beating Indianapolis and losing to Dallas.
The Seahawks will be without three key starters – center Robbie Tobeck, wide receiver Darrell Jackson and tight end Jerramy Stevens.
Off the field
New England gave star receiver Deion Branch a week to seek a trade as his holdout entered its 29th day. Branch in his final year of a five-year contract but wants a new deal. … A man charged last year with impersonating Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to get dates was accused of stealing $3,200 from a different woman by telling her he was another player on the team, tight end Jerame Tuman. Brian Jackson was charged in Pittsburgh with theft by deception for borrowing the money and not repaying it. … Tennessee Titans cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones was arrested outside a bar early Friday in Murfreesboro, Tenn., and charged with disorderly conduct and public intoxication. As a result, coach Jeff Fisher said Jones will sit out today’s game against Atlanta.
Friday’s games
Raiders 21, Lions 3: Randy Moss caught two touchdown passes from Aaron Brooks and Oakland opened the preseason with four straight wins for the first time since 1975, beating Detroit at Oakland, Calif.
Cardinals 23, Bears 16: Matt Leinart took over for Kurt Warner in the second quarter and completed 15 of 21 passes for 144 yards and a touchdown to lead Arizona over host Chicago.
Giants 13, Jets 7: Eli Manning had a shaky performance against the New York Jets. Thanks to the stout Giants defense, it hardly mattered. Manning went 10 of 20 for 107 yards with an interception, and the Giants held on for a victory at East Rutherford, N.J.
Eagles 16, Steelers 7: Dave Akers kicked field goals of 40, 49 and 52 yards and Jeff Garcia connected with Greg Lewis on a 61-yard touchdown pass to lead Philadelphia over visiting Pittsburgh.
Vikings 30, Ravens 7: Fred Smoot highlighted a big night by Minnesota’s defense with a 69-yard interception return for a touchdown as the Vikings blanked Baltimore’s first-team offense and beat the Ravens in Minneapolis.