North County Times from Oceanside, California • 19

MONDAY. December 2001 KokthCaKTi Time C-3 Drew will get his day. But right now were going to stay with what were doing. Mike Riley, Chargers head coach Sidelines Bolts slam far from grand on last drive JAY PARIS Staff Writer JAY PARIS and GARY HYVONEN Staff X'riter (collapsed lung) and Ham son (leg). Jones had four catches for 33 yards (and a false start penalty), Dwight added a team-high five receptions for 59 yards, and Harrison had a team-best 11 tackles, a sack and two passes defensed.

Touchdown king Tomlinson scored the Chargers only touchdown on a 1-yard run. It was his 10th rushing touchdown of the season, breaking the team rookie record Marion Butts has held since 1989. On four occasions Sunday the Chargers faced third-and-1. Once running back LaDarn-ian Tomlinson was stopped for no gain; on another, he scoied from the 1. Receiver Tim Dwight caught a 5-yard pass to get a fresh set downs one time, then Tomlinson was pushed back for a 1-yard loss on a critical foiuih-quarter chance.

I think the biggest problem was penetration, coach Mike Riley said. That looked like the problem to me. We didnt knock them back. Added Tomlinson, I really dont know how many people they had up there. They might have had too many guys, more than we can block, but at certain times.

On Tomlinsons final opportunity, space was open over the middle for a sneak. But none was called, nor audibled to. Yes, we do, Riley said, when asked if the sneak is in the play hook. We talked about that. We called the play, and of course they lined up and we didnt have an audible to it But we do have one.

Added offensive coordinator Norv Tin ner: We have a quartet back sneak, but we dont check off the sneak. We have a pulling guard on the play, and you can get caught in that situation. Life of Riley Did this weeks reports of Riley going to San Diego State to fill its coaching vacancy hamper the Chargers? I didnt think that, said Riley, who has denied interest in the job. I dont think they hardly reacted to it. Said Wiley: They werent a distraction.

The quartet back was a distraction. The short passes were a distraction. Shaun Alexander was a distraction. But not the coach and whether he is going to be here or not Added Flutie: The thing is that it will be the topic of a lot of questions now' from everybody because something was written with absolutely no basis for it. It makes you have to defend (Riley) and you have to talk about stuff that is all speculation.

The trio returns One positive from the loss w'as the return of tight end Freddie Jones (ankle), Dwight to blow into lineup Quick hits The Chargers reported only three minor injuries FB Fred McCrary suffered a stinger RB LaDainian Tomlinson a thigh bruise and CB Tay Cody a sprained left ankle Cody was hurt on the first play of the second half and did not return Trainer James Collins said the sprain did not appear to be serious and listed Cody as day to day With 87 rushing yards Sunday Tomlinson has gone eight straight games without reaching 100 The 202 passing yards by Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck (19 of 35) were the second highest total of his career The paid attendance was 55466. but there were fewer fans at Husky Stadium on a damp day that had a 41 degree temperature at kickoff By The Numbers CZZE5HZZ3 San Diego 0 3 7 0 0 10 Seattle 7 0 3 0 313 FIRST QUARTER Sea Alexander 1 run (Lindell kick) 7 29 Drive 7 plays 72 yards 3 44 Key plays Hasselbeck 26 pass to En gram Hasselback 20 pass to Strong 18 yard pass interference penalty on Cody Seattle 7, San Diego 0. SECOND QUARTER SD-FG Christie 26 5 11 Drive 9 plays 46 yards 5 01 Key plays 5-yard illegal hands to face penalty on Charlton on 3rd and 5 Flutie 16 run Seattle 7, San Diego 3. THIRD QUARTER SD Tomlinson 1 run (Christie kick) 6 18 Drive 8 plays 43 yards 3 03 Key plays Flutie 15 pass to Conway Flutie 15 pass to Tomlinson San Diego 10. Seattle 7.

Sea FG Lindell 43 2 40 Drive 9 plays 36 yards 3 38 Key plays Has selbeck 11 pass to Jackson Hassel beck 11 pass to Jackson Seattle 10, San Diego 10. OVERTIME Sea-FG Lindell 24 8 37 Drive 11 plays, 62 yards 6 23 Key plays Has selbeck 18 pass to Robinson Alexander 12 run Seattle 13, San Diego 10. A 55 466 CHARGERS notebook The count is up to 12 for the number of times an opponent has scored the go-ahead points in the games final three minutes or in overtime. We are just not getting it done, defensive coordinator Mark Banker said. We havent been able to put a finger on it, (whether its) mentally or physically.

How are we going to change that around? By flat out getting it done; it seems like we are in the same situation each time. If I personally had the answer to it, I would change it. We are searching. Short, but so far Eor the Chargers, third-and-1 might as well be third-and-forever. Weve got to convert on third downs, that lias been the biggest thing, center Kend 1 Jacox said.

Its a combination of things. Its mental and other times its execution. Other times ou could say its just not getting it done. for Brees had the answer even before leaving the locker room after Sundays 13-10 loss to Seattle. No, were not going to do that, Riley said.

Were still trying to build the big picture here. Drew will get his day. But right now' were going to stay with what were doing. That means Flutie, 39, will LaDainian Tomlinson, left, tries to to it. Thats just being more physical than the other team when you come off the ball.

Added Tomlinson, who had 87 yards on 24 carries: You got to convert on downs like that, especially if you are planning on winning the game. That was the plan. But it didnt pan out because, among other reasons, the team stubbed its toe twice in the red zone. In the second quarter, a possession stalled at the Seattle 8-yard line, and the Chargers settled for Steve Christies first San Diego field goal, from 26 yards. That made the score 7-3, as it came after Shaun Alexanders 1-yard touchdown run.

The Chargers went ahead 10-7 on Tomlinsons 1-yard scoring rush midway through the third quarter. It appeared the Chargers would add to that cushion on their next drive when they reached the Seattle 19. But on second down, Flutie threw his second interception, a pass for tight end Freddie $nes that was de SEATTLE Its called a slam, and it was grand for the Seahawks. Thats the name of the coverage the Chargers were in when Matt Hasselbeck threw a 18-yard pass to Koren Robinson in overtime. It was the opening play of the last drive, one that which ended with Rian Lindells 24-yard, game-winning field goal.

Rodney Harrison said the Chargers got caught off-kilter because of a verbal breakdown. It was a mental error, a lack of communication that was mostly my fault, Harrison said. Ill take the blame. Before that play, the Chargers were riding a wave of momentum, after Lindell missed from 48 yards at the end of regulation. But once the Sea-hawks won the coin flip, they snatched it back.

They just took it right to us on the first play, Harrison said. We did a great job early, defensively, but at the end is where it counts. Not time GARY HYVONEN STM! WkITLn SEATTLE The Chargers playoff drought isnt nearly as old as Doug Flutie, even if it seems that way. But now that it is almost certain the Chargers will sit out the postseason for the sixth consecutive year, will they be tempted to turn to rookie quartet back Drew Brees over the final four games to give him some seasoning? Head coach Mike Riley CHARGERS Continued from C-t Chargers last 28 games, an opponent scored the winning points in the final three minutes or in overtime. The last drive we didnt come out with the same spark that was obvious, cornerback Davis Sanchez said.

We didnt have the same focus, and that cost us. At that particular time you have to step up. Rian Lindell was the latest to step on the Chargers heart. He sailed a 24-yard field goal through the rain and the uprights at the 8:37 mark of overtime. His game-winner came after he missed from 43 and 48 yards in the last 5:15 of regulation.

I couldnt look at that one, Seattle coach Mike Holmgren said of Lindells kick. He made it, bless his heart were 6-5. The Chargers have a tougher time counting their blessings. Instead, they finger what theyre missing while circling the drain after a 3-0 and 5-2 start. Im in shock, especially the way its ended, safety Rodney Harrison said.

Its frustrating. Time and time again its always something that bites us in our butts. The list of transgressions had a familiar tone. Not only did the defense get abused late, but the team struggled in the red zone and continues to have problems on third-and-1. Its sickening, man, just sickening, fullback Fred McCrary said.

None more so than when the Chargers had a third-and-1 at their 43 with less than four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. A first down would have kept the drive alive and possibly led to a chance for at least a go-ahead field goal. Tomlinson got the call and headed toward the right side. But before reaching the line of scrimmage, he was met by a sea of Seahawks jerseys. You get down there on third-and-1 and you should get those, said quarterback Doug Flutie, who was 19-of-33 for 195 yards and two interceptions.

Maybe we have to different approach WHO'S ft ft nor MIKE RILEY SEAT Another loss, another losing streak hardly the way to get invited back ANYWHERE BUT chilly Husky Stadium WHOS rur jy BOLTS DEFENSE More blown games than a reliever minus a strikeout pitch BOLTS ON THIRD-AND-1 Are denied as often as a nerd at a singles bar TURNING POINT On the overtime first play Matt Hasselbeck connected with Koren Robinson on an 18-yard pass to reach midfield After that it was only a matter of time before Rian Undell would ram on the Chargers parade KEYSTAT 4-of-12 Chargers' third-down conversion rate, just 33 percent QUOTABLE Too many mistakes, mistakes that are very correctable things that should not be happening at this point in the season DOUG FLUT1E on why the Chargers losii treak has reached five games. NEXT WEEK OPPONENT Philadelphia Eagles (74) SITE Veterans Stadium TIME 10 a Sunday REPORT CARD QUARTERBACKS: Last time here Doug Flutie threw for a career high 366 yards He was far from that Sunday collecting but 195 yards on a 19of 33 effort Plus there were no sconng passes and two INTs The fatal one was the fourth-quarter pick inside the red zone It was a deflected pass but one that was a killer nonetheless RUNNING BACKS: The running lanes were tougher to find than a dry seal in the fourth quarter LaDalnlan Tomlinson tied Shaun Alexander for a gamehigh 87 yards and had a TO But he still falling short on the short plays, which isn all the line fault is it7 One time it was FB Fred McCrary as he missed a lead block RECEIVERS: Everyone likes Tim Dwight return, five catches, 59 yards Freddie Jones (four, 33) was back too he caught a break when fumbling a ball the officials ruled on incorrectly The Bolts weren as fortunate on Jeff Graham fourth-quarter fumble inside the Seattle 35 OFFENSIVE LINE: The woes on short-yardage plays continues and that when a line has to show its worth The Chargers are still waiting DeMingo Graham had a crib-cal false start at the Seattle 31 which eventually forced a Wade Richey FG attempt from 53 It like the line, didn hitthematk DEFENSIVE UNE: John ParreJIa 'eads charge here with seven tackles Leonardo Careon added a sack and tackle for a loss behind the line of scnmmage Raylee Johnson tackle of Shaun Alexander for a 5yard loss forced Undell to try his first game-winner from 48 yards he missed Marcelus Wiey had four tackles, but couldnt get to Hasselbeck LINEBACKERS: Alexander was far from great with 36 yards through three quarters he ended up with 87 Junior Seau had eight tackles just one more than Orlando Ruff Gerald Dixon was active with four tackles and a pass defensed SECONDARY: Rodney Hanlson returns with gusto teamhigh 11 tackles a sack and two passes defensed But he takes the blame for big reception to start over time, which set up the game-winning FG Rogers Beckett had 10 tackles, Davis Sanchez five, and got flagged for a questionable pass interference Ryan McNeil is quiet with two tackles, as Hawks throw away from the veteran SPECIAL TEAMS: Steve Christie breaks the seal on his Chargers career with a 26-yard FG, Richey is wide left on a 53yarder Rooney Jenkins with a long of 25 yards, and Glyn Milbun with a long of 15 had limited success on kick and punt returns respectively No disrespect, but the coverage unit allowing a 34 yard return following a go-ahead FG helped the Hawks tie the game COACHING: This third-and-1 business is a joke nv Guess what7 Running Tomlinson into PJ the right side of the line isn't working Try a playaction pass, try a playac tion deep ball, try a QB sneak Ybuget the idea And how come the Chargers couldn find rookie CB Ken Lucas more7 Defensively, the late collapses continue and no one seems to have an answer remain the starting quarterback for the 5-7 team. This despite the fact that Brees has been anointed the quarterback of the future and Flutie has struggled over the past month. In four games since being forced from a Nov. 4 loss to Kansas City with a concussion, Flutie has topped 200 yaids passing only once (308 against Arizona) and has thrown thiee TD passes and seven interceptions.

Flutie threw two interceptions Sunday. That gives him more interceptions (11) than touchdown passes this year avoid Seattles Reggie Tongue (25) flected by Seahawks linebacker Chad Brown and caught by safety Marcus Robertson. I thought I threw a great ball, Flutie said. But the linebacker gets a hand on it, deflecia it and somebody else makes a ridiculous catch. Thats the way things are going for us.

The Chargers had another shot, but Jeff Graham fumbled a ion at the (10), something he hasn't done over the course of a season since 1989. Brees, the teams second-round draft choice, has appeared in only one game, lie completed 15 of 27 passes for 221 yards and a touchdown after Flutie was hurt against Kansas City. General manager John Butler said he wont push for playing time for Brees. Thats up to the head coach, and I dont try to influence the coaches, Butler said. Theyve got a tough enough job.

4vm.X I ATM' Press and Michael Sinclair (70). Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck throws incomplete pass as Marcellus Wiley grabs him by the legs. AssX'IATEn PRC'S Seattle 34. Turnovers cost us, Flutie said. And the price is yet another season of disappointment.

Honestly, its back to the drawing board to see if we can turn this thing around, center Kendyl Jacox said. Everybody has to work hard and bust their rear; thats the bottom line. Not really. Its 5-7. INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING San Diego Tomlinson 24 87, Flutie 2 22, Fletcher 1 (minus 2) Seattle Alexander 2987.

Hasselbeck 4 21 Strong 2-6, Robinson 1 3 PASSING-San Diego Flutie 19-33-2 195 Seattle Hasselbeck 19-350-202 RECEIVING San Diego, Dwight 5-59, Jones 433, Tomlinson 4 26 Conway 534, Graham 2 36. Harris 1 7 Seattle Jackson 6-76, Alexander 4 14, Engram 344 Robinson 530, Strong 221, Bannister 1 17 PUNT RETURNS San Diego Milburn 445 Seattle Rogers 1 13 KICKOFF RETURNS-San Diego Jenkins 558 Seattle Rogers 592 TACKLES-ASSISTS-SACKS-San Diego, Harrison 10-1 1 Beckett 56-0, Seau 7 1-0 Parrella 81-0, Ruff 6-2-0, Sanchez 5-00, Carson 51 1, Dixon 51-0, Wiley 51-0 Johnson 50-0, Cody 2-0-0. Dingle 2 0-0, McNeil 1 1-0, Car swell 1-0-0 Harrison 0-1-0, Conway 1- 0-0, Dwight 1-00 Harris l-OO, Jenkins 1-00 Moreno 1-00 Seattle Simmons 12 1 1, Robertson 650. Kirkland 440, Brown 4 50, Williams 400. Bell 4 1-0.

Cochran 500. Tongue 2 10, Hilliard 2 0 0, Eaton 110, Charlton 10 0, LaBounty 100. Lucas l-OO, Terry 10-0. Joseph 30 0, Kacyvenski 210, Strong 100 INTERCEPTIONS San Diego, None Seattle Roomson 1 5 Williams 10 MISSED FIELD GOALS San Diego, Richey 53 (WL) Seattle Lindell 43 (WR), 48 (WL) OFFICIALS Referee Larry Nemmers. Ump Chad Brown.

HL Dale Williams, Mike Spamer, FJ Paul Baetz. SJ Carl Cheffers. BJ Kirk Dornan, Replay Nate Jones Time 3 15 4.