Elaine Thompson / AP

Seattle's Leon Washington celebrates after his 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against San Diego on Sunday. Washington had a 101-yard kickoff earlier in the Seahawks' 27-20 victory.

Rivers completed 29 of 53 passes and had two touchdowns and two interceptions. Gates finished with seven catches for 109 yards and a score, one of nine players to catch passes.

"To make it as simple as you can: five turnovers ... two special teams touchdowns, that's a recipe for a loss," Rivers said.

San Diego played without rookie running back Ryan Mathews (injured ankle). The Chargers also lost star linebacker Shawne Merriman to a calf injury in the first quarter and starting right guard Louis Vasquez to a knee injury. Along with the injuries, San Diego turned over the ball five times and Rivers was sacked another four times.

Receiver Patrick Crayton indicated the special teams problems were the result of players not taking their responsibilities seriously.

"Right now, (special teams) coach (Steve) Crosby is (ticked) off. I don't blame him. The guys who are sitting in the meetings are not taking him seriously when he tells you to do a certain thing on a kickoff," a frustrated Crayton said. "He's been in this league I don't know how many years. He's been around a while for a reason, obviously. You have to take this stuff seriously."

Seattle will feel fortunate to slip away with the victory considering all its errors. Matt Hasselbeck threw a 9-yard touchdown to John Carlson in the first half, but also threw an interception at the goal line.

Deion Branch appeared to score on 42-yard TD in the second quarter, but had the touchdown reversed on replay as Chargers safety Paul Oliver punched the ball loose from behind for a touchback.

And there was the end of the half when Seattle failed to get any points after having first down at the San Diego 11 with 29 seconds left.

"We're not going to win like that all the time," Carroll said. "It took something out of the ordinary."

Notes: Dan Fouts held the San Diego franchise record for yards passing with 444, accomplished twice. Rivers' total was the most allowed by the Seahawks. ... Thomas became just the second rookie in Seahawks history to have two interceptions in the same game. Kenny Easley was the first. ... Portland Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillian raised "12th Man" flag before the game.

More news

Adam Hunger / Reuters

NFL on notice: Brady feeling better

PFT: Tom Brady, who turns 36 in August, says he has "never felt better throwing the football" and his confidence is peaking.

PFT: Romo out of OTAs after back surgery

Headlines

• Label

PFT: Love not surprised Patriots released him

PFT: Bengals corner Hall tears thumb ligaments

PFT: Why Chargers are shielding Te'o from media

PFT: Gronk's arm infection clear after surgery

PFT: Gronk to have back evaluated in 3-4 weeks

PFT: Guns, cash stolen from home of Ray Rice

PFT: Skins GM on RG3: 'Too early to tell right now'

CSN: Tiger Woods offers RG3 advice on recovery