WATCH: Seahawks and Chargers trade INTs on first two plays of the game

Seattle Seahawks legendary safety Earl Thomas will be raising the 12th man flag ahead of this afternoon’s matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Thomas opened the game with this one off Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert:

DRAKE THOMAS INTERCEPTION! pic.twitter.com/IUF5V2L9Xb

— The Seahawks Wire (@TheSeahawksWire) October 4, 2026

Tuli Tuipulotu responded by taking it right back from Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold:

Aaaand Sam Darnold gave it right back pic.twitter.com/LbMC1DFNQ8

— The Seahawks Wire (@TheSeahawksWire) October 4, 2026

Thomas has had his work cut out for him in zone coverage early on, facing superstar tight end Trey McBride in Week 2 and being asked to cover tons of ground in Week 3 against the Commanders. When Herbert tried to access the middle of the field here, he somehow missed Thomas backpedaling right to the receiver. Thomas made an excellent

jumping grab to come down with it.

Tuipulotu’s pick showed the Seahawks going play action right off the bat, then Darnold trying to hit running back Emanuel Wilson in the flats, but miscommunicating to throw it upfield when Wilson was turned back around. Tuipulotu was right there to grab it. Wilson’s not usually seen as much of a pass-catcher, but offensive coordinator Brian Fleury clearly thinks he can be. He was proven right immediately after, too, as Wilson scored a 23-yard receiving touchdown from Darnold shortly after. Within the first quarter, the Seahawks have already been reminded that it’s not about how you start, but how you finish.

Followseahawkswire.usatoday.com and@TheSeahawksWire on X for authentic, human analysis of today’s game.

This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: WATCH: Seahawks and Chargers trade INTs on first two plays of the game