To note: the Seahawks produced 146 yards in the first quarter behind third-string quarterback Charlie Frye.

"It's just being a little bit more emotional and having a little bit more of an attitude when we step out on that field," defensive end Luis Castillo said, "and coming out with a little more fire and we'll be fine."

Chargers coach Norv Turner would like to see a better showing from his starting defense, but he's more disappointed by the unit's tackling. "When we were at our best and we played at the level we want to play at, we did not give up big plays," Turner said. "If you give up big plays, you're going to give up so many points. That's what concerned me. ... we played good offenses. Dallas is an outstanding offensive football team. Seattle is an outstanding offensive football team. You get a better evaluation of where you are and what you need to do."

--The injury to OLB Jyles Tucker (ankle) is considered minor enough that Turner said Tucker could have returned to the game if it had been a regular-season contest. Tucker went down in the loss to Seattle.

--The Chargers signed linebacker Jyles Tucker and safety Steve Gregory to new contracts. Tucker signed a five-year contract that runs through the 2012 season, while Gregory inked a four-year pact that runs through 2011.

Tucker is entering his second NFL season and will become a pivotal player this season should Shawne Merriman's knee issues keep him off the field. Gregory is a third-year backup strong safety who was scheduled to become a restricted free agent after this season. Both players were originally signed by the Chargers as undrafted free agents.

"Both Jyles and Steve did it the hard way," Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said in a statement. "They came to us as undrafted free agents, spent some time on the practice squad and earned their way on to the 53-man roster by working extremely hard. Both have become productive players and we're extremely excited to have them in the fold for years to come."

--WR Chris Chambers might be the happiest Charger. He was rescued last year from dismal Miami, landing with a team many predict will land in the Super Bowl. "I feel blessed to be in this situation at this point in my career," he said.

BY THE NUMBERS: 15 -- Number of interceptions CB Antonio Cromartie has set for a goal this season -- that would be an NFL record.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Obviously it was a big relief for a lot of us. We all know what Shawne brings to this team, especially the defense. He's an impact player, a difference-maker. You just kept your fingers crossed that he was going to be able to play" - RB LaDainian Tomlinson on the news Shawne Merriman will play this season.