NFL Week 3 Review: 5 Reasons The Seattle Seahawks Beat the San Diego Chargers

Week 3 in the 2010 NFL season brought us fans many good games for Sunday and Monday entertainment.

This is a look back at how the Seattle Seahawks defeated AFC contender San Diego Chargers 27-20 and advanced to 2-1 on the season.

This game didn't get off to the quickest of starts but the intensity of the game was felt through all four quarters. In the end special teams, defense, penalties and turnovers were the main differences in this game.

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Reason #5: Penalties

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CHICAGO - AUGUST 28: A referee picks up a penalty flag during a preseason game between the Chicago Bears and the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at Soldier Field on August 28, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cardinals defeated the Bears 14-9. (Ph

One thing every coach, player, and fan hates are penalties. They can easily change the momentum and flow of any NFL game.

In the Seattle Seahawks vs. San Diego Chargers game that was definitely the case. The Seahawks had five penalties for a total of 32 yards. The Chargers meanwhile, they amounted an abysmal 11 penalties for 83 yards.

That's a 51 yard difference, more than half a football field. 

Giving someone that many yards in penalties will always spell defeat in the NFL.

Reason #4: Turnovers

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SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 26: Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks returns an interception against the Legedu Naanee #11 of San Diego Chargers at Qwest Field on September 26, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Chargers 27-20. (Photo by O

The second thing that will drive coaches, fans, and players alike crazy are turnovers.

In Sunday's game the Seahawks only committed two turnovers. One was an interception thrown by QB Matt Hasselbeck and the other was a fumble by Wide Receiver Deion Branch.

However, the Chargers committed a total of five turnovers. On their first drive Chargers WR Legedu Naanee fumbled thanks to a hit by 15-year veteran Safety Lawyer Milloy.

Next up, a fumble by RB Ryan Matthew's replacement, Mike Tolbert, in the middle of the second quarter. Then near the end of the half RB Darren Sproles fumbled the kickoff return.

In the fourth quarter QB Philip Rivers threw an interception to rookie Safety Earl Thomas. The Chargers would also commit a turnover on downs on their second to last drive. 

Reason #3: Olindo Mare

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SEATTLE - NOVEMBER 08: Olindo Mare #10 of the Seattle Seahawks kicks a field goal against the Detroit Lions on November 8, 2009 at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Lions 32-20. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

On Sunday, Seahawks kicker, Olindo Mare, performed his job with ease. He was 5/5 on the day-two field goals and three extra point makes.

Mare got the scoring started for the Seahawks converting a 23 yard field goal in the second quarter. And he connected on another 23 yard field goal in the fourth quarter after the Chargers had cut the lead to only five.

For the season Mare is 3/3 with a long of 35 yards. Seahawks fans hope he can keep this up for the rest of season. With Mare's track record in his 15 year career, that may be easier said than done.

Reason #2: Defense

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SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 26: Cornerback Walter Thurmond #28 of the Seattle Seahawks breaks up a pass against Malcom Floyd #80 of the San Diego Chargers at Qwest Field on September 26, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Chargers 27-20. (Pho

Defense wins championships, well in Week 3 it won the game.

The Seahawks defense held the Chargers offense scoreless for the entire first half. The first team this season to do that to the Chargers (10th in the league in scoring at 24 PPG).

It was a collective effort by the 11 Seahawks on the field each snap. Highlighted by Safety Lawyer Milloy's 12 tackles, DE Chris Clemons two sacks, and contribution from rookies Walter Thurmond III and Earl Thomas in the secondary. Thurmond had eight tackles and Thomas had six tackles and two interceptions.

One downside of the game on the defensive side was the lost of LB Aaron Curry in the second quarter. Curry left the game with an hamstring injury, but reports out of Seattle are that the injury is not serious.

Reason #1: Leon Washington

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SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 26: Kick returner Leon Washington #33 of the Seattle Seahawks returns a kickoff for a 101 yard touchdown in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qwest Field on September 26, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks def

RB Leon Washington was acquired by the Seahawks for a fifth-round pick. Washington was coming off breaking his leg last year and the New York Jets weren't willing to commit to Washington long term. After Sunday's game I'm sure the Seahawks are.

Washington accounted for 263 return yards including two kick returns for touchdowns.

The first coming at the beginning of the second half, a beautiful 101 yard return where Washington was barely touched by any of the Chargers.

The second was a 99 yard return in the fourth quarter right after the Chargers tied the game and ended up being the game winning touchdown.

Thanks to the wonderful advancement of technology and YouTube, Seahawk fans can relive the first return here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoPGjE6DadA 

Washington was without a doubt the player of the game in Week 3. Without his returns the Seahawks wouldn't be 2-1 and tied for first place in the NFC West.

Brandon Jefferson is a student at High Point University and a writing intern at Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @DOTcom_2.