Seahawks vs. Chargers: 5 Things To Look for in Tarvaris Jackson's Seattle Debut

When the Seattle Seahawks take on the San Diego Chargers Thursday night at Qualcomm Stadium, Tarvaris Jackson will make his Seahawks' debut as the starting quarterback. 

After spending five frustrating seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Jackson signed with the Seahawks on a two-year, $8 million deal. When training camp opened, head coach Pete Carroll named Jackson his starting quarterback over Charlie Whitehurst. 

With Jackson now scheduled to taking the opening snaps for the Seahawks, here are five things to look for in his debut with the team tonight in San Diego. 

Playbook Should Be Open

Both Jackson and his offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell started in Minnesota in 2006, and after Bevell was let go this past offseason, he was hired by the Seahawks. 

Now that Jackson has followed him to Seattle, the familiarity should continue between the two. 

That should allow Bevell to call what he likes, as he won't be held back by a quarterback still trying to grasp his system. 

He Has a Familiar Target

The Vikings' free-agent march to Seattle continued with prized receiver Sidney Rice, as he signed a five-year, $41 million contract after Jackson agreed to his deal. 

That should give the Seahawks offense some early chemistry, even in the preseason. 

Rice played four seasons with Jackson, but could never stay healthy when Jackson had sole control of the offense. He then had his best season in 2009 with Brett Favre, catching 83 passes for 1,312 yards.

Even if the on-field time isn't considerable, the two should be on the same page tonight. 

Expect More of the Same

For those expecting Jackson to single-handedly lead the Seahawks to the playoffs, you likely have another thing coming. 

Jackson has been nothing more than an average NFL starting quarterback in his five career seasons, and there's nothing to suggest that's he going to be anything more than that in Seattle. 

The numbers back it up. He has a career 76.6 passer rating, while throwing 24 touchdowns to 22 interceptions. Jackson has never thrown for 2,000 yards or 10 touchdowns in a single NFL season. 

The Seahawks are giving him another chance, but to expect something out of the ordinary from Jackson is likely asking for something he can't deliver.

Mobility Outside the Pocket

Jackson has always shown an ability to create plays outside the pocket, a skill which could come in handy with the Seahawks' young and rebuilt offensive line. 

In five seasons with the Vikings, Jackson rushed for 535 yards and four touchdowns, including 260 yards and three touchdowns in 12 starts in 2007. 

I'd expect to see Jackson use his legs on occasion tonight, especially if Bevell uses him on bootlegs and play action. He was at his best in '07 and could use his mobility to make plays in and out of the pocket. 

A Turnover or Two

Another thing Jackson often did in Minnesota: turn the football over. 

In 20 starts and 36 career games with the Vikings, Jackson was responsible for 29 turnovers—22 interceptions and seven lost fumbles—which makes him a good bet to turn it over in any game he starts. 

Why would tonight be any different? He won't get as many opportunities as a regular season start, but Jackson will likely force a play that makes you shake your head.