NFL Preseason Week 1: Just when you thought the new coach parade was over Jim Mora Jr. comes by in a winged float. The former Falcons head coach has found a new bird franchise to take him in in the Pacific Northwest. His first appearance with Seattle, as the top dog anyway, will take place tonight in San Diego when the Seahawks meet the Chargers for a 10:00pm ET showdown at Qualcomm Stadium. Online bookmaker Sportsbetting.com has San Diego listed as a -3.5 against the spread favorite in their NFL Preseason Week 1: Seattle Seahawks vs San Diego Chargers NFL Picks, Odds & Predictions.
Jim Mora served as head coach of the Falcons from 2004 to 2006, but has been with the Seahawks as a defensive backs coach since being fired by Atlanta. Mora did have a winning record in his time with the Falcons, accumulating a 26-22 mark, and he was tabbed by Mike Holmgren to be the successor in Seattle.
Mora has a lot of young players to evaluate this evening and throughout the exhibition season, but his top priority will be getting the Seahawks back into contention in the NFC West after a 4-12, injury plagued 2008.
Tonight's game will be the first step in that direction and Mora is excited about tackling that challenge as a head coach.
"I'm looking forward to the game," Mora said. "I'm looking forward to being back on the sidelines in that role. I think there'll be an adjustment period throughout the game — probably throughout the preseason."
One player Mora is keen on watching from his new perch is first round draft pick, linebacker Aaron Curry. The new coach suggested that Curry will get a chance to rush the passer a little more than he did at Wake Forest where he had just 2.5 sacks last year.
"We'll play him (Curry) at right end some early in the game against some of their better players and see how he does," Mora said. "If there's one thing I'd look for, I'd say watch Aaron Curry and see how he rushes as an end. We're going to found out a little bit. I'm excited to see it."
Seattle Seahawks +3.5 (-115), Over 36 (-110), +150 (Moneyline)
San Diego Chargers -3.5 (-105), Under 36 (-110), -170 (Moneyline)
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