Chargers looking for more from their offense

SAN DIEGO (AP) Frank Reich hopes first impressions are overrated.

Reich's debut as the San Diego Chargers' offensive coordinator on Monday night wasn't a success.

The Chargers, who averaged 24 points last season, managed just 17 in losing by one to the Arizona Cardinals.

Last year's up-tempo offense, which helped rejuvenate quarterback Philip Rivers and snapped the Chargers' three-year playoff drought, was tough to find.

''It was frustrating,'' Reich said as the Chargers prepared to host the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. ''We had higher expectations of how we would finish that game and didn't get it done.''

When Ken Whisenhunt took the Tennessee Titans head coaching job in the offseason, Chargers coach Mike McCoy promoted Reich from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator.

This is Reich's 23rd year in the NFL, but first as an offensive coordinator.

Considering his experience as a 14-year NFL quarterback, which included running the Bills' K-Gun offense that relied on adjustments at the line of scrimmage, McCoy felt Reich was ready.

McCoy still believes that.

''We just didn't make enough plays,'' McCoy said.

If Reich rebounds, few would be surprised. He was the quarterback during two of the biggest comebacks in NCAA and NFL history.

With Maryland in 1984, Reich rallied the Terrapins from a 31-0 deficit to a 42-40 win against Miami.

With the Bills in the 1992 AFC playoffs, Reich orchestrated a 41-38 victory over the Houston Oilers despite trailing 35-3 in the third quarter.

Now Reich has to devise a way to upset the Super Bowl champion Seahawks.

''They have good players,'' Reich said. ''But we think we have a good plan going into this week to attack them.''

Reich noted that Seattle's personnel are top-notch and its defensive approach isn't based on deception.

''They play disciplined football,'' Reich said. ''It is a good, simple scheme and they play it well. I have great respect for that. This is a different kind of challenge this week.''

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