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Seahawks prepare for Chargers veteran QB Philip Rivers

Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks shakes hands with quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers after the Chargers defeated the Seahawks 30-21 on September 14, 2014 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

RENTON, Wash. — Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers doesn't look like he's slowing down anytime soon.

Rivers has at least two touchdowns in every game this season for the Chargers.

"It's always fun to go against somebody like that, who is really, really smart,” Bobby Wagner, a Seahawks linebacker, said. "I mean, he's a trash talker. It's always fun to go against people who talk trash."

The Seahawks defense could have a huge challenge trying to take down Rivers, who has rarely been sacked this season.

“What we've gotta hope for is that he doesn't stay on his lightning-fast rhythm,” said Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll. “If he does, the (pass) rush can't get there. He’s (Rivers) been sacked nine times in all these games."

Wagner said he's not surprised that the Seahawks have a top five defense after losing so many veterans from last year.

"You've got young guys coming in that want to prove themselves,” said Wagner. “I think it's just a mixture of everybody having something to prove and wanting to be great. (You get the sense that) everybody (has) wanted to do it together."

The team continues to play with heavy hearts as there's another death in the Seahawks family.

Jack Patera, the first head coach in Seattle Seahawks history, passed away Wednesday morning at the age of 85.

“I know Jack was real sick and he was battling (pancreatic cancer)," said Carroll. “He was a great coach. The guys that played for him really loved playing for him. We meet them on ... the alumni days, and he was really important to all those, important to a lot of people. We'll miss him."

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