ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

San Diego -- Backup Chargers quarterback Billy Volek helped the Chargers win a playoff game seven months ago in Indianapolis.

With a tad less drama Monday night, Volek helped the Chargers beat Seattle. After Jacob Hester's 1-yard touchdown run (I get the feeling we will see a lot of those this season) Volek hit lanky receiver Malcolm Floyd for a two-point conversion with 2:38 remaining to give San Diego an 18-17 victory over Seattle.

No one wanted to go to overtime, least of all Chargers coach Norv Turner, so San Diego pulled the trigger on the two-point attempt. I doubt we'll see that in a couple of weeks.

Meanwhile, here are some San Diego observations from the evening:

• Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers looked good. Rivers moved around well and made some nifty moves on a 59-yard pass to Vincent Jackson. Speaking of Jackson, he looked like a blossoming star in his first preseason action. Coming off a strong postseason and a good training camp, Jackson caught three passes for 84 yards.
• The most recent word on the Shawne Merriman situation is that the Chargers are going to let Merriman decide on whether he will undergo season-ending knee surgery. Expect Merriman to make a decision within the week.
• Hester and Darren Sproles, LaDainian Tomlinson's backups, were good. Sproles stood out with 102 yards on 13 carries. Hester grinded out 21 yards on nine carries, but he came up big with the touchdown. Hester has 137 yards rushing in the preseason.
• Linebacker Jyles Tucker, who was rewarded with a four-year contract extension in the afternoon, sprained an ankle. He said he doesn't believe it is serious. He called his deal, which could pay him $14 million, a "blessing" for his family.
• Turner said he wasn't pleased with defensive breakdowns in the first half and he said the team needs to get sharper in its tackling before the season opener Sept. 7 against visiting Carolina.
• Keep an eye on backup receiver Legedu Naanee. This guy has all kinds of natural talent. I expect a big year from him in a reserve role.