Chargers-Cardinals: Rise Like The Phoenix
The San Diego Chargers begin the NFL season on the road at the Arizona Cardinals. This game is on Monday night and is a spotlight for these teams to showcase their skills. If the Chargers want to begin the Super Bowl chase, it starts here.
Offense
The key to winning this game on offense is running the ball hard. The Cardinals lost defensive tackle Darnell Dockett and the Chargers can use that to their advantage. No matter what direction they run in, Ryan Matthews can run all over that Cardinals front 7. If Donald Brown or Danny Woodhead come in, they can run great as well. I expect 75 yards and a touchdown for Ryan Matthews.
The passing offense will have a tough task. I expect Keenan Allen to be locked up by Patrick Peterson and Antonio Gates is not 100% for this game. Malcolm Floyd and Eddie Royal will need to step up and take control against the rest of the Cardinals secondary. Enter Ladarius Green; in a situation where he will go up against Tyrann Mathieu or linebackers. Green is a big, tall tight end and he could solidify himself as a Jimmy Graham like target against a small Cardinals middle. Look for Phillip Rivers to throw for 275 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Defense
The defense got lucky with the injury of Andre Ellington, meaning the Cardinals run game plan completely changed. Johnathan Dwyer is expected to start meaning the defensive front can shut him down no problem. I don’t think the Cardinals will break 100 yards rushing.
The Cardinals have one of the best passing offenses in the league. Carson Palmer has Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd, and John Brown. All those guys have the ability to light it up but I think Eric Weddle, Brandon Flowers, Jason Verrett, and that secondary can lock them down. If they can hold the Cardinals offense to 2 touchdowns and get a few turnovers, you have won the battle.
Prediction
It’s Monday Night Football, it’s showtime, it’s gametime, it’s bright lights and explosions. The Arizona forecast has thunderbolts and lightning and that’s no joke. Chargers will win this game 31-17. It won’t be a cake walk but a view explosive plays and takeaways will lead them to victory. The Chargers play at 7:20 p.m. Pacific on ESPN.