Chargers vs. Cardinals: Previewing San Diego's Preseason Week 2 Matchup
The San Diego Chargers are headed to the Grand Canyon State, as they get set to take on the Arizona Cardinals in the second week of the preseason. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. PT on Saturday.
The Chargers were victorious in their preseason opener a week ago, edging out the Dallas Cowboys 17-7, and Branden Oliver was a big reason why, rushing for 53 yards and one touchdown. He stole the spotlight from first-round draft pick Melvin Gordon, who struggled in his pro debut, totaling 11 yards on six carries.
And on the opponent's side of things, Arizona is coming off a 34-19 loss at home to the Kansas City Chiefs, who scored 31 unanswered points after trailing 10-0 at the end of the first quarter. On a lighter note, Carson Palmer looked better than all right in his first game since November, completing all four of his passes for 77 yards, one of which he fit in between two defenders to Andre Ellington for 57 yards.
San Diego hasn't lost to Arizona in the preseason since 2003, but the Cardinals did just earn a hard-fought victory over the Chargers in the regular season, and it was Palmer who put them over the top with a pair of touchdown passes in the fourth quarter to win it 18-17.
Enough talk—let's dive right into this one.
Location: University of Phoenix Stadium; Glendale, Arizona
Time: 7 p.m. PT
TV: NFL Network
News and Notes
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Philip Rivers, Chargers Agree to Contract Extension
As first reported by Kevin Acee of the San Diego-Union Tribune, Rivers and the team agreed to a four-year, $84 million extension on Saturday that will keep him under contract through 2019. For months, Rivers had dropped hints that he might be considering finishing his career elsewhere after this season, but now it's certain he'll stick around.
So how did the Chargers' franchise quarterback celebrate? By getting a Domino's pizza, of course. Well done, sir. Well done.
Johnnie Troutman, Tourek Williams To Miss Some Time
The downside to San Diego's win last week was the loss of two players who are both expected to miss some time, head coach Mike McCoy confirmed last week. Troutman, a returning starter on the offensive line, fractured his right arm. Williams, an ever-improving pass-rusher, suffered a broken foot and will undergo surgery.
The Chargers placed defensive end Tenny Palepoi on injured reserve last month with a broken foot. No word yet if Williams and Troutman will be joining him.
Melvin Gordon Wants To Be More Decisive with His Runs
Gordon told reporters this week he wants to be more decisive with his runs and a lack thereof might have contributed to his poor showing against the Cowboys. Gordon seemed a bit hesitant in the preseason opener, but the rookie insists it's a process and sometimes things come slow but once he gets it, he's got it. Look for him to be more aggressive running the ball on Saturday.
Latest Injury News
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| Name | Position | Injury |
| Johnnie Troutman | G | Arm |
| Tourek Williams | OLB | Foot |
| Chris Davis | CB | Concussion |
| Greg Ducre | CB | Foot |
| Melvin Gordon | RB | Ankle |
In addition to the injuries suffered by Troutman and Williams, Davis was also forced to exit the game Thursday with a concussion he suffered while making a tackle of Dallas' 250-pound fullback, Tyler Clutts. Davis did not practice Wednesday and must be cleared before resuming action.
"Chris Davis putting his body on the line. https://t.co/avHgeQDq6H
— Daniel Szalma (@DanielSzalma) August 14, 2015"
"Denzel Perryman, Jason Verrett, Chris Davis, Melvin Gordon, Greg Ducre, Tourek Williams and Johnnie Troutman not practicing for Chargers.
— Eric Williams (@eric_d_williams) August 19, 2015"
With Troutman out, D.J. Fluker should continue to get reps at right guard with the first-team offense. The injury to Williams doesn't affect the starting lineup, but his spot in the rotation will be up for grabs between fifth-round draft pick Kyle Emanuel and second-year pro Cordarro Law. Emanuel had an eye-opening performance against the Cowboys with a sack and a forced fumble on special teams, and Law dropped the Cowboys' Dustin Vaughan for a 13-yard sack.
As for Gordon, NFL Network reporter Rand Getlin was told the running back is dealing with a minor ankle injury and may not play Saturday. During Gordon's press conference, he seemed to be looking forward to a second chance at getting live reps, but we'll have to wait and see what the team decides.
"I'm told #Chargers RB Melvin Gordon is dealing with a minor ankle injury and may not play this week.
— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) August 20, 2015"
Key Matchups
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Chargers' Passing Attack vs. Cardinals' Secondary
Chargers quarterbacks not named Rivers struggled against the Cowboys, picking up only 55 yards through the air, but Kellen Clemens and Brad Sorensen may be in for a better night against a Cardinals secondary that yielded 227 passing yards and three touchdowns in a loss to the Chiefs over the weekend.
Personally, I'd like to see more of receivers Dontrelle Inman, Austin Pettis and undrafted rookie Tyrell Williams, who is putting in some good work in practices. But for that to happen, Clemens and Sorensen need to get more opportunities to throw. The Chargers threw a mere 20 passes last week, but look for that to increase against Arizona.
Chargers Linebackers/Safeties vs. Andre Ellington
This matchup won't go long, depending on how many snaps the Cardinals give Ellington, but it will be interesting to see how the Chargers account for his speed, both as a runner and receiver. His 57-yard catch-and-run against the Chiefs was not only impressive but proved he can be a factor on offense once the ball is in his hands.
When Ellington does go out for a pass, which defender, or defenders, will be assigned to him and how do they keep him from making the big play?
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Matchup X-Factor
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Chargers X-Factor of the Week: Javontee Herndon
Herndon showed some ability as a punt returner last week against the Cowboys, and if he continues to do well in that role, the Chargers might be willing to add him to the active roster to play alongside Jacoby Jones on special teams.
The second-year receiver out of Arkansas spent all of last season on San Diego's practice squad but was a standout in training camp prior to being cut. On Thursday, he collected 63 yards in punt returns, including a long of 30 yards.
Jones is the clear front-runner to handle return duties for the Chargers in 2015, but it wouldn't hurt to add some depth behind him. Herndon also has some upside as a receiver, but he needs to show that in these exhibition games.
Prediction: Cardinals 17, Chargers 13
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The Cardinals were not at their best against Kansas City, but in their defense, Chase Daniel is a far better quarterback than people give him credit for, and he proved that by tossing three touchdown passes. Clemens and Sorensen won't be as difficult to stop, and that should allow the Cards to keep pace with the Chargers.
San Diego wasn't able to do much of anything in the air as soon as Philip Rivers exited against the Cowboys, but steady play on defense combined with an efficient running game was all it took to get the W. That same strategy could work on Saturday, but it looks as if Arizona is capable of doing more on offense than what Dallas was able to accomplish.
Logan Thomas could present some problems for the Chargers defense because he can make plays with his legs from the quarterback position, and Arizona has some speedsters on offense that could make things difficult. I expect a close game throughout, but San Diego falls just shy of getting a second consecutive win in the preseason.
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