Arizona Cardinals vs San Diego Chargers: Preview, prediction
Aug 15, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Albert Wilson (12) runs the ball as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Justin Bethel (28) defends during the first half in a preseason NFL football game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Running backs will also be a big debate item heading into the 2nd preseason game. The Arizona Cardinals recently signed former All-Pro Chris Johnson to a one year deal. Head coach Bruce Arians told the media that Chris Johnson will most likely get 5 or 6 reps with the offense. Also expected to be featured in this game is third round pick David Johnson who is returning from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for a significant amount of time. Arians mentioned that David Johnson will play a majority of the second and third quarters.
With defensive lineman Corey Peters out for the season with a ruptured Achilles, it provides the chance for rookie fourth round pick Rodney Gunter to be great. Gunter had a stellar debut for the Arizona Cardinals. Rodney Gunter blew the gap and speared Chiefs quarterback, Aaron Murray for the safety. Expect to see more big time plays from Gunter now that he will have more playing time.
Justin Bethel is battling with Jerraud Powers for the corner back spot opposite Patrick Peterson. Bethel was impressive in the game against Chiefs, there is the possibility that he will play more significant minutes against the Chargers’ starters instead of back ups like he did last week.
Odds:
Arizona -1
O/U 38.5
Prediction:
As I mentioned last week, the result is not as important as the performance. Overall the defensive back ups will need to do a better job at tackling, and the offensive line will definitely be tested against the Chargers said. Last week, a reader, Jim Koch, mentioned that not having injuries is just as important to watch out for. After the amount of injuries this past week let’s hope the injury bug is not here to stay. With this said I expect the Cardinals offense to pick up where it left off and put up some points, but unfortunately the Cardinals’ defensive back ups will keep this match up close. Cardinals 24, Chargers 21