Aug 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; the San Diego Chargers enter the field before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
The San Diego Chargers and Arizona Cardinals are two teams looking for answers with new coaching schemes and veterans looking to redeem themselves.
Carson Palmer and Philip Rivers have a lot to prove going into next season, but they will have a chance to compete against each other here in Week 3.
Let’s take a look.
Where: U of Phoenix Stadium
When: August 24, 2013, 10:00 PM ET
Watch: KFMB 8 (CBS – San Diego), KNXV 15 (ABC – Phoenix)
Live Stream: NFL Preseason Live
Chargers Player to Watch: Ladarius Green
July 23, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Ladarius Green (89) runs after making a catch during training camp at Charger Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Many have wondered if Ladarius Green is the proper replacement for Antonio Gates once the superstar tight end calls it quits. He sure looked the part last week with five receptions for 78 yards and one touchdown.
Expect Green to have another big game as he makes his case for more playing time in 2013.
Cardinals Player to Watch: Rashard Mendenhall
Jun. 11, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA: Arizona Cardinals running back Rashard Mendenhall during mini camp at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mendenhall is looking to prove he is healthy after leaving the Pittsburgh Steelers for greener pastures in Arizona. He certainly has a solid offense around him with Palmer throwing the ball to Larry Fitzgerald. How Mendenhall can perform against San Diego will tell fans if he is the starter or not.
Matchup to Watch: Chargers Line vs. Cardinals Pass Rush
Aug 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Corey Wootton (98) sacks San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
We have said it in the past, but the Chargers offensive line has some things to prove going into next season, especially after letting Louis Vasquez walk in free agency.
Arizona has a solid pass rush headed up by Darnell Dockett and will be looking to get after Rivers all night long. How the Chargers line holds up in a game where starters will see the most action will tell fans if Rivers will spend most of the season on his back.
Prediction
Aug. 20, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Patrick Peterson (21) drops a pass during training camp at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
The Chargers may have issues containing Larry Fitzgerald if the pass rush cannot get to Palmer. Add in a sleeper target like Rob Housler and Arizona should be able to sneak by.
Chargers 17, Cardinals 20