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Los Angeles Chargers: When they last met, Arizona Cardinals

By Tyler Schoon

GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 22: Drew Stanton #5 of the Arizona Cardinals is sacked by Nick Dzubnar #48 of the San Diego Chargers during the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 22, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 22: Drew Stanton #5 of the Arizona Cardinals is sacked by Nick Dzubnar #48 of the San Diego Chargers during the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium on August 22, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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It’s important to look back on a team’s history. Today we look back on the last preseason match-up between the Los Angeles Chargers and Arizona Cardinals…

Football is back for the Los Angeles Chargers as they look to take on Josh Rosen and the Arizona Cardinals.

As you look ahead to this meeting, I look back on the last time the two teams played in the preseason.

Here’s how the game turned out, what it meant to the rest of the season, and how the team has changed since then.

The score:

The Chargers took this one easily, 19-3. Their defense held the Cardinals to no points until their final drive with 4:45 remaining in the fourth quarter. The offense did not score any touchdowns but did lead four drives that ended with four field goals.

The highlights:

Kicker Josh Lambo went 4-of-4, including a long of 50 yards

Cornerback Brandon Flowers picked off Carson Palmer for a 25-yard interception returned for a touchdown, the only touchdown of the entire game from either team.

Quarterback Kellen Clemens didn’t turn the ball over for once.

Running back Melvin Gordon opened the game with a 12-yard run, finally showing something positive after a terrible rookie campaign.

How the game impacted the Chargers:

Little did the Chargers know, but the guy who tied the team lead for receptions would go on to develop and become one of their greatest offensive weapons.

Former UDFA Tyrell Williams had himself a solid game of four receptions for 47 yards and would go on to lead the team in 2016 with 69 catches for 1,059 yards.

First and third on the team in terms of total tackles were linebacker Nick Dzubnar (seven) and safety Adrian Phillips (four). Both continued to stand out and provide important depth, and even saw starting duties on defense throughout the year.

Next. Williams can fix Chargers’ offensive weakness. dark

What’s changed since then:

Flowers and Jason Verrett were the starting corners, and rightfully so. Heading into the 2018 preseason match-up, those duties belong to two others that played in the 2016 game: Casey Hayward and Trevor Williams. Both of the original duo played well in this game, but lost their starting jobs to the new pair mostly because of injury.

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