The Chargers and Cardinals are facing off on the latter end of a Monday Night Football doubleheader, the first-ever NFL game exclusively on ESPN+. The matchup features two franchise QBs, Justin Herbert and Kyler Murray. While both are stars, they could not be more different.
Herbert primarily makes his mark in the pocket, while he could extend a play using his legs if he needs to. Murray can find his man downfield but will make a big running gain if he sees a hole. Both teams’ defensive game plans will revolve around the opposing QB and their talents. The Chargers cannot let Murray use his wheels, and the Cardinals can’t let one of the Chargers pass-catchers get open for Herbert to boast his big arm.
Herbert’s pass catchers are a big question in this game, however. WRs DJ Chark Jr, Simi Fehoko, and Ladd McConkey are questionable, while Quentin Johnston is currently listed as doubtful. That said, Arizona will likely be without their top Corner Sean Murphy-Bunting. With the Chargers missing some of their top receivers and the Cardinals’ secondary weakened, advantages may even out.
That is where JK Dobbins comes into play for the LA. Arizona’s pass defense is subpar, and it could open up a run game for the Bolts, where they have excelled all season. Dobbins has run for over 90 yards three times this season, and it has seemed to be the deciding factor whether or not they win. If the Chargers can establish the run game, they will surely put up points on the Cardinals.
Arizona will also be leaning on a run game to get things started. James Conner is one of the better backs in football and he is the most consistent playmaker on their offense. However, they may have more luck with the passing game against a very injured Chargers secondary. LA could be without CBs Asante Samuel Jr, Ja’Sir Taylor, and Kristian Fulton. Marvin Harrison and Zay Jones could get going on Monday, which is what Jonathan Gannon will need to rely on to win. Of course, Jesse Minter’s defense has statistically been the best in football, and will be sure to put up a fight, even with injured units.
The Cardinals are one of the most inconsistent teams in football, making it a big factor for the Chargers heading into this game. While destroying the Rams and playing the Bills close, they have also lost to Washington and Green Bay in blowout fashion. Which Cardinals show up will be a big question for Monday night and could decide where the Chargers are headed.
The teams that have beaten the Cardinals are some of the best teams in football: The Bills, Commanders, Lions, and Packers. If the Chargers can be in the same company as the league’s juggernauts, it would provide great momentum moving on toward the thick of the season. If the front office sees that this team might have something going for them, they could be more likely to buy in with the trade deadline just weeks away. Again, the Chargers will take this one game at a time and Jim Harbaugh will have the Bolts in Arizona ready to play hard like they always do, win or lose.