Cardinals vs. Chargers Preview, Score and More

by Dennis J. Georgatos

Filed under: Arizona Cardinals, Chargers, AFC West, NFC West

The Chargers are hoping they've fixed problems in their special teams in time for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals, who got a 102-yard kickoff return for a touchdown from Rod Stephens-Howling in last week's one-point victory over the Raiders.

Breakdowns in San Diego's kick coverage unit figured in two kick returns for touchdowns by Leon Washington that sent Seattle to the 27-20 upset of the Chargers last week. San Diego also gave up a punt return for a touchdown in a season-opening loss at Kansas City.

The Chargers tried to shore up their special teams this week with the signings of safety Quinton Teal and cornerback Dante Hughes. The team expects them to add speed and stopping power to their kick cover units. On top of that, the Chargers signed their fourth long snapper in two weeks because of a wave of injuries at that position.

San Diego also could get rookie running back Ryan Mathews back. He returned to practice this week after missing the Seattle game with an ankle injury suffered the week before in San Diego's win over Jacksonville. Mike Tolbert has played well in his absence, however.

The Cardinals are playing the Chargers for the first time since 2006, when San Diego beat them 27-20 for their tenth straight win, which sent them into the playoffs that season as the top seed in the AFC.

Who: Cardinals (2-1) at Chargers (1-2)

Where: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego

When: Sunday, Oct. 3, 1:15 p.m. PDT

TV Coverage: FOX

Players to Watch: Arizona WR Larry Fitzgerald has nine receiving TDs in his last eight games against an AFC team; QB Derek Anderson's teams are 8-0 when he finishes with a passer rating of 90 or higher; Chargers TE Antonio Gates has a touchdown catch in seven straight games; QB Philip Rivers has a touchdown pass in 17 straight games, longest active streak in the NFL; LB Shaun Phillips has a sack in two of his last three games.

 

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