Monday, September 8, 2014

University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale

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University of Phoenix Stadium will be the home of the week 1 matchup between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Diego Chargers. A year ago, the Chargers were 9-7 and were the third team to advance to the playoffs from the American Football Conference's West division. The Cardinals finished the season with a 10-6 record, but failed to reach the playoffs. This year, both teams will look to get their 2014 campaign started the right way and it all comes down to execution and talent. These two teams saw each other in their respective preseason finale in a game that the Chargers won, 12-9.

Phillips Rivers will once again be under center for the Chargers as they look to win the season opener. He will rely on second year wide receiver Keenan Allen to improve on his already talented game, as well as Malcom Floyd and Antonio Gates. In the backfield for this game, Rivers and company have a three-headed monster that delivers everything a running back needs to be successful. With Ryan Mathews, Donald Brown, and Danny Woodhead, Rivers has plenty of guys around him to help get the win against the Cardinals.

Last season, the Cardinals deserved a playoff spot, but continued their brief four year playoff drought. Quarterback Carson Palmer was put on his back a lot last season and will hope the return of guard Jonathan Cooper will help keep him upright. Catching the ball from Palmer is one of the best wide receiver duos in the sport in Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd. The team also has speedster Ted Ginn Jr. on the roster for those big play moments and will be led by Andre Ellington in the rushing attack against the Chargers.

Injuries to Watch

San Diego Chargers

08/25/14 DT Kwame Geathers Knee out indefinitely
08/17/14 DL Sean Lissemore Ankle out indefinitely
08/17/14 LB Manti Te'o Foot out indefinitely
08/13/14 T Jeromey Clary Hip PUP

Arizona Cardinals

08/29/14 S Tyrann Mathieu Knee expected to miss Monday vs. San Diego
08/19/14 DT Darnell Dockett Knee out for season
08/19/14 LB Kevin Minter Pectoral out indefinitely
08/19/14 LB Lorenzo Alexander Foot out indefinitely
08/13/14 C Lyle Sendlein Calf out indefinitely
07/27/14 LB Daryl Washington Suspension out for season

Tony's Pick: Take Arizona

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