Carson Palmer, Cardinals rally to tip Chargers on late TD
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Arizona Cardinals and San Diego Chargers locked into a defensive battle in their opening game, playing to a scoreless tie at the end of the first quarter Monday night.
Carson Palmer wasn't on the same page with his receivers on a couple of throws during Arizona's opening drive, leading to passes that were nowhere near being completed.
He was certainly on the mark on the second drive, perfectly hitting Michael Floyd in stride for a 63-yard completion down the middle. Two plays later, Andre Ellington fumbled and San Diego recovered at its 28-yard line.
Philip Rivers had a few decent-length connections on San Diego's first two drives, but the Chargers stalled out on both and were forced to punt.
The Chargers and Cardinals began the day hoping to build upon turnaround seasons.
San Diego had a superb first season under rookie coach Mike McCoy, finishing 9-7 to end a three-year playoff drought.
Rivers had a resurgent season in 2013 and the Chargers have plenty of playmakers, including star tight end Antonio Gates, three quality running backs and receiver Keenan Allen, who led all NFL rookies in every significant receiving category.
With some key offseason acquisitions, San Diego is looking to go deeper in the playoffs this season.
The Cardinals finished with a better record than the Chargers at 10-6 under first-year coach Bruce Arians, yet missed the playoffs in the deep NFC.
Arizona had a little tougher offseason.
Starting linebacker Karlos Dansby was lost to free agency and Daryl Washington, who started alongside him last season, has been suspended for the year. The Cardinals also lost starting defensive tackle Darnell Dockett to a torn ACL during fall camp and Tyrann Mathieu, who showed flashes of star quality as a rookie last season, was not ready for the opener after tearing two knee ligaments late last season.
Arizona still has Palmer, who should be better with a year of Arians' system under his belt, and got good news when Ellington was able to play Monday night after injuring his left foot last week.
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