The Chargers are on the road to face the Cardinals in primetime on Monday, Oct. 21, at 6:00 p.m. PT.
To get you prepped for the Week 7 bout, here are five key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.
How things are going…
The Cardinals are 2-4 on the season. Their best win came in Week 5 when they defeated the 49ers, 24-23.
Men on the move
The Cardinals boast the seventh-best rushing offense in the NFL. James Connor is No. 8 overall in rushing yards (403). While Connor is Arizona’s workhorse, Kyler Murray is lethal with his legs. Murray has the third-most rushing yards among all quarterbacks (261) and averages 8.7 yards per carry.
Problems with the passing game
The Cardinals’ offensive success has come on the ground, and they’re still trying to put it together through the air. They rank 24th in that department. Arizona selected Marvin Harrison Jr. in the first round to provide a spark, but he’s been up and down this season. He’s also in concussion protocol and his availability for Monday night looms large.
Dud of a defense
The Cardinals’ defense has struggled this season. They’ve given up 27.2 points per game, which ranks 27th in the league. Arizona hasn’t been able to get to opposing quarterbacks, ranking last in the NFL in ESPN’s pass rush win rate metric and 30th in pressure rate. They’ve also been gashed on the ground, surrendering 153.0 rush yards per carry (29th).
Look out for…
Tight end Trey McBride. Even if Harrison is available, Murray will still be looking to involve McBride heavily. McBride has at least six catches in three of his past four games. The Chargers have surrendered the eighth-most receptions to tight ends this season (32).
