Arizona Cardinals vs L.a. Chargers Chargers Picks and Predictions October 21st 2024

Chargers Look to Cardinals’ Defense as Remedy for Offense Woes

The Los Angeles Chargers, now led by new head coach Jim Harbaugh, have been having difficulty finding their offensive rhythm this season. Five games into Harbaugh’s tenure, the Chargers are positioned towards the bottom of the league in multiple significant offensive metrics. With highly compensated quarterback Justin Herbert delivering below-par performance, the Chargers aim to revitalize their offense on Monday night against the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Arizona.

The Cardinals’ defense, which has faced considerable challenges this season, may provide Los Angeles with the opportunity they need. Arizona (2-4) is tied for 27th in the NFL in defensive scoring, yielding 27.2 points per game, and has allowed 34 or more points in three of its six outings. This includes last week’s 34-13 defeat to the Green Bay Packers, where the Cardinals found themselves down 24-0 within the first 25 minutes.

Chargers’ Offensive Dilemmas

The Chargers (3-2) are positioned 28th in total offense, barely managing 281 yards per game, and tied for 26th in scoring offense with an average of 18.2 points each game. Last week’s 23-16 victory over the Denver Broncos marked a positive step, yet the team still failed to score 20 points for the third time this season.

Herbert, who secured a substantial contract extension this past offseason, has not yet found his rhythm under Harbaugh. He’s currently averaging a mere 163 passing yards per game, which places him 28th in the league with 815 passing yards over five games. Herbert did achieve a season high with 237 passing yards against Denver, but his performance has fallen short of the expectations associated with his talent and financial figure.

“I’d like to win every game by 60 points, but this is the NFL,” Herbert said, minimizing the offensive issues. “You must go out there and give your utmost effort every week. We are right where we are, and we need to discover a way to continue improving and progressing.”

Cardinals Seeking Defensive Enhancement

Arizona’s defense has been a significant liability this season, as shown by its difficulties in stopping opposing offenses. Last week, the Cardinals were penalized 13 times and lost three fumbles in the second half, undermining any chances of a comeback against Green Bay. For head coach Jonathan Gannon, this week’s matchup is vital in establishing a new momentum for the rest of the season.

Despite the hurdles, quarterback Kyler Murray remains hopeful about Arizona’s ability to rectify the situation.

“I don’t believe anyone has lost faith in what we can achieve,” Murray stated. “It’s a lengthy season, and I have complete confidence in our players and coaching staff. I’ve experienced teams that started strong and finished in disappointing places, but I also appreciate the mindset and resolve we must embrace moving forth.”

Rookie Receiver Harrison’s Development

One bright spot for the Cardinals has been rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. The fourth overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, Harrison leads the team with 279 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 17 catches. However, his status for Monday’s game remains uncertain after he suffered a concussion in the second quarter against Green Bay. Harrison is still in the concussion protocol, though he took part in non-contact drills on Thursday.

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon expressed hopefulness regarding Harrison’s recovery: “Really positive progress for him. We’ll observe how the week unfolds.”

Harbaugh’s Health Under Scrutiny

Meanwhile, Harbaugh will guide Monday’s game with a heart monitor after experiencing an arrhythmia during last week’s encounter with the Broncos. The health scare, which momentarily took him out of the game, isn’t the first of its kind; he previously had a similar episode in 2012 while leading the San Francisco 49ers. Harbaugh has since passed medical examinations and stated that his cardiologist characterized him as possessing the “heart of an athlete.”

“That reassured me,” Harbaugh remarked with a grin. “Back in sync, and I hope that lasts.”

Injury News

The Chargers are contending with various injuries leading up to Monday’s matchup. Star pass rusher Joey Bosa (hip) was absent from practice and has missed the past two games. Additional notable absentees from practice include cornerbacks Kristian Fulton and Deane Leonard, both dealing with hamstring injuries, as well as tight end Hayden Hurst (groin) and wide receiver Quentin Johnston (ankle).

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The Cardinals have their own suite of injury concerns. Rookie lineman Kelvin Beachum (hamstring), defensive lineman Darius Robinson (calf), and linebacker Owen Pappoe (hip) did not take part in practice. Defensive tackle Bilal Nichols has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after sustaining neck issues in back-to-back games.

What’s on the Line

Both teams hope to turn around their recent run of bad luck. The Chargers are searching for consistency and to put their hostile battles behind them, while the Cardinals plan to try not to fall into a more profound opening with another misfortune. Monday night’s matchup could be a defining moment for the two groups as they push to refocus and stay cutthroat in the season finisher race.

This game is going to be important because Herbert and the Chargers want to get an offensive rebound and the Cardinals want to fix their mistakes on defense. Whether Los Angeles can profit by Arizona’s guarded shortcomings is not yet clear, however the two groups are frantic to demonstrate they have a place in the discussion for postseason conflict.