Chargers Look to Extend Momentum Against Struggling Cardinals
The Los Angeles Chargers head to Arizona riding high after a crucial divisional win over the Denver Broncos in Week Six. It was the first time the Chargers won in Mile High Stadium since 2018. Despite an increasing number of injuries, the Chargers seem to be building momentum as they face the Arizona Cardinals, a team that has shown flashes of excitement but has struggled to perform consistently, particularly against non-NFC West opponents. That could all change this week with a favorable matchup on Monday Night Football.
In their victory over Denver, the Chargers came out aggressive, taking advantage of the Broncos' weakened secondary after star cornerback Patrick Surtain II exited with a concussion on the game’s first play. Los Angeles passed on 11 of its first 14 plays, and quarterback Justin Herbert capitalized on the opportunity, setting season highs with 21 completions and 237 passing yards in the 23-16 win. The run game was just as prolific in this win with rookie Kimani Vidal debuting and scoring in his first contest. This performance provided an encouraging sign for an offense that had been searching for rhythm in recent weeks.
With another week of recovery for key offensive players—quarterback Justin Herbert, left tackle Rashawn Slater, and rookie right tackle Joe Alt—the Chargers have a chance to continue evolving into a more balanced unit. Adding to the optimism is the potential return of wide receiver DJ Chark, who has been on injured reserve with a groin injury. If he’s cleared to play, Chark could provide a key piece to what the Chargers envisioned for their offense during the offseason. It would also allow the Bolts to open their passing game which has been focused mostly on the rush.
On the ground, Los Angeles’ rushing attack has seen significant improvement, thanks in part to the return of Slater and Alt. Against Denver’s stout rushing defense, the Chargers managed 128 rushing yards, showing their ability to grind out yards against strong defensive fronts. Arizona, on the other hand, ranks near the bottom of the league in rushing defense, sitting 23rd in expected points added better known as EPA per rush allowed, and 26th in rushing success rate. This presents a favorable opportunity for the Chargers, especially with running back JK Dobbins in good form, having surpassed 100 rushing yards twice this season.
Defensively, Los Angeles has been a dominant force, ranking first in the NFL in points allowed, giving up just 13.2 points per game. After holding the Broncos to 16 points, the Chargers look well-prepared to stifle an Arizona offense that has sputtered over the last month, scoring 14 points or fewer in three of their last four games. Arizona's offensive struggles were highlighted last week in a 34-13 blowout loss to Green Bay. The Chargers defense is particularly stingy against the run, ranking first in EPA per rush and second in rushing success rate allowed. Their pass defense isn’t far behind, ranking fourth in EPA per pass allowed and seventh in passing success rate. When these defensive metrics are combined, the Chargers emerge as the third-best defense overall on an EPA per-play basis, making them a formidable challenge for Arizona’s inconsistent offense.
While the Chargers boast a top-tier defense, Arizona’s pass rush has been far less effective. The Cardinals rank 26th in the league in sack percentage and have generated just 79 pressures over six games, per Pro Football Focus. For comparison, the Chargers—despite some frustration from fans over their own pass rush—have recorded 86 pressures in just five games. Arizona’s defensive front is led by interior rusher LJ Collier with 13 pressures and edge rusher Dennis Gardeck with 10. However, both players rank poorly in Pro Football Focus' pass rush win percentage metric, which suggests they will struggle to disrupt Herbert, who is regaining mobility following his mild high ankle sprain in Week Two.
Injuries could further hinder the Cardinals' chances on Monday night. Arizona’s Thursday injury report was longer than Los Angeles’, featuring key players like right tackle Kelvin Beachum, left guard Evan Brown, wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson, and multiple defensive starters. While not all these players are expected to miss the game, the Cardinals will likely be less than 100%, providing the Chargers with a potential advantage despite their own lengthy injury list. Whichever team comes out of this game surely will rely on the strength of their depth and rotations.
Even with significant injuries on both sides, the Chargers have the upper hand heading into this matchup. With a defense capable of shutting down both the run and the pass, and an offense beginning to rediscover its firepower, Los Angeles is well-positioned to continue their winning ways against a banged-up Arizona team that has yet to find its footing this season. The Chargers' balanced attack, coupled with Arizona’s struggles to pressure the quarterback and stop the run, should be enough to secure a victory in what could be a statement game for the rising AFC West contenders. Back-to-back wins off a Bye Week could be a huge motivator for the Chargers moving forward.
