What We Saw: Preseason Week 1 2018

Chargers vs. Cardinals

Cardinals fans have a lot to be happy about following the first preseason game. The first-team offense played only one series together, but they produced well. David Johnson’s first (and only) two carries went for 14-yards a piece, both an arm tackle away from a long touchdown. Sam Bradford made only one throw connecting for six yards. The biggest takeaway was how the offense looks different from last season. Plays were structured for quick releases, and the run game was heavily focused between the tackles. One piece to watch for tight end play will be run blocking as Ricky Seals-Jones was often motioned from an initial 12-set into a fullback position.

Arizona’s defense showed up well in their first two drives, but Philip Rivers was without pads Saturday. The front seven set the edge against the run and regularly forced Jones to move up or out of the pocket. Robert Nkemdiche and Chandler Jones stood out as the first two names to be in the backfield, but Nkemdiche’s current backup, Olson Pierre, tallied both a sack and a fumble recovery. Further, It would not be surprising to see all of Buddha Baker, Tre Boston, and Antoine Bethea find regular playing time. Boston made a play on the ball to force a fourth down, Bethea nearly recorded a sack, and Pro Bowl special teamer Baker will be used in a variety of ways.

Additional Notes:

• Josh Rosen was wildly inconsistent (as expected). Made some strong throws, including one with Melvin Ingram in his facemask, but missed others. Offered little help from the offensive line’s second unit.
• Christian Kirk recorded a 38-yard punt return on his first touch, only being taken down by the grass. He finished the night with two receptions on three targets.
• Chase Edmonds ran with the first-team after Johnson’s night came to an end. He showed flashes and ended with 11 yards on five carries.

There was only so much to be taken away from the Los Angeles offensive performance as so many starters were not in uniform. Melvin Gordon showed flashes in space, though a productive screen pass was called back and the run game was inconsistent. Austin Ekeler made a strong play in the second quarter, missing two tacklers for a 39-yard completion. Beyond those two, there was little of note from expected contributors.

Los Angeles’ defense was gashed by David Johnson after being forced to defend a short field. The promising side of their effort was that the team did manage to keep Arizona out of the end zone (despite what the call on the field was) as they tackled Chase Edmonds multiple times on the play. Melvin Ingram and Corey Liuget both found themselves in the backfield with Liuget recording a sack. A consistent route surrendered by the linebacking core was short looks between 5-7 yards, something that will likely continue if they run defense holds up with their actual starting seven.

Additional Notes:

• Mike Williams totaled 18 yards on two receptions (five targets).
• Rookie safety Derwin James tallied a pair of tackles (one tackle-for-loss).
• The kicking battle remains unclear with Caleb Sturgis converting on one of two kicks. Roberto Aguayo made both of his extra point attempts.

Geremy Davis finished with four catches, 88 yards, and one touchdown.

– Michael Collins