The San Diego Chargers will be playing against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday, Sept. 8, at 7:20 p.m. PT. The Chargers vs. Cardinals 2014 NFL season opener for the two teams will be held at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The Monday Night Football will be televised on ESPN, and fans can watch online the live stream below (free for subscribers).
The Chargers have made little changes to their roster, but remains a strong playoff contender. The biggest change was where Frank Reich takes over for Ken Whisenhunt as offensive coordinator.
Rivers, 32, is a top-five quarterback in his prime with strong supporting roster, including Donald Brown. San Diego will create a matchup problem for opposing teams with Ladarius Green, Keenan Allen, Antonio Gates and Danny Woodhead.
On defense, Dwight Freeney and Melvin Ingram are healthy and will return to help with the pass rush. Cornerback Derex Cox was replaced with Brandon Flowers. After two disappointing seasons, Corey Liuget and Kendall Reyes are expected to improve in defense. The defense should improve at least to average, and then the offense should carry them.
The Cardinals has spent several years at the bottom of the offensive line metrics, but they seem to have found an answer to get the ball down the field through improved pass protection in left tackle Jared Veldheer. Some of the changes include a bigger role in playmaking tailback Andre Ellington, the draft pick of rookie John Brown and an improved Larry Fitzgerald. With the improved offensive line and backup, quarterback Carson Palmer should have one of his best season.
Despite the improved offensive line, the Cardinals have lost three premier players to injuries, who are Darnell Dockett, Daryl Washington and Karlos Dansby. Without these three starters helping in the run defense, Arizona will have a touch time stopping the rush yards per carry in this new season.
According to NFL's offensive and defensive comparison, the Chargers is likely to dominate offensively, but the Cardinals have a stronger defensive line. While both teams have problems in the defense, Chargers is likely to win tonight's game with Rivers in the pocket supported with the solid offensive lineup.
The 2014 NFL's first Monday Night Football game will be televised on ESPN at 7:20 p.m. PT. Fans can watch the game online through live stream by clicking here.
