If chargers struggled to contain Denver’s rookie quarterback Bo Nix, Kyler Murray could easily turn into a nightmare.
The dynamic Arizona Cardinals quarterback is the main concern for the Chargers’ top-ranked defense for Monday’s prime-time game at State Farm Stadium as the Cardinals (2-4) attempt to shake off from a rut of three defeats in four weeks.
A 50-yard touchdown run by Murray was a highlight of the Cardinals’ only victory last month as he pushed Arizona to a thrilling 24-23 victory at San Francisco in Week 5.
Along with running back James Conner, Murray leads an offense that is tied for second in the league with 5.3 rushing yards per carry. Conner ranks eighth in the NFL with 403 rushing yards, immediately behind Chargers running back JK Dobbins, who has 438 yards in one fewer game.
After giving up 61 rushing yards to Nix last week, the Chargers (3-2) will be shorthanded on defense with outside linebacker Joey Bosa (hip) doubtful and defensive backs Asante Samuel Jr. (shoulder, on reserve). wounded) and Deane. Leonard (hamstring) out.
Learn more: How it works: The genius behind Jesse Minter and his top-notch Chargers defense
Injuries in the secondary could constrain recruits again Cam Hart And Tarheeb always in larger roles after both starting against the Broncos.
Still, a fifth-round pick who has started two straight games in Nickel is looking forward to his prime-time NFL debut.
“Everyone in the country is watching,” Still said, “but this is just a bigger step to accomplishing bigger things.”
Key injuries
Chargers: DB Deane Leonard (hamstring, out); OLB Joey Bosa (plugged in, questionable); TE Hayden Hurst (groin, questionable); WR Quentin Johnston (ankle, questionable); CB Ja’Sir Taylor (fibula, questionable); CB Kristian Fulton (hamstring, questionable); WR DJ Chark Jr. (groin, questionable); WR Derius Davis (hamstring, questionable); WR Simi Fehoko (shoulder/groin, questionable); WR Ladd McConkey (plugged in, questionable).
Cardinals: LB Owen Pappoe (hip, outside); DL Darius Robinson (calf, out); RB Trey Benson (illness, questionable); OL Christian Jones (ankle, questionable); DL Roy Lopez (ankle, questionable); CB Sean Murphy-Bunting (neck, questionable); LB Kyzir White (knee, questionable); CB Garrett Williams (groin, questionable).
How to watch and listen to Chargers vs. Cardinals
The Chargers and Arizona Cardinals will play Monday at 6 p.m. PDT at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The game will be broadcast on KCOP (Channel 13) in Southern California and will be available on ESPN+. In Southern California, fans can listen to the game on the radio on 98.7 FM and 105.5 FM.
Betting lines for Chargers vs. Cardinals
Who will the Chargers win against the Cardinals?
Thuc Nhi Nguyen’s choice: With Justin Herbert back healthy, the Chargers are only beginning to realize their offensive potential. They have a favorable matchup against a porous Arizona defense that features versatile playmaker in safety Budda Baker, but ranks 29th in rushing yards allowed per game. Chargers 24, Cardinals 13
Sam Farmer’s choice: The Chargers had three excellent quarters on defense before a fourth-quarter disappointment last weekend. The Cardinals have been great within their division but nowhere else. It seems to be close. Chargers 24, Cardinals 20
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This story was originally published in Los Angeles Times.
