Palmer Leads Cardinals Past Chargers In Entertaining Opener, 18-17

The Arizona Cardinals swiped the opening game of the 2014 season right from under the San Diego Chargers feet Monday night.

The Cardinals were down 17-6 after the third quarter, where the Chargers scored the first touchdowns of the game. Philip Rivers found Malcolm Floyd for a six yard touchdown early in the quarter and Ryan Mathews had a 20 yard touchdown late in the quarter. The run accounted for exactly half of his yardage, as the Cardinals defense only allowed 52 rushing yards. 

Carson Palmer was on his A-game to start the season, throwing for 304 yards and two pivotal touchdowns that led the Cardinals to victory. Early in the fourth quarter, Carson Palmer was forced out of pocket inside of the ten and found Stepfan Taylor right inside the corner of the end zone. With just over two minutes left Palmer found Jaron Brown for a 13 yard game winning touchdown. Palmer even chipped in 29 rushing yards.

Palmer may have found himself a new favorite target in Michael Floyd. Floyd had five catches for 119 yards. 

There were many questions about what the Cardinals defense would be without Darnell Dockett, Daryl Washington and Tyrann Mathieu. Those questions were answered Monday night, especially at the middle linebacker position where Larry Foote had an outstanding game with a team leading eight tackles. 

The Cardinals play the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium next Sunday in a week two matchup.