Chargers blow 11-point 4th quarter lead, fall to Cardinals 18-17 in season opener

 

GLENDALE, AZ (09/08/2014) Rookie receiver John Brown caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Carson Palmer with 2:25 left to play to help the Arizona Cardinals (1-0) rally from an 11 points deficit and defeat the San Diego Chargers (0-1) in the season opener.

The Chargers became the first team in the Super Bowl era to drop back-to-back season openers where they led by double digits heading into the 4th quarter. Last season they fell to the Houston Texans 31-28 after leading 28-14.

Down 6-3 at the half, Phillip River ended the third quarter's opening drive with a six-yard touchdown pass to Malcom Floyd, giving the Chargers a 10-6 lead.

A forced Palmer fumble by rookie outside linebacker Jerry Attaochu set up a 20-yard touchdown run by Ryan Mathews, extending the Chargers' lead to 17-6 with 5:26 left in the third quarter.

A five-yard touchdown pass from Palmer to Stepfan Taylor sparked a 12-0 4th quarter run that helped the Cardinals steal the win.

Next Sunday, September 14th, the Chargers open the home schedule against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks (1-0). Kickoff is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. pacific time.

Impact Chargers

 

Rookie OLB Jerry Attaochu
1 blocked punt, 1 forced fumble

 

TE Antonio Gates

 6 catches for 81 yards

 

Impact Cardinals

 

WR Michael Floyd

5 catches for 119 yards

 

QB Carson Palmer

24/37 for 304 yards & 2 TDs