After taking a 17-3 lead in the first quarter, the Arizona Cardinals continued to work hard against the San Diego Chargers in preseason action on Saturday night. The effort paid off, and at the half the Cardinals lead 24-17.
The Chargers started the scoring in the second quarter, as Philip Rivers connected with Antonio Gates on a 13-yard touchdown pass. At the half, Rivers completed 17/24 passes for 194 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
The Cardinals responded to the Gates touchdown with an effective drive, as Kevin Kolb completed passes to Early Doucet, Todd Heap and Larry Fitzgerald to set up a bit of trickery.
Situated at the Chargers 34-yard line, Kolb handed off the ball to Beanie Wells, who flipped the pigskin to Andre Roberts. This classic reverse play yielded a huge result, as Roberts broke free and scampered to paydirt to give the Cardinals a 24-10 lead.
Back on offense, the Chargers just wouldn't go away. On their final drive of the second quarter, Rivers threw the ball eight times before finally handing it off to Mike Tolbert for a rushing attempt.
Rivers favored Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd, and between the two receivers they picked up 126 yards in the first half, including a four-yard out route by Floyd for a touchdown with only :24 seconds remaining in the second quarter.
Both teams have shown a lot of offensive firepower, and neither looks to be ready to back down. Kolb should be back for at least one drive in the third quarter.
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