You can call the preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Diego Chargers a success. The outcome was a disappointment but Kevin Kolb connected with Larry Fitzgerald for a touchdown in the first quarter. However, Billy Volek hit Bryan Walters with three seconds left in the game to give the Chargersa 34-31 victory.
On addition to the Kolb touchdown pass, first round pick Patrick Peterson also left an impression on the game. He had an impressive punt return early and then scored a touchdown on a 34-yard interception return. He read the play, came off of his assignment and took the ball away, showing his incredible speed as he scored.
Arizona had a 31-20 fourth quarter lead, but a William Powell fumble that was recovered in the end zone by San Diego and the winning drive by Volek were the difference in the game.
Thank goodness it is just preseason football.
Kolb played into the third quarter and finished 11-20 for 205 yards and a TD. He was not intercepted. Beanie Wells ran the ball 10 times for 63 yards, looking every bit the part he wants to be and that everyone expects of him.
Larry Fitzgerald had three receptions for 108 yards.
The other highlight of the game was a 34-yard reverse by Andre Roberts that went for a TD.
Defensively, Arizona did not get a single sack in the game and, as a result, the coverage in the secondary suffered. Some plays were made, but Phillip Rivers was able to do what he does best -- move the ball effectively down the field.
NFL rosters must be trimmed down to 80 players by Tuesday, so the play of some will be considered.
The Cardinals play their final preseason game on Thursday in Glendale against the Denver Broncos.