The Chargers did a lot of good things in their first preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. Running backs ran well, receivers had some very nice catches, including what was ESPN’s top reception for preseason Week 1 (it really was awesome), and the defense made some plays, especially on third downs.
However, turnovers and penalties killed them. The Chargers turned the ball over four times compared to Arizona’s one turnover. They lost three fumbles and threw one interception. And the penalties? It was brutal. The Chargers had 15 penalties against them (excluding ones that weren’t accepted), which cost them 155 yards.