The Los Angeles Chargers fell to the Arizona Cardinals, 24-17, in the first preseason game of 2018.
Stat of the Game:
The Chargers defense did not allow a third down conversion on the night. No NFL team allowed zero third down conversions in a single game of the 2017 preseason.
Play of the Game:
It looked like the Bolts were going to have to settle for a punt or long field goal attempt, facing 3rd-and-19 from the Arizona 47 with 2:12 remaining in the third quarter. Geno Smith took the snap, moved around the pocket for a bit before launching deep downfield for Geremy Davis. The former UConn star rose high over the cornerback to pluck it out of the air around the four-yard line, maintained his balance and then waltzed into the end zone for the incredible touchdown to cut Arizona's lead to 14-10.
Turning Point:
The Bolts held a 17-14 lead with just under 12 minutes remaining in the game. Rookie QB Charles Kanoff dropped back, lobbing a deep pass to Jalen Tolliver for a 48-yard gain to the Chargers' 14-yardline Two plays later he found Bryce Williams off a play action pass to give the home team the lead once again.
It Was Over When:
With six seconds left in the game, Nic Shimonek took the snap and scrambled up the middle. Unfortunately he was tackled one yard shy of the end zone resulting in the Bolts' loss.
Bolts Quotebook:
"I wanted to see those two backup quarterbacks, Geno (Smith) and Cardale (Jones). At some point I want to know what we have in Cardale Jones. He came into this league and he's never really been given a legitimate opportunity in my opinion. I want to give him that opportunity. I had to see him play tonight. That's why he started and Geno came in second. We'll do something a little different next week." – Head Coach Anthony Lynn on his choice to start Cardale Jones
"The penalties hurt us; we have to play smarter ball. Including myself, so just do better than that on the offense and the offense will be good." – WR Geremy Davis
"He pretty much just said do your thing. I've pretty much been doing that my whole life. It's nothing different. Go out there, play hard, play fast. I'm prepared, just trust myself." – LB Kyzir White on advice from his brother Chicago Bears WR Kevin White
"It felt great, man. Go out there and finally put that 33 on for real. Man, I was excited when I finally got in the game, it felt good." – S Derwin James on his first NFL game
Odds and Ends:
The Bolts' defense allowed only 88 net yards in the entire first half.
Melvin Ingram, Russell Okung, Brandon Mebane and Virgil Green served as captains for the opening coin toss.
The Cardinals held a moment of silence for Faye Spanos, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 92.
Philip Rivers, Casey Hayward and Keenan Allen were among those not to play in the preseason opener.
The Chargers outgained the Cardinals 387 to 174 in total yardage. L.A. led Arizona in both rushing yards, 97 to 56, and passing yards, 290-118.
Geno Smith led the team in passing, throwing for 218 yards. His longest was good for 47 yards.
Artavis Scott led the receiving corps in receptions (five), while Geremy Davis led the group in receiving yards (88).
Isaac Rochell and Steven Richardson paced the defense with three tackles each. Kyzir White had three total tackles (two solo, one assisted), as well.
Brandon Facyson had the team's sole interception of the game, while Uchenna Nwosu and Chris Landrum had a sack apiece.
View the best of the Chargers as they take on the Arizona Cardinals in their first preseason game.
The Chargers prepare to take the field at University of Phoenix Stadium for their first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Cardale Jones makes a throw at University of Phoenix Stadium for the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Melvin Ingram fends off D.J. Humphries during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Denzel Perryman tackles Larry Fitzgerald during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Rayshawn Jenkins celebrates during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Adrian Phillips during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
J.J. Jones rushing during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Caleb Sturgis kicks a 45-yard field goal during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Austin Ekeler rushes up the middle during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Fans cheer on the Chargers during the Bolts' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Derwin James during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Uchenna Nwosu sacks Josh Rosen during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Sean Culkin catches a pass from Cardale Jones during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Derwin James during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Cardinals.
Austin Ekeler runs downfield for a 39-yard gain during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Cardinals.
Jeff Richards during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Cardinals.
Chargers face off against the Arizona Cardinals during the Bolts' first preseason game.
Chris Landrum sacks Mike Glennon during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Chris Landrum celebrates his sack during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Artavis Scott runs downfield during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Damion Square rushes Mike Glennon during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Geremy Davis rushes downfield during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Jeff Richards and Kyzir White bring down Rashad Ross during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Detrez Newsome avoids tackles during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Geno Smith makes a throw during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Geremy Davis makes a leaping catch before running in a touchdown during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Geremy Davis runs in a touchdown during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Geremy Davis takes a knee after scoring a touchdown during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Geremy Davis and Melvin Ingram celebrate Davis' touchdown during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Detrez Newsome scores his first NFL touchdown during the Chargers' preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Detrez Newsome and Ben Johnson celebrate Newsome's touchdown during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Detrez Newsome does a backflip to celebrate his touchdown during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
The Bolts celebrate Detrez Newsome's touchdown during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Derwin James makes a tackle during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Russell Hansbrough rushes up the middle during the Chargers' first preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
