Simply put the Cardinals want this game more than the Chargers. Arizona's first-string looked good in building a 10-0 lead against the Chiefs at home last week.




But the Cardinals' reserves were badly outplayed in a 34-19 loss. This is the Cardinals' last home preseason game. Bruce Arians, the Cardinals coach, is putting more emphasis on winning this matchup than his San Diego counterpart, Mike McCoy.




The Chargers are extremely banged-up. McCoy is going to take the conservative - and prudent - approach holding out all his nicked-up players. That means the Chargers will have a very thin secondary with several defensive backs out, including cornerback Jason Verrett. Intriguing rookie running back Melvin Gordon also won't play.



"We'll hold some guys out that normally would play," McCoy was quoted as saying. "... We're looking to get all 53 healthy for the opener. That's the big picture."



The Chargers beat the Cowboys in their Week 1 preseason game. A big reason for that was the Cowboys didn't care about winning that game. Despite that the Chargers managed less than 200 yards of total offense. The Chargers also had problems pass blocking so McCoy is unlikely to risk Philip Rivers.



The Chargers got their win. Now it's the Cardinals' turn.