Arizona Corridor Andre Ellington probable Against Chargers

That was the story of the San Diego Chargers and Arizona Cardinals a year ago, and both teams began this season believing it will be even better.

Only one of them will start the season with success, as found in the second half of Monday night's NFL doubleheader.

"We can win everything," said safety Eric Weddle Chargers. "We've added some pieces that needed both offensively and defensively, we got our guys back on special teams. We're another year in the system. Nothing is impossible if everyone is doing the right thing and preparing the right way, playing together and play fast. "

The Cardinals feel they are much better after a year under the system of coach Bruce Arians'.

Comparing this year's offense for which began last season, Arians said, "would be like taking an eighth grader and put it in first grade. '"

That's particularly true quarterback Carson Palmer, in his 12th season in the NFL, second with Arizona.

"This is the greatest comfort I have had in a long time into a season," he said, "and I think that's one of the things I'm so excited to be comfortable and not have a lot of unknowns., I think this whole locker room feels that way. "

There was a big difference in the seasons of teams last year: The Chargers went 9-7 and made ​​the playoffs, the Cardinals were 10-6 and did not. Arizona was the victim of playing in the NFC West.

"We know we have the toughest division in football, and we love that," the Pro Bowl eight times receiver Larry Fitzgerald said. "We love competition and we like our chances against guys in our division."

Here are some things to know about Monday night mourning:

INJURIES: Arizona Andre Ellington is likely out of the game as reports say Friday the cay Fantasy sleeper could miss an extended period of time with a injry foot. He will undergo an MRI to see how much time, if any, will be lost. Chargers definitely not adjust and move the box as much.

Chargers receiver Keenan Allen number one is expected to play, but has been ill ribs. Allen goes against Patrick Peterson all game.

ON THE RUN: Both teams want to get their running game going to facilitate skills big plays, action game.

"We took our shots," Palmer said. "Many of them come from our play-action game. Those are not there if you are not running the football."

The Chargers have three strong runners in Ryan Mathews, Danny Woodhead and newcomer Donald Brown.

With Ellington out, that would leave Jonathan Dwyer, Stepfan Taylor and Robert Hughes to carry the load.

DIFFERENT DEFENSE: The Cardinals have a handful of new starters on a defense that ranks first against the run and sixth overall last season. The big question is in the middle. Inside linebackers Karlos Dansby and Daryl Washington are gone - Dansby in free agency, Washington to suspension. Defensive tackle Darnell Dockett fell on the camp with a knee injury this season.

Veteran Larry Foote and sophomore linebacker Kevin Minter are the replacement. Frostee Rucker, who saw plenty of playing time last season, moves up to begin to address.

NEW CAR, SAME SYSTEM: As last year's offensive coordinator, Ken Whisenhunt has a lot of credit for a quarterback Philip Rivers revival. Whisenhunt is now the head coach at Tennessee, and Frank Reich moves up from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator.