SAN DIEGO -- After seeing the Arizona Cardinals' first-team offense stall in the red zone on its only drive of the preseason opener, coach Bruce Arians was asked last Sunday if he was eager to see his starters play as well as they did last year, when they set six franchise records.
"Not for about three more weeks," Arians said.
He might want to speed up that timeline.
Sure, it is the preseason, but the Cardinals' first-team offense looked dismal in Friday night's 19-3 loss to the San Diego Chargers, not scoring a point, rushing for five yards, passing for 37 and not moving the ball past the 34-yard-line. Arians also said he's not worried because he knows what the offense can do. While that's a fair point, the Cardinals have one more preseason game to work out any kinks and knock the rust off. Will they be able to do it?
Quarterback Carson Palmer threw an awful interception -- yes, all picks are bad but this was worse than usual -- when he looked for a quick screen and threw the ball right into the chest of Chargers cornerback Brandon Flowers, who was nearly on top of Palmer.
These two weeks of preseason games might be what the Cardinals need: an opportunity to get all their terrible plays out of their system. Only time will tell. But they'd still like to see a drive cross midfield and even produce a touchdown.
Or maybe Arians is right, and it's all about keeping the offense healthy until Week 1, regardless of how they play before then.
QB depth chart: Palmer had another off night, throwing for just 37 yards on 4-for-8 passing with an interception that was returned for a touchdown. He played 11 snaps in three series. For the second straight week, Drew Stanton threw an interception on a similar route -- over the middle, on a pass that he sailed too high. He was 2-for-7 for 32 yards. Matt Barkley looked better Friday than he did a week ago.
Maybe that player could start: Cornerback Cariel Brooks had a good night Friday. He had a few nice pass breakups in coverage and had a strip fumble that was overturned via replay. But his hands were active and his coverage was tight against the Chargers' second team. With the Cardinals' right cornerback job still somewhat up in the air, despite Brandon Williams probably earning the starting job, Brooks can make a statement to either compete for the starting job or at least the backup slot.
Who got hurt? Arians said no injuries were suffered during the game. Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald did not play because of a "slight MCL" injury, Arians said. Outside linebacker Alex Okafor did not play because of a torn biceps tendon, Arians said.
A surprise player who impressed: Barkley, the third-string quarterback, appeared to benefit greatly from his appearance a week ago. He looked poised and comfortable in the pocket, connecting on five of his first six attempts. On one play in the fourth quarter, he stepped out of pressure to complete a pass. Barkley overthrew two of Arizona's fastest receivers, J.J. Nelson and Chris Hubert, on deep passes, but overall was more impressive than a week ago. He finished 10-for-15 passing with 85 yards and no interceptions.
When it was starters vs. starters, the Cardinals looked ...: awful on offense and great on defense. Arizona didn't get past the 34-yard line with its first-team offense. Palmer threw a bad interception. The run game produced only five yards. It was the second straight preseason game where Arizona's offense looked dismal. On the other hand, the Cardinals' first-team defense didn't give up a touchdown and allowed San Diego to get only 33 yards in the first quarter.
One reason to be concerned: It's the second straight game the Cardinals' first-team offense didn't score a touchdown. In two weeks, they've produced just a field goal. It's only the preseason, but the offense has just one more week to get right before the regular season because they won't be playing in the preseason finale against Denver.