Arizona Cardinals five positives pre-season week three

There were certain folks that felt certain after the poor showing in week two against the Dallas Cowboys that the new regime would ensure a bounce back game. Instead, we got...something.

My task, to pull five positives from the 60 minutes the Arizona Cardinals just registered against the San Diego Chargers.

1. Interception of Philip Rivers

Up first is the interception of Chargers QB Phillip Rivers, and it all started with rookie Tyrann Mathieu who got pressure off the edge and his hand on the ball. Jasper Brinkley plucks the ball from the air and rumbles forward for positive yards.

2. The running game was solid

Next is the running game which looked solid on the legs on Rashard Mendenhall and Alfonso Smith. Overall the Card's backfield put 120 yards of rushing offense on the board.

3. The one score

Carson Palmer TD pass in the back of the end zone to second year man Michael Floyd. Palmer put it to where either Floyd or no one was getting this ball. Floyd dragged both toes to make it a catch. It was a thing of beauty, especially considering the drought in the red zone.

4. Sam Acho's sack

In looking for bright points I will note that the Cards pass rush was getting pressure on Rivers and OLB Sam Acho notched a sack in the game.

5. Last but not least, it's pre-season game three.

Still time to change, or hope for change.

That's all I have until next week, when the Cards head up to see the Denver Broncos. Hope for change between now and then.

More from Revenge of the Birds:

• Chargers vs. Cardinals final score: Arizona fall 24-7 in error and injury riddled game
• Jonathan Cooper injury: Arizona Cardinals rookie carted off the field
• Chargers vs. Cardinals: Keys to success for Arizona and key matchups
• Arizona Cardinals pass rush vs. Dallas Cowboys: How bad was it, really?
• Cardinals vs. Chargers preview: 5 questions with Bolts from the Blue