Chargers QB Philip Rivers enters the season coming off a career year, while Cowboys QB Tony Romo is struggling to simply enter the season.
The Chargers and the Cowboys enter the season with very opposing trajectories: the Chargers are a high-powered offense that could be a big contender in the AFC while the Cowboys are on the downturn with injuries to Tony Romo and an offense that has lost most of its good players on a defense that was dead last in yards allowed in 2013.
The Chargers are working on fixing their secondary while the Cowboys are trying to see which of their backups will be most effective if Tony Romo has any setbacks in his recovery from back surgery.
Notable Debuts:
Chargers
Brandon Flowers – the former Pro Bowl CB joins a defense that already has Eric Weddle and just added 1st-round pick Jason Verrett.
Cowboys
Brandon Weeden – the Browns’ former starting QB joined the Cowboys after two unsuccessful seasons in Cleveland. He is being viewed as the most likely primary backup and will likely get the most reps at the QB spot in the preseason.
Notable Returns:
Chargers
Dwight Freeney – After missing 12 games in 2013, the star pass rusher rejoins the Chargers as he continues his climb up the NFL’s all-time sack list (he currently stands at No. 22 and needs just three to move into the top 20)
Cowboys
Terrance Williams – As a rookie, Williams was 3rd on the team in receiving yards. With a year under his belt and the departure of Miles Austin, Williams is expected to be the team’s permanent No. 2 wideout.
Prediction:
N/A – Preseason is not decided by starters
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