While there has been considerable reason for optimism so far this season, the Chargers’ offense remains somewhat of a question mark. They enter their sixth game of the season ranked 26th in offensive points per game, a humbling statistic for a fanbase that prides itself on having what they believe is a top-5 QB in the league.

The 18.2 points per game they’ve managed to score have been a product of injuries to key players, a renewed focus on running the football and game management, and young offensive weapons (linemen included) still trying to find a rhythm with their new quarterback.

This team has been anchored by Jesse Minter’s furious defense, which has applied a ruthless pass rush to opposing offenses week in and week out. The Chargers lead the league in Opponents’ Points Per Game, allowing a low 13.2 points—more than a point lower than the next-best team, the Steelers. Their stout run defense, anchored by cast-off free agent acquisitions on prove-it deals and the return of an old friend in Denzel Perryman, along with incredibly impressive safety play in the defensive backfield, has created a unit that doesn’t offer many exploitable holes for opposing offenses.

However, this week may test that belief. The cornerback room has been decimated by injuries, with Asante Samuel landing on IR after a bye-week practice injury, and Kristian Fulton held out of practice with a bad hamstring. Depth pieces Deane Leonard and Ja’Sir Taylor have also been on the injury report all week, suggesting that once again this unit will be anchored by two rookie 5th-round picks. Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still performed exceptionally well last week against a Broncos offense that has yet to find its passing rhythm with rookie Bo Nix at the helm, but can they hold off a generational talent at wide receiver with a dynamic, play-making QB who will try to stave off the Chargers’ pass rush long enough to reach the deep corners of the field?

This test for these young cornerbacks comes at a crucial time, as the offenses low-scoring totals means that a few explosive passing plays to Marvin Harrison Jr could open this game up for the Cardinals at any time. The Chargers – and their secondary – must play four quarters of disciplined football to keep MHJ from ripping this game open.

Ironically, rookie Cam Hart has already been tested in a similar matchup. Hart’s Fighting Irish played against Marvin Harrison Jr.’s Buckeyes just last year. Those who were advocating for Cam Hart during draft season often pointed to how impressive his reps were in this matchup. It’s not often you hear of a Day 3 rookie shadowing an offense’s top threat, but that may be the recipe for success for the Chargers come Monday night.

If you’re wondering whether the moment might feel a little too big for Cam Hart, watch this interview about his thought process while preparing to face MHJ. Marvin Harrison Jr. was held to a paltry 3-catch, 32-yard performance against Notre Dame. Hart clearly has the confidence to take on this matchup again, and his experience against MHJ could be a difference-maker against a team that is relying on Harrison to move the football this year.

The other matchup to follow will be whether the Chargers’ pass rush can improve their containment issues from last week. The rushers were winning time and time again, but they struggled to bring down a slippery Nix and too often lost containment, letting him run free. Murray ranks last in the league in throws across the middle, only targeting that area 25% of the time on intermediate passes. He’s an elusive athlete who loves to scramble and keeps his eyes far downfield when he’s on the run. If the pass rush can keep Murray contained within the pocket and limit his time to throw, the Chargers’ defense should be able to feast.

What do you think, StormCloud? What are your keys to victory this game?