GLENDALE, Ariz. — Despite a strong performance from quarterback Justin Herbert, who threw for over 300 yards, and a solid showing by their kicker Cameron Dicker, who was perfect on the night, the Los Angeles Chargers could not secure a victory. The team suffered a frustrating 17-15 defeat against the Arizona Cardinals, culminating in Chad Ryland’s 32-yard field goal as the clock expired on Monday night.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh noted, “It was a game of near misses and close calls. It came down to a lot of details.” The Chargers (3-3) struggled to establish a running game, gaining a mere 59 yards on 22 carries, despite facing the NFL’s fourth-worst rush defense.
Herbert aimed to compensate for the ineffective running attack, completing 27 of 39 passes for 349 yards and connecting with nine different receivers. However, the team’s inability to finish drives was a significant issue. Entering the contest ranked 28th in red-zone efficiency, they failed to score a touchdown on 15 consecutive possessions, even while accumulating 395 total yards and successfully reaching the Cardinals’ territory eight times over nine drives.
Dicker contributed significantly to the scoreboard by converting five field goals this game, including a 59-yarder that tied the team’s record in the first quarter and a critical 40-yarder with just 1:58 remaining. However, the Chargers also faced the misfortune of losing two crucial fumbles. Notably, defensive lineman Teair Tart, who had intercepted a pass during Arizona’s initial drive, was stripped of the ball by running back James Conner after making a significant play. Additionally, receiver Jalen Reagor lost possession after a 41-yard catch at the Cardinals’ 3-yard line, resulting in a touchback.
Herbert emphasized the need for improvement, stating, “We did a lot of good things, but we’ve got to score points in the red zone. We’ve got an amazing kicker, but we’ve got to do a better job for our defense, our special teams, and score in the red zone.” The Chargers’ defense performed solidly overall but faltered in crucial moments. Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, displaying his agility, escaped pressure to throw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Chris Dortch in the second quarter and later rushed for a 44-yard touchdown early in the fourth.
Although Murray managed only 145 yards through the air on 14-of-26 passing, he effectively added 64 yards on the ground from six carries. The Chargers briefly reclaimed the lead with Dicker’s last field goal, yet they could not stop the Cardinals from advancing down the field for the decisive kick.
Los Angeles cornerback Cam Hart was penalized for unnecessary roughness during the drive, contributing to the Cardinals’ momentum as Murray efficiently connected with his targets. Conner also helped the cause by converting a short catch into a 33-yard gain, putting Arizona in prime position at the Los Angeles 22-yard line, where Murray then managed to set up Ryland’s winning field goal with a couple of kneel-downs.
Harbaugh captured the essence of the team’s loss stating, “You’ve just got to build a callous. There’s a taste in the mouth and you’ve just got to suck it up.”