Cardinals Defeat Chargers with Last-Second Field Goal

In a nail-biting finish, the Arizona Cardinals overcame the Los Angeles Chargers with a last-second field goal to secure a 17-15 victory on Monday Night Football. The game saw a series of twists and turns, with both teams relying heavily on their defenses and special teams to keep them in the game, as neither offense could find consistent rhythm throughout the night.
Despite Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert's impressive stats—completing 27 of 39 passes for 349 yards—the Cardinals’ defense rose to the challenge, preventing the Chargers from scoring a single touchdown. Instead, Los Angeles had to settle for five field goals by kicker Cameron Dicker, whose leg was the only source of points for the Chargers.

Arizona’s Offense Struggles, But Key Plays Make the Difference

The Cardinals’ offense has been inconsistent in recent weeks, and this game was no exception. However, when it mattered most, quarterback Kyler Murray and running back James Conner stepped up to make crucial plays. Murray, who passed for 74 yards and rushed for 91, was responsible for both of Arizona’s touchdowns, one through the air and the other on a remarkable 44-yard scramble in the fourth quarter that gave the Cardinals a 14-9 lead. Conner, on the other hand, provided critical yardage on the ground, contributing 165 rushing yards alongside Murray.
This victory was particularly important for Arizona, who came into the game with a 2-4 record and in desperate need of a win to remain competitive in the NFC West. The Cardinals now sit at 3-4, just one game behind the division-leading Seattle Seahawks. Murray acknowledged the significance of the win during a post-game interview on ESPN, calling it a "must-win game" after a series of sloppy performances in recent weeks.

Chargers Fail to Convert Key Drives into Touchdowns

While Herbert’s numbers may have looked impressive on paper, the Chargers’ inability to capitalize on key opportunities proved costly. Los Angeles marched into Arizona territory on multiple occasions but was held out of the end zone by a resilient Cardinals defense that employed a "bend but don’t break" approach. The only points the Chargers could muster came from Dicker, who connected on all five of his field-goal attempts, including a long 59-yarder in the first quarter that tied the franchise record for the longest field goal in Chargers history.
Los Angeles' final field goal, a 40-yarder by Dicker with less than two minutes remaining, gave them a 15-14 lead and appeared to put the game out of reach for Arizona. However, Murray and Conner quickly turned the momentum back in the Cardinals' favor by driving the ball deep into Chargers territory, setting up the game-winning 32-yard field goal by Chad Ryland as time expired.

Key Moments That Defined the Game

The game was filled with several pivotal moments that shaped its outcome. Early in the first quarter, the Chargers had a golden opportunity to score after Herbert launched a deep pass to Jalen Reagor near the goal line. However, Reagor fumbled the ball just short of the end zone after being stripped by Arizona's Starling Thomas V. The ball bounced out of bounds in the end zone, resulting in a touchback and giving possession back to the Cardinals.
Another chaotic sequence occurred early in the game when Chargers defensive tackle Teair Tart intercepted a pass from Murray, only to have the ball stripped by Arizona’s James Conner during the return. The Cardinals recovered the fumble, keeping possession but losing 31 yards in the process. This bizarre turnover exchange set the tone for a game filled with missed opportunities and unforced errors.
The Cardinals' inability to convert short-yardage situations nearly cost them the game. In the third quarter, Arizona attempted back-to-back "tush push" plays—essentially quarterback sneaks—to convert a third-and-one near midfield. Both attempts were stuffed by the Chargers defense, turning the ball over to Los Angeles in excellent field position. Despite the advantageous spot, the Chargers failed to find the end zone, settling for another field goal instead.

Halftime Recap: Cardinals Hold Slim Lead