In Glendale, Arizona, Kyler Murray showcased his speed and agility with an impressive 44-yard touchdown run, carrying the ball nonchalantly as if in a casual game. The Arizona Cardinals’ head coach, Jonathan Gannon, acknowledged that this was not the typical way to secure the ball, although he allowed that such an athletic feat is not something he taught Murray.
Murray’s run came early in the fourth quarter, contributing to a late rally that secured a 17-15 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night. After a game-changing touchdown, he orchestrated a drive that culminated in Chad Ryland’s 32-yard field goal as time expired.
Cameron Dicker had previously given the Chargers a 15-14 lead with a 40-yard field goal, his fifth of the night, but the Cardinals quickly responded, helped by a critical unnecessary roughness penalty against Cam Hart that moved them closer to field goal range. James Conner, who rushed for 101 yards and added 51 receiving yards, made a huge 33-yard catch and run that set up Ryland’s game-winning kick. Conner, who motivated his teammates with a powerful speech before the game, reflected on the team’s leadership role in tough moments.
Despite accumulating 395 yards, the Chargers struggled offensively, failing to convert drives into touchdowns. Quarterback Justin Herbert completed 27 of 39 passes for 349 yards, but coach Jim Harbaugh experienced his first loss on Monday Night Football, bringing his record to 6-1.
Dicker had a standout performance, hitting field goals from distances of 59, 50, 28, 47, and 40 yards. The Chargers, known for their robust defense, continued to perform well, but their offense continues to falter, having gone 16 drives without a touchdown.
Herbert emphasized the need to capitalize on scoring opportunities, especially in the red zone, acknowledging the team’s reliance on their strong kicker.
In addition to his long touchdown run, Murray completed 14 of 26 passes for 145 yards, including one touchdown and one interception. His impressive 5-yard touchdown pass to Greg Dortch in the second quarter was critical in taking a 7-6 halftime lead.
Both teams faced challenges, with the Chargers losing possession after two costly fumbles, and Harbaugh noted how the game hinged on many close calls and fine details rather than just one pivotal play.
Injuries were a factor, as Los Angeles was without outside linebacker Joey Bosa and tight end Hayden Hurst, while the Cardinals saw cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting and linebacker Dennis Gardeck exit the game with injuries.
Looking ahead, the Chargers will host New Orleans, and the Cardinals will travel to Miami next Sunday.