Cardinals steal a MNF win over Chargers with last-second kick

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Kyler Murray did it once more.

The Arizona Cardinals’ quarterback turned and burned Monday evening in opposition to the Los Angeles Chargers, breaking free for a 44-yard landing run within the fourth quarter that introduced again reminiscences of his 50-yard landing run at San Francisco two weeks in the past. The run put the Cardinals forward 14-9 early within the fourth quarter, a lead that was ultimately misplaced to the leg of Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker, 15-14. However Murray’s means to information Arizona’s offense on a profitable drive, controlling the clock and placing his offense in a great place led Cardinals to a 17-15 win on a 32-yard subject aim by kicker Chad Ryland on the final play.

The win put Arizona in a two-way tie for second place within the NFC West with a visit to Miami developing this weekend. The win additionally helped Arizona redeem itself after an embarrassing loss in Inexperienced Bay final week.

But it surely was Murray’s run that sparked the sudden resurgence.

He grew to become the fourth quarterback because the merger to have a number of landing runs of 40 or extra yards, becoming a member of Justin Fields in 2022, Michael Vick in 2002 and Steve McNair in 1998, based on ESPN Analysis.

Most stunning efficiency: The Cardinals protection allowed Justin Herbert to throw for 349 yards, but it surely prevented him from throwing a landing go. Arizona had two huge stops on third down, one by rookie cornerback Max Melton and one other by second-year defensive again Garrett Williams. Each helped maintain the Chargers to 4 subject objectives. The Cardinals’ go rush was capable of get to Herbert seven occasions for 3 sacks.

Troubling pattern: Cardinals rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. completed with 21 yards on three catches, extending his streak of not hitting 100 yards in a recreation to 5. His catches got here within the first, second and fourth quarters, persevering with a pattern of Harrison disappearing throughout complete quarters or extra. His six targets on Monday evening had been tied for the third fewest in a recreation this season.

QB breakdown: Murray did not have an eye-popping recreation, throwing for 145 yards, a landing and an interception on 14-for-26 passing, however he made the performs when he wanted to, such because the landing run. And he managed the offense whereas scrambling to purchase time when wanted. — Josh Weinfuss

Subsequent recreation: at Miami Dolphins (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)

Quarterback Justin Herbert regarded like himself once more, throwing for 349 yards and selecting aside the Cardinals’ protection with ease. And but it wasn’t sufficient for the Chargers.

Their protection, which had been among the best in opposition to the run all season, faltered, permitting the Cardinals to hurry for 178 yards, which included a 44-yard run by Murray within the fourth quarter for a landing.

The Chargers by no means discovered the top zone Monday evening, counting on Dicker for 5 subject objectives. Their offense, which had dominated groups on the bottom early within the season, is now not dominant and the staff hasn’t scored within the fourth quarter since Week 1. It will likely be one other week of questions for this staff and offensive coordinator Greg Roman about repair the offense and whether or not there must be upgrades at receiver.

Prediction for subsequent week: Ladd McConkey has first 100-yard receiving recreation after struggling Monday. The Chargers will play the New Orleans Saints in Week 8, who’ve given up the seventh-most passing yards within the NFL over their previous three video games. It may very well be a breakout recreation for McConkey, who had 5 catches for 45 yards Monday. Herbert has described McConkey as certainly one of his favourite targets.

Promising/troubling pattern: Herbert has been sacked a number of occasions prior to now 4 video games. Herbert has spent a lot of the time navigating collapsing pockets and throwing whereas having a defensive lineman draped round his waist or different physique components. He was sacked thrice Monday, the fourth straight recreation the opponent has sacked him a number of occasions. It is a regarding stat for an offensive line that options three first-round picks in left guard Zion Johnson, proper sort out Joe Alt and left sort out Rashawn Slater.

Eye-popping stat: Herbert is the quickest participant in NFL historical past to 1,700 completions, based on Elias Sports activities Bureau. In a season during which Herbert has profession lows in virtually each class, he regarded just like the Herbert of previous and set one other document. The one participant to achieve 1,700 completions in fewer than 70 video games is Kansas Metropolis Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes who did in 69. Herbert’s 1,700th profession completion was to Will Dissly at 14:20 within the second quarter. — Kris Rhim

Subsequent recreation: vs. New Orleans Saints (4:05 p.m. ET, Sunday)