Chargers forced to settle for five field goals and a last-second loss to Cardinals

Cameron Dicker’s five field goals accounted for all of the Chargers’ points, and that was not enough against the Cardinals. (Matt York / Associated Press)

Jim Harbaugh paced the sideline with his hands on his hips. He stomped on the grass at State Farm Field as the Arizona Cardinals ran the clock down. The Chargers head coach had no other answers.

The Chargers’ top-ranked defense folded in the most critical moment, losing 17-15 to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday as the Cardinals (3-4) easily moved into field goal position in the final two minutes.

Chargers rookie cornerback Cam Hart was called for unnecessary roughness while breaking up a second-down pass with 1:51 remaining, moving the Cardinals to their 45-yard line.

After catching a short pass, Cardinals running back James Conner ran through two tackles on the next play, stretching what should have been a modest gain into a 33-yard back-breaker.

Chad Ryland kicked the game-winning field goal five plays later as time expired.

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The Cardinals’ only kick of the night easily overpowered the Chargers’ spotty offense that only mustered five kicks from Cameron Dicker. The 24-year-old had a career-long 59-yard field goal and a 50-yard boot as the first half expired and gave the Chargers a 15-14 lead with 1:54 remaining on a 40-yard kick.

Quarterback Justin Herbert threw for a season-best 349 yards on 27-for-39 passing, but the Chargers were held to just 60 yards rushing in 22 carries.

With receivers Quentin Johnston (ankle), Derius Davis (hamstring) and D.J. Chark Jr. (groin) out, the Chargers were searching for any offensive weapon to complement Herbert. He completed passes to 10 receivers, but not all were ready to catch the passes he laced through tight windows.

The Chargers’ Justin Herbert (10) is sacked the Cardinals’ Ben Stille (90). (Ross D. Franklin / Associated Press)

Ladd McConkey, one of Herbert’s most reliable players,…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/chargers-forced-settle-five-field-040444976.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2024-10-22 04:04:44

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