Here’s what you need to know:
- ‘This has only made us more hungry.’ Chargers aim to avenge losses against Cardinals
- Chargers hope to get a little more from Keenan Allen against the Cardinals
- Chargers-Arizona Cardinals matchups, how to watch and prediction
- NFL readers Q&A: How did Rams blow it on line? Is Chargers’ Brandon Staley on thin ice?
Justin Herbert touchdown pass, two-point conversion put Chargers ahead
Justin Herbert hit Gerald Everett for a two-point conversion with 15 seconds left to put the Chargers up 25-24.
Herbert and Austin Ekeler connected on a one-yard touchdown pass moments earlier as the Chargers came back to stop their two-game losing streak.
The touchdown was just the second in 21 second-half possessions for the Chargers, a stretch that included four games.
Arizona’s final possession ended with two Kyler Murray incompletions.
Herbert finished 35 of 47 for 274 yards and three touchdowns.
The Chargers (6-5) play at Las Vegas next weekend.
Cardinals retake the lead on Kyler Murray touchdown pass
Arizona took a 24-17 lead 89 seconds into the fourth quarter on a six-yard touchdown pass from Kyler Murray to James Conner.
The 11-play, 75-yard drive began with a 29-yard completion from Murray to DeAndre Hopkins and included conversions on third and seven and third and one.
The Cardinals are seven of 10 on third down as the Chargers’ defense has continued to struggle in trying to get off the field. Arizona has not punted yet today.
Chargers pull even on Cameron Dicker’s field goal
Cameron Dicker’s 26-yard field goal with 4:28 to go in the third quarter pulled the Chargers even with Arizona 17-17.
The Chargers moved inside the Cardinals’ 10-yard line, but the drive stalled after a short run by Austin Ekeler and consecutive incompletions by Justin Herbert.
The Chargers kept the ball for 14 plays and moved 53 yards before settling for the tying kick.
Kyler Murray puts Cardinals back in front heading into halftime
Arizona took a 17-14 halftime lead on a five-yard touchdown run by quarterback Kyler Murray in the closing seconds.
Murray directed the Cardinals on a 14-play drive that covered 75 yards and consumed four minutes, 16 seconds.
The Chargers trail despite having the game’s only two takeaways.
Quarterback Justin Herbert went 12 of 13 for 128 yards on consecutive second-quarter series that produced the Chargers’ two touchdowns.
Arizona has rushed for 110 yards and converted five of seven third downs. The Cardinals will receive the second-half kickoff.
Chargers take the lead on touchdown pass from Justin Herbert to DeAndre Carter
Justin Herbert stepped through some pressure to hit an open DeAndre Carter for a 33-yard touchdown as the Chargers took their first lead — 14-10 — with 4:28 remaining in the second quarter.
The offense moved 56 yards in five plays, all Herbert passes, after safety Derwin James Jr. intercepted Kyler Murray to end Arizona’s possession.
The Cardinals went for it on fourth and one from their 34-yard line. Murray tried to go to DeAndre Hopkins but James made a leaping pickoff.
Justin Herbert touchdown pass to Keenan Allen gets Chargers on the board
The Chargers’ offense came to life on its fourth possession, moving 75 yards in 11 plays for a touchdown.
Justin Herbert connected with Keenan Allen for a two-yard score to cut Arizona’s lead to 10-7 with 8:51 left before halftime.
The Chargers converted third and two and third and one on the series.
They also benefited from a call reversed upon replay. Joshua Palmer fumbled after an 18-yard completion from Herbert. Officials originally awarded possession to the Cardinals.
But after the review, it was determined that Chargers’ wide receiver Michael Bandy recovered. Six plays later, the Chargers scored their first points of the afternoon.
Cardinals extend lead on Matt Prater field goal
Arizona moved ahead 10-0 on a 43-yard field goal by Matt Prater 57 seconds into the second quarter.
The Chargers’ defense stymied the Cardinals after they took over with great field position, the series starting at the L.A. 44-yard line.
On offense, the Chargers have done nothing so far. On their first three possessions, the offense has produced just one first down and 16 total yards in 12 plays. All three series ended with punts.
Justin Herbert has opened two of six for 19 yards. He has been sacked twice after being sacked a career-high five times last weekend by Kansas City.
Cardinals score first on DeAndre Hopkins touchdown reception
Kyler Murray hit DeAndre Hopkins for a 33-yard touchdown pass with 2:33 remaining in the first quarter to put Arizona up 7-0.
On third and five, the Chargers introduced a defensive wrinkle that included Troy Reeder joining fellow linebackers Drue Tranquill and Kenneth Murray Jr. on the field.
Kyler Murray hit Hopkins over the middle and, after a missed tackle by rookie safety J.T. Woods, the Cardinals wide receiver sprinted into the end zone.
On the drive, Arizona also converted on third and four when cornerback Bryce Callahan was unable to prevent James Conner from reaching the marker on a short pass.
‘This has only made us more hungry.’ Chargers aim to avenge losses against Cardinals
GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Chargers just lost back-to-back games they led early and often, and led well into the fourth quarter.
They lost to two teams surging toward the postseason, the same destination they’re trying to reach.
They lost momentum, ground and time — all while gaining something?
“We’re pissed off,” defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day said. “Hurt. Angry. Frustrated. I don’t mean that in a negative sense. Those two games opened our eyes to know that we have what it takes. Honestly, I think this has only made us more hungry.”
So, coming off defeats to San Francisco and Kansas City, the Chargers enter Sunday starving for a victory at Arizona. Overall, they’ve lost three of four to fall to 5-5 and ninth in the AFC.
Sony Michel among inactives for Chargers
Veteran running back Sony Michel was among the Chargers’ inactives for their game Sunday at Arizona.
The team activated Joshua Kelley from the injured reserve list Saturday, pushing Michel to fourth on the depth chart. Kelley missed four games because of a knee injury.
The Chargers’ other inactives: wide receivers Mike Williams (ankle) and Jason Moore Jr., safety Nasir Adderley (thumb), tackle Storm Norton and quarterback Easton Stick.
Chargers-Arizona Cardinals matchups, how to watch and prediction
Breaking down how the Chargers (5-5) and the Arizona Cardinals (4-7) match up heading into their game at 1:05 p.m. PST on Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. The game will be shown on CBS (Ch. 2) and streamed on NFL+.
When Chargers have the ball
Only two teams have blitzed more often this season than Arizona, which ranks sixth in quarterback pressures but tied for 25th in sacks.
Last weekend against Kansas City, Justin Herbert was sacked a career-worst five times. Having Keenan Allen back and fully healthy should help Herbert avoid the charging Cardinals. Arizona’s scheme also could mean more use of the quick passing game, which would bring running back Austin Ekeler more into the plan.
“They’re a very diverse defense,” Chargers offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said. “They give you a ton of different looks.”
Chargers hope to get a little more from Keenan Allen against the Cardinals
The first pass went to Keenan Allen for 17 yards and the first third down was converted by Mike Williams with a 15-yard catch.
The Chargers welcomed back their top two wide receivers last weekend against Kansas City and — even if only briefly — the offense looked potent again as they scored on four of their five first-half possessions.
“Keenan and Mike make what they make for a reason, right?” center Corey Linsley said. “They make $20 million or whatever [per season] because they’re unbelievable. They’re difference-makers. Then, them being difference-makers, opens up the whole offense.”