The Arizona Cardinals surprised everyone in Week 7 by defeating the Los Angeles Chargers with a dramatic walk-off field goal from Chad Ryland, sealing the game at 17-15. This thrilling finish was the highlight of a night that didn’t disappoint, and the matchup brought forward several intriguing narratives worth exploring.
Young Cardinals Defenders Stepping Up
Despite allowing Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert to pass for over 300 yards, Arizona’s defense was instrumental in holding Los Angeles to just 15 points — their second-fewest points allowed this season. Young defensive standouts shone bright, particularly rookie cornerback Max Melton, who tallied nine total tackles and delivered a timely pass breakup that kept the Chargers from converting a critical third-down in the second quarter.
Second-year player Dante Stills made his mark as well, recording his second sack of the season on a pivotal second-and-eight play in the red zone, forcing the Chargers to settle for a field goal. All of this is a promising development for a defense that ranked poorly last season, showing signs of improvement with significant contributions from recent draft picks.
What Happens on ESPN+ Stays on ESPN+
Broadcast on ESPN+ as part of the NFL’s efforts to distribute its games on non-traditional platforms, this game was filled with unexpected twists and turns. Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray kicked off the night with a head-scratching interception on the opening drive, floating a pass that was tipped and miraculously caught by Chargers defensive lineman Teair Tart. But just as the Chargers seemed to capitalize on this misstep, Tart fumbled the ball and handed it back to Arizona.
As if that wasn’t enough, the Chargers saw their own misfortune when wide receiver Jalen Reagor lost the ball near the goal line after a promising 41-yard catch, further underscoring the bizarre occurrences this game presented. While these blunders made for entertaining moments, it’s probably for the best that fewer fans were exposed to these slip-ups, as the NFL ingeniously placed the game behind a paywall.
Are the Cardinals an NFC West Contender?
Despite the unexpected loss, the possibility of the Cardinals competing in the NFC West is palpable. As strange as it sounds, they find themselves just one game behind the Seattle Seahawks, who sit at 4-3. Their recent come-from-behind victory against the 49ers puts them at an advantage in tiebreakers.
Arizona boasts one of the league’s best rushing offenses, averaging an impressive 5.2 yards per attempt leading up to the game. They took that prowess to another level against the Chargers, piling up 181 yards on just 29 carries, averaging an eye-popping 6.2 yards per carry. This kind of offensive output could be crucial as they navigate the rest of the season, particularly with the Seahawks’ 27th-ranked rush defense (146.1 yards allowed per game) and the injury-plagued Rams looking vulnerable.
Chargers Quarterback Justin Herbert Needs Help
Herbert’s performance on Monday night was sensational; he completed 27 of his 39 pass attempts for 349 yards, averaging an impressive 8.9 yards per throw. Yet, despite his efficient play, he found himself with limited offensive support after the offseason departures of key receivers like Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Reagor’s costly fumble was just one glaring example of the lack of reliable playmakers at Herbert’s disposal.
For the Chargers to have any hope of a successful playoff run, especially in head coach Jim Harbaugh’s inaugural season, they must invest in upgrading their receiver corps. As demonstrated by Herbert’s fantastic throws, including a highlight catch by Joshua Palmer, his talent is evident, making the need for a top-flight wide receiver all the more critical.
Cardinals Offense Coordinator Drew Petzing Confounds with Questionable Playcalling
While the Cardinals came away with a victory, there were some alarming moments that could have reversed the game’s outcome. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing had a sequence in the second half that left many fans— and analysts— scratching their heads. Facing a crucial third-and-one, Petzing opted for consecutive quarterback sneaks with backup Clayton Tune, both of which resulted in failure.
Given that running back James Conner racked up 101 yards on 19 carries, using him in such a short-yardage scenario would have likely been a better option. Petzing might have overthought the moment or second-guessed himself, and these miscalculations had the potential to cost Arizona dearly.
Conclusion: The Path Ahead
The Cardinals’ surprising victory against the Chargers signifies a turning point for the team, with opportunities on the horizon as they continue to develop their young talent on defense and fine-tune their offensive strategies. While uncertainties remain, especially regarding the effectiveness of certain play calls and the depth of the Chargers’ roster, the excitement of NFL football unfolds week by week.
As we look forward to the rest of the season, will the Cardinals maintain their momentum and challenge for the NFC West title? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: every game counts, and the NFL season has plenty left in store for players and fans alike.
