Chargers’ 2-point conversion in final seconds beats Cardinals 25-24
The Arizona Cardinals had control of the game from nearly the start. They led 17-14 at halftime. They ran the ball well.
However, a late defensive collapse and an inability to pick up first downs in the fourth quarter to extend drives sends them to a 25-24 loss as Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert threw his third touchdown pass of the game with 15 seconds left and then, instead of going for the extra point to send the game to overtime, connects with Gerald Everett for the two-point conversion.
The Cardinals fall to 4-8 on the year with the loss.
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James Conner fumbles
The Cardinals force the Chargers to punt on their first possession and start their own first offensive possession well. Marquise Brown has an 11-yard catch and then James Conner has an 18-yard run.
On the next play, Conner gains eight yards on a carry but fumbles the ball and Sebastian Joseph-Day recovers.
It is an early mistake that could put the Cardinals in a hole.
Cameron Thomas gets a sack!
Ride the wave 🌊@CameronThomas44 🏄♂️ #BirdCityFootball pic.twitter.com/DCo3fFBXK6
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) November 27, 2022
After the turnover, the Cardinals force a three-and-out. For the second straight drive, the Cardinals sack Justin Herbert on third down. This time it is rookie Cameron Thomas.
Cardinals 7, Chargers 0
Hit the B Button on 'em 🎮@DeAndreHopkins x #BirdCityFootball pic.twitter.com/FpaW7Ld0hQ
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) November 27, 2022
The Cardinals strike first. The Chargers jump offsides and Kyler Murray connects with DeAndre Hopkins for a 33-yard touchdown. Murray is 6-for-6 for 71 yards so far and James Conner has 39 rushing yards on five carries.
Robbie Anderson, Marquise Brown and A.J. Green all have receptions on the drive, and so does Conner, who picks up a key third down.
Cardinals 10, Chargers 0
The Cardinals force another three-and-out, get a 15-yard punt return from Pharoh Cooper to start in Los Angeles territory and add three points on a 43-yard field goal.
Chargers fumble!
The Chargers finally start to put together a little drive but it ends in a turnover. Travon Mullen strips Josh Palmer of the football after an 18-yard catch, and he recovers it. The Cardinals take over at their own 38.
But it's not a turnover
After review, the call is changed to a fumble that the Chargers recover. Their drive continues.
Cardinals 10, Chargers 7
The overturned fumble recovery is critical as the Chargers finish the drive and get on the board. After a Justin Herbert scramble, he throws a two-yard touchdown pass to Keenan Allen. They go 75 yards in 11 plays.
4th-down INT
The Cardinals go for it on fourth-and-a foot in their own territory. Kyler Murray attempts a throw down the field to DeAndre Hopkins and it is picked off. Yuck.
Chargers 14, Cardinals 10
The Chargers take advantage of the turnover. Herbert finds DeAndre Carter for a 33-yard touchdown pass after five plays.
The Cardinals now trail with 4:28 to go the first half.
Kyler Murray TD run! Cardinals 17, Chargers 14
KYLER MURRAY💨
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) November 27, 2022
The Cardinals get an end-of-half touchdown with Murray running five yards for the touchdown. They go 75 yards in 14 plays and take the lead with 12 seconds left in the half. They also get the ball after halftime.
Missed FG
The Cardinals open the second half running the ball. James Conner is up to 98 yards on the afternoon and Kyler Murray is at 56. However, the drive stalls and Matt Prater misses a 49-yard field goal.
Antonio Hamilton hurt
In the third quarter as the Chargers are driving down the field, Hamilton is down after a play. It appears to be his left ankle and he is walked to the locker room.
Chargers 17, Cardinals 17
After the Cardinals’ missed field goal, the Chargers tie the game.
They take up more than six and a half minutes, going 53 plays in 14 plays and ending with a 26-yard field goal by Cameron Dicker.
Cardinals 24, Chargers 17
Kyler Murray opens the possession after the field goal with a 29-yard pass to DeAndre Hopkins. James Conner passes 100 rushing yards and Murray finds him for a six-yard touchdown pass to give Arizona the lead.
ZAVEN COLLINS (ALMOST) INT
ZAVEN COLLINS LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!!!!
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) November 27, 2022
On third down after the Cardinals have to punt, Zach Allen tips a pass and Collins appears to get his second interception of the season. After further review, it is ruled incomplete and the Cardinals have a takeaway reversed on review for the second time in the game. However, the Chargers go three-and-out.
The Cardinal stake over on their own 25 with the chance to go up two scores.
Wilson and Simmons make plays!
The Cardinals go three-and-out but the defense makes plays. Marco Wilson makes a diving pass breakup and then Isaiah Simmons sacks Herbert for a 13-yard loss, forcing them to punt.
The Cardinals take over from their own 10 with 2:19 on the clock and a chance to run the clock out.
Cardinals can't run the clock out
James Conner is stopped for no gain and Kyler Murray is sacked inside his own five.
They are forced to punt the ball away at the two-minute warning. The Chargers will have under two minutes and one timeout to try and score a touchdown.
Chargers 25, Cardinals 24
Wow! The Chargers get a good punt return into Arizona territory and another five yards on a penalty.
Justin Herbert leads the Chargers 38 yards in 1:33, getting a one-yard touchdown pass to Austin Ekeler and then, for good measure, they go for two and Herbert completes the pass to Gerald Everett to give them a one-point lead with 15 seconds left in the game.
