Chargers vs Arizona Cardinals Match Player Stats (Oct 21, 2024)
The Chargers vs Arizona Cardinals match player stats from October 21, 2024, reveal one of the most baffling outcomes you’ll see all season. Los Angeles outgained Arizona 395-326 in total yards but lost 17-15 at State Farm Stadium. Cameron Dicker kicked five field goals. The Cardinals scored twice and won the game.
Table of Contents
Game Information
Date: October 21, 2024
Venue: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ
Attendance: 64,357
Weather: Clear, 29°C
Officials: Clete Blakeman (referee)
Final Score: Cardinals 17, Chargers 15
Quarterback Performance Breakdown
Justin Herbert Statistical Analysis
Herbert posted impressive numbers that led nowhere. The fourth-year quarterback completed 69.2% of his passes for 349 yards but failed to throw a touchdown pass. This extended the Chargers’ touchdown drought to 16 consecutive possessions dating back to previous games.
| Justin Herbert | |
|---|---|
| Completions/Attempts | 27/39 |
| Completion % | 69.2% |
| Passing Yards | 349 |
| Yards/Attempt | 8.9 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Passer Rating | 97.1 |
| Times Sacked | 3 for -13 yards |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 0/1 (0%) |
The Chargers quarterback spread the ball around to eight different receivers, but none found the end zone. His longest completion went to Jalen Reagor for 41 yards, which ended in disaster at the goal line.
Kyler Murray Game Impact
Murray’s raw numbers won’t jump off the page: 14 completions on 26 attempts for 145 yards. But his legs made the difference. The dual-threat quarterback rushed six times for 64 yards, including the game-changing 44-yard touchdown scramble in the fourth quarter.
| Kyler Murray | |
|---|---|
| Completions/Attempts | 14/26 |
| Completion % | 53.8% |
| Passing Yards | 145 |
| Yards/Attempt | 5.6 |
| Passing TDs | 1 (5-yard to Greg Dortch) |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Passer Rating | 67.0 |
| Rushing Stats | 6 carries, 64 yards, 1 TD |
| Longest Run | 44 yards (TD) |
Murray connected with Greg Dortch for Arizona’s lone passing touchdown in the second quarter. His 44-yard touchdown run came on first down with 14:14 remaining in the fourth quarter, giving the Cardinals a 14-9 lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Running Back Production
James Conner Powers Cardinals Ground Game
Conner shouldered the offensive load for Arizona, churning out 101 yards on 19 carries. His 5.3 yards per carry average kept drives alive and controlled the clock. Beyond the stat sheet, Conner made the defensive play of the game, chasing down Teair Tart after an interception and forcing a fumble.
| James Conner Stats | |
|---|---|
| Rushing Attempts | 19 |
| Rushing Yards | 101 |
| Yards Per Carry | 5.3 |
| Rushing TDs | 0 |
| Longest Run | 14 yards |
| Receiving | 2 catches, 51 yards |
| Game-Winning Drive | 33-yard catch-and-run |
Conner’s 33-yard reception with 1:45 remaining set up Chad Ryland’s game-winning field goal. His pregame speech about “pushing all their chips in” resonated throughout the locker room and showed on the field.
J.K. Dobbins Struggles Behind Poor Blocking
The Chargers’ ground game never got going. Dobbins managed just 40 yards on 14 attempts, constantly meeting defenders at or behind the line of scrimmage. Without Joey Bosa (hip) and Hayden Hurst (groin) in the lineup, the offense lacked balance.
| Chargers Rushing Attack | Stats |
|---|---|
| J.K. Dobbins | 14 carries, 40 yards (2.9 YPC) |
| Kimani Vidal | 3 carries, 10 yards |
| Justin Herbert | 2 carries, 8 yards |
| Hassan Haskins | 2 carries, 2 yards |
| Jalen Reagor | 1 carry, -1 yard |
| Team Total | 22 carries, 59 yards (2.7 YPC) |
Receiving Corps Production
Chargers Spread Wealth Without Results
Will Dissly emerged as Herbert’s favorite target, securing 8 of 11 targets for 81 yards. Josh Palmer (4-63), Ladd McConkey (5-46), and Simi Fehoko (3-45) all contributed, but the offense stalled in scoring territory.
| Chargers Receiving | Targets | Catches | Yards | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Will Dissly | 11 | 8 | 81 | 10.1 |
| Josh Palmer | 5 | 4 | 63 | 15.8 |
| Ladd McConkey | 7 | 5 | 46 | 9.2 |
| Simi Fehoko | 6 | 3 | 45 | 15.0 |
| Jalen Reagor | 1 | 1 | 41 | 41.0 |
| Stone Smartt | 2 | 1 | 31 | 31.0 |
| J.K. Dobbins | 3 | 3 | 26 | 8.7 |
| Others | 4 | 2 | 16 | 8.0 |
Cardinals’ Efficient Passing Attack
Trey McBride led Arizona receivers with 5 catches for 51 yards. First-round pick Marvin Harrison Jr. had a quiet night with just 3 receptions for 21 yards on 6 targets. Greg Dortch made his one catch count, scoring Arizona’s only passing touchdown.
| Cardinals Receiving | Targets | Catches | Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trey McBride | 7 | 5 | 51 | 0 |
| James Conner | 4 | 2 | 51 | 0 |
| Marvin Harrison Jr. | 6 | 3 | 21 | 0 |
| Michael Wilson | 3 | 1 | 15 | 0 |
| Greg Dortch | 2 | 1 | 5 | 1 |
| Others | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
The Goal Line Disaster
First quarter. Chargers driving. Justin Herbert launches deep to Jalen Reagor, who hauls it in for 41 yards down to the Arizona 1-yard line. Six points seemed guaranteed. Then Starling Thomas V arrived.
The Cardinals cornerback punched the ball loose just before Reagor crossed the goal line. The ball rolled through the end zone. Touchback. Arizona ball at the 20. Seven points vanished in an instant. Jim Harbaugh’s face said it all.
Special Teams Excellence
Cameron Dicker carried the Chargers’ scoring load, converting all five field goal attempts. His 59-yarder in the second quarter tied a franchise record and gave Los Angeles an early 3-0 lead.
| Field Goal Summary | Made/Attempted | Distances |
|---|---|---|
| Cameron Dicker (LAC) | 5/5 | 59, 50, 28, 47, 40 yards |
| Chad Ryland (ARI) | 1/1 | 32 yards (game-winner) |
Dicker’s consistency kept the Chargers in the game, but field goals don’t beat touchdowns. Chad Ryland waited all night for his moment, then delivered when it counted.
Defensive Performances
Cardinals Defense Bends But Doesn’t Break
Arizona surrendered 395 total yards but made the stops that mattered. The defensive line generated consistent pressure, recording three sacks split between Naquan Jones, Ben Stille, and Dante Stills.
| Cardinals Defense | Player | Tackles | Sacks | Key Play |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Run Defense | Kyzir White | 6 | 0 | Led team in stops |
| Coverage | Budda Baker | 5 | 0 | 2 pass breakups |
| Pass Rush | Naquan Jones | 4 | 1.0 | Third down sack |
| Pass Rush | Ben Stille | 3 | 1.0 | Drive-ending pressure |
| Pass Rush | Dante Stills | 3 | 1.0 | Forced punt |
| Big Play | Starling Thomas V | 2 | 0 | Forced Reagor fumble |
The Cardinals played without Sean Murphy-Bunting (neck) after the first half and lost Dennis Gardeck (knee) in the third quarter, yet still held firm.
Chargers Defense Collapses Late
Los Angeles limited Murray through the air but couldn’t contain his scrambling ability. The bizarre double turnover epitomized their night: Teair Tart intercepted Murray, only to have James Conner chase him down and force a fumble.
| Chargers Defense | Player | Tackles | Notable Play |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary | Derwin James Jr. | 7 | Multiple run stops |
| Linebackers | Daiyan Henley | 6 | Led run defense |
| Edge Rush | Khalil Mack | 5 | Tipped pass for INT |
| Interior DL | Teair Tart | 3 | INT (then fumbled) |
| Corner | Cam Hart | 4 | Costly penalty |
The Winning Drive Breakdown
Game Situation: Chargers lead 15-14 with 1:54 remaining
Starting Position: Arizona ball at their own 30
| Time | Play Description |
|---|---|
| 1:54 | Chargers lead 15-14, Cardinals start at own 30 |
| 1:51 | 2nd & 10: Murray incomplete to Wilson. Cam Hart flagged for unnecessary roughness (15 yards). Ball at ARI 45 |
| 1:45 | 1st & 10: Murray to Conner, breaks tackles for 33 yards. Ball at LAC 22 |
| 1:34 | 1st & 10: Conner rushes for 3 yards. Chargers out of timeouts |
| 0:52 | 2nd & 7: Murray scrambles for no gain, slides to keep clock running |
| 0:08 | 3rd & 7: Murray takes knee to position ball |
| 0:02 | 4th & 10: Chad Ryland 32-yard field goal. GOOD! Cardinals win 17-15 |
Critical Game Statistics
| Category | Chargers | Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 395 | 326 |
| Rushing Yards | 59 | 181 |
| Passing Yards | 349 | 145 |
| First Downs | 23 | 17 |
| Third Down Efficiency | 6/14 (43%) | 5/12 (42%) |
| Red Zone Scores | 0/1 (0%) | 1/2 (50%) |
| Time of Possession | 32:47 | 27:13 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Sacks Allowed | 0 | 3 |
| Penalties | 5-47 | 4-35 |
| Points | 15 | 17 |
Jim Harbaugh’s Monday Night Struggles Continue
This loss dropped Harbaugh to 6-1 in Monday Night Football games. His Chargers moved the ball effectively between the 20s but couldn’t finish drives. The inability to establish any rushing attack (2.7 yards per carry) made them predictable in crucial situations.
For deeper analysis of these teams’ other matchups this season, check out the Cardinals’ battle with Green Bay or the Chargers’ contest against Denver.
According to ESPN’s official box score, the Cardinals improved to 3-4 while handing the Chargers their third loss. The detailed play-by-play data shows Arizona’s efficiency in crucial moments overcame Los Angeles’ statistical advantages.
Key Takeaways
The Cardinals won this game with:
- A dominant rushing attack (181 yards, 6.2 YPC)
- Clutch fourth-quarter execution from Murray
- Opportunistic defense that forced turnovers
- Perfect special teams execution
The Chargers lost because:
- Zero touchdowns despite 395 total yards
- Abysmal rushing attack (59 yards, 2.7 YPC)
- Red zone failures (0-for-1)
- Costly penalties at critical moments
FAQs
Q: How many yards did James Conner rush for against the Chargers?
A: Conner rushed for 101 yards on 19 carries (5.3 YPC) and added 51 receiving yards on 2 catches.
Q: What was Cameron Dicker’s longest field goal?
A: Dicker nailed a 59-yard field goal in the second quarter, tying the Chargers’ franchise record.
Q: How long was Kyler Murray’s touchdown run?
A: Murray scored on a spectacular 44-yard scramble early in the fourth quarter that gave Arizona a 14-9 lead.
Q: Who forced the fumble on Jalen Reagor at the goal line?
A: Cardinals cornerback Starling Thomas V punched the ball out, causing a fumble through the end zone for a touchback.
Q: Which Chargers players were inactive?
A: Joey Bosa (hip) and Hayden Hurst (groin) were inactive. The Cardinals lost Sean Murphy-Bunting and Dennis Gardeck to injuries during the game.
The Chargers vs Arizona Cardinals match player stats demonstrate that yards and time of possession mean nothing without points. Arizona’s ability to score touchdowns while limiting Los Angeles to field goals decided this Monday Night Football thriller.
