The quarterback made the difference, maybe not by throwing, but with a running back play
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Kyler Murray did it again.
The Arizona Cardinals quarterback went to work hard in the Monday Night Football against the <a href="https://www.archysport.com/2022/01/nfl-raiders-defeated-chargers-in-final-play-in-overtime/" title="NFL: Raiders defeated Chargers in final play in overtime”>Los Angeles Chargers, posting a 44-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that brought back memories of his 50-yard touchdown run in San Francisco two weeks ago. The run put the Cardinals ahead 14-9 early in the fourth quarter, a lead that was ultimately lost to the leg of Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker, 15-14. But Murray’s ability to lead Arizona’s offense on a winning drive, controlling the clock and putting his offense in good position led them to a 17-15 victory on kicker Chad Ryland’s 32-yard game-winning field goal. .
The victory put Arizona in a two-way tie for second place in the NFC West with a trip to Miami this weekend. The win also helped Arizona redeem itself after an embarrassing loss at Green Bay last week.
But it was Murray’s career that sparked the sudden resurgence.
He became the fourth quarterback since the merger to have multiple touchdown runs of 40 yards or more, joining Justin Fields in 2022, Michael Vick in 2002 and Steve McNair in 1998, according to ESPN Research.
Most surprising performance: The Cardinals defense may have allowed Justin Herbert to throw for 349 yards, but it did not allow him to throw for a touchdown. Arizona had two massive third-down stops, one by rookie cornerback Max Melton and another by second-year defensive back Garrett Williams. Both helped limit the Chargers to four field goals. The Cardinals’ pass rush was able to get to Herbert seven times for three sacks.
Worrying trend: Cardinals rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. finished with 21 yards on three receptions, extending his streak of not reaching 100 yards in a game to five. His receptions came in the first, second and fourth quarters, continuing a trend in which Harrison would disappear for entire quarters or longer. His six passes on MNF tied for the third-fewest in a game this season.
Quarterback Description: Murray didn’t have a spectacular game, throwing for 145 yards, a touchdown and an interception on 14-of-26 passing, but he made the plays when he needed to, like a touchdown run. And he controlled the offense while fighting for time when necessary.
Next game: en Miami Dolphins, domingo
