Phoenix, AZ — The Los Angeles Chargers dropped to 3-4 on the season after a heart-wrenching 27-24 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 7. In a game where Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert posted impressive numbers, it was the relentless Arizona pass rush, led by rookie sensation Xavier Thomas, that ultimately spelled doom for Los Angeles. Herbert was sacked six times, including a staggering four solo sacks by Thomas, as the Cardinals’ defense held strong in the clutch to hand the Chargers their third straight loss.
Offensive Struggles Up Front
The most glaring issue for the Chargers in Week 7 was their inability to protect Justin Herbert. Rookie edge rusher Xavier Thomas drafted out of Clemson in the fifth round, had a career day, recording four sacks, all of which came against Chargers left tackle Rashawn Slater. Slater, one of the most reliable offensive linemen in the NFL, had what can only be described as a nightmare performance, struggling to handle the athleticism and speed of Thomas from start to finish. Slater is a former second-team All-Pro at the tackle position so this was more than head-scratching.
Arizona linebacker Dennis Gardeck added two more sacks to round out the six total takedowns of Herbert. The Cardinals consistently generated pressure, forcing the Chargers into uncomfortable third-and-long situations, which limited the effectiveness of Los Angeles’ offense for much of the second half.
“Credit to Arizona,” Herbert said after the game. “They brought the heat all day, and I didn’t do a good enough job making quick decisions. It’s on me to help my line out, but we’ve got to find a way to be better upfront.”
Slater, who has been a Pro Bowl-caliber lineman for the Chargers, shouldered the blame for the loss: “This one’s on me. I’ve got to play better than that. Justin was under duress all day, and that’s unacceptable.”
Herbert Shines Despite Pressure
Even with constant pressure, Justin Herbert managed to put together an impressive stat line, completing 23 of 28 passes for 283 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. His ability to make plays under duress kept the Chargers competitive, particularly in the first half, when the offense found its rhythm. Herbert connected with second-year wide receiver Quentin Johnston on both of his touchdown passes, including a 28-yard strike in the second quarter that gave the Chargers a brief lead.
Johnston continued his amazing sophomore season, hauling in six catches for 93 yards and the two scores. He was a consistent presence in the passing game, and his emergence continues to be a bright spot for the Chargers as the season progresses. Johnston has recorded 24 catches for 644 yards and 10 touchdowns through just the first 6 games.
“Q’s been a beast for us all year,” Herbert said. “He’s so talented, and it feels like every week he’s getting better and better. We’ve got to keep feeding him.” Ladd McConkey and tight end Hayden Hurst also chipped in with key contributions, as McConkey caught five passes for 62 yards and Hurst added six catches for 57 yards. The offense had its moments of explosiveness, but Arizona’s relentless pass rush prevented the Chargers from sustaining drives late in the game.
Ridder Takes Advantage of Opportunity
With Kyler Murray out for one final week due to injury, Arizona Cardinals backup quarterback Desmond Ridder seized his opportunity and delivered a sharp performance. Ridder completed 17 of 24 passes for 259 yards and three touchdowns and no interceptions, making the most of his limited opportunities. The Chargers’ defense did well to contain Arizona’s run game, limiting them to just 68 yards on the ground, but Ridder’s efficiency through the air proved too much.
His favorite target of the day was veteran wide receiver Marquise Goodwin, who torched the Chargers’ secondary for 156 yards on eight catches and two touchdowns. Goodwin’s speed was too much for the Chargers’ defensive backs, as he consistently found himself in favorable matchups down the field. Rookie Tarheeb Still, who had been a standout for much of the season, struggled against Goodwin’s vertical routes, and it cost the Chargers dearly.
Tight end Trey McBride added five catches for 47 yards and a touchdown, while rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. chipped in three catches for 50 yards, making the Cardinals’ offense difficult to predict.
Costly Mistakes and Absences Hurt Chargers
In addition to the offensive line woes, the Chargers were plagued by costly mistakes throughout the game. Herbert’s lone interception came on a deep pass attempt that was picked off by veteran safety Budda Baker, who returned from injury during the game to make a significant impact. That turnover led to an Arizona field goal, extending their lead to 27-17 in the fourth quarter.
The Chargers also missed head coach Jay Cee, who was out sick and replaced by special teams coordinator Cee Pee Eu as acting head coach. Eu’s in-game management was solid, but the absence of Cee’s play-calling prowess was noticeable, particularly in the way the defense failed to adjust to Arizona’s passing attack and the way the offense couldn’t quite get the ground game going.
“We didn’t execute in key moments,” said Cee Pee Eu postgame. “I felt good about our effort, but when you don’t win the turnover battle or protect the quarterback, it’s tough to win.”
Defense Holds Strong, But Fails to Deliver Key Stops
Despite allowing 27 points, the Chargers’ defense did have its moments. Rookie linebacker Junior Colson and Khalil Mack each recorded a sack. The biggest issue for the defense was their inability to stop Ridder and the Cardinals’ passing attack when it mattered most. While the Chargers’ run defense held Arizona to just 68 rushing yards, Ridder’s three touchdowns and Goodwin’s dominant day through the air were ultimately too much to overcome.
“This is to expect sometimes when you’re starting two fifth-round rookies at the outside corner position,” GM Phillip Rivers said post-game. “They’re learning, they know they have to be better, though, we’re looking to gain postseason experience.” Rivers, referring to rookie corners Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart, has praised his rookies in the past for adjusting to the pro level so fast, but he may have jumped the gun.
Looking Ahead: Chargers at a Crossroads
The Chargers now sit at 3-3 with back-to-back-to-back losses putting their season at a critical juncture. After a strong start, the Chargers’ recent struggles in pass protection, combined with a few key injuries and absences, have exposed some of the team’s vulnerabilities. With a home game against the Saints looming, Los Angeles will need to regroup quickly if they hope to avoid falling further behind in the AFC West race.
One bit of good news is the expected return of center Connor McGovern from injury, which should help stabilize the offensive line. However, with Rashawn Slater’s uncharacteristically poor performance still fresh in their minds, the Chargers will need to make significant improvements upfront to keep Herbert upright and allow their playmakers to shine.
As the Chargers prepare for Week 8, all eyes will be on how they respond to adversity. Will they use this setback as motivation, or will their season continue to unravel? Time will tell, but it’s clear that the margin for error is shrinking with each passing week.
“We’ve got a talented group,” Herbert said. “But we need to execute better. It starts with me, and it starts with us doing the little things right. We’re close, but we’ve got to clean it up.”
