James Conner “put the team on his back” as the Cardinals beat the Chargers

Conner had 101 rushing yards on 19 carries Monday night and added two catches for 51 yards. His 152 scrimmage yards were the seventh most of his career. Monday marked the sixth game of the 29-year-old's career in which he had more than 100 rush yards and more than 50 receiving yards.

Both offensive players struggled to find consistency in the low-scoring affair, but when the Cards needed a move, they leaned on their bulldozer backs. Conner had five runs of more than 10 yards, tied for the second-most by an RB in a game this season. He also forced 10 missed tackles, the second-most in the NFL in Week 7, behind only the Falcons' Bijan Robinson.

Conner's biggest play came with the Cards trailing 15-14 with 1:45 left. Conner made a short throw, turned upfield and made his way 33 yards into field goal range for the game-winning score.

The inspiring performance came after the soft-spoken Conner spoke to his teammates during a meeting Sunday night ahead of the crucial game. Conner talked to his teammates about taking advantage of the opportunity ahead.

“I just tell them to put their chips on this week, that we're still on a mission to tell the guys not to take anything for granted and just play good football,” Conner said. “Put it all in this week, give it everything you have.

“We have some guys on the team who are out for the season wishing they could be out there and just play hard. So, yeah, I just told them to play hard and give it their all just to get a win this week.”

With the defense getting stops to force field goals, Conner producing yards and Kyler Murray running for a 44-yard scramble touchdown, the Cards moved to 3-4, second in the NFC West, potentially salvaging their season.

It was a turbulent start to the season for Gannon's team, who played well for long stretches, but also had a few stinkers. Finding more consistency will be crucial the rest of the way.

“I think the most important thing is you just have to control your day and keep accumulating good days,” Gannon said. “And our behavior is right, but now we have to keep it going. It needs to be translated because we are good enough where it can translate. I know that.”