Takeaways from the Chargers vs. Cardinals game: Chargers receivers, defense promises to get better

With kicker Cameron Dicker as the only point source, the Chargers lost 17-15 to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday at State Farm Stadium.

Here's what we learned from the game:

Chargers need all hands on deck

Receivers were the Chargers' biggest concern early in the season. They are still the biggest concern heading into halftime.

After losing top pass-catching options in Quentin Johnston (ankle), Derius Davis (hamstring) and DJ Chark Jr. (groin) on Monday, the Chargers converted tight end Will Dissly into a leading receiver. The tight end, known more for his run-blocking abilities, was targeted 11 times and finished with a career-best eight catches for 81 yards.

“Will was on the ball,” head coach Jim Harbaugh said.

But Dissly still dropped several passes, as did several teammates. The mistakes became particularly costly late when the Chargers entered the Cardinals' 30-yard line three times in the second half and only scored field goals each time.

Read more: The Chargers only score field goals and the defense allows a last-second loss to the Cardinals

The receivers sat in a tight group in the locker room after the game and addressed some of their issues with supporting quarterback Justin Herbert.

“I think for us especially, being a friendly receiving option, or really any receiving option for Justin, is hugely important,” said Simi Fehoko, who has five catches for 89 yards in the last two games, more than his in any other game previous NFL seasons.

The running game was almost non-existent Monday, finishing with 59 yards on 22 carries. The Chargers (3-3) have rushed for at least 128 yards in each of their three wins, while failing to break 62 yards in any of their three losses.

“We have to give JK (Dobbins) a chance and let him make some of those long runs,” center Bradley Bozeman said. “He’s a great runner and we didn’t do that today.”

With a rotating cast of receivers and a resting running game, Herbert still threw for a season-best 349 yards. It was his 26th career 300-yard game, tying him with Dan Marino and Andrew Luck for the fourth-most of any player in their five professional seasons. according to Opta StatsHe became the first NFL quarterback to throw for as many yards as Monday and posted a passer rating of 97.1 while failing to score an offensive touchdown in a loss.

The Chargers defense's problems persisted in the fourth quarter

While the offense has done little to assuage its preseason question, the defense is still trying to address its own lingering problem.

Once again, the Chargers gave up a second-half lead and repeated their fourth-quarter woes in losses to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs. While players said they were more attuned to the importance of containing a mobile quarterback after being burned by Denver's Bo Nix last week, Cardinals star Kyler Murray made it 44 on the second play of the fourth quarter. yard touchdown run that gave Arizona a loss.

James Conner, one of the NFL's best at forcing missed tackles, won the grudge match against one of the league's surest tackle defenders. The running back had 101 rushing yards, the most the Chargers allowed to a single player this season.

Read more: Who is available? The loss in Arizona shows that the Chargers' Justin Herbert needs another receiver

Conner made plays all over the field, including a forced fumble that prevented the Chargers from gaining early momentum on an interception on the first possession. Conner chased Teair Tart downfield to intercept the ball after the defender intercepted a pass from Khalil Mack. Tart's interception and a fumble forced by Cam Hart were plays that nearly reached the Chargers' weekly goal of two takeaways, but the ball ended up back in Cardinal hands both times.

“I feel like we played well in some spots, but overall it wasn't a clean day for the defense,” said safety Derwin James Jr.. “We didn't capitalize on (their) mistakes. … We just have to get better.”

Dicker is the Chargers' low-key offensive MVP

Dicker tied a Chargers record with a 59-yard field goal in the second quarter and then hit a second 50-yarder as time expired in the first half. He is only the second kicker in franchise history to make multiple 50-yard field goals in a game, now with two such feats.

With the offense struggling to find its feet, the Chargers are happy to have Dicker bail them out.

“He was automatic,” Herbert said. “He was so steady, and when you're able to go downfield, and especially when you get into the red zone like that and you know you have points in your pocket, you can be more aggressive. Unfortunately things didn't go our way tonight and he hit some big field goals. But we have to do better offensively.”

Dicker, who signed a contract extension before the season that made him the fifth-highest paid kicker in the NFL, made all five attempts Monday and is 15-for-16 and has a seven-for-eight record on extra-point attempts this season.

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This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.