The Cardinals beat the Chargers after a controversial penalty set up the game-winning field goal

The Arizona Cardinals scored a game-winning field goal just before time expired to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers, and a controversial, unnecessary roughness penalty helped them win 17-15.

Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker hit his fifth field goal of the night in Glendale, Arizona, giving his team a 15-14 lead with less than two minutes to play. But there was more than enough time for Kyler Murray and the Cardinals offense to get off the field and at least attempt a field goal of their own to move to 3-4 on the year.

That's exactly what happened when Chad Ryland's 32-yard attempt split the uprights, moving the Chargers to 3-3 on the year following their bye week.

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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) climbs out of the backfield against the Los Angeles Chargers at State Farm Stadium. (IMAGN)

However, from the Arizona 30-yard line, a crucial call came from the referees when a pass from Murray to rookie first-rounder Marvin Harrison Jr. fell incomplete, hitting him just as he dropped it. hit by two Chargers defenders.

However, after the game, a yellow flag was spotted on the field and Cam Hart was called for unnecessary roughness after officials believed it was a head hit on a defenseless receiver in Harrison. The league is taking tough action against this and the decision has been made accordingly.

It was a huge momentum shift as the Cardinals, instead of dealing with 3rd and 10 on their own territory, were now near midfield.

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On video playback, Hart's helmet appeared to touch Harrison's, although it wasn't a clear helmet-to-helmet situation in real time. Hart also seems to be turning away, because he knows full well that hitting with a helmet is not allowed in the league.

However, NFL fans on social media were furious about the call.

“When did the NFL get so soft! The SOFTEST unnecessary roughness call I've ever seen!” wrote one X user.

Another added: “Chargers were the wrong side but man. Now this is unnecessary roughness?”

Whatever the case, the Cardinals put their new field position to good use, as running back James Conner caught a pass from Murray and took it 33 yards to the Los Angeles 22-yard line on the very next play, putting his team perfectly on the field Goal was prepared.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) gives a stiff arm to Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during the second half at State Farm Stadium. (Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images)

The Cardinals ran down the clock until it was time for Ryland to seal the win.

While that call will be discussed Tuesday morning, the Chargers made other mistakes in that game, including right in front of the goal after Conner threw an interception on the first drive, and Arizona ultimately escaped by simply swatting the ball away.

Then, on the Chargers' first offensive attack of the game, Justin Herbert found Jalen Raegor down the left sideline for a 41-yard strike that seemed destined for a touchdown, but he fumbled the ball and it was recovered by the Cardinals in the end zone, resulting in a touchback.

Although Herbert threw for 349 yards, a season high for him, the Chargers simply couldn't get into the end zone as Dicker was needed more often than head coach Jim Harbaugh wanted.

Meanwhile, Murray found Greg Dortch for the game's first touchdown in the second quarter, giving the Cardinals a 7-6 lead by halftime. Then, in the fourth quarter, Murray stormed off for a 44-yard rushing score that made the game 14-9.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) celebrates after running for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at State Farm Stadium. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

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Murray finished the game with 64 yards on the ground and 145 yards through the air, while Conner provided 101 rushing yards and 51 receiving yards on just two catches for Arizona. Tight end Trey McBride also had 51 yards receiving on five catches.

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