The Chargers' receivers and defense promise to be better after the narrow loss

Chargers tight end Will Dissly is tackled by Cardinals cornerback Max Melton after catching a pass on Monday.

(Matt York/Associated Press)

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.

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 need to get JK (Dobbins) ahead and give him 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.