The phrase "desperate scramble" means to urgently or frantically try to achieve or obtain something, often because of a challenging or desperate situation. Full definition
It's a moment that nutshells the self - delusion and desperate scramble for significance that lie at the dark heart of Bennett Miller's brooding true - crime drama. (gamesradar.com)
The downside is that desperate scramble after two weeks. (lifewire.com)
Mario Kart 8 was the finest version of Nintendo's flagship racer for years, a mix of skill and desperate scrambling for position, and the same crush of characters and frantic action was also applied to the latest Super Smash Bros.. (theguardian.com)