Full Breakdown
Cardinals Upset Chargers in Mike LaFleur’s Debut
By Drooid · · How we work
Game Overview
On September 13, 2026, the Arizona Cardinals defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 26–14 at SoFi Stadium. The Cardinals entered as 9½-point underdogs but posted 393 total yards to the Chargers’ 268 and held a 37-minute time-of-possession advantage. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett was 27-of-37 for 277 yards and a touchdown; tight end Trey McBride had nine catches for 95 yards and a score; rookie running back Jeremiyah Love contributed 41 rushing yards and a five-yard touchdown. Defensively, Arizona recorded three sacks, forced a fumble and secured an interception by safety Andrew Wingard. Special-teams standout Simi Fehoko blocked a punt that set up a decisive touchdown.
Background & Context
Arizona finished the 2025 season 3–14, prompting a wholesale overhaul. In February, the franchise hired Mike LaFleur, a former Rams offensive coordinator, as head coach and added 16 new assistants and 18 new players, including veteran wide receiver Kendrick Bourne and defensive lineman L.J. Collier.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Cardinals 26, Chargers 14.
- Total yards: 393 (ARZ) vs. 268 (LAC).
- Time of possession: 37:00 (ARZ) vs. 22:00 (LAC).
- Passing: Brissett 277 yd, 1 TD; Justin Herbert 209 yd, 1 TD, 1 INT, 3 sacks.
- Rushing: Love 41 yd (11 carries, 1 TD); Omarion Hampton 9 yd TD.
- Receiving: McBride 9 rec, 95 yd, 1 TD; Bourne 8 rec, 75 yd.
- Defense: 3 sacks, 2 turnovers (1 INT, 1 forced fumble).
- Special teams: 1 blocked punt (Fehoko).
- Penalties: 8 for 111 yd.
- Red-zone efficiency: 2 TDs on 5 trips.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach LaFleur praised the collective effort, noting the team “worked for this” and “earned this win,” while acknowledging the need for improvement in the red zone.
On-the-Ground Reports
The Cardinals opened the scoring with Love’s five-yard run. The Chargers responded but failed to sustain momentum, committing a blocked punt, an interception, and a turnover on downs in the fourth quarter. Defensive adjustments by coordinator Nick Rallis limited the Chargers to an 18 % success rate on third- and fourth-down attempts.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the Cardinals’ league ranking for penalty yards: one outlet placed them second in total penalty yards, while another did not specify a ranking. No other substantive discrepancies were identified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Wasn't thrilled with the red zone plan and it starts with me,” — Mike LaFleur
- “We did enough to win the game,” — Jacoby Brissett
What’s Next
Arizona will host defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium the following week, testing whether the Week 1 performance can be sustained against a top-tier opponent.