The Arizona Cardinals kicked off the Mike LaFleur era with a stunning 26-14 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on September 13, 2026, marking one of the biggest upsets of Week 1.
Why it matters: LaFleur's win is historic, making him the first non-interim head coach of the Cardinals to win his debut since Don Coryell in 1973. The victory provides a potential turning point for a franchise that finished last season with a dismal 3-14 record.
- The Cardinals entered the game as 9.5-point underdogs but managed to pull off the upset in impressive fashion.
- LaFleur's leadership and game plan demonstrated a refreshing competence, contrasting sharply with the team's struggles in previous seasons.
- This victory brings renewed optimism among fans and players alike, who have long awaited a turnaround for the franchise.
Driving the news: The Cardinals' performance against the Chargers was a win and a statement. LaFleur emphasized the need for humility and hard work moving forward, stating, "Confidence is great, but like I told them today, ‘We got to reset and get right back to work.’”
- LaFleur's focus is on the upcoming game against the Seattle Seahawks, underscoring the importance of maintaining momentum.
- Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne echoed this sentiment, noting that building from success requires attention to the "little details".
State of play: The Cardinals showcased a balanced offensive attack, with quarterback Jacoby Brissett completing 27 of 37 passes for 277 yards and a touchdown.
- Rookie running back Jeremiyah Love scored his first career touchdown, contributing significantly to the team’s success with 41 rushing yards on 11 carries.
- All-Pro tight end Trey McBride had a standout performance, catching nine passes for 95 yards and a touchdown.
- The Cardinals' defense, often criticized last season, held the Chargers to just 268 yards, a surprising improvement.
The big picture: LaFleur's debut win is a notable achievement, especially considering the Cardinals' history. The last full-time coach to win his first game was Coryell, who did so 53 years ago.
- LaFleur's ability to lead the team effectively, especially after last season's struggles, has created a sense of hope among fans.
- His approach includes a commitment to operational cleanliness, as evidenced by only three pre-snap penalties during the game.
What they're saying: LaFleur expressed pride in his team's effort but acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly in the red zone, where they converted only 2 of 5 opportunities into touchdowns.
- “Wasn't thrilled with the red zone plan and it starts with me,” LaFleur admitted, highlighting a need for growth.
- Brissett praised LaFleur's play-calling, stating, "When the right play needed to be called, he called it." This reflects the trust players have in their new coach.
By the numbers: The Cardinals' victory marked a dramatic turnaround from last season.
- They outscored the Chargers 26-14, a notable achievement against a team many considered playoff contenders.
- Brissett's performance set a franchise record by throwing for at least 200 yards and one touchdown in 13 consecutive starts.
- The Cardinals' defense, which was among the worst in the league last season, showed marked improvement by limiting the Chargers to 268 total yards.
What's next: The Cardinals will face the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks in Week 2, a challenging matchup that could test their newfound confidence.
- LaFleur's familiarity with the Seahawks from his time as the Rams' offensive coordinator may provide an unexpected advantage.
- As the team prepares for this divisional clash, LaFleur emphasizes the need to remain focused and disciplined.
As the Cardinals look ahead, the excitement surrounding LaFleur's leadership and the team's potential growth is tangible. With a promising start to the season, fans are eager to see if this momentum can carry into future games.