Cardinals defeat Chargers 26-14 in Week 1 opener
10 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Nov 3, 2026, 2:03 AM
Last updated Nov 3, 2026
The Arizona Cardinals defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 26-14 in their Week 1 matchup on September 13, 2026. The Cardinals took an early lead with a 70-yard touchdown drive capped by rookie running back Jeremiyah Love. Despite a brief Chargers lead in the third quarter, the Cardinals' defense, highlighted by a crucial blocked punt, helped secure the upset victory. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert threw an interception late in the game, stalling any potential comeback. Los Angeles will seek its first win against the Raiders on September 20 at SoFi Stadium.
- •Cardinals score first with a 70-yard drive and touchdown by Jeremiyah Love.
- •Chargers tie the game but struggle with turnovers, including a fumble.
- •Justin Herbert throws an interception late in the game.
- •Cardinals block a Chargers punt to secure a touchdown.
- •Los Angeles faces the Raiders on September 20.
- 2:03 AMYahoo Sports — Arizona Cardinals Week 8 defensive, special teams snap counts, observations
- 3:51 AMYahoo Sports — Arizona Cardinals Week 5 defensive, special teams snap counts, observations
- 3:51 AMYahoo Sports — Arizona Cardinals Week 2 defensive, special teams snap counts, observations
- 1:30 AMYahoo Sports — Arizona Cardinals Week 1 defensive, special teams snap counts, observations
- 1:20 AMYahoo Sports — Arizona Cardinals Week 1 offensive snap counts, observations
- 1:05 AMYahoo Sports — Cardinals 26, Chargers 14: Studs and duds in Week 1 win
- 6:44 PMYahoo Sports — Cardinals 26, Chargers 14: 4 things we saw on defense, special teams
- 4:26 PMYahoo Sports — Cardinals 26, Chargers 14: 6 observations on offense
"A frustrating 26-14 home loss to the Cardinals leaves more questions than answers. Breaking down the Chargers' season opener.
"The Cardinals played 70 defensive snaps on Sunday against the Seahawks. See how the playing time was divided up.
"The Cardinals played 66 defensive snap and 32 on special teams against the Lions. See who played and how much.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsNov 3, 2026, 2:03 AMArizona Cardinals Week 8 defensive, special teams snap counts, observations
The Cardinals played 74 snaps on defense against the Cowboys. Here is how the playing time was split up.
- Yahoo SportsOct 13, 2026, 3:51 AMArizona Cardinals Week 5 defensive, special teams snap counts, observations
The Cardinals played 66 defensive snap and 32 on special teams against the Lions. See who played and how much.
- Yahoo SportsSep 22, 2026, 3:51 AMArizona Cardinals Week 2 defensive, special teams snap counts, observations
The Cardinals played 70 defensive snaps on Sunday against the Seahawks. See how the playing time was divided up.
- Yahoo SportsSep 15, 2026, 1:30 AMArizona Cardinals Week 1 defensive, special teams snap counts, observations
The Cardinals played 55 defensive snaps. What can we learn from the playing time?
- Yahoo SportsSep 15, 2026, 1:20 AMArizona Cardinals Week 1 offensive snap counts, observations
The Cardinals played 75 offensive snaps against the Chargers. Here is what you should know about it.
- Yahoo SportsSep 15, 2026, 1:05 AMCardinals 26, Chargers 14: Studs and duds in Week 1 win
The Cardinals won their Week 1 game on Sunday. Who were the studs and duds in the game?
- Yahoo SportsSep 14, 2026, 6:44 PMCardinals 26, Chargers 14: 4 things we saw on defense, special teams
A look at the Cardinals' effort on defense and special teams in their win over the Chargers in Week 1.
- Yahoo SportsSep 14, 2026, 4:26 PMCardinals 26, Chargers 14: 6 observations on offense
The Cardinals beat the Chargers 26-14 in Week 1. Here is what we saw from the offense.
- Yahoo SportsSep 14, 2026, 12:00 AMCardinals stun Chargers 26-14: Instant analysis of LA’s Week 1 loss
A frustrating 26-14 home loss to the Cardinals leaves more questions than answers. Breaking down the Chargers' season opener.
- Yahoo SportsSep 13, 2026, 11:56 PMHow the Chargers lost to the Cardinals in Week 1's biggest upset
Here's a breakdown of how the Cardinals beat the Chargers.
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