Chargers defense falters in 26-14 loss to Cardinals in opener
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 14, 2026, 10:53 PM
Last updated Sep 14, 2026
The Los Angeles Chargers' defense struggled in their first game under coordinator Chris O'Leary, losing 26-14 to the Arizona Cardinals on September 14, 2026. Despite expectations of a smooth transition following Jesse Minter's departure, the defense allowed Arizona to dominate, managing only one sack and failing to generate turnovers. Offensively, the Chargers struggled to keep drives alive, finishing 2 of 8 on third downs. The game marked a challenging start for the Chargers, who face the Las Vegas Raiders next.
- •Chargers defense allowed five scoring drives to the Cardinals.
- •Quarterback Justin Herbert had 68.6% of plays as dropbacks or runs.
- •WR Ladd McConkey left the game with a chest injury.
- •Chargers play the Las Vegas Raiders next on September 21.
- 10:53 PMYahoo Sports — Chargers' defense struggles in first outing under new coordinator Chris O'Leary
"Mike McDaniel wasn’t the only Los Angeles Chargers coordinator to have a bad debut on Sunday. Chris O’Leary’s defense got off to a rough start in a 26-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, struggling in nearly every area. A drop-off was expected after Jesse Minter left to become coach of the Baltimore Ravens, but O’Leary’s hiring was supposed to minimize it.
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