Chargers Offense Struggles in Season-Opening Loss to Cardinals
5 sourcesUpdated Sep 14, 2026
The Los Angeles Chargers opened the 2026 season with a sloppy loss to the Arizona Cardinals, exposing many of the offensive problems the team hoped new coordinator Mike McDaniel would fix. Justin Herbert and the offense struggled to sustain drives and convert in the red zone, while turnovers, a blocked punt and failed fourth-down attempts worsened the breakdown. The Chargers also lost key receiver Ladd McConkey to a chest injury and were without KeAndre Lambert-Smith late in the game, limiting Herbert’s options. Coach Jim Harbaugh called the performance too sloppy, while players said the team must eliminate self-inflicted mistakes and improve as the season progresses.
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Injuries to the receivers are a problem, but the new offensive coordinator has to figure out how to convert yards into touchdowns quickly.
Those missed red zone chances and turnovers really hurt. They moved the ball but left too many points on the field.
