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Beaks & Geeks: Cardinals, Chargers Winners & Losers: Arizona’s offense come to life

The Arizona Cardinals delivered an opening-week stunner on September 13, 2026, pulling off a 26-14 road upset against Jim Harbaugh's Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Entering the contest as the league's most heavily doubted squad following an injury-plagued three-win campaign the prior year, Arizona captured its first triumph since November 3, 2025.

The matchup also marked the professional regular-season debut of running back Jeremiyah Love, who overcame a preseason ankle issue to notch his inaugural career touchdown despite being wrapped up by defensive standout Khalil Mack in the third frame.

With the victory, Mike LaFleur enjoyed a triumphant start to his tenure as Arizona's head coach, snapping a 53-year franchise drought by becoming the first Cardinals sideline leader to secure a victory in his debut since Don Coryell accomplished the feat in 1973.