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Chargers coach takes one on the chin with eye-opening admission after embarrassing Cardinals debacle

The Los Angeles Chargers stumbled right out of the gate to open their 2026 campaign, dropping a 26-14 decision against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium. Entering his third season guiding the franchise, head coach Jim Harbaugh admitted to second-guessing his preseason management after his squad never managed to grab a lead.

Quarterback Justin Herbert struggled to establish a groove in the freshly implemented offense directed by Mike McDaniel, enduring three sacks and giving away an interception as the team came up empty across its last five drives. 9 yards per carry during the setback.

Harbaugh labeled the upset defeat as an uncharacteristic and sloppy showing, though he also stood firm on a debated roster choice during his postgame media session. The outcome drew sharp backlash from supporters, with many calling for coaching changes in the wake of the uninspired performance.