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Los Angeles Chargers news: What Went Wrong open thread

The Los Angeles Chargers stumbled in their 2026 season debut, suffering a 26-14 defeat against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, September 13. 5-point home favorites, the team failed to capitalize on an opportunity to lead the local market after the Rams dropped their opener to the 49ers.

The Chargers' scoring stalled completely during the second and fourth quarters, souring the start of head coach Jim Harbaugh's third year with the franchise while prompting critical fan reactions and an unfavorable postgame medical update.

Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's arrival had generated considerable anticipation over how quarterback Justin Herbert would direct the revamped scheme, but the unit faltered down the stretch. Herbert encountered difficulty establishing flow alongside late blunders, leading Harbaugh to characterize the lackluster performance as both untypical and messy following the upset.