Chargers can't escape their reputation with unacceptable loss to Cardinals

Every offseason, and every preseason, the talk around the Los Angeles Chargers is the same. 

This is their year. This is the year they put it all together because of how much talent they have on the roster and how much everybody loves quarterback Justin Herbert.

And then when the real games start, and it comes time to turn the preseason hype into regular season and playoff success, they always find a way to fall short and disappoint.

The 2026 season is not off to a good start for them when it comes to changing that reputation with a shocking 26-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. 

Chargers open 2026 season with unacceptable loss

There was not a bigger favorite on the Week 1 schedule than the Chargers, and if you play in a survivor pool, there is a good chance this is the game you had circled for your pick. 

Los Angeles has the better quarterback.

It has the better roster on paper.

It has the more experienced coach, and one that has won both a college football national championship and been to a Super Bowl.

Everything seemed to fall into place for the Chargers to get the season started off with a big win. 

And then everybody involved just simply laid an egg. 

Herbert was awful, making bad decisions and not playing up to his talent. There were countless mistakes and penalties that sabotaged drives. They allowed a punt to get clocked to set the Cardinals up with a first-and-goal that eventually led to a touchdown.

It was a shocking performance across the board.

The Cardinals deserve a lot of credit. Nobody gave them a chance, and Mike LaFleur became the first Cardinals head coach to win their debut with the franchise since 1973. It's a fantastic start to their season, and who knows, it might be one of their high points.