The Arizona Cardinals defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 26-14 on Sunday at SoFi Stadium, opening the season with an unexpected win over a team that had been favored to fare better. Arizona led 13-7 at halftime and kept Los Angeles scoreless during the final quarter.
Both teams scored rushing touchdowns in the opening period. Rookie running back Jeremiyah Love recorded the first touchdown of his NFL career for Arizona.
The Chargers had an opportunity to draw even at 10 late in the first half, but coach Jim Harbaugh elected to try for a touchdown on fourth down from the Cardinals’ 3-yard line. Justin Herbert was sacked on the play, and Arizona then drove for a field goal before halftime.
Arizona’s special teams created another turning point in the fourth quarter. Simi Fehoko blocked a punt by JK Scott, and the Cardinals recovered at Los Angeles’ 3-yard line with 12:28 remaining. Jacoby Brissett then connected with Trey McBride for a touchdown, putting Arizona ahead 23-14.
Andrew Wingard intercepted Herbert on the Chargers’ next possession. Arizona also recorded a fourth-down stop near the goal line, forced two turnovers and held Los Angeles without a fourth-quarter point. Brissett completed passes to six receivers, with McBride, Kendrick Bourne and Michael Wilson each making at least five catches.
