Arizona
Cardinals
0-0
14
FINAL
28
Los Angeles
Chargers
0-0
AI Recap
AI RECAPIn a solid opening week for the 2026 season, the Los Angeles Chargers topped the Arizona Cardinals with a final score of 28-14. This matchup set the tone for both teams as they look to establish their identities early in the year. The Chargers showcased their offensive prowess and defensive resilience, making a statement right out of the gate.
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert delivered a standout performance, throwing for 212 yards and two touchdowns, effectively leading his team’s offensive attack. Tight end David Njoku was a key target, racking up 98 receiving yards, while Kenny Gainwell contributed on the ground with 50 rushing yards. The Chargers' offense was dynamic and efficient, marking a strong start to the season.
On the defensive side, Elijah Molden emerged as a game-changer for the Chargers, securing two crucial interceptions that helped swing momentum in their favor. While Budda Baker led the Cardinals with six total tackles, it was the Chargers' defense that made the critical stops when it mattered most. The turning point came in the second half when Molden's second pick set up a touchdown drive, effectively putting the game out of reach for Arizona.
Passing
| Player | Pos | ATT | CMP | CMP% | YDS | TD | INT | QBR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Herbert | QB | 20 | 15 | 75% | 212 | 2 | 1 | 121.2 |
| Jacoby Brissett | QB | 23 | 11 | 48% | 150 | 1 | 3 | 44.0 |
Rushing
| Player | Pos | ATT | YDS | YPC | YAC | TD | LNG | FUM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenny Gainwell | HB | 18 | 50 | 2.8 | 24 | 2 | 12 | 0 |
| Omarion Hampton | HB | 5 | 43 | 8.6 | 16 | 0 | 11 | 0 |
| Justin Herbert | QB | 1 | 17 | 17.0 | — | 0 | 17 | 0 |
| Jacoby Brissett | QB | 1 | 13 | 13.0 | 4 | 0 | 13 | 0 |
| Jeremiyah Love | HB | 7 | 8 | 1.1 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Devin Duvernay | WR | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Receiving
| Player | Pos | REC | YDS | YPR | YAC | TD | LNG | DROP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Njoku | TE | 4 | 98 | 24.5 | 17 | 1 | 40 | 0 |
| Kenny Gainwell | HB | 7 | 59 | 8.4 | 33 | 0 | 23 | 0 |
| Michael Wilson | WR | 3 | 55 | 18.3 | 17 | 0 | 30 | 0 |
| Ladd McConkey | WR | 3 | 40 | 13.3 | 12 | 1 | 21 | 0 |
| Jeremiyah Love | HB | 2 | 36 | 18.0 | 35 | 0 | 29 | 0 |
| Devin Duvernay | WR | 3 | 32 | 10.7 | 6 | 0 | 14 | 0 |
| Trey McBride | TE | 2 | 22 | 11.0 | 11 | 0 | 15 | 0 |
| Brenen Thompson | WR | 1 | 15 | 15.0 | 8 | 0 | 15 | 1 |
| Kendrick Bourne | WR | 1 | 5 | 5.0 | — | 1 | 5 | 0 |
Defense
| Player | Pos | TKL | SACK | INT | FF | PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budda Baker | SS | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Elijah Molden | FS | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Derwin James Jr | FS | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Garrett Williams | SS | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mack Wilson Sr | MIKE | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dadrion Taylor-Demerson | FS | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Will Johnson | CB | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tarheeb Still | CB | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Max Melton | CB | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Walter Nolen III | DT | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jack Gibbens | MIKE | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Daiyan Henley | WILL | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cam Hart | CB | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Khalil Mack | REDG | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cody Simon | WILL | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Denzel Perryman | MIKE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Darius Robinson | DT | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Andrew Billings | DT | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Tykee Smith | SS | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Caleb Murphy | REDG | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tuli Tuipulotu | LEDG | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Troy Dye | WILL | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Kei'Trel Clark | CB | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Josh Sweat | REDG | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Donte Jackson | CB | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Kicking
| Player | Pos | FGM | FGA | XPM | LNG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cameron Dicker | K | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| JK Scott | P | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Chad Ryland | K | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |

