In a dominant opening act to the 2026 season, the Arizona Cardinals crushed the Los Angeles Chargers with a final score of 58-7. This Week 1 matchup showcased the Cardinals' explosive offense and stifling defense, setting a high bar for the rest of the league to match. Leading the charge for Arizona was quarterback Matt Leinart, who threw for 229 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing pinpoint accuracy and poise in the pocket. Running back Edgerrin James added a powerful presence on the ground with 97 rushing yards, while Larry Fitzgerald shined as the top receiver, racking up 109 yards and a touchdown. The offensive onslaught left the Chargers reeling, unable to keep pace. Defensively, the Cardinals were relentless, with Eric Green standing out by intercepting three passes, effectively halting any hopes of a Chargers comeback. Bert Berry's two sacks further pressured the Los Angeles offense, forcing them into mistakes and keeping their momentum at bay. The turning point came early in the second quarter when Green's first interception set up another quick score for Arizona, solidifying their commanding lead and leaving the Chargers searching for answers.