The Arizona Cardinals open their regular season on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers. They are big underdogs.
However, as it is Week 1, we never know what could happen. The Arizona offense is believed to be pretty good. Their defense has far more questions.
If the Cardinals are going to be able to get the upset, these are their keys to victory.
Score early points
Because the Chargers will likely have a solid offense under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, and with major questions about the Cardinals' defense, it will be critical that the Cardinals score points early. If they don't and fall behind by two scores early, we will be looking at the 2026 version of what so many games looked like last season — falling behind early and getting blown out.
Pressure Justin Herbert
This
isn't going to be easy, as the Cardinals have almost no pass rush outside of Josh Sweat, and also because the Chargers have great tackle play in Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. But the interior offensive line has questions, so if Walter Nolen and Dante Stills can push the pocket, then maybe they can force a mistake or two from Herbert.
Slow Chargers running attack
Mike McDaniel has one of the best run schemes in the league. He has Omarion Hampton, Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal. They need to slow that attack and force long third downs so they have a chance of pressuring Herbert.
Protect Jacoby Brissett
Brissett is tough, but he does take hits. The Chargers have Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu coming off the edge and rookie Akheem Mesidor as well. Brissett will need time to be able to get rid of the ball.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Cardinals vs. Chargers: 4 Keys for an Arizona win in Week 1
