The Chargers are set to kick off their 2026 season against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, giving fans their first real look at Mike McDaniel's offense and Chris O'Leary's defense under returning head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Here are four reasons to be optimistic about a win for Los Angeles.
New-look offense
All eyes will be on McDaniel and how he deploys quarterback Justin Herbert and running back Omarion Hampton on Sunday. The Chargers have already seen what the offense can look like in the preseason, where Herbert hit Quentin Johnston for a 65-yard touchdown on a deep shot, but getting a full game of McDaniel's scheme with Herbert under center will eclipse that excitement rather quickly. McDaniel has spoken highly of what Herbert's talents allow this offense to unlock,
so watching for what a creative offensive mind like him has in store will be must-see TV.
Returning offensive tackles
Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt will start at offensive tackle for the first time since the 2024 Wild Card game, after Slater missed the 2025 season with a torn patellar tendon. Alt also missed all but six games with ankle injuries last season, sending the Chargers into desperation mode on the offensive line and allowing Herbert to be sacked 60 times, second-most in the NFL. Both bookends are now healthy, however, with fourth-round rookie Travis Burke standing out in the preseason and Trey Pipkins III returning as solid depth if necessary. Getting Slater and Alt back on the field - and Alt back to the right tackle spot where he was named a PFWA All-Rookie Team selection in 2024 - should give the Chargers even more freedom offensively.
Sack production
Despite only playing 13 games, Cardinals starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett was sacked 43 times, sixth-most in the NFL and 7 more than Lamar Jackson, the next-most sacked quarterback who appeared in 13 games or fewer. Arizona responded this offseason by replacing Jonah Williams with Elijah Wilkinson at right tackle, but Wilkinson has been a borderline starter for most of his career and may not be a massive upgrade. With Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, and first-round pick Akheem Mesidor rested up after minimal action in the preseason, Sunday could be rife with celebrations in the backfield if Arizona's 2025 tendencies continue into this season.
Potential delayed debut
Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love suffered a high ankle sprain four weeks ago in a preseason game against the Raiders and only returned to practice this week in a limited fashion. Neither Love nor head coach Mike LaFleur has indicated whether Love will play Sunday or how limited he might be if he does, which could mean the Chargers avoid facing off against the 3rd overall pick from this April's draft. If Love is out, Arizona will start Tyler Allgeier with Bam Knight as the secondary back, while veteran James Conner is on injured reserve as well. With a bevy of other talented skill position players in Arizona, dodging Love this week may be a bit of a boost for the Chargers.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 4 reasons for optimism for Chargers against the Cardinals in Week 1
