What is the story about?
The
Chargers were shocked by the Cardinals in the regular-season opener.
Final score: Cardinals 26, Chargers 14
The game was over when...
Cardinals safety Andrew Wingard secured a late fourth-quarter interception.
While a late-game chest injury to wide receiver Ladd McConkey and a blocked punt by Simi Fehoko severely crippled the Bolts' chances, Wingard's interception finalized the stunner and shut the door on any potential comeback.
Numbers to know
- 1: This marked Jim Harbaugh's first-ever loss in a season-opening game as a head coach. He had the most wins of any active coach at 6-0.
- 2: The Chargers managed just two conversions on eight third-down attempts.
- 2: The Chargers turned the ball over twice, including a costly fumble and an interception, in addition to a turnover on downs. It resulted in six points for the Cardinals.
- 3: Quarterback Justin Herbert was sacked three times.
- 82: Wide receiver Ladd McConkey was a bright spot before getting injured, hauling in five catches for 82 yards and a touchdown.
- 58: Tight end David Njoku stepped up in his Chargers debut, logging 58 receiving yards on five catches.
- 393: The defense allowed 393 total yards to Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett and company.
- 9: The Chargers had no answers for Cardinals tight end Trey McBride, who had nine catches for 95 yards and a touchdown.
- 37:31: The Cardinals dominated the time-of-possession battle, having the ball for 37:31 compared to the Chargers' 22:29.
- 10: Safety Derwin James Jr. led the Chargers with 10 total tackles.
3 stars of the game
- WR Ladd McConkey: 5 catches, 82 yards, 1 touchdown
- TE David Njoku: 5 catches, 58 yards
- RB Omarion Hampton: Rushing touchdown
What's next?
After suffering defeat, the Chargers will look to pick up their first win of the season against the Raiders next Sunday, September 20, at 1:05 pm PT. The game will be played at SoFi Stadium.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Cardinals stun Chargers 26-14: Instant analysis of LA’s Week 1 loss
