The Los Angeles Chargers' defense experienced a difficult start under new coordinator Chris O'Leary, as the team fell to the Arizona Cardinals 26-14 in their first preseason game. The defensive unit struggled across the board, failing to consistently pressure the opposing quarterback or stop the run.
O'Leary, who previously coached safeties for the Chargers in 2024, was expected to maintain the team's defensive system while implementing his own approach. However, the defense found itself on the defensive for much of the game against first-time head coach Mike LaFleur's offense. The Cardinals managed to score on five consecutive drives that ended in a touchdown or field goal attempt before the Chargers' defense finally forced a punt late in the third quarter.
An uncharacteristic struggle for the Chargers' pass rush saw them rarely threaten journeyman quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Linebackers Daiyan Henley and Troy Dye were credited with the unit's only sack, which came on a blitz. The inability to control the line of scrimmage extended to the run defense, which recorded only one tackle for loss on 34 carries. The defense also failed to generate any takeaways, contributing to the overall passivity.
These defensive struggles had a ripple effect on the Chargers' offense, forcing offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel to abandon the team's trademark ground game and play from behind. Coach Jim Harbaugh had likely anticipated that McDaniel's offense would compensate for the departure of former defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, allowing O'Leary time to develop. Instead, neither coordinator could significantly aid the other in the opening game.
The defense did show some resilience in the red zone, forcing Arizona to settle for three field goals on five visits, which prevented the deficit from becoming insurmountable. However, the offense also faced challenges, converting only 2 of 8 third downs and going 0 for 3 on fourth downs. The team's only successful conversion in the second half was a touchdown pass from quarterback Justin Herbert that narrowed the score to 16-14 midway through the third quarter.
Wide receiver Ladd McConkey had a promising start with five receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown, despite leaving the game in the third quarter with a chest injury. Further testing on his ribs will determine his availability.
Other injuries sustained during the game include cornerback Elijah Molden with a hamstring issue and wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith, who is expected to miss several weeks with a pulled hamstring.
Quarterback Justin Herbert was involved in a high percentage of offensive snaps, dropping back to pass or running on 35 of the team's 51 plays. This suggests a reliance on the star quarterback, reminiscent of previous seasons where he was tasked with carrying a significant portion of the offensive load.
The Chargers are scheduled to host the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. With subsequent road games against Buffalo and Seattle, the team faces a challenging stretch of schedule, making a win against their AFC West rivals crucial for their playoff aspirations.