Rookie running back Jeremiyah Love scored his first career touchdown as first-year coach Mike LaFleur began his tenure with the Arizona Cardinals with a surprising 26-14 road victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. The Cardinals entered the game as 9.5-point underdogs, according to betting markets.
LaFleur, 39, is the first non-interim head coach to win his debut with the franchise since Don Coryell in 1973. The win provided a galvanizing moment for a team that finished last season with a 3-14 record and offered a sign of increased competitiveness for the current year.
“We're not dumb, it's not that we don't hear the noise," LaFleur said. "We just ignore the noise, be above the noise."
Journeyman quarterback Jacoby Brissett completed 27 of 37 passes for 277 yards and one touchdown. All-Pro tight end Trey McBride contributed nine catches for 95 yards and a touchdown, while Love added 41 rushing yards on 11 carries, including a 5-yard score where he bounced outside of the designed play.
The Cardinals' defense, which was one of the league's worst last season, performed better than expected. Standout plays included a hit by linebacker Mack Wilson Sr., an interception by safety Andrew Wingard, and a split sack by Budda Baker and Jack Gibbens. Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis adjusted after the Chargers scored on the opening drive, holding them to 268 total yards.
Special teams also contributed, with Simi Fehoko blocking a punt in the fourth quarter that led to a touchdown, extending the Cardinals' lead.
The team is not without concerns. They were only successful on two of five red zone opportunities, a point LaFleur acknowledged. "Wasn't thrilled with the red zone plan and it starts with me," he said. "You kick too many field goals in this league and more times than not you'll get beat."
Key draft picks Marvin Harrison Jr. and Walter Nolen III had quiet offensive and defensive games, respectively, though Harrison did make one notable 33-yard reception. Cornerback Max Melton and safety Kitan Crawford are dealing with ankle injuries.
Brissett's performance extended his streak of consecutive starts with at least 200 passing yards and one touchdown to 13, breaking the franchise record of 12 set by Kurt Warner. The Cardinals face the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks next.