Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 15
Harbaugh Regrets Chargers' Preseason Plan After 26-14 Loss to Cardinals
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 15

Harbaugh Regrets Chargers' Preseason Plan After 26-14 Loss to Cardinals

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 15

Summary

  • Jim Harbaugh said the Chargers made “preseason-type” mistakes in their 26-14 Week 1 loss and, in retrospect, should have played starters more in exhibition games.
  • Los Angeles used starters only briefly in its second and third preseason games, then unraveled Sunday with a blocked punt, an interception and a failed fourth-down drive.
  • Ladd McConkey’s rib injury deepened the collapse: after posting 5 catches for 82 yards and a touchdown, he exited in the third quarter with the Chargers down two and they did not score again.
  • Arizona’s win looked especially jarring against expectations after the Cardinals went 3-14 last season, lost their final nine games and had allowed 20.9 points per game.
  • The Chargers next face the 1-0 Raiders at home Sunday, with Harbaugh saying the sloppy performance is something the team needs to fix quickly.

Insights

Was resting starters the real reason for the Chargers' upset loss, or is Jim Harbaugh's new offense fundamentally flawed?
Did Arizona pull off a brilliant Week 1 upset, or did Los Angeles simply hand them the game through uncharacteristic blunders?
With Ladd McConkey injured and the offensive line struggling, can Justin Herbert salvage Los Angeles' season before it spirals?