The Arizona Cardinals were not highly regarded by many before the season started. Numerous draft predictions placed them among the teams likely to secure a top quarterback pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, implying a challenging season ahead.
However, the Cardinals have made an impressive start. They earned a 26-14 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, away from home, in head coach Mike LaFleur’s debut. The Chargers had reached the AFC Wild-Card Round last year and were considered playoff contenders this season.
Mike LaFleur became the first Cardinals full-time coach to win his debut since Don Coryell in 1973, by leading Arizona to a 26-14 upset over the Chargers.
Since Coryell’s success, 13 Cardinals head coaches have not won their debuts. LaFleur addressed the doubts. After the win, while he was pleased with the victory, he emphasized the importance of preparing for the next game. “What’s been said, it doesn’t matter,” LaFleur remarked. “We don’t care. And I hope we continue to feel that way. Like I just told them, the humility is a day away in this league, so we got to reset and get right back to work tomorrow. But I’m happy for those guys.”
Next, the Cardinals face a significant challenge in Week 2 as they host the Seattle Seahawks, the defending Super Bowl champions. The Seahawks might be without their starting quarterback, Sam Darnold. Yet, backup quarterback Drew Lock led them to a 13-10 comeback win over the New England Patriots in Week 1.