Jeremiyah Love Leads Cardinals First-Half Studs and Duds vs. Chargers

The Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Chargers are locked into an entertaining Week 1 battle at SoFi Stadium.

The Cardinals currently lead 13-7 entering halftime.

The Chargers are set to receive the second half kickoff, but before we begin — here's a quick studs and duds evaluation from the opening two quarters in Los Angeles:

Studs

Arizona Cardinals RB Jeremiyah Lov — Sep 13, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love (4) fight his way into the endzone for a touchdown as Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Cam Hart (20) dfends during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Jacoby Brissett - Brissett picked up where he left off last season, progressing through reads fast and making on-time throws while spreading the ball around in the first half. He's 16/21 passing.
Jeremiyah Love - Anytime you can finish your first drive with a touchdown in your first game, it's a good day. A tough catch on the second drive also showed his hands before an 18-yard run in the second quarter showcased his speed.
Kitan Crawford - The Cardinals lost special teams ace Joey Blount before this season, leaving a hole for a potential contributor to step up. So far that's Crawford, who delivered a big blow on kickoff coverage.
Trey McBride - McBride made play after play when targeted. Per usual. 5 catches for 74 yards.
Max Melton - Melton had a nice pass breakup and virtually has been the only Cardinals cornerback to make a play on the ball.
Mike LaFleur - Between the play-calling and increased use of motion, LaFleur's offense already feels like a breath of fresh air compared to Drew Petzing.
Dante Stills - Stills recently usurped Darius Robinson on the depth chart, and he made good on that decision by logging the only sack on Justin Herbert, which came on a fourth down near their own goal line with under two minutes left. Huge stop.
Michael Wilson - He caught every pass thrown his way and drew a huge pass interference penalty on their final drive.

Duds

Arizona Cardinals DC Nick Ralli — May 8, 2026; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Nick Rallis during rookie minicamp at Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Will Johnson - Johnson struggled in the team's opening drive, being torched by Ladd McConkey in man coverage. Such is life at the cornerback position sometimes. However, he did recover a fumble, so it's tough to truly call him a dud.
Unit Tackling - Chargers running back Omarion Hampton plowed through at least five Cardinals defenders who touched him en route to Los Angeles' first touchdown of the day. Overall defense takes an L here.
Hjalte Froholdt - A holding call on the second drive pushed the Cardinals to 1st and 20
Chad Ryland - After missing not a single kick in pregame warm-ups, Ryland pushed his first attempt wide right from 54 yards. No gimme, sure, but still not a good look after his prior struggles. He did boot home a 27-yard field goal in the second quarter.
False Starts - Both Hunter Long and Elijah Wilkinson were called for moving before the snap in the first half. After preaching so much about eliminating pre-snap penalties, the Cardinals have obviously yet to do that.
Marvin Harrison Jr. - Harrison, expected to have a huge season, was quiet in the first half with just one target and no receptions.
Majority of Cardinals Pass Rush - The Cardinals didn't register a single quarterback hit on Justin Herbert before their failed fourth down conversion. He's not exactly a statue in the pocket, though any chance Arizona has of winning will come down to stopping L.A.'s offense.

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