{
  "id": 7415825,
  "title": "Chargers’ defense struggles in first outing under new coordinator Chris O’Leary",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/chargers-defense-struggles-in-first-outing-under-new-coordinator",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-14T22:54:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/football/nfl/2026/09/14/chargers-defense-struggles-in-first-outing-under-new-coordinator-chris-oleary"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "This week's Los Angeles Chargers faced a challenging start to their season under new coordinator Chris O’Leary, as reported by the Associated Press. Like Mike McDaniel, O’Leary's debut was less than stellar. The defense, particularly, struggled in nearly every area during the 26-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. First-year head coach Mike LaFleur led the Cardinals, causing added pressure.\n\nThe Chargers' inability to control the line of scrimmage was evident, as they only managed one sack on the entire night. Their pass rush, usually formidable, failed to pressure journeyman quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Meanwhile, the run defense faltered, managing just one tackle for loss on 34 carries, leaving them vulnerable throughout the game.\n\nO’Leary's defensive system, a 4-2-5 defense with three safeties, failed to generate a takeaway despite its familiarity to the Chargers' experienced roster. The defensive coordinator was unable to compensate for the loss of Jesse Minter, who departed to join the Baltimore Ravens as head coach. McDaniel's offense, renowned for its potent ground game, was forced to adapt under the new leadership.\n\nThe Chargers' offense failed to sustain drives, committing multiple third and fourth down issues. Justin Herbert's performance, while better than last season, was stifled by the defense's passiveness. Wide receiver Ladd McConkey had a promising start, but was sidelined by injury. Other key players, Elijah Molden and KeAndre Lambert-Smith, also faced injury-related setbacks.\n\nThe Chargers' performance has raised concerns about their playoff aspirations, especially with a difficult stretch of games ahead. The team's first game under O’Leary's leadership served as a stark reminder of the challenges they face in the AFC West.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}