The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 action, losing 26-14 at SoFi Stadium in a game that shocked fans and members of the media alike. The Chargers entered the game with injury concerns but did little to pick up their missing teammates as Mike LaFleur's Cardinals looked more ready to play and hungrier for the win.

New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel talked a big game heading into Week 1's action but the Chargers' offense stalled out in ways few expected. After the game, veteran leader Derwin James spoke out about the Chargers' issues and what caused them, painting a clear picture.

“Not surprised, this is the National Football League,” James said in the Chargers' locker room after a strong ten-tackle performance (h/t Sports Central LA). “You don't come ready to play, stuff like this happens. So, learn from it, don't let one week turn into two weeks, and get better from it.”

James also spoke about Cardinals star tight end Trey McBride, who got the better of him and his teammates at times.

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“He's a really good player, bro, one of the best tight ends in the league. He got one on me the two-yard-line, on a big third down, so shout out to him, great player, had a great day today, and I'll watch the film and get better from it.”

James shouted out the Cardinals' myriad playmakers but pinned blame for the loss on his team, which didn't play up to its considerable talents.

“They got a lot of playmakers, but at the end of the day, it's about us, bro. We didn't come out to play the way Chargers football needed to be played today, but shout out to them, bro. Like you say, Mike LaFleur, he did a great job getting it to his playmakers in space, we just gotta be better.”

The Cardinals' offensive preparation showed, while McDaniel and the Chargers did little to inspire confidence heading into Week 2. If things don't change soon, the Chargers could find themselves with an uphill battle to reach their Super Bowl aspirations yet again, a challenge that could once again prove insurmountable.