Mike LaFleur’s start is much better than Cardinals’ losing record suggests

Reese Kunz of Raising Zona argues that first-year head coach Mike LaFleur has enjoyed a successful start with the Arizona Cardinals despite their 1-2 record. Arizona entered the 2026 season with low expectations and was widely projected to contend for the top draft pick. However, after upsetting the Los Angeles Chargers 26-14 in Week 1 and competing through a tough early schedule, Kunz awards LaFleur an A- grade for establishing a promising culture.

Following subsequent losses to the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers, the Cardinals remain tied for last place in the NFC West. Kunz contends that maintaining veteran leaders like Budda Baker and Josh Sweat has aided player development, concluding that LaFleur's early tenure is successfully shifting the franchise's trajectory toward a competitive five- or six-win campaign.