The Arizona Cardinals’ statistical output through their first five games this NFL season has been straight-up dismal, and you gotta wonder if hiring first-year head coach Mike LaFleur was a massive misstep. After getting absolutely clobbered 45-21 by the Detroit Lions just this past Sunday, October 11, 2026, the heat on LaFleur is cranked all the way up.
From McVay Assistant To Head Coach Hot Seat
Here’s the thing, LaFleur wasn’t even the Cardinals’ top choice for head coach. He was a secondary option, only getting the gig after the Las Vegas Raiders snatched up Klint Kubiak earlier this year. His own resume didn’t exactly scream “NFL head coach material,” but his history as an assistant under Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay apparently bought him some favor. He spent some time with the New York Jets and other franchises too, sure, but being a head coach in this league demands a certain leadership quality. And honestly, through five games, LaFleur just hasn’t shown it.
Turnovers, Penalties, And An Offense That’s Going Nowhere Fast
The problems on the field are piling up faster than a rookie’s laundry. We’re talking team turnovers, a total lack of discipline, constant penalties, and an offensive strategy that seems stuck in neutral. It all just screams “novice,” and frankly, LaFleur hasn’t shown a shred of competence so far. While some Cardinals fans are pointing fingers at defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, a closer look at the numbers tells a different story. The offense has been completely counterproductive. When you can’t sustain drives and move the ball, it’s impossible to win games, and that was supposed to be LaFleur’s wheelhouse. He was brought in to fix that exact area.
So yeah, it’s pretty darn tough not to shine the spotlight directly on LaFleur and his shortcomings. With the season already hitting October 14, 2026, the question in Arizona isn’t just “What’s wrong?” It’s “How much longer can this go on?”
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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