The underwhelming statistical output the Arizona Cardinals have yielded for throughout the first five games of the NFL season has been quite dismal. Furthermore, fans and critics may begin to contemplate whether team administration made the right decision by hiring first-year head coach Mike LaFleur.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, left, shakes hands with Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur after a 45-21 win over the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026.
LaFleur wasn’t the primary choice nor too candidate but was a secondary option after the Las Vegas Raiders hired Klint Kubiak as their head coach earlier this year. LaFleur’s repertoire didn’t have a hefty acclaim but his connection and operative role as an assistant to Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay did summon him some favor. LaFleur also spent a few years with the New York Jets and other franchises as well. Still, operating as a head coach in the NFL takes a certain leadership quality that has not really been exemplified by LaFleur in the first five games. A combination of team turnovers, lack of discipline, penalties and utter offensive indecision in strategy all seem to mirror the novice disposition of LaFleur who quite frankly has not showed himself to be competent so far.
Many Cardinals’ fans question whether or not defensive coordinator Nick Rallis should’ve been retained but an analytical deeper look shows that the Arizona Cardinals offense has been quite counterproductive. Thus without an ability to sustain offensive drives, A area facet that the newly head coach was supposed to edify, It’s very difficult not to share some spotlight on LaFleur and his shortcomings.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Cardinals HC Mike LaFleur seems to be in dire straits in the desert

