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The Arizona Cardinals built a commanding 27-3 lead before weathering a fierce Panthers comeback to secure a 27-22 victory in their home opener. Veteran defensive end Calais Campbell delivered the game-sealing sack with seconds remaining, preventing what could have been one of the season’s most shocking collapses.
The Cardinals wasted no time imposing their will at State Farm Stadium. On Carolina’s third offensive snap, linebacker Josh Sweat stripped quarterback Bryce Young, and Zaven Collins recovered the loose ball in the end zone for a touchdown. The Cardinals led 7-0 before most fans had settled into their seats.
Arizona’s aggressive defensive approach continued on the Panthers’ next possession. Sweat hit Young again during a throw, causing the ball to flutter into the hands of linebacker Baron Browning for an interception. The Cardinals converted that turnover into a field goal, taking a 10-0 lead less than 10 minutes into the game.
The Cardinals held Carolina to just 49 rushing yards, ending a seven-game streak where the Panthers’ defense had allowed at least 200 yards on the ground.
Quarterback Kyler Murray operated efficiently throughout the first half, completing 17 of 25 passes for 220 yards and a touchdown. His decision-making kept Carolina’s defense off-balance as the Cardinals mixed run and pass effectively.
Running back James Conner provided a physical presence, helping Arizona control the tempo. The Cardinals’ offensive line gave Murray time to find his targets, particularly Michael Wilson, who made several key receptions.
Trailing 13-3, Carolina appeared ready to escape the first half without further damage. Then Arizona’s special teams unit delivered a momentum-shifting play.
A 29-yard punt return with 51 seconds left in the first half set up a touchdown drive that ended with an 11-yard Michael Wilson catch with four seconds remaining. The Cardinals led 20-3 at halftime, and Carolina’s hopes looked bleak.
Arizona opened the third quarter with another scoring drive, capped by Conner’s 2-yard touchdown run. The 27-3 advantage seemed insurmountable.
Then Bryce Young started finding a rhythm. Young completed 24 of 38 passes for 217 yards and three touchdowns in the second half after managing just 111 yards and an interception in the first half.
Rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan became Young’s primary weapon during the rally. McMillan finished with 100 yards on six receptions, marking his first career 100-yard receiving game. His ability to win contested catches gave Carolina hope.
Hunter Renfrow scored two touchdown receptions, including the crucial score that cut Arizona’s lead to 27-22 with 1:58 remaining. It was Renfrow’s first multi-touchdown game since the final game of the 2021 season.
The Panthers then executed a successful onside kick—a rare accomplishment in today’s NFL. Safety Demani Richardson recovered the kick after it touched a Cardinals player, marking Carolina’s first successful onside kick since 2019.
With Carolina 51 yards from the end zone and time running out, the pressure mounted on Arizona’s defense. Young moved the Panthers to the Cardinals’ 33-yard line, setting up a manageable fourth-and-15.
That’s when Campbell made his presence felt. The 39-year-old defensive end, playing in his 18th NFL season, powered through the protection and brought down Young to end the threat.
Campbell said after the game that running onto the field felt emotional, and making the final play with the crowd going wild created “a really good feeling”.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon expressed frustration despite the victory. Gannon acknowledged he needs to do “a much better job making our guys, all three phases, understand how to close games out”.
The Cardinals showed two distinct identities. Their first-half performance demonstrated the aggressive, physical team Gannon envisions. The defensive pressure created turnovers, and the offense executed efficiently.
The second-half struggles exposed areas needing work. Arizona’s pass rush lost effectiveness, allowing Young time to pick apart the secondary. Multiple cornerback injuries compounded the problem. Cornerbacks Max Melton, Garrett Williams, and Will Johnson all left the game with injuries.
The Cardinals’ ability to survive the adversity matters. Last season’s Arizona team might have collapsed completely. This group found a way to win despite the chaos.
Young finished with career highs across multiple categories. He completed 35 passes on 55 attempts for 328 yards, all career bests, while matching his career high of three touchdown passes.
Arizona’s rushing defense delivered its best performance since Week 3 of last season. Limiting Carolina to 49 yards on the ground validated the Cardinals’ offseason emphasis on stopping the run.
The Cardinals moved to 2-0 for the first time since 2021. That early success provides breathing room in the competitive NFC West, where every game matters.
Carolina faces a familiar pattern, starting 0-2 for the fourth consecutive season. But the second-half fight suggests different circumstances than in previous years. The Panthers showed resilience that could serve them later.
For Arizona, the win counts the same regardless of style. Two games, two victories. The Cardinals now travel to face San Francisco in Week 3, carrying momentum despite the close call at home.
