The Carolina Panthers clinched a 33-30 win against the Arizona Cardinals during the Hall of Fame preseason opener in Canton, Ohio. Rookie quarterback Haynes King made a decisive 5-yard touchdown run on the final play, leading to the Panthers’ victory.
Haynes King, the previous Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year, had a significant impact. Completing 21 of 34 passes, he threw for 180 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 39 yards. “Well, that was a lot of fun,” Panthers coach Dave Canales remarked. He praised the team’s resilience and emphasized their practice for end-of-game scenarios.
Carson Beck also showcased his potential for Arizona. After his performance, Kedon Slovis connected a 1-yard touchdown pass to Bryson Green, giving the Cardinals a temporary 30-27 advantage.
King’s fourth-quarter play included a 4-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Tyus III, initially putting the Panthers ahead 24-20. Earlier, he threw a 15-yard touchdown to Ja’seem Reed in the second quarter and kept the final drive alive with a 26-yard run on third-and-14.
Beck, a third-round pick, completed 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards. He led a 98-yard touchdown drive with standout plays, including a 35-yard third-down pass to Jalen Brooks and a 49-yard deep ball.
Veterans Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew head Arizona’s roster, but expectations remain cautious with the competitive nature of their division.
Coaches Canales and LaFleur complimented the rookies’ performances. Canales acknowledged Beck’s accuracy and professional conduct, while LaFleur highlighted his ability to remain composed.
The Panthers, previously winners of the NFC South with an 8-9 record, started the game with Kenny Pickett, who achieved 62 yards on 8 of 11 passes. Pickett was followed by King.
In related news, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 includes renowned players like Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald, among others. Larry Fitzgerald received a special tribute from the Cardinals, with players donning shirts bearing his number 11.
In broadcasting, former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin took on a new role as an analyst with NBC’s “Football Night in America.”
Upcoming games feature the Panthers playing at Buffalo on August 15 and the Cardinals visiting Las Vegas on August 13.
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