The Carolina Panthers lost 27-22 to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at State Farm Stadium, falling to 0-2 for the season. Despite a strong effort in the second half, the Panthers were unable to overcome an early deficit.
The team faced injury challenges during the game. Starting right guard Robert Hunt left with a biceps injury and center Austin Corbett exited due to a knee issue. Both were replaced by Chandler Zavala and Cade Mays.
Quarterback Bryce Young led three touchdown drives in the second half, two of which ended with passes to wide receiver Hunter Renfrow. The Panthers’ defense also managed an interception by D.J. Wonnum and recovered an onside kick late in the game.
However, early turnovers set the tone for Carolina’s struggles. On their third offensive play, Young was sacked and fumbled, resulting in an Arizona touchdown. He then threw an interception on the following possession, putting the Panthers down 10-0 early.
Young later connected with rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who had four catches for 75 yards in the first half. But just before halftime, a potential third-down conversion was overturned after review, leading to a Cardinals punt return and another touchdown pass from Kyler Murray to Michael Wilson as time expired in the first half.
The Cardinals extended their lead with a touchdown drive to open the second half. The Panthers responded with fourth-down conversions by Chuba Hubbard and Ja’Tavion Sanders before Young found Renfrow for his first touchdown since January 7, 2023. Two-point conversion attempts after touchdowns failed twice for Carolina.
Carolina continued its comeback attempt through key defensive plays and long scoring drives but ultimately fell short when Young was sacked by Calais Campbell on their final fourth down.
