The Arizona Cardinals are 2-0 for the first time since 2015, but it didn’t come easy. After building a 27-3 lead in the third quarter, the Cardinals nearly let the Carolina Panthers steal the game late, needing a chaotic final defensive stand to hang on for a win.
Top two takeaways from Arizona’s nail-biting 27-22 win over Panthers:
1. Fast Start and Run Defense Set the Tone
Arizona’s defense came out firing, forcing turnovers on Carolina’s first two possessions — including a scoop-and-score by Zaven Collins — to build a quick 10-0 lead. They also completely shut down the Panthers’ rushing attack, holding Chuba Hubbard to just 38 yards after he gashed them for 152 a year ago. Two key two-point conversion stops loomed large in keeping Carolina from completing its furious comeback.
2. Closing Games Remains a Concern
For the second straight week, the Cardinals let an opponent hang around late, and this time they nearly blew a 24-point lead. Carolina converted multiple fourth downs, recovered an onside kick, and had a final chance to take the lead before Arizona’s pass rush — led by Calais Campbell and Josh Sweat — finally slammed the door. Head coach Jonathan Gannon took accountability afterward, saying he needs to do a better job helping his team finish. If the Cardinals want to keep winning, they’ll need to find a way to put games away more cleanly.
Up next for Arizona: Sunday, September 21 vs. San Francisco 49ers (4:25 p.m. ET on FOX)
