Sports

The Carolina Panthers Defeat The Arizona Cardinals In First Pre-Season Game Of The NFL Pre-Season 33-30

By Staff Report / August 7, 2026

Undrafted rookie quarterback Haynes King scored a 5-yard rushing touchdown as time expired to lift the Carolina Panthers to a thrilling 33-30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Thursday night’s Hall of Fame Game.

The walk-off score capped a frantic, 10-play final drive to open the 2026 NFL preseason before a packed crowd at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

A Back-and-Forth Thriller

After a defensive, scoreless first quarter, both offenses exploded in a back-and-forth second half. Arizona appeared to secure the win with 1:55 remaining in the fourth quarter. Cardinals quarterback Kedon Slovis engineered a go-ahead drive, finding wideout Bryson Green for a 1-yard touchdown pass to put Arizona up 30-27.

But King, fighting for a roster spot, answered with late-game heroics. Facing a critical third-and-14 during the final drive, the dual-threat quarterback broke loose for a 26-yard scramble to keep Carolina’s hopes alive. Moments later, he callously tucked the ball and plunged into the end zone to seal the victory.

Quarterback Showdowns

With starting quarterbacks sitting out, the exhibition showcase belonged to the young signal-callers:

  • Haynes King (Panthers): Completed 21 of 34 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns, adding 39 rushing yards and the game-winning score.
  • Carson Beck (Cardinals): Impressed early, finishing 15-of-19 for 188 yards, one touchdown, and a stellar 125.4 passer rating.

On the ground, Carolina running back Miles Davis provided an explosive spark with 53 rushing yards on just four touches, including a 36-yard burst. Arizona’s aerial attack was led by Jalen Brooks, who torched the secondary for 99 yards on three receptions.

Honoring Legends

The matchup served as the unofficial kickoff to the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement weekend. The game held deep significance for both franchises, celebrating the upcoming inductions of Panthers legendary linebacker Luke Kuechly and Cardinals iconic wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.

In a show of organizational unity, numerous current Panthers players arrived at the stadium wearing Kuechly’s signature No. 59 jersey. Both teams will now return to their respective training camps to prepare for week two of the preseason.

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