The Arizona Cardinals secured a 27-22 win over the Carolina Panthers in their home opener, moving to a 2-0 record for the season. Calais Campbell, returning to play his first home game as a Cardinal after eight years away, made a key sack of Panthers quarterback Bryce Young on fourth down to secure the victory.
“I’m tired as (expletive),” said Campbell after the game, smiling from the win.
Despite building a 24-point lead in the second half, the Cardinals struggled to close out the game for a second consecutive week. Head coach Jonathan Gannon acknowledged this issue.
“I obviously have to do a better job making our guys, all three phases, understand how to close games out,” Gannon said. “That’s two in a row now.
“I don’t want to take their joy away. I’m glad we’re 2-0. But we’ve got a long way to go.”
The Panthers narrowed the score late in the fourth quarter and recovered an onside kick with less than two minutes remaining. The Cardinals’ defense ultimately held firm as Campbell sacked Young for his second time of the day.
“Coming out of the tunnel, running on the field, that’s when the emotion kind if hit me,” Campbell said. “I was turnt up. I felt the love from the crowd. … The way the game went to be able to make the play at the end of the game, and have the crowd go wild, that’s a really good feeling.”
The final moments were marked by penalties and injuries among Arizona’s cornerbacks. Garrett Williams became one of three top cornerbacks injured during critical plays late in the game.
“That was kind of a (expletive)show, to be honest,” said quarterback Kyler Murray about Carolina’s last drive.
After leading by 24 points midway through third quarter, Arizona’s offense struggled with turnovers and failed drives that allowed Carolina back into contention.
“We’re 2-0, but that’s not the way it feels,” tackle Paris Johnson Jr. said.
Arizona started strong with linebacker Josh Sweat forcing an early fumble that Zaven Collins returned for a touchdown. Baron Browning added an interception soon after following pressure from Mack Wilson Sr., giving Arizona momentum early in front of their home fans.
Coach Gannon praised his team’s start but emphasized improvements are needed late in games as fatigue set in across both sides of play.
“That’s not how you script it,” Johnson said. “We’ve got to finish with the ball in our hands. We’re here to win, but that’s not the only thing we’re grading ourselves on.”
Murray also commented on recurring issues closing out games: “We could be 0-2, but we’re 2-0 with this issue,” he said. “I don’t want to make it a thing, but at the same time we have to finish games… So it didn’t bite us in (the) ass today… But you keep playing around (you’ll) get bit.”
A pivotal moment came just before halftime when Michael Wilson caught an 11-yard touchdown pass following a strong punt return drive by Arizona; they followed up with another touchdown drive at halftime’s start led by James Conner’s short run for their largest lead at 27-3.
Campbell and Browning stood out defensively while tight end Trey McBride led all receivers with six catches for 78 yards. The Cardinals limited Carolina’s rushing attack significantly compared with last season’s meeting between these teams.
Injuries affected several key defensive players including Max Melton (knee), Garrett Williams (knee), Will Johnson (groin), and L.J. Collier (knee). All left Sunday’s contest due to various ailments.
