Carolina Panthers Triumph in Hall of Fame Game

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The Carolina Panthers secured a 33-30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in the Hall of Fame game, marking the start of the NFL preseason on Thursday night in Canton, Ohio. Rookie quarterback Haynes King led the Panthers with an impressive performance. He concluded the game with a 5-yard run for a touchdown, sealing the win for his team.

King, the previous season’s Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year from Georgia Tech, completed 21 of 34 passes, accumulating 180 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 39 yards, contributing the game-winning score. Panthers coach Dave Canales complimented King, noting his ability to keep plays alive and his effective use of passing and running.

“The guys were resilient and finish is what we preach as a team. We practice for these situations,” Canales said. “Haynes did a fantastic job.”

Carson Beck also made a notable debut for the Cardinals. After Beck left the game, Kedon Slovis threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Bryson Green with less than two minutes left, giving the Cardinals a 30-27 lead. Nevertheless, King rallied the Panthers back into the lead.

King’s standout performance included a 4-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Tyus III in the fourth quarter, putting Carolina ahead 24-20. He also connected with Ja’seem Reed with a 15-yard touchdown pass earlier in the game. A crucial 26-yard run on third-and-14 kept their final drive alive.

Backup and reserve players had opportunities to shine from both teams. Beck, a third-round pick, completed 15 of 19 passes, totaling 188 yards and one touchdown. Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur praised Beck for his composure and performance under pressure. Slovis delivered nine of 10 passes for 106 yards.

Veteran quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew lead for the Cardinals, but the team has modest expectations in a strong division. Coach Canales acknowledged Beck’s strong play on the opposing side.

“He operated like a professional. He looked fantastic,” Canales stated. “Our rush was decent. He threw some beautiful passes.”

King, anticipated to be Carolina’s third quarterback, replaced Kenny Pickett after Pickett started the game with 62 yards over eight of 11 passes.

Highlights from the game included Beck’s perfect deep pass to Jalen Brooks for a significant 49-yard gain, concluding a drive with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Simi Fehoko.

The Cardinals opted to rest running back Jeremiyah Love, the third overall draft pick, despite his eagerness to play.

Gold Jackets

The upcoming Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 includes Drew Brees, Roger Craig, Adam Vinatieri, Larry Fitzgerald, and Luke Kuechly.

Tomlin’s New Role

In broadcasting, former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin made his debut with the NBC team, transitioning to a lead studio analyst role after a long tenure in Pittsburgh.

Honoring Records

Jacoby Brissett and All-Pro tight end Trey McBride visited the Pro Football Hall of Fame Museum, where their record-breaking jerseys are displayed. McBride set an NFL record with 126 receptions by a tight end, and Brissett achieved a record with 47 completions in a game against the San Francisco 49ers last November.

Tribute to Fitzgerald

Prior to the game, Cardinals players honored Larry Fitzgerald by wearing red T-shirts imprinted with his No. 11. Fitzgerald expressed his appreciation for the tribute.