Cardinals display strong offense but falter defensively in preseason opener

The Arizona Cardinals played their preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers on August 6, 2026, losing 33-30. With 425 yards of total offense, including 294 passing yards and two touchdowns, the offense showed promise, scoring on six of their final seven possessions. However, the defense struggled, allowing the Panthers to score six times in their last seven drives, culminating in a game-winning touchdown by Haynes King as time expired. The Cardinals' offseason improvements focus on enhancing offensive capabilities, although their defensive issues persist from last season, when they ranked among the league's worst. This match may indicate challenges the team could face throughout the upcoming season.

• 4:59 AMYahoo Sports — Arizona Cardinals show good offense, bad defense in preseason opener