League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Panthers score late to top Cardinals in pre-season opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 7, 2026, 3:31 AM

Last updated Aug 7, 2026

Panthers score late to top Cardinals in pre-season opener

Summary

The Carolina Panthers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 33-30 in the first NFL pre-season game of 2026 held at Canton, Ohio. Haynes King clinched the win with a five-yard touchdown run on the final play after the Panthers opted to go for a touchdown instead of a field goal. The game featured a back-and-forth scoring exchange, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. The match marked the debut of Arizona head coach Mike LaFleur, as the NFL pre-season kicks off ahead of the regular season next month.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Haynes King completed 21-of-34 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns.
•Cardinals scored first with a one-yard touchdown run by Corey Kiner.
•Both teams were tied at halftime, 17-17.
•Arizona led late in the fourth before Carolina's final drive.
•Luke Kuechly and Larry Fitzgerald are honored ahead of the game.

Latest Updates

3:31 AMYahoo Sports — Panthers edge Cardinals in NFL pre-season opener

What they're saying

"
Haynes King's five-yard touchdown run on the final play gave the Carolina Panthers a 33-30 victory over Arizona on Thursday in the first NFL pre-season game of the 2026 season.With no overtime in pre-season games, the Panthers elected to go for the victory on the final play rather than kick a tying field goal.
— Yahoo Sports

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