King Leads Panthers to Victory
The Carolina Panthers secured a 33-30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in the Hall of Fame Game, marked by a dramatic finish led by undrafted rookie quarterback Haynes King. King’s performance, which included a game-winning 5-yard touchdown run as time expired, capped off a comeback for the Panthers.
King entered the game in the second half, taking over from veteran Kenny Pickett. He quickly made an impact, demonstrating mobility and confident decision-making. His stat line for the night included 21 of 34 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns, alongside 39 rushing yards and a touchdown on three carries.
Panthers head coach Dave Canales praised King’s ability to grow as a passer while embracing his mobility. Canales noted similarities to his experience with Russell Wilson early in his career, highlighting the importance of a mobile quarterback’s ability to extend plays and gain yardage when passing lanes are covered.
The game’s final drive saw King convert a crucial third-and-14 play with a scramble for a first down, stopping the clock and setting up the eventual winning score. Offensive coordinator Brad Idzik even joked about King’s impromptu quarterback draw that led to the touchdown, a play King admitted he kept to himself.
Cardinals’ Rookie Quarterback Impresses Early
Before King’s late-game heroics, Cardinals rookie quarterback Carson Beck also delivered an impressive performance in his NFL debut. Beck, a former four-star high school recruit, showcased his arm talent and comfort in the pocket throughout the first half.
Beck completed 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown, without any interceptions, achieving a 125.4 rating. His throws included dump-offs, short bullets, intermediate passes, and deep missiles, demonstrating a wide range of skills. He also executed pump fakes to draw defenders, a technique requested by coach Mike LaFleur.
The matchup between King and Beck echoed a previous college encounter, an eight-overtime game between Georgia and Georgia Tech. King expressed respect for Beck, acknowledging him as a great player with tremendous talent who has performed well on significant stages.
Other Notable Performances
While the rookie quarterbacks stole the spotlight, other players also made contributions. For the Panthers, veteran quarterback Kenny Pickett started the game, eventually leading a touchdown drive after an initial sack. His performance was described as finding a rhythm after a hesitant start.
In the running back rotation, Zonovan “Bam” Knight saw significant action, carrying the ball 12 times for 60 yards. A.J. Dillon, despite only three carries, made an impact with an 18-yard reception and a 1-yard touchdown run, marking Carolina’s first score of the game. Dillon also had a 13-yard run on the subsequent drive.
The wide receiver battle for the Panthers also saw several players vying for roster spots. John Metchie III was Carolina’s leading receiver with three catches for 38 yards. Ja’Seem Reed scored one of King’s touchdown passes. Jimmy Horn Jr. was a frequent target for King, though not always accurately, and also dropped a pass. Brycen Tremayne drew a defensive pass interference penalty that aided a Pickett-led drive.
The Panthers’ victory in the Hall of Fame Game provided an early look at potential depth chart changes and individual player development as the 2026 NFL preseason continues.
Source: nfl.com
