Rookie quarterbacks spark 33-30 Panthers win over Cardinals in Hall of Fame Game

Carolina and Arizona opened the 2026 preseason with a three-point thriller in Canton, Ohio. Undrafted rookie Haynes King entered the game in the second quarter and completed a 5-yard touchdown pass with no time left in the fourth period, giving the Panthers a 33-30 victory.

Arizona quarterback Kedon Slovis connected with Bryson Green for a go-ahead score with 1:55 remaining, a play that was upheld after review confirmed both feet were in bounds and the ball was secured.

Both teams rested their regular starters, allowing rookies to see significant playing time. Cardinals third-round pick Carson Beck completed 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown in the first half and early third quarter, including a 96-yard drive that ended with a touchdown to Simi Fehoko.

King, an undrafted Georgia Tech graduate, replaced Kenny Pickett on the Panthers' second possession of the second quarter. He led a 65-yard drive that culminated in a 15-yard touchdown pass to Ja'seem Reed and finished with 21 completions on 34 attempts for 180 yards and two touchdowns.

The Panthers' kicking unit contributed two field goals, the second of which provided a four-point lead before the final drive. Arizona's running backs Bam Knight and Corey Kiner combined for 113 yards on 24 carries, while Chad Ryland added three field goals for the Cardinals.