Full Breakdown
Panthers Stun Cardinals with Last-Second Touchdown in 2026 Hall of Fame Game
8/7/2026, 10:44:23 AM
Game Overview
The preseason Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio featured the Carolina Panthers against the Arizona Cardinals. The Thursday night contest ended with a 33-30 Panthers victory, sealed by a two-second rushing touchdown from undrafted rookie quarterback Haynes King. The game marked the unofficial start of the NFL preseason schedule and opened a weekend of Hall of Fame celebrations in Canton.
Background & Context
The Hall of Fame Game traditionally kicks off the preseason and coincides with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony. The matchup gave both clubs a first look at new personnel ahead of the regular season, which begins in early September.
Key Figures & Groups
- Carson Beck — rookie quarterback, Arizona Cardinals; unexpectedly named starter.
- Haynes King — undrafted free-agent quarterback, Carolina Panthers; third-string who entered the game in the first half.
- Kenny Pickett — veteran Panthers quarterback; rested per the coaching staff.
- Nathaniel Hackett — offensive coordinator, Arizona Cardinals; oversaw Beck’s first start.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Panthers 33, Cardinals 30 (NBC Sports recap).
- Total yardage: Cardinals 425, Panthers 378.
- Carson Beck: 15-of-19, 188 yards, 1 TD, later replaced by Kedon Slovis.
- Haynes King: 21-of-34, 180 yards, 2 TDs, 39 rushing yards on three carries, including the game-winning 5-yard run.
Official Statements & Responses
Arizona’s offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett praised Beck’s “great execution” and “smart, sound decisions.” Carolina’s staff highlighted the depth-building aspect of the game, noting that starters such as Bryce Young and Kenny Pickett were rested to give younger players meaningful reps.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I had no clue I was going to start,” — Carson Beck
- “I think the biggest thing for me, especially just as we're going through training camp and we're still building the chemistry with the guys, is can we be on the same page as an offense? Are my eyes in the right spot? Am I making the right decisions? Am I making the right reads? Am I getting through my progressions quickly?” — Carson Beck
- “Two coaches that came from that Saban tree and kind of that Saban way of doing things, which is, I mean, your fall camps are just hell,” — Carson Beck
Impact & What’s Next
King’s performance gave the Panthers a potential depth option at quarterback, a position that has seen injuries and turnover in recent seasons. The win also gave the Panthers a confidence boost heading into their remaining preseason games against Buffalo, Jacksonville and Houston before the regular-season opener.
