The Arizona Cardinals mounted an impressive comeback from a 17-point deficit against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, forcing overtime, but they ultimately fell short in the extra session, losing 36-30. The defeat officially ends the Cardinals’ playoff hopes, extending their postseason drought to three consecutive years.
The Cardinals had opportunities to steal the win. After forcing a Carolina punt in overtime, Arizona started on their own 10-yard line. Despite converting a critical fourth down from their 19-yard line to keep the drive alive, costly mistakes derailed their momentum. With no timeouts left, the Cardinals took a delay-of-game penalty, leading to a third-and-10. On the ensuing play, Panthers linebacker Josey Jewell sacked Kyler Murray, forcing a punt. Carolina’s offense capitalized after a penalty on their first return required a re-kick.
Starting at the Cardinals’ 49-yard line, the Panthers sealed the win with two decisive runs by Chuba Hubbard. Hubbard ripped off a 28-yard run to get into field goal range, then finished the game with a 21-yard touchdown, cementing the Panthers’ victory.
Penalties were a significant factor for the Cardinals, who committed 11 infractions during the game. Those errors allowed the Panthers to jump out to a 20-3 lead in the first half, forcing Arizona to play from behind for most of the day. Despite that, the Cardinals had chances late in the game. Trailing 30-27 in the fourth quarter, Kyler Murray threw a costly interception to Panthers safety Demani Richardson with just over three minutes left. Murray redeemed himself by leading a drive that set up Chad Ryland’s game-tying field goal to force overtime, but the Cardinals couldn’t complete the comeback.
Arizona’s season started with promise as they led their division with a 6-4 record through 10 weeks. However, they’ve since lost four of their last five games, collapsing out of playoff contention.
The Panthers, despite being eliminated from postseason contention as well, found reasons for optimism. Quarterback Bryce Young, benched earlier in the season, continued his resurgence. Young accounted for three touchdowns on Sunday—two through the air and one on the ground—showing growth after replacing Andy Dalton, who suffered a midseason thumb injury in a car accident.
Running back Chuba Hubbard also shined with 165 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner. The Panthers, now playing for pride, can still play spoiler in the NFC South. They’ll face the Buccaneers and Falcons, both fighting for playoff spots, in their final two games.
For Carolina, Sunday’s victory was a reminder of their potential. For Arizona, it was a bitter end to a season that began with promise but unraveled in the critical stretch.
