Cardinals at Panthers: Highlights, score and recap
By John Buhler
The Carolina Panthers defeated the Arizona Cardinals, 30-20 in Week 8. Carolina improves to 2-5 on the season, while Arizona falls to 3-4-1 on the year.
The well-rested Carolina Panthers take advantage of a tired Arizona Cardinals team to move to 2-5 on the season. Arizona was still reeling from a Week 7 tie to the Seattle Seahawks and fall to 3-4-1 on the season.
The Panthers’ pass rush returned to 2015 form by crushing Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer on multiple occasions. Palmer didn’t play bad, but he had no help from exhausted bell-cow back David Johnson. Carolina was relentless in stuffing the run.
Sunday also saw the return of Panthers starting running back Jonathan Stewart. He clearly is the driving force behind the Panthers offense. When he’s healthy, this offense is elite. If often-injured Stewart is out, the Panthers struggle to move the chains.
This win for the Panthers keeps their slim NFC Playoff dreams alive for another week. For Arizona, 2016 may just not be their year. The Cardinals were fortunate to see the NFC West leading Seahawks fall to the New Orleans Saints in Week 8, but Arizona does not feel like a playoff team in 2016.
Three Stars
- Jonathan Stewart: Stewart was everything for the Panthers, even if he did lose a fumble for them. He ran the ball 25 times for 95 yards and two touchdowns. He also had one catch for 25 yards.
- Star Lotulelei: Loutulelei devoured Palmer in this game. He sacked Palmer three times on Sunday. The Panthers defensive tackle would have six tackles and three for a loss of yardage in this one.
- Daryl Worley: Worley was playing like a mad man in the Panthers defense. He had 11 tackles seven solo, one pass defended, and a quarterback sack for a loss of yardage.
Next Game
The Cardinals will be in the bye in Week 9. Their next game will be at home on Sunday, November 13th against the division rival San Francisco 49ers. Kickoff from University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale will be at 4:25 PM ET. FOX will have that late afternoon telecast.
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The Panthers will have to travel across country for their Week 9 game. They will play the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, November 6th. Kickoff from Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will be at 4:05 PM ET. FOX will have that telecast.