Cardinals’ Collapse Nearly Blows Game, But Campbell’s Heroics Save 27-22 Win

If you have been an Arizona Cardinals fan for any length of time, you know it is never over until it is over. Well, let’s clarify. It’s over if the Cardinals are down by 24 points in the second half. Don’t worry about it, leave the stadium…get ahead of traffic, it is time to go. 

But if the opponent is down by 24 points? Be sure to stick around and discover the creative ways your team can mess it up. 

On Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, the Cardinals fans who did stick around ALMOST saw their team find another creative way to lose. In the end, a late furious rally led by quarterback Bryce Young came up short, and the Cardinals won 27-22. This was after leading 27-3 in the third quarter. 

Five takeaways from the Cardinals’ victory

Campbell’s Clutch Sack Ends Panthers’ Comeback Hopes

It all came down to one play. With just 26 seconds left on the clock, the Panthers faced a critical fourth-and-15 from the Arizona 38-yard line. Young dropped back, scrambling for time and a receiver, but before he could unleash a potential game-winning pass, the ageless Calais Campbell broke through the line and wrapped him up for a sack. The takedown extinguished Carolina’s fiery comeback and sealed the victory for the Cardinals. It was a fitting end to a day where Campbell, a cornerstone of the defense, made his presence felt with five tackles and two crucial sacks.

Cardinals’ Defense Roars to Life Early

The Cardinals’ defense set the tone from the very first series. Defensive end Josh Sweat made his first sack as a Cardinal a memorable one, strip-sacking Young deep in Panthers territory. Linebacker Zaven Collins scooped up the loose ball and rumbled into the end zone for a touchdown, giving Arizona an early lead before their offense even touched the field. The defensive onslaught continued when linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. delivered a jarring hit on Young, causing an errant pass that was intercepted by Baron Browning. These early turnovers allowed the Cardinals to build a commanding 27-3 lead by the third quarter, a cushion that proved just barely big enough.

Young Leads a Furious But Futile Rally

Despite a brutal start, Bryce Young and the Panthers’ offense refused to go quietly. After being stymied for most of the game, Young caught fire in the second half, leading three consecutive touchdown drives that sliced the Cardinals’ 24-point lead down to just five. He connected with wide receiver Hunter Renfrow and running back Chuba Hubbard for scores, showcasing the poise and talent that made him a top draft pick. Young finished with an impressive 328 passing yards and three touchdowns, but his heroic second-half effort and a successful onside kick recovery weren’t enough to overcome the massive early deficit.

Murray’s Efficient Day Guides the Offense

While the defense was creating chaos, Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray played a smart, efficient game to steer the offense for three quarters.. Murray completed 17 of his 25 passes for 220 yards and a touchdown.. His connection with his receivers, particularly rookie standout Tetairoa McMillan, kept the chains moving. A 31-yard scramble highlighted Murray’s dual-threat ability, extending a drive and frustrating the Panthers‘ defense. Though he threw one interception, Murray’s steady leadership was crucial in building the lead that the Cardinals would desperately need to defend.

Conner Punches It in for Key Score

Running back James Conner provided a critical offensive score that extended the Cardinals’ lead in the third quarter. While the running game wasn’t dominant, Conner’s touchdown run was a display of toughness and determination. He plowed through the line, providing what seemed at the time to be an insurmountable lead. That rushing touchdown proved to be the winning margin, highlighting the importance of capitalizing on scoring opportunities in a game that came down to the wire.

Top Performers of the Game

• Bryce Young, QB, Panthers: Despite the loss, Young put on a show, completing 35 of 55 passes for 328 yards and three touchdowns. His resilience in the second half nearly pulled off an incredible comeback.
• Kyler Murray, QB, Cardinals: Murray went 17-for-25 with 220 passing yards and a touchdown. He made key plays when needed.
• Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Cardinals: The rookie was Murray’s favorite target, hauling in six receptions for a game-high 100 yards and proving to be a reliable deep threat.
• Trey McBride, TE, Cardinals: McBride was a dependable security blanket for Murray, catching six passes for 78 yards and helping to sustain several key drives.
• Calais Campbell, DT, Cardinals: The veteran was a defensive force, recording five tackles and two sacks, including the game-clincher that sealed the victory.