GLENDALE – This past Sunday’s matchup against the Carolina Panthers almost ended in disaster for the Arizona Cardinals, and fans reacted harshly to the hectic ending to the Cardinals’ victory.
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Carolina Panthers special teams player Demani Richardson (36) dives to recover the onside kick against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on Sept 14, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
In the first two opening weeks of the season, the Arizona Cardinals have not made it easy on themselves. Letting their opponents back into both matchups and having to rely on their defense to shut the door isn’t a recipe for long-term success for this franchise. These problems reared their head again after the Panthers were able to have a chance for a comeback victory after retrieving an onside kick late in the fourth quarter. Mistakes after mistakes led to that opportunity for Carolina, and it is something that Arizona fans are ready to see get cleared up.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws the ball against the Carolina Panthers at State Farm Stadium on Sept 14, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Arizona Cardinals fans react to nail-biting ending in Panthers win:
Yes, you won a game everybody had slated as a win. The problem is, it wasn’t good enough on which should have been 2 easy wins. But we’ll take them. But it’s nothing to hang your hat on. So much to work on.
— Heathen Hammer (@HeathenHammer5) September 14, 2025
Maybe we are not a playoff team… still inconsistent, no passing offense, MHJ still not involved, our OL somehow got worse this season.
— K2 (@Krnconnection) September 14, 2025
Maybe we are not a playoff team… still inconsistent, no passing offense, MHJ still not involved, our OL somehow got worse this season.
— K2 (@Krnconnection) September 14, 2025
Stop laying down in the second half.
— Zach (@AZsportsfan1142) September 15, 2025
Stop laying down in the second half.
— Zach (@AZsportsfan1142) September 15, 2025
cardiac cards
— . (@wthcards) September 14, 2025
This team will never go anywhere while Drew Petzing is anywhere near it. Waste of another year. We aren’t doing anything…
— kkellypro (@kkellypro) September 14, 2025
It’s obvious that the frustrations are already mounting up, and the season has just gotten underway. Some of the fingers are being pointed at Cardinals QB Kyler Murray, as the team goes as he performs. Though the heat has been on about how the offensive line has been performing, as well as the playcalling by Cardinals Offensive Coordinator Drew Petzing.
Sep 10, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing walks on the sideline before the game against the Washington Commanders at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports
The Cardinals now have their first divisional game of the season against the San Francisco 49ers in their Week 3 road matchup, and all eyes will be on how Arizona performs in a massive test. The 49ers will be without QB Brody Purdy or star TE George Kittle, and if the Arizona Cardinals let backup QB Mac Jones lead San Francisco to a victory or even a late-game comeback, there will be some serious questions about the future of this team.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
