GLENDALE – Back-to-back weeks that were too close for comfort for the Arizona Cardinals. The New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers were each had a final possession to tie/win the game, with Week 2 having 19 unanswered points. After allowing only three points in the first half, the Arizona defense allows three touchdowns in three straight possessions to Carolina.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Head coach Jonathan Gannon stated that he needs to coach better, but that coachspeak doesn’t answer truthfully to the near collapse by the Cardinals.
Aug 2, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon reacts in the Red and White practice during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
What happened to Cardinals in second half:
When a team almost blows a 24-point lead, there are plenty of factors that lead into it. The Kyler Murray interception, countless defensive injuries, the onside kick and more. However, the problem relies on the scheme created by Nick Rallis.
The third-year defensive coordinator’s plan was clear: don’t let anything over the top. Boasting a 24-point lead meant that all Arizona had to do was run out the clock, allowing Carolina to spam underneath and short route combinations. The Panthers and quarterback Bryce Young were perfectly happy throw a five-yard out route or seven-yard curl.
Sep 14, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
The Cardinals didn’t even try to adjust to those routes not allowing anything past the markers. Despite not going deep, Carolina was still able to move down the field at a fairly quick pace. All three of the Panthers touchdown drives were 12+ plays of just quick routes.
As the Arizona offense stalled out, Carolina was starting to rev up and nearly stole the win. That was until 39-year-old Calais Campbell came to save the day. Regardless, this game will be a lesson to not give anything easy to other teams, as it might give them the boost needed to crawl back into the game.
Calais Campbell talks about saving Cardinals in Week 2 win over Panthers
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
