A nearly flawless effort restored faith in the Carolina Panthers (1-2) season even without quarterback Cam Newton. Carolina last left the field victorious with backup Kyle Allen starting Week 17, one year ago against a New Orleans Saints team already preparing for the playoffs. Many chalked it up to luck but Sunday proved otherwise.
Allen now was up against a Cardinals team in rebuilding mode but one that was also granted this year’s No. 1 overall pick, Kyler Murray, and should soon find success. Granted, this was far from putting the Panthers back into contention but a 38-20 victory does provide hope.