The Carolina Panthers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 33-30 in a wild Hall of Fame Game, kicking off the NFL season with an absolute thriller. That high-scoring result tells you everything you need to know about how entertaining this preseason opener was, even if it featured almost entirely backups on the field. It was a perfect way for both teams to give their young players some serious reps and see what talent they’ve got.
Carson Beck was the story for most of the night, absolutely slinging it for 188 passing yards and a touchdown in just over a half of work. The former Georgia and Miami signal-caller, who was a high-profile guy in college but only went in the third round of the NFL Draft, looked like anything but a rookie. At 24 years old, Beck played with a level of experience most first-year players only dream of. He commanded that offense, looking confident and accurate throughout the game. Talk about making a strong first impression.
But then, the fireworks came from Haynes King for the Panthers. While Kenny Pickett got the starting nod, King took the bulk of the snaps for Carolina at quarterback. This former Georgia Tech guy is known as a dual-threat, but he seriously impressed more as a passer in this game, not just a runner. He put up 180 passing yards, tacked on another 39 rushing yards, and ripped off three total touchdowns. King is fighting for that third-string quarterback spot on the depth chart, and he capped off his night with pure magic, winning the game on the final play with a game-winning scramble. You simply cannot write a better script for a player trying to make a roster.
On the receiving end of some of Beck’s highlight throws was Jalen Brooks. This fourth-year player out of South Carolina has typically been just a depth option, but he made some seriously nice catches against the Panthers, snagging three for a total of 99 yards. Brooks is currently buried on the Cardinals’ depth chart, so he desperately needs a strong summer. This performance is definitely a step in the right direction for him going into the rest of training camp. And let’s not forget Andrew Billings, the 31-year-old veteran defensive tackle. With more experience than most players in this game, it’s no surprise he stood out, logging four tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack.
So, what’s next for these guys? Both the Cardinals and Panthers get an extra preseason game thanks to the Hall of Fame kickoff, meaning more crucial opportunities for these young players to get reps and truly prove their talent. For guys like King, Beck, and Brooks, every snap from here on out is a brutal battle to make that final roster. This was just the beginning, but what an explosive start it was for some of these players looking to stick in the league.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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