Cardinals Play One To Forget In Loss To Panthers

Missing Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins was bound to have an impact on the Cardinals eventually.

But that doesn’t explain how horribly sideways Sunday’s game got for the Cardinals against the Panthers at State Farm Stadium.

In a game where little went right — especially early — the Cards suffered through their worst game of the season, losing 34-10.

The defense couldn’t slow an offense that had struggled all season, backup quarterback Colt McCoy wasn’t able to follow up his excellent first start with much of anything, and the Cardinals (8-2) also watched Panthers quarterback Cam Newton return and in a limited package account for the first two touchdowns for Carolina (5-5).

The Panthers built a 23-0 halftime lead and had a season-high in points by 5:34 left in the third quarter. The Cardinals were outgained, 341-169, and outrushed, 166-65.

One bright spot: James Conner scored his 11th rushing touchdown of the season in the fourth quarter, and his 12th total this season.

More to come on azcardinals.com.