Cardinals Host Panthers in Home Opener at State Farm Stadium

Lead: The Arizona Cardinals will host the Carolina Panthers at State Farm Stadium in Glendale today at 4:05 p.m. ET in Week 2 of the NFL season, marking the Cardinals’ home opener and a chance to start 2-0.

Nut Graf: After opening with a 20-13 road win over the Saints, Arizona aims to build momentum against a Panthers team seeking its first victory following a 26-10 loss to Jacksonville. The matchup features a series Carolina has dominated in recent years, with key storylines including quarterback duels, emerging rookies and critical injury returns.

Game Details and Broadcast

  • Date & Time: Sunday, September 14, 2025; 4:05 p.m. ET
  • Venue: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
  • TV: CBS; Online: NFL+, Paramount+
  • Radio: Arizona Sports 98.7 FM; USA Radio (national)

Key Storylines

Quarterback Showdown:

  • Kyler Murray (ARI) vs. Bryce Young (CAR) - Murray posted 163 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1; Young struggled with 154 yards, one TD and two interceptions in Carolina’s opener.

Emerging Playmakers:

  • Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, ARI - grabbed five catches for 71 yards and a score in Week 1, demonstrating the promise that made him a top-five pick.
  • Tetairoa McMillan, WR, CAR - the Panthers’ first-round pick returns to Arizona, where he set school receiving records; logged five receptions for 68 yards in his NFL debut.

Injury Updates:

  • Cardinals: Rookie CB Will Johnson played well in Week 1 despite being a second-round pick due to injury concerns; S Joey Blount (neck) is on IR, ending his season.
  • Panthers: LT Ickey Ekwonu is a game-time decision after returning from an appendectomy; DT Turk Wharton (hamstring) will miss 2-4 weeks.

Historical Context

  • Series Record: Carolina leads 15-6 overall and has won seven of eight meetings since 2015.
  • Home Field Edge: Arizona seeks its first home win against Carolina since 2013.

What to Watch

  • Run Game vs. Run Defense: Chuba Hubbard (CAR) aims for redemption after limited touches in Week 1; Cardinals’ front seven held Alvin Kamara in check but will face a renewed Panthers rushing attack.
  • Secondary Matchups: Can Bryce Young exploit youthful Arizona cornerbacks, or will home-grown talent like Johnson and veteran Budda Baker stifle Carolina’s passing game?
  • Momentum Swing: A Cardinals win cements early-season confidence; a Panthers upset would silence critics and reaffirm Carolina’s dominance in the series.

Fans can follow live updates via NFL+ or tune into CBS regionally.