Cardinals Edged Saints, Now Face Panthers: Can Arizona Turn 1-0 Into Momentum?

By Damon Ellison

GLENDALE, Ariz. — After a gritty 20–13 win over the New Orleans Saints in their season opener, the Arizona Cardinals turn their attention to the Carolina Panthers as they look to build early momentum in a season many believe will define their trajectory. With a more physical Harrison Jr., improved poise from Kyler Murray, and signs that the defense is embracing a “bend but don’t break” philosophy, the Crads have a chance this Sunday to move to 2-0 and begin the kind of run that could take them back into playoff contention.

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Recap: Saints vs. Cardinals — Tight, But Ticks the Right Boxes

The Cardinals’ 20–13 victory came with mixed signals, but enough positives to be cautiously optimistic. Some key takeaways:

• Kyler Murray showed up in the biggest moments; two touchdown passes (to Marvin Harrison Jr. and James Conner) were enough, even though yards were modest (163). (Reuters)
• The offense didn’t dominate in total yardage, but the red-zone and scoring efficiency mattered. Arizona turned key possessions into points. (Reuters)
• Marvin Harrison Jr. quickly looks like a go-to target, especially in tight situations. That deep connection with Murray looms large. (Reuters)
• Defensively, the Cards allowed some movement — yards were given up — but stiffened when needed. When New Orleans got near or inside the red zone, Arizona bent, yes, but did not let big damage through. The late Saints push came up short. (Reuters)
• Discipline issues: the Cardinals were helped by lots of Saints penalties (13 for 89 yards). But Arizona did not totally avoid self-inflicted wounds; passing pressure on Murray and inability at times to sustain drives will need ironing out. (Reuters)

In short: Arizona didn’t dominate, but they got what they needed — a win, some confidence, evidence that their improvements (especially on defense and with Harrison Jr.) might be real.

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Looking Ahead: Panthers Preview

This Sunday, the Cardinals host the Carolina Panthers, who are coming off a 23-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars to open their season. (CBSSports.com)

Here are the matchups, keys, and what could decide this game:

Factor	Arizona’s Position	Carolina’s Weakness / Challenge
Run Game	Arizona showed balance in Week 1 — James Conner and backups got work. Their ability to run will help protect Murray and sustain drives.	Panthers’ run defense: early reports suggest vulnerability. If the Cardinals lean into a run/pass mix, Carolina may struggle to keep up. (CBSSports.com)
Passing & Deep Threats	Harrison Jr., Trey McBride, and company give Murray weapons; if protection holds, they can stretch the field.	Carolina’s pass coverage in some matchups was tested already; if Murray has time, he can pick apart the secondary.
Defensive Bend, Don’t Break	Arizona held when it mattered vs. the Saints; if that holds again, even if the Panthers move the ball, Arizona can make them pay in the red zone and with turnovers.	Carolina must limit mistakes, especially in letting opposing teams convert on third downs and in the red zone.
Momentum & Morale	Starting 1-0 gives confidence. Home opener adds another emotional boost.	The Panthers are looking to bounce back. Sometimes that’s dangerous — a “trap game” feel.

On the betting/odds front, Arizona is a 6.5-point favorite in most sportsbooks. (Cat Crave) The over/under totals are around 44-45 points in many previews. (CBSSports.com)

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Historical Context: When Was the Last Time Arizona Started 2-0?

That matters, because starting strong has often been a springboard for a solid season — though not always.

According to historical records, the last time the Cardinals began a season 2-0 was in 2021, after a 34-33 win over the Vikings. That season, they finished 11-6 and earned a Wild Card playoff berth, although they then lost in the Wild Card round. (Champs or Chumps)

So, if Arizona wins Sunday, this marks the first time in four seasons they begin 2-0. That carries significance — it’s rare in recent years, but when it’s happened, it’s correlated with fairly successful seasons.

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Can the Cards Make a Playoff Push?

“Playoff push” isn’t just a slogan; it depends on several moving parts. Based on what we know now, here are reasons to believe — and reasons to worry.

Reasons for Optimism

1. Improved Offensive Balance: If the run game continues to contribute, opposing defenses can’t just key on the pass. Also, Harrison Jr. is already showing he can be a difference-maker.
2. Resilient Defense: The “bend but don’t break” approach looks like it’s being adopted. If Arizona can limit big plays, force field goals instead of touchdowns, and convert on turnovers, that will keep them in most games.
3. Coaching Stability & Maturity: Under Jonathan Gannon / Monti Ossenfort, there seems to be more discipline and better preparation. The ability to win ugly games — like vs. the Saints — is often what separates playoff teams.
4. Favorable Early Schedule (at least initially): Facing Carolina at home is one of the more winnable matchups early in the season. Win that; momentum builds heading into a more difficult stretch.

Potential Roadblocks

• Offensive Line / Protection for Murray: The Saints got pressure on Murray; if that continues, his effectiveness will suffer.
• Penalty and Turnover Discipline: The Cardinals need to minimize mistakes. In close games, those often decide outcomes.
• Depth & Injuries: As always, depth on both sides of the ball will be tested. If key players (WRs, OL, DBs) are banged up, big swings against them can hurt.
• Division Strength: The NFC West remains strong. Even a good record may require winning head-to-head games (49ers, Rams) to secure playoff seeding or a Wild Card.

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Prediction: Cardinals Should Win, But Not Easily

Putting it all together, most analysts expect Arizona to handle the Panthers at home. The spread of about -6.5 points seems reasonable. Many previews have Arizona winning by one or two touchdowns. (FOX Sports)

A plausible final line: Arizona 31, Carolina 17 — Cards cover the spread, control the clock with the run game, Harrison Jr. finds some separation, defense bends but delivers in red-zone and late-game moments.

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Bottom Line

If the Cardinals take care of business against the Panthers, they’ll begin 2-0 for the first time in several seasons. That doesn’t guarantee playoffs, but it will be a strong statement. With Murray healthier, Harrison Jr. emerging, and a defense showing discipline under pressure, Arizona appears better positioned than many predicted.

The keys to making a legitimate playoff push:

• Win these early games you’re supposed to win.
• Limit mistakes and get consistent performance, especially in ugly games.
• Stay healthy.
• Pick up at least some division wins — those matter for tiebreakers.

If Arizona can do all of that, yes, a playoff berth is very much in the realm of possibility. Sunday’s game against Carolina isn’t just about making it 2-0; it’s about setting a tone.

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Game Plan Takeaway: Cards should lean into their run game, let Murray pick apart favorable matchups, and rely on a defense that shrugs off big plays but locks down late. If that happens, Habarientertainment.com fans might be talking playoff scenarios by midseason.