The Game Summary

On Sunday, December 22, 2024, the Carolina Panthers faced off against the Arizona Cardinals in an intense NFL matchup at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Panthers emerged victorious with a thrilling 36-30 overtime win, eliminating the Cardinals from playoff contention.

Chuba Hubbard’s Redemption

Chuba Hubbard showcased his resilience as he ran for a 21-yard touchdown in overtime. This marked a significant turnaround for Hubbard, who had previously faced criticism following a critical fumble in a loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers three weeks prior. “I didn’t beat myself up too much about it. I just told myself when the next opportunity comes, make the most of it,” said Hubbard.

In total, Hubbard clocked in at 152 rushing yards on 25 carries, including two touchdowns, coming just shy of his career high. He played a crucial role in the decisive overtime drive, racking up 49 yards in just two carries.

Coach’s Praise

Panthers head coach Dave Canales commended Hubbard’s work ethic and character. “It speaks to his character. He is just going to go right back to work and we are just going to keep giving him the ball, especially in those types of moments. It was just a beautiful moment. It great redemption for Chuba, for sure,” Canales remarked.

Bryce Young’s Performance

Quarterback Bryce Young contributed significantly to the Panthers’ success, completing 17 of 26 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns. Young also added a rushing touchdown, recording a career-high 68 rushing yards. His performance played a key role in breaking Carolina’s four-game losing streak.

Arizona’s Struggles

The Cardinals, now 7-8 for the season, struggled to maintain their earlier momentum. Quarterback Kyler Murray threw for 202 yards with a touchdown but ended the game with an interception. His rushing touchdown provided a spark as he rallied the team back from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit.

In addition to Murray, running back James Conner had a standout performance with 117 rushing yards and a touchdown, although he was sidelined with a knee injury in the third quarter.

Turning Points

The Panthers opened the game with an impressive start, building a 20-3 lead, capitalizing on several mistakes from the Cardinals. The Panthers scored on their first three possessions—something they had not done since December 30, 2018. However, the Cardinals clawed back, forcing overtime with a late equalizer.

Injury Report

The game was marked by injuries for the Cardinals, including losing right tackle Jonah Williams to a knee ailment. For the Panthers, center Cade Mays did not play due to illness.

Looking Ahead

The Panthers will next face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while the Cardinals are set to visit the Los Angeles Rams next Saturday. Both teams will look to regroup and finish the season strong.