The NFL made its triumphant return in Canton, Ohio on Thursday night, as the Panthers took down the Cardinals 33–30 in the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game. Aside from showcasing the Hall’s five new inductees—who will officially be enshrined on Saturday night—the contest was highlighted by two rookie quarterbacks battling it out in their preseason debuts.
For starters, Arizona’s signal-caller Carson Beck began the game under center for the Cardinals and led them to 17 first-half points—which included two touchdown drives. The 2026 third-round pick finished the night 15-for-19 passing for 188 yards and one touchdown, was sacked just once and posted a passer rating of 125.4. Quarterback controversy? We’ll see.
View this post on Instagram
Incredible.
Here’s a full breakdown of our in-game commentary from Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game.
Cardinals 30, Panthers 27: Updates from Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game
MORE NFL FROM SPORTS ILLLUSTRATED
- What We Learned at Bills Training Camp: It’s Jim Leonhard’s Defensive Scheme or Bust
- NBC’s Mike Tomlin Looks Like He’s Going to Be a Television Star
- Sportsbook Insiders: How a Potential Aaron Donald Reunion With Rams Would Impact Super Bowl Odds, More
- Paydays, Substations and Aaron Donald’s Return? 5 Things You May Have Missed at NFL Training Camps This Week
- What We Learned at 49ers Training Camp: Team Leaning on Brock Purdy to Guide It Through Injury Woes
