by CANTON, OH – Carson Beck started off his NFL career by shining in his debut as the rookie quarterback out of Miami led the Cardinals on three straight scoring drives in the second quarter. Under Beck, the Cardinals scored on three of the four drives he led them in the first half versus the Carolina Panthers in the NFL Hall of Fame Game in Canton at Tom Benson Stadium tonight.
The Arizona Cardinals selected Beck with the 65th overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL draft. Beck finished with 188 yards on 15 of 19 passing with a touchdown as the Cardinals wee pass heavy the four series he was in the game. Beck will put serious pressure on incumbent starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett who went a paltry 1-11 as starter of the Cardinals last season. Beck appears to be the answer as the Cardinals now look for a new identity after the departure of former #1 overall pick Kyler Murray left for the Minnesota Vikings.
After a slow start, Carson Beck got the Cardinals moving on their second drive after starting deep in their own territory. Beck led them on a 13 play, 96 yard drive, capped off by a 1 yard touchdown run from Cory Kiner at 14:55 of the second quarter. Beck was efficient on the drive moving the chains at will. Beck and the Cardinals looked sharp on the drive as they converted 2 third downs along the way and wouldn’t allow Carolina’s defense to get off the field.
Carolina answered right back with a 10 play, 67 yard drive resulting in a one yard touchdown dive by AJ Dillion. Beck wasn’t shaken by the Carolina Panther touchdown as he launched a 49 yard strike to Jalen Brooks to open up their next drive. A few players later it was Beck connecting with Simi Fehoko for a five yard pitch and toss touchdown.
This was all part of a wild 34 point second quarter that saw the game tied up at 17 at the break. That saw Carson Beck and Kenny Picket exchange scoring drives and start the pre-season off with a spark.
By the end of the night, the fans would be treated to plenty of more scoring as a wild second half saw the Carolina Panthers win it in the closing seconds with a Haynes King touchdown run up the middle to secure the win!
For a throw away game, this was anything but boring as the teams combined for 63 points and had plenty of highlight reel plays. The NFL Season has begun!
Cover Photo by Brady Hamilton
