When it comes to the NFL, few games bring as much excitement and statistical intrigue as the clash between the Carolina Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals. Their December 22, 2024 matchup was a thriller that went into overtime, ending with a 36-30 Panthers victory. Fans not only enjoyed a dramatic game but also saw some standout individual performances that defined the outcome.
In this article, we will break down the Carolina Panthers vs Arizona Cardinals match player stats, analyze key highlights, provide a comparison of offensive and defensive numbers, and explore what this means for both teams moving forward. Whether you’re a fantasy football enthusiast, a stats junkie, or just an NFL fan, this detailed recap will give you everything you need to know.
Game Overview
- Final Score: Carolina Panthers 36 – Arizona Cardinals 30 (OT)
- Date: December 22, 2024
- Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
- Key Moment: Running back Chuba Hubbard scored a 21-yard rushing touchdown in overtime to secure the win for the Panthers.
This matchup wasn’t just about the scoreline—it was about two teams fighting hard on both sides of the ball, with multiple players putting up impressive stats.
Carolina Panthers Match Player Stats
The Panthers relied on a balanced attack that combined effective rushing with timely passing. Here’s a closer look at the numbers:
Bryce Young (Quarterback)
- Passing: 17 completions on 26 attempts, 158 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions.
- Rushing: 5 carries, 68 yards, 1 touchdown.
Young displayed poise and mobility, showing why the Panthers drafted him as their franchise quarterback. His dual-threat ability kept the Cardinals’ defense guessing all game.
Chuba Hubbard (Running Back)
- Rushing: 25 carries, 152 yards, 2 touchdowns.
- Receiving: 3 catches, 15 yards.
Hubbard was the workhorse of the Panthers’ offense, breaking multiple tackles and sealing the game in overtime with his spectacular run. His performance made him the standout star of the matchup.
Adam Thielen (Wide Receiver)
- Receiving: 5 receptions, 63 yards, 1 touchdown.
The veteran wideout once again proved reliable, finding gaps in the Cardinals’ secondary and serving as Bryce Young’s go-to target in key moments.
Hayden Hurst (Tight End)
- Receiving: 4 receptions, 42 yards.
Hurst provided short-yardage security and chain-moving catches, complementing the Panthers’ offensive flow.
Defensive Highlights (Panthers)
- Frankie Luvu (LB): 9 total tackles, 1 sack.
- Jaycee Horn (CB): 1 interception, 2 passes defended.
The Panthers’ defense bent but did not break, creating turnovers that kept the game within reach.
Arizona Cardinals Match Player Stats
Despite the loss, the Cardinals showcased strong offensive talent, led by quarterback Kyler Murray and running back James Conner.
Kyler Murray (Quarterback)
- Passing: 20 completions on 32 attempts, 202 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception.
- Rushing: 8 carries, 49 yards, 1 rushing touchdown.
Murray’s playmaking ability was on full display. While his interception hurt the Cardinals late, his dual-threat game kept the Panthers under pressure.
James Conner (Running Back)
- Rushing: 15 carries, 117 yards, 1 touchdown.
- Receiving: 2 receptions, 18 yards.
Conner was a force on the ground, consistently breaking through the Panthers’ defensive front. His mix of power and vision made him one of the Cardinals’ top performers.
Trey McBride (Tight End)
- Receiving: 6 catches, 71 yards.
McBride was Murray’s most reliable target, finding space in coverage and extending drives with crucial catches.
Marquise “Hollywood” Brown (Wide Receiver)
- Receiving: 4 catches, 44 yards.
Though not his most explosive game, Brown provided speed and quickness to the Cardinals’ offense.
Defensive Highlights (Cardinals)
- Budda Baker (Safety): 10 tackles, 1 forced fumble.
- Dennis Gardeck (LB): 1 sack, 2 quarterback hits.
Arizona’s defense struggled against the Panthers’ run-heavy attack, but individual players still made an impact.
Team Stats Comparison – Panthers vs Cardinals
| Category | Panthers | Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| Total Net Yards | 392 | 382 |
| Passing Yards | 149 | 176 |
| Rushing Yards | 243 | 206 |
| First Downs | 22 | 23 |
| Penalties | 9 for 64 yds | 11 for 82 yds |
| Turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Time of Possession | 32:45 | 30:20 |
The Panthers dominated the ground game with 243 rushing yards, while the Cardinals stayed close thanks to balanced offensive production. However, the turnover battle proved decisive—Carolina had zero turnovers, while Arizona had two.
Key Moments That Defined the Game
- Bryce Young’s Rushing TD – A first-half scramble showcased his mobility and set the tone for the Panthers.
- Kyler Murray’s Costly Interception – In the fourth quarter, his turnover stalled Arizona’s momentum.
- Chuba Hubbard’s OT Heroics – A 21-yard touchdown run sealed the victory for Carolina and eliminated the Cardinals from playoff contention.
What the Stats Reveal
- Panthers: The team is building a strong identity around Bryce Young’s development and a dominant rushing attack.
- Cardinals: Despite Murray’s talent and Conner’s efficiency, turnovers and penalties remain costly.
For fantasy football players, Hubbard and Conner were the clear winners in this matchup, while Bryce Young proved he can deliver both through the air and on the ground.
Historical Context – Panthers vs Cardinals Rivalry
The Panthers and Cardinals have a history of dramatic matchups. From playoff clashes in the 2000s to regular-season thrillers, this rivalry consistently delivers exciting stats and performances. Carolina’s OT win continues the trend of closely fought battles between these two franchises.
Conclusion
The Carolina Panthers vs Arizona Cardinals match player stats tell the story of a game defined by explosive rushing performances, clutch quarterback play, and late-game drama.
- Bryce Young showed growth as a dual-threat QB.
- Chuba Hubbard carried the Panthers with over 150 rushing yards and the game-winning score.
- Kyler Murray and James Conner put up strong numbers but were undone by turnovers and penalties.
For fans, this game was a reminder of why NFL matchups between the Panthers and Cardinals are so thrilling. For analysts, the stats highlighted strengths, weaknesses, and the growing potential of both teams.
As the NFL season moves forward, these numbers will shape discussions about playoff hopes, fantasy value, and the evolving strategies of each franchise.
