The Final Play That Changed Everything
The most shocking moment in this preseason opener wasn’t a big hit or a long pass. It was an undrafted rookie quarterback running into the end zone with zero seconds left on the clock. Haynes King scrambled for four yards to seal a 33-30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The Hall of Fame game, which began the NFL preseason on Thursday night, produced this victory. According to Sky Sports, King’s run on the final play gave the Carolina Panthers the win in dramatic fashion.
King was not supposed to be the hero. Before transferring to Georgia Tech, the 25-year-old undrafted rookie began his collegiate journey at Texas A&M. Last season, he was a senior who claimed the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year honor. Yet he led the Panthers through a wild second-half comeback. As reported by reports, King delivered a spectacular performance during the second half of the Panthers’ comeback win against the Cardinals.
The game was a back-and-forth battle that kept fans on their feet. The Cardinals took a 30-27 lead late in the fourth quarter. With 1:55 left, Kedon Slovis threw a one-yard touchdown pass to Bryson Green, handing Arizona the lead. But King refused to let the game slip away. He orchestrated the final drive with poise and grit.
Stats That Prove He Belongs
King’s numbers from the night show he can handle the pressure. He completed 21 of 34 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns. Sky Sports states that King completed 21 of 34 passes for 180 yards and two scores. He also ran for 39 yards, which included the game-winning score. His ability to extend plays was key to the win. On a critical third-and-14, King found a way to keep the drive alive with a 26-yard run.
His passing attack was sharp when it mattered most. In the opening minute of the fourth quarter, King threw a four-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Tyus III. That score put Carolina ahead 24-20. He had also connected with Ja’seem Reed for a 15-yard touchdown in the second quarter. The offense moved the ball well because King kept them moving forward.
Even his teammates noticed his impact on the field. During the comeback, Bryce Young served as King’s most vocal supporter on the sideline. The bench erupted when King dove into the end zone to score the winner. The NY Post reports that the whole Panthers bench rushed the field to celebrate King’s dramatic moment. It was a scene that felt like a playoff game, not a preseason exhibition.
What This Means for the Roster
King’s performance puts him in a tough but exciting spot. He is looking to grab a roster spot in Carolina as the Panthers have backup Kenny Pickett on the roster. Pickett also saw action, completing two short passes to Ja’Tavion Sanders. The team needs to decide who fits best as the backup behind the starter. King showed he can make big plays when the lights are bright.
Coach Dave Canales praised the young quarterback’s resilience after the game. He said the group practiced for these exact situations at the end of a half or game. “The guys were resilient and finish is what we preach as a team,” Canales said. He noted that King kept the play alive by running or throwing as needed. Canales called it a fantastic job from the rookie.
King himself was humble about the huge win. He called the moment a dream come true after plunging into the end zone. “It was a dream come true,” King said postgame after he plunged into the endzone to score a game-winning rushing touchdown as time expired to win 33-30. He also noted that he felt he operated at a high level during the game. His next challenge is to keep this momentum going into the regular season. For background, see Golden Knights Fire Back: 2-0 Lead Seals Western Final Momentum.
