The Panthers started out on defense after winning the coin toss and deferring to the second half. The defense did a good job keeping the Cardinals offense at bay and forced a punt that was nearly blocked by Sam Franklin, which gave the offense good field position to start their day.
The Panthers started their drive at their own 34-yard line. DJ Moore did not have a good start to his day, as he dropped the first pass thrown to him and also picked up an offensive pass interference on the drive that set the Panthers back 10 yards.