Arizona Cardinals lose to Panthers in defensive meltdown

The Arizona Cardinals offense came out with spark but ended in a defensive meltdown in loss to the Carolina Panthers

Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals offense looked good for about a half.  They went to the locker room at halftime down 14-10.

After scoring a touchdown early in the third to take a 17-14 lead, it was all downhill from there for the Cardinals.  The defense was a major letdown on Sunday.

The Cardinals have had defensive lapses over the first couple of weeks, however on Sunday against the Panthers, it sure looked like there was no fight in the team.  That is what is most disappointing.

Then the Cardinals offensive line was another let down.  Murray was sacked 8 times on Sunday afternoon.  You read that right, 8 times!

It seemed early on at least that at least the Cardinals offense was keeping up with the defensive lapses.  However it appeared the Panthers were able to make their halftime adjustments.  The Cardinals, not so much.

Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen was able to have a day in the sun.  He threw for 4 touchdowns and no interceptions.  He also had running back Christian McCaffrey helping him out.

McCaffrey ran for 153-yards on 24 carries.  That included a career-high 76-yard touchdown run.  Once he got through the almost non-existent defensive line, he was gone.

Overall it was not a good effort at all in the second half.  The Cardinals were outscored 38-13 after the Panthers fell behind 7-0.  There was no answer for anything the Panthers threw at them.

Also, once again, the Cardinals had difficulty covering a tight end.  As predicted, they had trouble covering Panthers tight end Greg Olsen.  Olsen caught 6 passes for 75-yards and scored 2 touchdowns.

No time to sulk though.  Now the Cardinals have to prepare for division rival Seattle Seahawks.  They are coming off a loss on Sunday as well 33-27 to the New Orleans Saints.