Cardinals locker room unites after 1st win in Carolina since 2009

The Arizona Cardinals left Bank of America Stadium with their first win against the Panthers in Carolina since 2009 and first regular season win since 2002.

The 26-16 victory marks the 10th win on the road in the last 11 tries for the Cardinals despite holding a seven-game losing streak at State Farm Stadium.

Head coach Kliff Kingsbury spoke to a pumped up locker room postgame, giving the team the history that was snapped, reminded them of the road streak as well as handed out game balls to the stars of the contest.

"This is just the start of something beautiful" pic.twitter.com/VEAsDmSkOq

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 3, 2022

“Congratulations fellas, hadn’t won here (in the regular season) since 2002,” Kingsbury told an excited locker room.

“Hadn’t beat them in six tries. We talked about whatever it takes, the defense you played your (expletives) off, a hell of a job.”

The defense finished the contest with three turnovers on the day and only allowed 9 points nine points to Carolina QB Baker Mayfield and Co.

Kingsbury then handed out game balls to RB Eno Benjamin, LB Zaven Collins, WR Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, TE Zach Ertz, edge rusher Dennis Gardeck and DL Zach Allen.

Benjamin filled in on kickoffs when kicker Matt Prater was not feeling 100% to send the ball the length of the field. On his first try, he was the first player up the field and recorded the tackle as the “kicker.”

Collins led the team with eight tackles, Brown and Ertz both recorded six receptions and a touchdown, Gardeck had a sack and an interception and Allen had six tackles, one for a loss, a sack and two QB hits.

The Cardinals will take on the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles next Sunday on 98.7 FM.