Key matchups for Panthers vs. Cardinals in Week 2

With a disappointing regular-season opener now behind them, the Carolina Panthers have entered a new week with a shot at redemption. This Sunday, like the last, will see the team battle on the road—this time, against the Arizona Cardinals out west.

But will the Panthers be able to bounce back and get their 2025 campaign on track?

If they do, that outcome will likely be determined by some of these key matchups . . .

Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan vs. Cardinals CB Will Johnson

McMillan and Johnson, at least in the draft process’ early stages, were widely-regarded as two of the very top picks of 2025. But both, to different degrees, slipped a bit—with the former’s stock suffering from prospect fatigue and the latter falling into the second round due to injury concerns.

Well, they proved that they actually are that good in Week 1.

Johnson was outstanding in coverage against the New Orleans Saints, displaying the gifts and abilities that make him a blue-chip talent. McMillan also had an impressive debut in Jacksonville, where he reeled in five catches for a game-high 68 yards.

These two should see quite a bit of one another from the outside, as Johnson looks to lock down the No. 1 target for quarterback Bryce Young and the Carolina offense.

Panthers OL vs. Cardinals DL

While the Panthers’ offensive line was steady against the Jaguars, left tackle Yosh Nijman and center Austin Corbett had some rough outings. Nijman, per Pro Football Focus, allowed six of the unit’s 11 pressures while Corbett had trouble getting off clean snaps to Young throughout.

They’ll be facing a defensive front that features serious upgrades.

Cardinals pass rusher Josh Sweat, who had a team-high four pressures last Sunday, will be a key player to defend against. The likely return of usual starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu should help with that.

The Panthers will also have to deal with strong interior linemen Calais Campbell, Dalvin Tomlinson and Darius Robinson.

Cardinals RB James Conner vs. Panthers’ front seven

If not for an injury, Conner may have had himself a career day against Carolina in Week 16 of last season. Before being taken out with a knee injury in the third quarter, Arizona’s ol’ reliable stacked up 117 rushing yards and a touchdown along with four catches for 49 receiving yards.

As evidenced by Week 1, the Panthers still have trouble stopping the run—as they allowed Jacksonville to dash them for 200 yards on the ground.

Cardinals TE Trey McBride vs. Panthers LBs, DBs

Carolina’s linebackers and backend defenders allowed Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange to tally 59 yards on just four receptions. And now, they’ll be facing an elite player at the same position.

According to Next Gen Stats and NFL Pro, 52 of McBride’s 61 receiving yards against the Saints came against zone coverage—which may not bode well for a Panthers defense that struggled in the middle of the field a week ago. Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero may try and deploy Tre’von Moehrig in big nickel alignments and get rookie Lathan Ransom more involved on three-safety looks.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers vs. Cardinals 2025: Key matchups for Week 2

Key matchups for Panthers vs. Cardinals in Week 2

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