Panthers strip Evero of defensive play-calling duties

The Carolina Panthers opened the 2026 NFL preseason with a 33-30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in the annual Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, August 6, at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. The win was overshadowed by a significant in-game coaching decision, as Panthers head coach Dave Canales removed defensive play-calling duties from coordinator Ejiro Evero and assigned them to passing game coordinator and secondary coach Jonathan Cooley.

The move came as the Panthers' defense struggled against Cardinals quarterbacks Carson Beck and Kedon Slovis. Beck, starting in place of the resting Jacoby Brissett, completed 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown. Slovis added 106 yards and another touchdown, leading several long scoring drives as Arizona put up 30 points. The Panthers' offense, led by starting quarterback Kenny Pickett while Bryce Young rested, managed to outscore Arizona in the exhibition contest that traditionally kicks off the NFL's preseason schedule.

The game served as the opening act for Hall of Fame Weekend, which will culminate in the enshrinement ceremony for the Class of 2026 on Saturday, August 8. This year's class has strong ties to the...