Game story
In Week 1 of the 2011 NFL season on 2011-09-11, the Arizona Cardinals took care of business against the Carolina Panthers, pulling away with a 28–21 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 14 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
C. Newton (Carolina Panthers) paced the passing game, with +13.39 total EPA, and +6.5% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, C. Newton (Carolina Panthers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +13.39 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+33.8% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Arizona Cardinals changed the game: (11:01) (Shotgun) 4-K.Kolb pass short middle to 85-E.Doucet for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Panthers | 7 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
| Arizona Cardinals | 7 | 0 | 7 | 14 | 0 | 28 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 C. Newton · Carolina Panthers · Passing · +13.39 total EPA · 48 snaps · +0.28 EPA/play
- 2 K. Kolb · Arizona Cardinals · Passing · +13.39 total EPA · 30 snaps · +0.45 EPA/play
- 3 S. Smith · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +12.28 total EPA · 11 snaps · +1.12 EPA/play
- 4 E. Doucet · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +10.49 total EPA · 3 snaps · +3.50 EPA/play
- 5 B. LaFell · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +5.80 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.16 EPA/play
- 6 G. Olsen · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +5.43 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.90 EPA/play
- 7 J. Shockey · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +5.11 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.70 EPA/play
- 8 J. King · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +4.80 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.60 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
C. Newton — CAR · Passing
C. Newton posted the highest total EPA (+13.39) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Carolina Panthers's efficiency. Across 48 counted snaps, they averaged +0.28 EPA per play.
The signature play (+7.75 EPA) came from Carolina Panthers: (7:23) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass deep left to 89-S.Smith for 77 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Arizona Cardinals — C. Wells
- Carolina Panthers — S. Smith (C. Newton pass)
- Carolina Panthers — S. Smith (C. Newton pass)
- Arizona Cardinals — J. King (K. Kolb pass)
- Carolina Panthers — C. Newton
- Arizona Cardinals — E. Doucet (K. Kolb pass)
- Arizona Cardinals — P. Peterson
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the CAR 7 (Q1 53:52) — (8:52) 26-C.Wells up the middle for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the CAR 2 (Q1 53:45) — 3-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the ARI 77 (Q1 52:23) — (7:23) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass deep left to 89-S.Smith for 77 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q1 52:11) — 10-O.Mare extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-7-J.Baker..
The second quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 7–0. Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the ARI 26 (Q2 30:13) — (:13) 1-C.Newton pass deep left to 89-S.Smith for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q2 30:06) — 10-O.Mare extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-7-J.Baker..
The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the CAR 48 (Q3 25:52) — (10:52) 4-K.Kolb pass deep right to 87-J.King for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN. CAR-52-J.Beason was injured during the play.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the CAR 2 (Q3 25:40) — 3-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the ARI 1 (Q3 20:54); Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q3 20:49) — 10-O.Mare extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-7-J.Baker..
The fourth quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 14–0. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the CAR 70 (Q4 11:01) — (11:01) (Shotgun) 4-K.Kolb pass short middle to 85-E.Doucet for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the CAR 2 (Q4 10:48) — 3-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the ARI 47 (Q4 7:36) — (7:36) 7-J.Baker punts 36 yards to ARI 11, Center-44-J.Jansen. 21-P.Peterson for 89 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the CAR 2 (Q4 7:15) — 3-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q4 11:01) — (11:01) (Shotgun) 4-K.Kolb pass short middle to 85-E.Doucet for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Carolina Panthers (Q4 7:36) — (7:36) 7-J.Baker punts 36 yards to ARI 11, Center-44-J.Jansen. 21-P.Peterson for 89 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q3 25:52) — (10:52) 4-K.Kolb pass deep right to 87-J.King for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN. CAR-52-J.Beason was injured during the play.
- Carolina Panthers (Q1 52:23) — (7:23) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass deep left to 89-S.Smith for 77 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Carolina Panthers (Q4 1:19) — (1:19) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short middle to 33-M.Goodson to ARI 2 for 4 yards (51-P.Lenon).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Carolina Panthers (Q1 52:23) — (7:23) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass deep left to 89-S.Smith for 77 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Carolina Panthers (Q4 7:36) — (7:36) 7-J.Baker punts 36 yards to ARI 11, Center-44-J.Jansen. 21-P.Peterson for 89 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q4 11:01) — (11:01) (Shotgun) 4-K.Kolb pass short middle to 85-E.Doucet for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q2 37:14) — (7:14) 4-K.Kolb FUMBLES (Aborted) at CAR 9, RECOVERED by CAR-58-T.Davis at CAR 12. 58-T.Davis to CAR 12 for no gain (4-K.Kolb).
Quarterback report card
C.Newton led all passers in efficiency for Carolina Panthers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- C.Newton (Carolina Panthers) · 48 dropbacks · 50.0% completion · +6.5% CPOE · +0.28 EPA/play · +13.39 total EPA
- K.Kolb (Arizona Cardinals) · 30 dropbacks · 60.0% completion · +1.6% CPOE · +0.45 EPA/play · +13.39 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Carolina Panthers | Arizona Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.027 | +0.054 |
| Offensive success rate | 42.4% | 41.1% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.279 | +0.446 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.241 | -0.304 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.054 | +0.027 |
| Defensive success rate | 58.9% | 57.6% |
By the numbers
Arizona Cardinals held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.05 vs -0.03), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Arizona Cardinals: 13 drives, +3.94 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Carolina Panthers: 12 drives, -2.46 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Arizona Cardinals leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- C. Newton (Carolina Panthers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- C. Newton (CAR) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q1 53:52 · CAR 7 · Score 0-6
(8:52) 26-C.Wells up the middle for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q1 53:45 · CAR 2 · Score 0-7
3-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q1 52:23 · ARI 77 · Score 6-7
(7:23) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass deep left to 89-S.Smith for 77 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q1 52:11 · ARI 2 · Score 7-7
10-O.Mare extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-7-J.Baker. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q2 30:13 · ARI 26 · Score 13-7
(:13) 1-C.Newton pass deep left to 89-S.Smith for 26 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q2 30:06 · ARI 2 · Score 14-7
10-O.Mare extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-7-J.Baker. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q3 25:52 · CAR 48 · Score 14-13
(10:52) 4-K.Kolb pass deep right to 87-J.King for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN. CAR-52-J.Beason was injured during the play. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q3 25:40 · CAR 2 · Score 14-14
3-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q3 20:54 · ARI 1 · Score 20-14
(5:54) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on CAR-1-C.Newton, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs. - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q3 20:49 · ARI 2 · Score 21-14
10-O.Mare extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-7-J.Baker. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q4 11:01 · CAR 70 · Score 21-20
(11:01) (Shotgun) 4-K.Kolb pass short middle to 85-E.Doucet for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q4 10:48 · CAR 2 · Score 21-21
3-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q4 7:36 · ARI 47 · Score 21-27
(7:36) 7-J.Baker punts 36 yards to ARI 11, Center-44-J.Jansen. 21-P.Peterson for 89 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q4 7:15 · CAR 2 · Score 21-28
3-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Carolina Panthers vs Arizona Cardinals?
The Arizona Cardinals beat the Carolina Panthers 28-21 in Week 1, 2011 on 2011-09-11.
What was the final score of Carolina Panthers vs Arizona Cardinals?
The final score was Carolina Panthers 21, Arizona Cardinals 28 (CAR 21-28 ARI) in Week 1, 2011 on 2011-09-11.
What was the score by quarter in Carolina Panthers vs Arizona Cardinals?
Q1: Carolina Panthers 7, Arizona Cardinals 7; Q2: Carolina Panthers 7, Arizona Cardinals 0; Q3: Carolina Panthers 7, Arizona Cardinals 7; Q4: Carolina Panthers 0, Arizona Cardinals 14; Final: Carolina Panthers 21, Arizona Cardinals 28.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Carolina Panthers vs Arizona Cardinals?
Arizona Cardinals touchdown — C. Wells (Q1 53:52) Carolina Panthers touchdown — S. Smith (C. Newton pass) (Q1 52:23) Carolina Panthers touchdown — S. Smith (C. Newton pass) (Q2 30:13) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — J. King (K. Kolb pass) (Q3 25:52) Carolina Panthers touchdown — C. Newton (Q3 20:54) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — E. Doucet (K. Kolb pass) (Q4 11:01) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — P. Peterson (Q4 7:36) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Carolina Panthers vs Arizona Cardinals?
C. Newton (Carolina Panthers), 50.0% completion, +6.5% CPOE, +0.28 EPA per dropback, +13.39 total passing EPA. K. Kolb (Arizona Cardinals), 60.0% completion, +1.6% CPOE, +0.45 EPA per dropback, +13.39 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Carolina Panthers vs Arizona Cardinals?
C. Newton (Carolina Panthers) led the game in total EPA with +13.39 on passing plays. across 48 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+7.75 EPA): (7:23) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass deep left to 89-S.Smith for 77 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was +33.8%.
Was Carolina Panthers vs Arizona Cardinals a close game?
Yes — the margin was 7 points. Arizona Cardinals won 28-21 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Carolina Panthers
Now 0-1 L
Arizona Cardinals
Now 1-0 W
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