- Bryce Young, Kenny Pickett, Haynes King beside each other - Lightning in the background
- Bryce Young, Kenny Pickett, Haynes King beside each other - Lightning in the background
Sometimes, the most important position battles unfold one spot below the starters on the depth chart. That may have happened Thursday night in Canton. Sure, Bryce Young remains firmly entrenched as the Carolina Panthers' franchise quarterback. However, the race to become his primary backup took center stage during the Hall of Fame Game against the Arizona Cardinals. Entering the night, veteran Kenny Pickett appeared to have the inside track thanks to his NFL experience. By the time the final whistle blew, however, Haynes King may have forced coaches to reconsider everything.
Carolina's momentum
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws during Fanfest at Bank of America Stadium.
Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
The 33-30 victory in Canton provided a welcome burst of momentum for the Panthers. General manager Dan Morgan worked diligently throughout free agency and the summer to fortify their overall depth. Key defensive additions like outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips and middle linebacker Devin Lloyd signaled high ambition. Veteran depth pieces were brought in to strengthen both the secondary and offensive line. Training camp in Charlotte brought early adversity with injuries along the edge and in the trenches. Still, head coach Dave Canales kept the team focused on execution, discipline, and tempo.
That mental toughness carried over into the Hall of Fame Game. Carolina answered every Arizona surge with timely responses. They made plays in all three phases while showing the resilience Canales has emphasized throughout camp. The defining storyline belonged to the quarterback who took command when the game hung in the balance.
Kenny Pickett first
Kenny Pickett opened the game as expected. He gave the Panthers a steady but unspectacular performance. He completed 8 of 11 passes for 62 yards and avoided major mistakes for the most part. Pickett operated within the structure of the offense.
On paper, it was an efficient outing, but it lacked oomph. Pickett appeared content taking checkdowns whenever his first read wasn't immediately available. He seldom created opportunities once the initial design of the play broke down. His approach kept the offense on schedule in short stretches. That said, it never felt as though Carolina was threatening to seize control of the game.
Dave Canales' offense thrives on rhythm, timing, and creating explosive opportunities. A backup quarterback doesn't need to replicate Young perfectly. However, he should preserve the offense's ability to generate big plays. Pickett simply didn't do that.
Haynes King's statement
Then King entered the game, and the entire offense suddenly felt different. His confidence was evident from his first series. He attacked intermediate windows while showing no hesitation extending plays outside the pocket. King ultimately completed 21 of 34 passes for 180 yards and two touchdown passes. He connected with Ja'seem Reed and Anthony Tyus III on scoring drives that completely shifted the game's momentum.
His numbers and poise were impressive. King consistently manipulated defenders with his eyes before delivering accurate passes into open windows. When protection broke down, he didn't panic. He trusted his athleticism, escaped pressure, and kept plays alive.
That mobility became the defining characteristic of Carolina's comeback. Facing a critical third-and-long during the game's deciding drive, King escaped pressure before racing 26 yards to move the chains. The scramble completely changed the complexion of the possession and energized both the sideline and the offense.
Moments later, with the clock winding down, King again relied on his legs. This time, he finished the drive himself. His five-yard touchdown run capped a composed 16-play, 65-yard drive that secured Carolina's victory. It completed a remarkable performance featuring three total touchdowns and 39 rushing yards. King answered every challenge.
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Who is the all-time leader in interceptions thrown?
King over Pickett
The biggest takeaway is how differently each quarterback influences the offense. Pickett remains a capable veteran. He understands NFL defenses and generally avoids catastrophic mistakes. That experience has value, particularly in a backup role where stability often becomes the primary requirement. But stability isn't always enough.
King improvised. His athleticism forces defenders to remain disciplined every snap. Once he escapes containment, passing windows reopen, and explosive opportunities emerge. That dynamic closely mirrors one of Bryce Young's greatest strengths.
Shifting backup competition
Carolina Panthers quarterback Haynes King (16) runs the ball against Arizona Cardinals linebacker Austin Keys (53) at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Now, one preseason game rarely settles an entire competition. Coaches evaluate every practice, every meeting, and every preseason snap before making depth chart decisions. Still, certain performances resonate more than others. King's outing against Arizona felt like one of those moments.
He produced explosive plays both through the air and on the ground and elevated the players around him. Teammates responded to his energy, receivers continued fighting through their routes, and the offense played with visible confidence.
Canales has repeatedly emphasized competitiveness, resilience, and playmaking throughout training camp. King embodied all three against the Cardinals.
Of course, Pickett still has opportunities to reclaim momentum during the remaining preseason schedule. His NFL experience cannot be dismissed. One quiet performance does not erase years of professional football.
That said, momentum has undeniably shifted. If King continues playing with the same confidence, decisiveness, and improvisational ability he displayed in Canton, the Panthers will have little reason to keep him behind Pickett on the depth chart.