GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Rookie Patrick Peterson made amends for a long afternoon at cornerback with an 89-yard punt return for the go-ahead touchdown and the Arizona Cardinals overcame a magnificent NFL debut by Cam Newton to escape with a 28-21 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
Newton, the No. 1 draft pick playing on the same field where he led Auburn to the BCS championship in January, completed 24 of 37 passes for 422 yards and two touchdowns with one interception, the first rookie to throw for more than 400 yards in his NFL opener.
The Panthers had first down at the Arizona 11 late in the game, and even got an extra down on an offside call, but failed to score. Steve Smith had eight catches for 178 yards for Carolina, including touchdown plays of 77 and 26 yards.
Kevin Kolb was 18 of 27 for 309 yards and two touchdowns in his first game for Arizona.
