CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Carolina Panthers extended their unbeaten start to the 2016 season with a 21-7 victory over the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday. With the win, Carolina improved to 7-0 overall and 3-0 in the division, maintaining their lead atop the NFC South.

The Panthers took an early lead with a 40-yard field goal by Frank Aoki in the first quarter to make it 3-0. The Cardinals responded before the quarter ended with a 56-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Frank Atkins to David Wise, who beat coverage despite a hold penalty, giving Arizona a 7-3 advantage.

In the second quarter, Carolina quarterback John Snapp connected with wide receiver Joseph Greene for a 1-yard touchdown in the red zone, reclaiming the lead at 10-7 after Aoki's successful extra point. Carolina’s defense was instrumental throughout, forcing three interceptions including two by Ruben Francis and one by Man Silver, disrupting Atkins’s rhythm.

The Panthers’ offense continued to build momentum in the second half, despite Snapp throwing an interception early in the third quarter. Aoki added a 38-yard field goal to increase the lead to 13-7.

Early in the fourth quarter, Snapp found wide receiver Alex Primo on a 12-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 19-7. The Panthers successfully executed a two-point conversion run by Kenneth Pitts, pushing the score to 21-7, which stood as the final.

John Snapp led the Panthers’ passing attack, completing 25 of 41 attempts for 369 yards and two touchdowns. Joseph Greene had a standout performance with 197 receiving yards and one touchdown, while Ian Burrowes contributed 89 receiving yards. On defense, Jason Justice forced a key fumble, and the Panthers recorded two sacks while limiting the Cardinals to no points after their first-quarter touchdown.

Arizona’s Frank Atkins threw for 289 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. Matthew Ligon provided a dual-threat presence, rushing for 45 yards and adding 72 receiving yards, but the Cardinals were unable to convert in the red zone after their lone touchdown visit.

The Panthers converted 8 of 16 third downs and were perfect on their two field goal attempts. Penalties were minimal for both teams, with Carolina committing three penalties for 22 yards and Arizona five for 30 yards.

With this victory, the Panthers solidify their division lead and remain the only undefeated team through seven games in the league. They prepare for next week aiming to continue their dominant run in the regular season under head coach Dwayne Cabrera.