Kyle Allen did everything the Carolina Panthers could have expected on Sunday and more, putting together an excellent performance by throwing for four touchdowns in a victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Allen is just the fourth quarterback in franchise history to throw for four touchdowns and zero interceptions in a game, joining Cam Newton -- who Allen was replacing due to injury -- Jake Delhomme and Steve Beuerlein.

Allen's precision passing allowed the Panthers to unleash Christian McCaffrey, who broke the Cardinals' backs with a career-long 76-yard touchdown run in the third quarter for what turned out to be the deciding score. After Allen threw his fourth touchdown pass of the game to Greg Olsen (who caught two), the Panthers' defense teed off on Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. 

Carolina finished with eight sacks, three by Mario Addison as the Cardinals offensive line failed to protect Murray throughout the game. Murray played well in the first half to keep the Cardinals in it, but a two-score game allowed the Panthers to go after Murray, who finished poorly. 

The Panthers earned their first win of the year and may have a decision to make about who starts at quarterback next week. 

Why the Panthers won

Allen was phenomenal in just his second career start (his first in a "meaningful" game). Allen finished 19-for-26 for 261 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions for an 144.4 passer rating, an incredible performance with Newton out (high ankle sprain). The Panthers had an excellent game plan for Allen, starting him out with short throws before offensive coordinator Norv Turner dialed up the playbook with some downfield throws, allowing his playmakers to take over. Olsen looked like his Pro Bowl self and McCaffrey finished with 188 total yards.

Why the Cardinals lost

The Cardinals have a quarterback in Murray, but they don't have an offensive line to project him or give him time to throw the ball down field. Arizona's offensive line allowed eight sacks, the majority coming in the second half after McCaffrey's long touchdown run gave Carolina a two-score lead. Murray had no time to progress his reads and made poor decisions late. This loss is not on Murray. The Cardinals need to improve that offensive line if they want to protect their QB ... who had a career-high eight carries for 69 yards and threw two touchdown passes.

Turning Point

Christian McCaffrey broke the Cardinals' back after Arizona had to settle for a long field goal with a 76-yard touchdown run that ended up being the deciding score in the game. Not only was the touchdown run a career-long play for McCaffrey, but was also the deciding score as the Panthers defense took control of the game from there. 

Arizona had to settle for a field goal after a crucial drop by a wide open Trent Sherfield stalled the Cardinals' drive prior to McCaffrey's touchdown (Murray's pass wasn't great, but Sherfield should have caught the ball). McCaffrey was off to the races on the second play of the Panthers' drive. 

Play of the Game

Easy to give it to McCaffrey, but this was an excellent throw from Allen to Olsen that resulted in his fourth touchdown pass of the game. Allen throws off his back foot while going to his left and found Olsen in the back of the end zone, going over three Cardinals defenders to do it.

This is the type of afternoon Allen had, as the Panthers offense racked up 413 yards and averaged seven yards per play. Allen was excellent throughout the day, but this was a confident throw from a second-year quarterback (who was an undrafted free agent). 

Quotable

"That's just who they are. You just got to look at them for who they are. Hopefully Kyle doesn't start dressing like Cam." - Panthers head coach Ron Rivera on comparing the personalities of Kyle Allen and franchise quarterback Cam Newton. 

The Panthers rallied around Allen as the offense had its best game of the season, much different than the first two games with Newton. Rivera said this team is Newton's when he's 100 percent, but also admitted it's nice to have a player who can come in and get the job done in Allen. The Panthers have a backup quarterback. 

What's Next

The Panthers (1-2) travel to Houston to face the Texans, who are coming off a 27-20 win on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers. Carolina will have a decision to make whether to start Allen for the second consecutive week and give Newton another week to rest his ankle. That decision will come later in the week. 

The Cardinals (0-2-1) host the Seattle Seahawks, who are coming off a home loss to the New Orleans Saints. Seattle's defense won't make life any easier for Murray and the Cardinals offensive line as they look to keep pace with the NFC West leading San Francisco 49ers. 

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