Christian Kirk hopes his childhood friend Kyle Allen has a great NFL career.
He just didn't want that upward trajectory to begin so soon.
Allen, the former star quarterback at Scottsdale Desert Mountain High School, was fantastic against the Cardinals on Sunday, completing 19-of-26 passes for 261 yards and four touchdowns.
The Panthers played without star quarterback Cam Newton but still rolled offensively in a 38-20 win, and much of that was due to Allen's performance.
"Bittersweet," said Kirk, the Cardinals' second-year wide receiver who played at Scottsdale Saguaro High School. "Obviously I'm so proud of him, and what he's able to do, and leading that team. But it's tough when you're on the losing end."
Allen was one of the highest-rated quarterback recruits in the country coming out of high school but his college career never took off. He went undrafted and was unemployed for a stretch last year – watching Kirk and the Cardinals from the stands at one point – but shined in his homecoming.
"It's the first time I've ever played in this stadium," Allen said. "I have a lot of people here, a lot of family, a lot of friends, friends on the other team. It's special coming home."
Allen was able to fully enjoy the reunion with Kirk since his team came away with the victory. The pair exchanged jerseys after the game.
"We've both been through so much together since high school, and even last year when I wasn't on a team, he was out here helping me because I was out in Arizona," Allen said. "And we just support each other through it all. He has obviously had a monstrous career and he's going to continue that monstrous career. He's a great player and a great friend, and he's a really good teammate. It was awesome to play against him tonight."
ANDY LEE SUFFERS HIP FLEXOR INJURY
Punter Andy Lee suffered a hip flexor injury when he tackled Panthers punt returner Ray-Ray McCLoud early in the fourth quarter.
Lee left the game and kicker Zane Gonzalez assumed punt duties the rest of the way.
"We'll probably know a little more (Monday), but right now I don't think it's anything crazy, crazy, crazy serious," Lee said. "But it was enough to where I couldn't continue to do my job. We'll see what happens."
Lee finished with three punts for 128 yards with a net punting average of 42.7. Gonzalez did a nice job as the emergency replacement with two punts for 84 yards, with a 42.0 net average.
CARDINALS USE RIGHT TACKLE ROTATION
Recently-signed right tackle Jordan Mills replaced Justin Murray in the starting lineup, but they ended up rotating at the position throughout the contest.
Murray started the first two games of the year for veteran Marcus Gilbert, who went down with a season-ending torn ACL days before the opener. Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury said he will need to review the tape in order to evaluate the pair.
"I think at times (they) held up well, but I'll have to watch the film," Kingsbury said.
Images from the Week 3 contest at State Farm Stadium
WR Larry Fitzgerald dives for a touchdown.
Cardinals linebacker Chandler Jones strips the ball from Carolina Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen, right, for the turnover during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
OLB Chandler Jones looks at the crowd after his strip-sack.
QB Kyler Murray runs with the ball.
Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) is hit by Carolina Panthers defensive back Tre Boston (33) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) looks to pass against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Cardinals wide receiver Andy Isabella (89) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Big Red in the tunnel prior to the game
Cardinals fans tailgate before the game.
Cardinals fans before the game.
A Cardinals fan watches prior to an NFL football game abasing the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Entertainment before the game.
A Cardinals fan on the Great Lawn.
Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) makes a catch prior to an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury watches his team prior to an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald makes a catch prior to an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen (7) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald warms up prior to the game against the Panthers.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray warms up prior to the game against the Panthers on Sunday.
Correctly calling the TD connection.
OLB Chandler Jones celebrates his strip-sack.
Panthers wide receiver Curtis Samuel (10) celebrates his touchdown catch with running back Christian McCaffrey (22) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen (7) celebrates his touchdown pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Panthers defensive back Tre Boston (33) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey (22) runs against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) scores a touchdown as Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry defends during the first half.
Cardinals linebacker Chandler Jones strips the ball from Carolina Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen, right, for the turnover during the first half.
Kyler Murray throws against the Carolina Panthers.
Panthers fullback Alex Armah (40) is hit by Cardinals linebacker Chandler Jones (55) during the first half.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) runs as Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) and defensive end Bruce Irvin defend.
Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is hit by Carolina Panthers defensive back Ross Cockrell during the first half.
Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) can't make the catch against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half.
Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) dives in for the touchdown as Panthers strong safety Eric Reid (25) and outside linebacker Shaq Thompson (54) defends during the second half.
Kyler Murray makes a throw against the Panthers.
Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) scores a touchdown as Panthers strong safety Eric Reid (25) and outside linebacker Shaq Thompson (54) defend during the second half.
Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey (22) is hit by Cardinals middle linebacker Jordan Hicks (58).
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws against the Panthers during the game on Sunday.
Cardinals wide receiver KeeSean Johnson (19) makes the catch as Panthers outside linebacker Shaq Thompson (54) makes the tackle during the second half.
Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) runs as Cardinals free safety D.J. Swearinger (36) pursues during the second half.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) is sacked by Carolina Panthers linebacker Christian Miller (50).
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) tackles Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) after Jackson intercepted Murray's throw during the second half.
Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) talks with quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the second half at State Farm Stadium.
Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) pulls in a touchdown catch as Cardinals free safety D.J. Swearinger (36) looks on.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) is sacked by Panthers linebacker Mario Addison (97) during the second half on Sunday.
Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey (22) breaks free for a 76-yard touchdown run as Cardinals cornerback Byron Murphy (33) pursues during the second half.
Larry Fitzgerald (11) runs a play against the Carolina Panthers.
Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen (7) throws as Cardinals outside linebacker Haason Reddick (43) pressures.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray lies on the turf after being sacked against the Carolina Panthers during the second half. The Panthers won 38-20.
Cardinals wide receiver Damiere Byrd (14) is hit by Panthers outside linebacker Shaq Thompson during the second half.
Carolina Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) runs after intercepting the football again the Cardinals during the second half.
Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is tackled by Panthers strong safety Eric Reid (25).
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) is hit by Panthers outside linebacker Shaq Thompson during the second half.
Panthers defensive end Efe Obada (94) runs a play against the Arizona Cardinals.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) is sacked by Carolina Panthers linebacker Mario Addison during the second half.
Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen watches the clock during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray lies on the field after being sacked by Carolina Panthers linebacker Christian Miller (50) during the second half.
Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera greets Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) after the game on Sunday. The Panthers won 38-20.
Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen, left, exchanges jerseys with Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk after the game.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) greets Carolina Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen (7) after the game. The Panthers won 38-20.
Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera, right, greets Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury after the game. The Panthers won 38-20.
