To combine the expressions \((-2x^2 + 8x + 2)\) and \((-7x - 3)\), we will add the like terms together.
Start by rewriting the expression:
\[ (-2x^2 + 8x + 2) + (-7x - 3) \]
Now, distribute the terms:
\[ -2x^2 + 8x + 2 - 7x - 3 \]
Next, combine the like terms:
- The \(x^2\) term: \(-2x^2\) (there is no other \(x^2\) term).
- The \(x\) terms: \(8x - 7x = 1x\) or simply \(x\).
- The constant terms: \(2 - 3 = -1\).
Putting everything together, we get:
\[ -2x^2 + x - 1 \]
So, the final result is:
\[ \boxed{-2x^2 + x - 1} \]