CHARLOTTE, N.C. (CAROLINA SPORTS LIVE) — When a team that doesn’t have a strong recent history of winning goes down 17 points in the first half, it’s generally a sign to jump ship. The Panthers did the opposite in their 27-24 comeback win over the Miami Dolphins. A victory that is now tied for the biggest comeback win in franchise history.
“I’m proud of this group for continuing to play football after a pretty sloppy up and down first half there,” said Head Coach Dave Canales. “Lots of stuff to work on, but lots of fight in this team. The belief in each other to continue to play, to continue (to) troubleshoot and find solutions together. That’s the biggest that I came out with today…”
With starting running back Chuba Hubbard out with a calf injury, it was Rico Dowdle who seized his opportunity. Running for 206 yards and a touchdown, Rico tied Jonathan Stewart for second for the most rushing yards in a single game. Stewart was actually on hand for Legends Day and watched Dowdle rack up his 234 total yards from scrimmage.
“That’s one of the things we’ve been focusing on the past couple weeks. Getting the run game going,” said Rico. “Playing more violent, getting to that second level and breaking those tackles…. We knew we were going to be able to run it. It was just a matter of how well we’re going to be able to run it. Those guys up front did a great job of opening it up and me getting through those arm tackles.”
Bryce Young would settle in after giving up the ball twice in three plays early in the game. A fumble he bobbled on his own, followed by an overthrown pass that was picked off by Miami’s Minkah Fitzpatrick. Bryce relied heavily on Carolina’s rookies, including Jimmy Horn Jr,. who made his NFL debut. Twice, Bryce would get out of fourth-down jams by finding Tetairoa McMillan and Horn Jr. to continue drives that would end with points. Mitchell Evans would also contribute to the first-year players. His game-winning touchdown was his second in as many weeks.
“I think it goes to show that we’re prepared,” said Mitchell. “Obviously, there’s a next step from college to the pros… that mental load when it comes to that and that physical load that comes with playing against solid players every week. Our team is dealing with some injuries right now, but it all comes down to the mental preparation.”
Bryce Young was never worried about being pulled after the slow start. He was just focused on the next play.
“The belief was always there…It’s great for 24 hours, and then next week there’s the challenge to execute and do everything to have a good week to put ourselves in a good position for Sunday.”
Bryce’s resolve would come forward. He led not one, but two drives late in the game that came away with points and eventually sealed the second win of the season for Carolina.
Defensively, Carolina finally got to the quarterback. After just two sacks in its first four games, Ejiro Evero’s unit put Tua Tagovailoa down three times. Captain Derrick Brown, A’Shawn Robinson, and a returning Pat Jones got the sacks, but the Panthers’ young core of Nic Scourton, Princely Umanmielen, and Trevin Wallace did their job in making Miami’s run game non-existent. The Dolphins would only muster a total of 19 yards on the ground.
Next week, the task gets harder. Another home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 1 PM on Queen City News.
CAROLINA SPORTS LIVE
CAROLINA PANTHERS