CHARLOTTE, N.C. (CAROLINA SPORTS LIVE) — The Panthers are back at .500 — and they did it dramatically, torching the NFL’s worst-ranked defense in a wild, back-and-forth victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but Carolina delivered big plays when it mattered most.
Much of the talk during the week centered around running back Rico Dowdle, who faced his former team fresh off a career day against the Dolphins. After a quick three-and-out by Dallas to open the game, Dowdle picked up right where he left off, averaging 10 yards per carry on the Panthers’ first drive. That success set up the pass, with Bryce Young connecting with last week’s standout, rookie tight end Mitchell Evans, for a 21-yard gain to the Dallas 46.
However, the promising drive stalled, and Carolina had to settle for a field goal — still, an encouraging start.
Dallas responded with a drive of its own, pushing Carolina’s defense back before safety Nick Scott broke up a would-be touchdown on third down. The Cowboys tied the game at 3 with a field goal.
On Carolina’s next possession, rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan moved the chains with a tough third-down catch. But on the very next play, a pass bounced off McMillan’s hands and into the arms of Donovan Wilson. The Cowboys cashed in the turnover to take a 10–3 lead.
McMillan quickly made amends. Young found the rookie wide open for a 19-yard touchdown — the first of McMillan’s NFL career and his 26th career catch overall. Dallas still led 17–13 at halftime.
The Panthers came out swinging in the second half. Young hit fellow rookie Jimmy Horn Jr. for a 34-yard gain to the Dallas 46. A few plays later, Young scrambled and found Dowdle for a 36-yard touchdown — a fitting revenge score that put Carolina back in front, 20–17.
After George Pickens briefly put Dallas back ahead, McMillan struck again, this time hauling in a 2-yard touchdown from Young to reclaim the lead, 27–24. The Cowboys would tie it again, but both teams struggled to take control late.
With under two minutes remaining, Carolina faced a critical 4th-and-3. Young delivered, hitting a sliding Hunter Renfrow for his first catch of the day — a clutch grab that kept the drive alive.
The Panthers managed the clock perfectly from there, setting up undrafted rookie kicker Ryan Fitzgerald — a Florida State product — for the biggest kick of his career. He drilled the go-ahead field goal, sealing a 30–27 win and bringing the Panthers to 3–3 on the season — their first time at .500 since Week 10 of the 2021 season.
It’s a signature win for head coach Dave Canales and a confident step forward for a young, evolving Panthers squad.
The Black & Blue are away next week to face the New York Jets. Kick off starts at 1 p.m. on Queen City News.