Carolina Panthers: The Season So Far

Carolina Panthers 9, Buffalo Bills 3

Another strong defensive performance from the Panthers resulted in the second straight game in which the opponent was kept out of the end zone. Gano provided the only Carolina points as the team squeaked by with a six-point win.

Despite the defense holding down the Buffalo offense, the Bills nearly won on a last-second touchdown. Facing 4th-and-11 from the Panther 33, Tyrod Taylor lobbed a pass to former East Carolina product Zay Jones, but the ball fell out of the leaping Jones’ hands and onto the turf with nine seconds remaining in regulation.

Newton improved from his last start with a 20-for-32 performance, throwing for 228. Benjamin was the primary beneficiary of Newton’s passing, hauling in six receptions for 77 yards. Davis once again led the way in tackles with seven while Peppers contributed two of the team’s three sacks with the other credited to Mario Addison.

However, not everyone left the game unscathed. Greg Olsen, the starting tight end and effectively Newton’s security blanket, suffered a broken foot that resulted in being placed on the injured reserve.