The Panthers opened up the preseason with a 23-13 win over the Bears.
The long-awaited preseason debut of the Carolina Panthers is here and they did not disappoint against the reigning NFC North ChampionsChicago Bears.
Kyle Allengot the start at quarterback withCam Newtonrehabbing, playing the entire first quarter and leading the Panthers to a 3-0 lead after connecting 7-11 passing for 76 yards. The true winner of the first quarter was the Panthers defense who completely dominated the Bears offense every way possible forcing two punts.
The Panthers started the second quarter shakily withElijah Holyfieldfumbling, which led to a Bears touchdown, followed by aWill Grierinterception on the very next drive. The second quarter was a rough one for the Panthers as they became a bit shaky allowing 10 points as Carolina would find themselves behind 10-6.
Grier, who came in at the quarterback position during the second drive of the second quarter, would put up a goose egg in the score column after Allen got the Panthers in position for another three points.
The Panthers rolled the dice with Grier for the 3rd quarter and it would pay off as he would score early on at the 13:02 mark with a short seven-yard pass to Holyfield putting the Panthers up 13-10.
The shaky second-quarter defense would heat back up forcing a punt and allowing Grier and the Panthers to go 12 plays to put up three more points to push the lead to 16-10. Grier would eventually leave the game completing 9 of 16 for 77 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
In the final quarter, we would see a small sample size of quarterbackTaylor Heinickeas he went to work to try and close out the game. The Panthers defense gave up another field goal at the 7:10 mark making the score 16-13. After giving up the field goal the Panthers went 75 yards in 5:26 minutes to score a touchdown off an 11-yard rush from Holyfield giving the Panthers a 23-13 lead and ultimately a victory with that final score.
There were some major players in the Panthers opening preseason week one win that should be looked at heavily going into week two of the preseason.Andre Levroneled all Panther wide receivers with four receptions of 51 yards and Holyfield who caught two targets and scored the teams only two touchdowns.
RookieBrian Burnsalso went on notice, as the 16th overall pick delivered two sacks and showing a beautiful swim move.
The Carolina Panthers next preseason game is against theBuffalo Billsin Carolina on August 16th at 7 pm ET as they look to improve to 2-0. in the preseason
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