Young leads late game-winning drive as Panthers take down Texans
Posted October 27, 2023 6:05 a.m. EDT
Updated October 30, 2023 4:38 p.m. EDT
| Houston Texans | 13 |
| Carolina Panthers | 15 |
| Final | |
In a highly anticipated matchup between two rookie quarterbacks, it was Bryce Young who had the last laugh.
Young led the Panthers on a 15-play, 86 yard drive that spanned the final 6:17 in the fourth quarter. Eddy Pineiro drilled a game-winning 23-yard field goal as time expired, to give Carolina its first win of the season.
"You love opportunities like that," said Young. "To end the game on your terms and to try to go out and take the game. You know, down one, what else would you hope for?"
Young was steady and efficient all afternoon, completing 22 of 31 passes for 235 yards and a 1-yard touchdown pass to Tommy Tremble in the second quarter.
He also showed flashes of some big-play ability, connecting with fellow rookie Jonathan Mingo for a season-long 40 yard passing play in the third quarter. That play led to a 46-yard Pineiro field goal, which put Carolina ahead 9-7.
Just a couple plays later, it was the defense's turn to come up big. Donte Jackson forced a fumble that was recovered by Xavier Woods, setting the Panthers up with an scoring chance.
Pineiro split the sticks again a short time later, this time from 37 yards away to make it 12-7.
The Texans were able to march downfield for a touchdown on the ensuing drive. CJ Stroud scored on a QB sneak on 4th & Goal, capping a 12 play, 75 yard drive for Houston.
They went for two and did not get it, leaving them with just 13-12 lead, and setting the stage for Bryce Young's late-game heroics.
The Panthers started the final drive at their own 9-yard line with 6:17 on the game clock.
A 12-yard swing pass to Chuba Hubbard got the drive rolling, but a sack near midfield threatened to end Carolina's hopes.
With the game on the line, Young found his favorite target Adam Thielen on a key 4th & 2 to keep the drive alive. Thielen finished the game with 8 catches for 72 yards, his fifth straight game with 70+ receiving yards.
"It's those kind of plays that turn a good quarterback into a great quarterback," said Thielen. "He has the ability to do that and it's those things that help us win games."
After the 4th down conversion, the Panthers leaned on Hubbard to take them 26 more yards into field goal range.
A rash of penalties on the Texans got them even closer, as Pineiro was left with only a chip shot to clinch the victory.
With their first win of the season, the Panthers are now 1-6.
They will play at home again next week, as they host head coach Frank Reich's former team, the Indianapolis Colts.
"We'll certainly enjoy this and celebrate it, but this is just the beginning," said Reich. "There's no turning back. We know that every week in this league is a battle, but all we have to do is prove that we're the best team on the field that particular day."
Scoring summary
2nd 13:13 - Andrew Beck 1 Yd Rush. Ka'imi Fairbairn Made XP. 7-0 Texans.
2nd 1:35 - Tommy Tremble Pass From Bryce Young for 1 Yd. Eddy Pineiro Missed XP. 7-6 Texans.
3rd 10:46 - Eddy Pineiro Made 46 Yd Field Goal. 9-7 Panthers.
3rd 7:58 - Eddy Pineiro Made 37 Yd Field Goal. 12-7 Panthers.
3rd 0:35 - C.J. Stroud 1 Yd Rush. Two-pt conversion attempt fails. 13-12 Texans.
4th 0:00 - Eddy Pineiro Made 23 Yd Field Goal. 15-13 Panthers.
