When it's crunch time I much prefer to rely on the defense than the offense and that is what it came down in this victory. The offense gave the ball back with just enough time for the Texans to march down to the red zone yet the pass rush reared up and put just enough pressure on the Texans QB.
1st Half
The first quarter was ugly as the offense went 3 and out on several occasions. Yet they woke up in the 2nd quarter and led 10-3 at the half, mostly on the back of QB Cam Newton. WR Ted Ginn dropped an ugly 3rd down pass that hit him the chest but then redeemed himself later by hauling in Newton's first TD pass and the lead. The defense on the other played solid ball without their leader Luke Kuechly, who was sidelined with a concussion in the previous game.
2nd Half
It was a back and forth game as both teams scored TDs in each quarter. The Panthers first entended ther lead via a thorwback Cam Newton rushing TD in which he did a compelte 360 over the goal for the score. He of course was smiling through the whoile thing.
Later the Panther other WR with recent drops, Philly Brown pulled in a beauty of a Newton pass for the Panthers final score. It was a moment of redemption for the WR plagued by drops earlier in the preseason.
Newton finished with 18 of 37 for 195 yards and 2 TD passes. He added 76 yards rushing a TD as well.
YE Greg Olsen had 6 receptions for 70 yards.
Philly Brown had 3 receptions for 57 yards a TD.
Ted Ginn 4 for 41 and a TD
RB Jonathan Stewart rushed for 62 yards on 17 carries.
It was a hard fought victory for sure. More analysis to come.