Cat Scratch Reader
The Carolina Panthers rallied from a 17-0 deficit to take down the Miami Dolphins, 27-24.
The Panthers had to start the game with their defense on the field, and they were not ready to go. The Dolphins moved the ball pretty easily using their trademark motion and quick hitting plays. They moved into the red zone with a big pass to Darren Waller down the seam, but that was where the drive would stall. Nic Scourton blew up a screen then Derrick Brown sacked Tua to force the drive to end in a field goal.
The Panthers ensuing drive was similar. A couple of modest plays were followed by a 30 yard gain to Tetairoa McMillan. The drive also ended there, but this one was a self inflicted end. Bryce Young kneed the ball out of his own hand trying to juke a defender, and it was picked up by a defender to end the drive.
The next Dolphins possession was more of the same. They took it 58 yards in a whopping 14 plays. They dinked and dunked down the field before the last dink led DeVon Achane into the end zone to put the Dolphins up 10-0.
Young again sabotaged the next Panthers drive with a turnover. He tried to step up in the pocket but kind of stepped into traffic. He air mailed his pass attempt and it was picked off.
The Dolphins took advantage of the good field position and quickly worked inside the five on a quick pass to Jaylen Waddle. On the next play, Tua found Waller in between Tevin Wallace and Jaycee Horn to put the Dolphins up three scores.
Fortunately the Panthers were able to stabilize things from there. Rico Dowdle broke off a couple big runs to get the drive started and then another big pass play to McMillan took the Panthers inside scoring range. Young hit Xavier Legette in the back corner of the end zone to restore some faith.
An A’Shawn Robinson sack derailed the Dolphins attempt at a response, and that got the ball back for the home team quickly. They manufactured another scoring drive going into the half. Dowdle ripped off another big run to start the drive. Young was able to nickel and dime down the field to set up another score. Ryan Fitzgerald kicked home a field goal to make it a one score game heading into the half.
Dowdle ripped off another big run, this time for 53 yards. Young wasn’t able to get the offense set for the next play quick enough, so they suffered a delay of game penalty. He missed Tommy Tremble on a wheel route, so Fitzgerald had to knock home his second field goal of the day.
A holding penalty brought back a long completion to Waddle, and put the Dolphins behind the sticks. The Panthers defense was able to just enough to force a punt to give the offense...
