Friday night marked the end of the Carolina Panthers’ preseason schedule as they held on to win a close affair with the Houston Texans by a score of 16-13. Excitement was practically non-existent until the fourth quarter. After three quarters of playing the only scoring that occurred was via field goals from both sides and the Panthers taking a 9-6 lead into the final 15 minutes.
A 14 play, 65 yard drive by the Panthers with around 9 minutes left in the game ended with a Miles Davis one yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 16-6. The Texans responded with an 11 play, 65 yard drive themselves resulting in a Zay Jones six yard reception for a touchdown. Following Houston’s extra point, the score was back to a field goal difference with Carolina ahead 16-13.
With one minute to play, Houston Quarterback Brett Rypien dropped back to pass and was taken down in the backfield by Jeremiah Moon who forced a fumble and recovered it himself. Carolina took a couple of knees to run out the clock, and came out victorious.
With starters getting the night off before heading into the regular season, the focus was more on individual performances rather than the team as a unit with some individuals looking to prove they can provide production for Head Coach Dave Canales and his staff.
Kenny Pickett had seen the majority of playing time this preseason prior to Friday, so it was veteran quarterback Kyle Trask’s turn to show off his talents. Trask went 19 of 28 in the air for 147 yards and one interception. Pickett did have limited time under center, completing 5 passes on 8 attempts and racking up 48 yards.
Perhaps the biggest performance Panthers fans should be excited about belonged to the receivers in the game. Ja’seem Reed and David Moore both had 30+ yards receiving while Feleipe Franks and AJ Dillon racked up 20+ yards themselves. It is also worth noting that seven different receivers had plays of 10+ yards, a sign that Carolina’s offense could be capable of more big plays this season.
Aside from the game-sealing strip sack and a solid performance from receivers, there was not much else to take from a game that was mostly a field goal fest.
Carolina now turns to roster decisions, with the deadline to trim to 53 players coming soon. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, Miles Davis has already been waived.
The Panthers will be tested early as they host the Chicago Bears on Sept. 13th at 1:00 p.m. ET.
