With the return of starting quarterback Cam Newton, they improved their record to 2-0 with a 24-7 victory over the Detroit Lions.
READ MORE:
Panthers Lions preview
Panthers beat Buccaneers – Carolina Panthers beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 20-14, in season opener
Champ Bailey Lions – Bailey works out for Detroit Lions after release from New Orleans Saints
The Carolina Panthers were called a team on the decline by many NFL analysts before the season started, but they improved to 2-0 with a 24-7 victory over the Detroit Lions.
The Lions had taken a 7-6 lead in the third quarter, but the Panthers roared back with 18 unanswered points to win.
Quarterback Cam Newton made his first start of the season for the Panthers, and he had a solid game with 281 yards and a touchdown on 22-of-34 passing.
Jonathan Stewart filled in for DeAngelo Williams at running back, and he scored a touchdown while rushing for 37 yards.
For the Lions, quarterback Matthew Stafford fell back down to Earth after a dynamic opener with 291 yards on 27-of-48 passing. He also threw a touchdown and an interception.
Wide receiver Calvin Johnson continued to shine with six catches for 83 yards. The turnovers by the Lions proved to be costly though as they committed three total.
Two of them were fumbles, and the offensive line allowed four sacks. 2.5 of them were by Panthers defensive end Mario Addison.
COMMENTS