The Carolina Panthers secured a 13-6 victory over the New York Jets in Week 7, marking their first three-game winning streak since the start of the 2022 season. With this win, the Panthers improved to 4-3, achieving their first record above .500 since October 2021, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Carolina last held a winning record in Week 5 of 2021, when they stood at 3-2.
The game was largely dictated by defense and special teams, with punting often outnumbering scoring opportunities. The Panthers’ only touchdown came late in the first half on a 2-yard pass from Bryce Young to Xavier Legette. Legette finished the game with nine catches for 92 yards and also made a crucial 33-yard reception late in the fourth quarter off backup quarterback Andy Dalton, helping Carolina run out the clock.
Bryce Young completed 15 of 20 passes for 138 yards before leaving the game in the third quarter due to an ankle injury. Dalton stepped in and completed 4 of 7 passes for 60 yards. Head coach Dave Canales noted that Young was unable to put weight on his ankle, which prevented his return.
In the backfield, the Panthers featured a time-sharing arrangement between Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle. Dowdle, who had accumulated 473 yards from scrimmage during Young’s absence, led the team with 79 rushing yards and added a 17-yard reception. Hubbard, returning from a calf strain, contributed 31 rushing yards along with two receptions totaling 24 yards.
The offensive line, starting its sixth different combination in seven games, provided just enough protection to maintain the team’s momentum throughout the contest.
On defense, Carolina sacked New York quarterbacks six times—more than doubling their season total before the game—and held the Jets to only 97 yards in the first half. Jaycee Horn stood out as the game’s defensive difference-maker, intercepting two passes, including one in the end zone.
Other notable defensive contributors included Nic Scourton, Derrick Brown, Tre’von Moehrig, and A’Shawn Robinson, all of whom played key roles in keeping the winless Jets at bay.
Looking ahead, the Panthers will host the Buffalo Bills in Week 8 as they aim to extend their winning streak.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/carolina-panthers/panthers-news-carolinas-winning-streak-highlights-how-bad-they-been-2021
