Late surge decides tight contest
The Carolina Panthers defeated the Houston Texans 16-13 on Friday night at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, securing their third win of the preseason. With the game hanging in the balance late in the fourth quarter, Miles Davis capped the Panthers' offensive drive with a one-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a successful kick from Ryan Fitzgerald.
That score extended Carolina's lead to 16-13, a margin the Texans were unable to erase in the final minutes of play. The result improved the Panthers' record to 3-1, while the Texans fell to 0-3 on the season.
Field goals set the tone
The game remained scoreless through the first quarter before the second period produced a flurry of special team activity. Houston struck first when Ka'imi Fairbairn connected on a 38-yard field goal to give the Texans a 3-0 lead. Carolina responded quickly, with Ryan Fitzgerald drilling a 30-yard field goal to tie the game at 3-3.
Fitzgerald then added a 37-yard field goal to put the Panthers ahead 6-3 before the half. The third quarter continued the pattern, as Fitzgerald converted another 28-yard field goal to make it 9-3. Fairbairn answered with a 47-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 9-6 entering the final period.
