NFL Archives - WPTF-AM

Christian McCaffrey’s big night leads 49ers to 20-9 victory over Panthers

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Christian McCaffrey had a big night in his first game against Carolina since the Panthers traded him to San Francisco three years ago. McCaffrey gained 142 yards from scrimmage and scored a touchdown to help the 49ers beat the Panthers 20-9 on Monday night. He helped the Niners overcome three interceptions in the first half by Brock Purdy. San Francisco is 8-4 heading into the stretch run of the season and in position for a playoff berth. The Panthers fell to 6-6 and missed a chance to move into sole possession of first place in the NFC South.… Continue Reading

Panthers going for 3 wins in a row for the first time with Bryce Young as QB when they face 0-6 Jets

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Bryce Young’s arrival in Carolina sparked hope for the Panthers. As the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, he’s seen as the quarterback to lead the team back to success. The Panthers are set to face the winless Jets on Sunday, aiming for their third consecutive win. Coach Dave Canales praises the team’s resilience, highlighting a cultural shift. However, the Panthers struggle on the road, with a 0-3 away record. Meanwhile, the Jets are 0-6, with coach Aaron Glenn urging fans to stay patient. New York is coming off a 13-11 loss to Denver in London.… Continue Reading

Dowdle has 239 yards from scrimmage vs. former team as Panthers beat Cowboys on FG as time expires

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Rico Dowdle went over 200 yards from scrimmage for the second straight week — this time against his former team — and rookie Ryan Fitzgerald kicked a 33-yard field goal as time expired as the Carolina Panthers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 30-27 in a wild back-and-forth game. Bryce Young completed 17 of 25 passes for 199 yards and threw two of his three touchdown passes to rookie Tetairoa McMillan. The Panthers improved to 3-0 at home. Dowdle ran for 183 yards on 30 carries and caught four passes for 56 yards and a touchdown for the Panthers, who beat the Cowboys for the first time in three years at home.… Continue Reading

Carolina’s Rico Dowdle predicted he’d have a big game against Miami. Then he rushed for 206 yards

CHARLOTTE,. N.C. (AP) — Rico Dowdle made an impressive debut as a starter for the Carolina Panthers, rushing for 206 yards against the Miami Dolphins. He predicted to teammates last week that he’d run for 180 yards, but exceeded his own expectations. Dowdle’s performance included runs of 53 and 43 yards, nearly breaking the franchise’s single-game rushing record. Despite early turnovers, the Panthers stuck with the run game and rallied for a 27-24 win. Dowdle even suggested a key play that set up a field goal. With Chuba Hubbard’s status uncertain, Dowdle’s role looks set to expand. He faces his former team, the Dallas Cowboys, next Sunday.… Continue Reading

Marcus Jones’ 87-yard punt return TD sparks Patriots offense in 42-13 romp over Panthers

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Marcus Jones had an 87-yard punt return for a touchdown, Drake Maye added two touchdown passes and ran for another, and the New England Patriots rolled to a 42-13 win over the Carolina Panthers. TreVeyon Henderson and Antonio Gibson added touchdown runs and Jones had a 61-yard punt return that set up another TD to help the Patriots avoid their fifth straight 1-3 start. The Patriots were turnover-free while going 4 for 4 in the red zone.… Continue Reading

Panthers dominate Falcons 30-0 for first win of the season

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have earned their first win of the season, defeating the Atlanta Falcons 30-0 on Sunday. Bryce Young ran for a touchdown, while Chau Smith-Wade returned an interception for a score. Rookie Ryan Fitzgerald contributed with three field goals. Young completed 16 of 24 passes for 121 yards, avoiding turnovers after struggling in previous games. The Panthers intercepted Michael Penix Jr. twice and forced three turnovers. The Falcons struggled offensively, with Bijan Robinson being the lone standout with 111 yards from scrimmage. It was Carolina’s first shutout since 2020.… Continue Reading

QB Young showed fight Panthers want to see despite failing to complete comeback against Cards

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Dave Canales benched Bryce Young two games into the 2024 season for ineffectiveness following a flurry of turnovers resulting in Carolina losing its first two games by a combined margin of 73-13. More than six quarters into this season it looked as if Canales might be answering similar questions about Young’s future. The Panthers fell behind 27-3 to the Arizona Cardinals and appeared on the verge of getting blown out for the second straight week. Young had two turnovers on the first two drives, one that was returned for a touchdown. And then something clicked. Young got going in the second half against Arizona, rallying the Panthers to 27-22 with three second-half touchdown passes.… Continue Reading

Panthers encouraged by rookie WR Tetairoa McMillan’s performance in season opener

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have found promise in first-round draft pick Tetairoa McMillan. Coach Dave Canales said McMillan met expectations in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Although McMillan caught six passes for 58 yards, his speed and handling of assignments impressed the team. He also drew a defensive pass interference, contributing to a 22-yard gain. Despite a missed one-handed catch in the end zone, McMillan remains confident. His performance reassured the Panthers about trading veteran Adam Thielen. McMillan returns to his college grounds on Sunday when the Panthers face the Arizona Cardinals, aiming to build on his debut.… Continue Reading

Panthers’ disappointing start reminiscent of last year’s struggles on offense and defense

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers started their season with a 26-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. This echoes their struggles last season, when they finished 5-12. Bryce Young, the 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick, completed 18 of 35 passes for 154 yards and turned the ball over three times. The Panthers traded away Young’s favorite target, Adam Thielen, before the season. Rookie Tetairoa McMillan showed promise with five catches for 68 yards. The Panthers’ run defense remains a concern, allowing 200 yards rushing. Carolina faces Arizona next Sunday, hoping to improve its performance.… Continue Reading

Lawrence and Etienne deliver as Jaguars open new regime with a 26-10 victory over the Panthers

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Trevor Lawrence threw a touchdown pass, Travis Etienne ran for 143 yards and the Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Carolina Panthers 26-10 to give their new regime a debut victory. Brian Thomas Jr. also ran for a score for Jacksonville, which controlled both lines of scrimmage and kept Lawrence upright all afternoon. The game was delayed 1 hour, 16 minutes because of nearby lightning strikes. Bryce Young turned in another season-opening stinker. He had a TD pass to Chuba Hubbard, two interceptions and a fumble. He also made a head-scratching throw out of the back of the end zone on a fourth-down play.… Continue Reading