The Green Bay Packers emerged with a 33-30 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday after the Panthers mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback attempt led by rookie quarterback Bryce Young. The win keeps the Packers’ slim playoff hopes alive with two games remaining.
Panthers Roar Back Behind Young’s Career Day
After falling behind 30-13 early in the fourth quarter, the Panthers rallied with 17 unanswered points as Young delivered the best performance of his young career so far. The rookie first-round pick completed 29 of 42 passes for 291 yards, 3 touchdowns and no interceptions.
Wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. was Young’s top target, hauling in 6 catches for 91 yards and a score. Running back D’Onta Foreman powered the Panthers ground game with 119 yards rushing on 26 attempts.
Young credited the veteran leadership of his teammates for helping him settle into the game after a shaky start. “Having guys like DJ Moore, Terrace Marshall, Laviska Shenault, D’Onta Foreman, guys who have been here and been in situations like this, keeping my head on straight really allowed me to get into a rhythm,” Young said.
| Passing | Comp/Att | Yards | TD | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryce Young | 29/42 | 291 | 3 | 0 |
| Jordan Love | 19/29 | 228 | 1 | 0 |
Packers Cling to Lead After Costly Missed Kick
The Packers held a tenuous 30-28 lead when they lined up for a 27-yard field goal try with 3:21 remaining. Kicker Anders Carlson, who had nailed a career-long 55-yard field goal earlier in the game, pulled the short attempt wide left.
That miss left the door open for the Panthers, who moved into field goal range in the final minute. Eddy Pineiro lined up for a tying 45-yard try, but was unable to convert as his kick sailed wide left with 20 seconds remaining.
Packers quarterback Jordan Love praised his team’s resilience in holding on for the win. “It got a little dicey there late, but we never stopped believing. This team has fought through adversity all year and that showed today,” Love said. The third-year quarterback finished 19 of 29 passing for 228 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions.
What’s Next
The victory moves the Packers to 7-8 on the season, still alive in the muddled NFC playoff picture with two games remaining. They’ll face another struggling NFC South squad next Sunday when they battle the Miami Dolphins.
Despite falling to 6-9, the Panthers remain mathematically alive for a playoff spot as well. They’ll wrap up the home portion of their schedule next week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
With both teams still clinging to postseason hopes, the performances of Young and Love will go a long way in determining their fate. After leading Carolina’s fiery comeback attempt, Young seems to be settling into the starting role. And Love continues his audition to be Green Bay’s quarterback of the future.
Sunday’s last-minute drama revealed the fight left in both the Packers and Panthers. And with the playoff push intensifying, their mettle will be tested even further in Week 17.
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