A Win's a Win

It wasn’t pretty, but the Panthers picked up their second straight Week 1 win in Florida after losing five consecutive season openers.

Carolina's defense posted a second-half shutout despite playing without LB Luke Kuechly, who suffered a concussion late in the second quarter. CB Josh Norman began his contract year with his first career pick-six, a forced fumble/fumble recovery combo, two passes defensed and five tackles. LB Thomas Davis added an interception and one of the Panthers’ five sacks of QB Blake Bortles.

Not surprisingly, the offense didn’t pile up points, but QB Cam Newton did enough to win an opener for the first time in his career. His legs were a big difference on a fourth-quarter 15-play drive that took 8:07 off the clock and made it a two-score game.

Health Watch

After a painful preseason, the Panthers were dealt another potentially big injury blow after their opening drive. Fourth-round offensive tackle Daryl Williams was helped off the field after suffering a knee injury during Graham Gano’s 43-yard field goal. Williams was expected to see time at right tackle while Mike Remmers shifted over to share snaps with C Ryan Kalil, but it appeared Kalil played every offensive snap despite his sprained knee.

Shortly before the half, Kuechly’s injury was a major ‘uh oh’ moment. He’ll be in the league’s concussion protocol, but there was this bit of good news: According to Panthers communications director Steven Drummond, Kuechly was moving around well in the locker room encouraging the defense at halftime.

Receivers Recover After Sputtering Start

Receivers were a major storyline coming into Sunday and they validated those concerns in the first quarter. Ted Ginn had a couple drops, including a potential touchdown, and rookie Devin Funchess couldn't hang onto his first target.

After Newton began 3-of-9, his wideouts settled down to help him out. The drops disappeared and Jerricho Cotchery excelled. The 12-year veteran matched his 2014 season total with a first-half touchdown and kept his legs churning to pick up a key first down with less than 10 minutes to go in the fourth quarter.

Next Up

The Texans come to Bank of America Stadium after dropping their season opener at home to the Chiefs. Houston’s defense was picked apart by Kansas City QB Alex Smith, but DE J.J. Watt did have multiple sacks. His matchup against Michael Oher, who struggled in his debut Sunday, should dominate this week’s storylines.