2-0
The Panthers are 2-0 for just the sixth time in their history. They also won their first two games in 1996, 2002, 2003, 2008 and 2014. 2002 was the only time they didn’t go on to make the playoffs.
Cam’s Counter
After a first half that dragged on for an hour and 43 minutes while the Panthers and Texans split 17 drives, the third quarter was essentially just two drives.
Houston came out of the half and went 13 plays and 80 yards in 6:31. But after the Texans tied the game at 10 thanks to TE Garrett Graham's gorgeous one-handed toe-tapping touchdown, Panthers QB Cam Newton countered. He accounted for 51 of 80 yards on a drive that chewed up 7:25. Oh, and his touchdown that put the Panthers ahead for good will probably make SportsCenter.
Offensive Line Does Solid Job
Texans DE J.J. Watt was going to get his. He always does. But if I told you he’d finish with five tackles, a sack and a couple pass knock downs, would you take it? I would. Jadeveon Clowney, meanwhile, had two tackles and no sacks in his homecoming.
Good Hands
WR Ted Ginn had another bad first-quarter drop, but on the Panthers' next drive, Ginn hauled in his next target for a 25-yard touchdown. Then, early in the fourth quarter, Philly Brown had no problem catching a 36-yard score. The third touchdown of his career has to be a big confidence booster, not just for him, but for coaches and fans as well.
Houston’s Horrid Ground Game
It’s hard to win in the NFL without a run game, and the Texans don’t have one without injured back Arian Foster. They gained just 24 yards on 11 carries in the first half and just 37 more in the second. It’s the eighth time in their last nine regular-season games that the Panthers have held an opponent below 100 rushing yards. It was the first time they’ve done it despite being without LB Luke Kuechly and DT Star Lotulelei.
Up Next
Lotulelei will almost assuredly be available and Kuechly could be back next Sunday when the Panthers host the Saints. New Orleans is 0-2 after losing at home to the Bucs. By the way, the Panthers and Falcons are tied atop the NFC South after Atlanta rallied past the Giants on Sunday.