Panthers Overcome 17-Point Deficit to Beat Dolphins

Charlotte NC, October 6, 2025

News Summary

The Carolina Panthers overcame a 17-point deficit to secure a 27-24 victory against the Miami Dolphins, marking their second win of the season. Key player Rico Dowdle rushed for 206 yards, while quarterback Bryce Young completed 19 of 30 passes for two touchdowns, helping the Panthers rally after an early struggle. This victory also keeps the Panthers undefeated at home this season. The win signifies a notable performance and resilience from the team as they improve to 2-3, while the Dolphins drop to 1-4.

CHARLOTTE, NC – The Carolina Panthers staged an impressive comeback, defeating the Miami Dolphins 27-24 at home, overcoming a significant 17-point deficit. This victory is the Panthers’ second win of the season, improving their record to 2-3, while the Dolphins fell to 1-4 following this loss.

The Dolphins initially led the matchup 17-0 in the second quarter, largely due to two turnovers by Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. However, the Panthers rallied to score 27 of the last 34 points after being down 17-0. Young managed to complete 19 of 30 passes for 198 yards and threw two touchdown passes, including a crucial 4-yard go-ahead score to backup tight end Mitchell Evans with only 1:59 remaining in the game.

Running back Rico Dowdle was a key player in the Panthers’ comeback, starting in place of the injured Chuba Hubbard. Dowdle rushed for 206 yards and one touchdown, marking a significant performance that tied the franchise record for the second-most rushing yards in a single game. Notably, he recorded impressive runs of 53 and 43 yards during the game, showcasing his ability to break through Miami’s defense. Despite experiencing cramping at times during the game, Dowdle’s contributions were pivotal in the Panthers’ victory.

The Panthers also benefited from their dominating run game, outgaining Miami significantly, with 237 rushing yards compared to the Dolphins’ mere 19 yards. The Panthers’ defense played a critical role in shutting down Miami’s running game, which forced the Dolphins to rely heavily on their passing. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 27 of 36 passes for 256 yards and threw touchdowns to De’Von Achane, Darren Waller, and Jaylen Waddle.

This comeback marked a remarkable achievement for the Panthers, tying the franchise record for overcoming a 17-point deficit. In the overall history of the franchise, they are now 4-117 when trailing by such a significant margin. Additionally, this win maintains the Panthers’ undefeated record at home, now standing at 2-0 at Bank of America Stadium this season.

Young’s early struggles, including a fumble and an interception that contributed to Miami’s initial points, turned into triumph, as he led his team back into contention. The Panthers also scored a crucial touchdown in the second quarter to receiver Xavier Legette, marking his first touchdown catch of the season. Head coach Dave Canales highlighted the team’s resilience and ability to refocus after early setbacks, which played a significant role in securing the victory against Miami.

Key Game Statistics

• Panthers Rushing Yards: 237
• Dolphins Rushing Yards: 19
• Bryce Young’s Pass Completions: 19 of 30
• Rico Dowdle’s Rushing Yards: 206
• Current Panthers Record: 2-3
• Current Dolphins Record: 1-4

Background Context

The Panthers’ history shows a striking difficulty in matches when trailing by 17 points or more, underscoring the significance of this win. The two first-half turnovers from Young were concerning but ultimately proved to be an early hurdle the team could overcome in their pursuit of victory.

The success of the Panthers, at home, suggests a strong support from the fanbase at Bank of America Stadium, where they have yet to lose this season. This stellar performance not only boosts morale within the team but also creates a wave of optimism as they look forward to the remainder of the season.

FAQs

• What was the final score of the Panthers vs. Dolphins game?

  The Carolina Panthers won 27-24 against the Miami Dolphins.

• What was the deficit the Panthers overcame during the game?

  The Panthers overcame a 17-point deficit.

• Who was the standout player for the Panthers in the game?

  Running back Rico Dowdle rushed for 206 yards and one touchdown.

• How did Bryce Young perform during the game?

  Bryce Young completed 19 of 30 passes for 198 yards and two touchdown passes.

• What is the Panthers’ home record this season?

  The Panthers remain undefeated at home, with a record of 2-0 at Bank of America Stadium this season.

Key Features Overview

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Additional Resources

• Carolina Panthers Official Site
• Charlotte Observer
• ESPN
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Carolina Panthers
• Google Search: Carolina Panthers comeback against Dolphins

Author: HERE Charlotte

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