Charlotte, North Carolina, February 16, 2026
In a thrilling game at Bank of America Stadium, the Carolina Panthers staged a dramatic comeback against the Miami Dolphins, overcoming a 17-point deficit to secure a 27-24 victory. Quarterback Bryce Young executed a game-winning touchdown pass to tight end Mitchell Evans with under two minutes left, capping a remarkable performance that saw the Panthers rally from 17-0 down. Rico Dowdle’s impressive 206 rushing yards highlighted the team’s offensive resurgence, solidifying their season record at 2-3.
Charlotte, North Carolina –
The Carolina Panthers staged a remarkable comeback recently, overcoming a 17-point deficit to defeat the Miami Dolphins 27-24 in a thrilling contest held at Bank of America Stadium. Quarterback Bryce Young delivered the decisive blow, throwing a 4-yard touchdown pass to tight end Mitchell Evans with just 1:59 left in the game, securing a memorable victory for the home team.
Dramatic Turnaround at Bank of America Stadium
The game saw the Dolphins establish an early and commanding lead, taking a 17-0 advantage in the first half. Miami’s quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, was instrumental in their initial success, connecting with De’Von Achane for a touchdown, and later finding Darren Waller for another score after a Bryce Young fumble and interception led to 14 of Miami’s points.
However, the Panthers began to chip away at the lead before halftime. Young connected with wide receiver Xavier Legette for a 7-yard touchdown, reducing the deficit to 17-7. A subsequent field goal from kicker Ryan Fitzgerald brought Carolina even closer, making the score 17-10 as the teams headed into the break.
Second Half Momentum Shift
The second half saw the Panthers continue their methodical climb back into the game. A field goal in the third quarter further narrowed Miami’s lead to 17-13. Running back Rico Dowdle emerged as a dominant force for Carolina, ultimately rushing for an impressive 206 yards and matching the second-highest single-game rushing total in franchise history. Dowdle’s efforts were capped by a 1-yard touchdown run midway through the fourth quarter, which gave the Panthers their first lead of the game, 20-17.
The lead was short-lived, as Tagovailoa quickly responded for the Dolphins, launching a 46-yard touchdown pass to Jaylen Waddle to put Miami back on top, 24-20, with 4:50 remaining. This set the stage for Young’s game-winning heroics.
Young’s Clutch Performance Seals the Win
With the game on the line, Bryce Young orchestrated a crucial drive. Facing a pivotal fourth-and-5, Young delivered a 17-yard pass to rookie wide receiver Jimmy Horn, keeping the Panthers’ hopes alive. The drive culminated in the 4-yard touchdown pass to Mitchell Evans, giving Carolina a 27-24 lead with under two minutes left to play.
The Dolphins had one final opportunity to respond, but the Panthers’ defense held firm. A critical sack by Patrick Jones II on Tagovailoa forced Miami to punt with just over a minute remaining. A subsequent pass interference call against Dolphins cornerback Jack Jones on a third-down play against Hunter Renfrow ultimately sealed the victory for Carolina, allowing them to run out the clock.
Statistical Highlights and Team Impact
Young finished the game completing 19 of 30 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns, despite an early interception. His composure under pressure was a key factor in the comeback. Tagovailoa, for Miami, completed 27 of 36 passes for 256 yards and three touchdowns, but his team’s inability to establish a running game and three sacks ultimately hampered their efforts.
The victory was particularly significant for the Panthers, who improved their season record to 2-3 and maintained an unbeaten streak at home. The 17-point comeback also tied a franchise record, underscoring the team’s resilience. This performance adds to Young’s growing resume, building on earlier season successes such as a three-touchdown pass performance in a November 2025 win against the Los Angeles Rams. The Bank of America Stadium, located in Uptown Charlotte, continues to be a formidable venue for the Panthers, providing a vibrant atmosphere for their home games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the Carolina Panthers vs. Miami Dolphins game take place?
The Carolina Panthers vs. Miami Dolphins game took place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
What was the final score of the Carolina Panthers vs. Miami Dolphins game?
The final score of the Carolina Panthers vs. Miami Dolphins game was 27-24 in favor of the Carolina Panthers.
How many points did the Carolina Panthers trail by in their comeback victory?
The Carolina Panthers trailed by 17 points in their comeback victory against the Miami Dolphins.
Who threw the game-winning touchdown pass for the Carolina Panthers?
Bryce Young threw the game-winning touchdown pass for the Carolina Panthers.
Who caught the game-winning touchdown pass for the Carolina Panthers?
Tight end Mitchell Evans caught the game-winning touchdown pass for the Carolina Panthers.
Key Features of the Panthers’ Comeback Victory
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | Carolina Panthers 27, Miami Dolphins 24 | Nationwide |
| Comeback Margin | Overcame a 17-point deficit | Nationwide |
| Game-Winning Quarterback | Bryce Young | Nationwide |
| Game-Winning Play | 4-yard TD pass to Mitchell Evans | Nationwide |
| Key Offensive Player (Rushing) | Rico Dowdle (206 rushing yards) | Nationwide |
| Venue | Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina | State-level |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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