By Clark Gerber, WRAL Sports contributor

Houston Texans	13
Carolina Panthers	15
Final

In a much-awaited game between two first-year quarterbacks, it was Bryce Young who ultimately emerged victorious.

In the fourth quarter, Young led the Panthers on a 15-play, 86 yard drive that lasted for 6 minutes and 17 seconds. Eddy Pineiro successfully kicked a game-winning field goal from 23 yards out as time ran out, securing Carolina’s first victory of the season.

Young expressed his enthusiasm for opportunities like this, where he can control the outcome of the game and strive to win. Being down by one point, he couldn’t have asked for anything better.

Throughout the entire game, Young displayed consistency and effectiveness, completing 22 out of 31 passes for a total of 235 yards. In the second quarter, he also threw a touchdown pass of 1 yard to Tommy Tremble.

He also displayed glimpses of his potential for making big plays, teaming up with fellow newcomer Jonathan Mingo for a 40-yard passing play in the third quarter. This led to a 46-yard field goal by Pineiro, giving Carolina a 9-7 lead.

After a few plays, the defense had their chance to make a big impact. Donte Jackson caused a fumble that Xavier Woods was able to recover, giving the Panthers an opportunity to score.

Pineiro once again successfully kicked the ball between the goalposts, this time from a distance of 37 yards, bringing the score to 12-7.

Houston was successful in moving down the field and scoring a touchdown on their next drive. CJ Stroud executed a quarterback sneak on 4th & Goal to complete a 12-play, 75-yard drive for the Texans.

They attempted a two-point conversion but were unsuccessful, resulting in a narrow lead of 13-12. This set the scene for Bryce Young’s impressive performance in the final moments of the game.

With 6 minutes and 17 seconds left in the game, the Panthers began their last drive from their own 9-yard line.

A 12-yard pass to Chuba Hubbard on a swing play initiated the drive, but a sack near midfield put Carolina’s chances in jeopardy.

During a crucial moment in the game, Young successfully connected with his preferred receiver, Adam Thielen, on a pivotal 4th & 2 play to maintain possession. Thielen’s performance in the game included 8 catches for 72 yards, extending his streak of 70+ receiving yards to five consecutive games.

According to Thielen, it is plays like these that elevate a good quarterback to a great one. He possesses the skill to make them happen and they contribute to our success in winning games.

Following the 4th down conversion, the Panthers relied on Hubbard to advance them an additional 26 yards within field goal distance.

The Texans received numerous penalties, bringing them even closer to a potential win. This left Pineiro with a relatively easy chip shot to secure the victory.

The Panthers have achieved their first victory of the season, bringing their record to 1-6.

Next week, they will once again have a home game, where they will face the Indianapolis Colts, the former team of head coach Frank Reich.

Reich stated that while they will definitely relish and commemorate this achievement, it is only the start. There is no going back now. They are aware that every week in this league is a challenge, but their goal is to demonstrate that they are the superior team on the field every game day.

Scoring summary

At the 13:13 mark in the second quarter, Andrew Beck rushes for 1 yard and Ka’imi Fairbairn successfully makes the extra point. The Texans lead 7-0.

At 1:35 of the second quarter, Bryce Young threw a pass to Tommy Tremble for a gain of 1 yard. However, Eddy Pineiro missed the extra point attempt. As a result, the Texans lead 7-6.

At 10:46 in the third quarter, Eddy Pineiro successfully kicked a 46-yard field goal, bringing the score to 9-7 with the Panthers in the lead.

At the 7:58 mark of the third quarter, Eddy Pineiro successfully kicked a 37-yard field goal, bringing the score to 12-7 in favor of the Panthers.

At the 3rd minute and 35 seconds mark, C.J. Stroud rushes for 1 yard. The team attempts a two-point conversion but is unsuccessful. The score is now 13-12 in favor of the Texans.

At the beginning of the fourth quarter, at the 0:00 mark, Eddy Pineiro successfully kicked a 23-yard field goal, bringing the score to 15-13 in favor of the Panthers.

Source: wralsportsfan.com