The Carolina Panthers looked to be headed towards another stinker early on here in Week 5. But they muscled up, running down the visiting Miami Dolphins en route to an insane comeback win.
Here are our studs and duds from Sunday’s 27-24 victory . . .
Dud: QB Bryce Young (from the first two drives)
Like he did against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2, Young helped put the Panthers in a quick hole. He lost control of the ball for a fumble on the first offensive series and then missed high on a pass on the second, finding Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick for an interception instead of wideout Xavier Legette for an open gain downfield.
Miami took advantage of Young’s gifts, building up a 17-0 lead by the 10:48 mark of the second quarter.
Stud: QB Bryce Young (from the rest of the drives)
Young snapped out of his struggles, as he led the Panthers to a touchdown drive on the third offensive series. And this time, he connected with Legette—on a sharp 7-yard pass in the end zone.
The former No. 1 overall pick finished having completed 19 of his 30 passes for 198 and two scores, with the second being the game-winner to rookie tight end Mitchell Evans.
Studs: 2025 draft class
Just about every member of Carolina’s 2025 draft class had a hand in the win.
Evans’ touchdown was set up by a 12-yard run by fourth-round running back Trevor Etienne and, before that, a 17-yard reception by sixth-round wideout Jimmy Horn Jr. on a fourth-and-5.
First-rounder Tetairoa McMillan ended as the team’s leading receiver (73 yards) for the fifth straight game while second- and third-round pass rushers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen showed up in the second half.
Stud: RB Rico Dowdle
We can’t wrap up the offense without talking about its star from the day in Dowdle.
The sixth-year veteran tallied a career-high 206 rushing yards and a touchdown on a heavy workload of 23 carries. He also registered three receptions for 28 yards.
Dud: CB Mike Jackson
Jackson was routinely beat by Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Waddle posted a game-high 110 receiving yards, with 46 of them coming on a clutch touchdown in the fourth quarter at Jackson’s expense.
Studs: Run defenders
The Panthers held down an explosive backfield of De’Von Achane and Ollie Gordon II, limiting the duo to just 14 rushing yards on 13 carries. Carolina allowed a total of 19 rushing yards, the second-fewest for a single game in franchise history.
Inside linebacker Christian Rozeboom and safety Tre’von Moehrig led the way—with nine and seven tackles, respectively.
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