Your 2024 Carolina Panthers have made NFL history.
In the fourth quarter of Sunday’s regular-season finale, Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson found the end zone on a 4-yard rush to cut the Carolina’s lead to 38-37. The ensuing extra point from kicker Riley Patterson would knot the game up and stand as the 534th point given up by the Panthers this year—a new single-season record.
The previous record was held by the 1981 Baltimore Colts, who relinquished 533 points over 16 games. Those Colts, while finishing at 2-14, allowed 33.3 points per contest.
Carolina entered Week 18 having allowed 31.0 points per game and 396.3 total yards per game, both the highest marks in the NFL. They were also giving up a league-worst 176.9 rushing yards per game, more than 35 rushing yards than the next closest team (New York Giants, 141.6).
Unfortunately, this historic defensive achievement (if we want to put it that way) put somewhat of a damper on a career day for Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. Young, to the point of that Robinson touchdown, completed 20 of his 26 passing attempts for 195 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 24 yards and two more scores.
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