The major story heading into Thursday night’s primetime showcase was how stingy the Carolina Panthers defense has been. And, to their credit, they kept on with that stinginess, until quarterback Davis Mills woke up.
With a minute and 37 seconds remaining in the first half, Mills drove the Houston Texans into the end zone on a seven-play, 64-yard romp. The scoring drive, which took just a minute and 12 seconds, ended with a sharp 1-yard completion to wideout Anthony Miller.
.@AnthonyMiller_3's first TD in deep steel blue and battle red 💪
📺 » @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/uWgijEjPZf
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) September 24, 2021
Houston’s touchdown marks the first points the Panthers have given up in the first half this season. Carolina still, though, led 7-6 at the break.
Prior to that possession, Mills chalked up all of 19 passing yards in what was almost another scoreless half courtesy of the Panthers. He went for 60 yards on the quick strike, closing the deficit to just one with a missed extra point try from our old friend Joey Slye.
The wheels have seem to come off a bit for Carolina, who had lost their superstar running back Christian McCaffrey due to a hamstring injury. He will not return to action tonight, and it shows, as the offense has suddenly began to sputter.
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