Panthers bounce back to defeat Patriots 27-17

By John Onan  |   Sunday, September 18, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

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In a rematch of Super Bowl XXVIII, the Carolina Panthers gave the hometown faithful a different outcome this time around. Running back Stephen Davis scored three times on one-yard plunges and gained 77 yards on 25 carries to lead the Panthers over the New England Patriots 27-17.

The Carolina Panthers, who were upset by the New Orleans Saints at home a week ago, were in danger of going 0-2 and digging themselves a huge hole as they did a year ago to start the season. However, the defense pounced on the New England running game, holding running back Corey Dillon to only 36 yards on 14 carries.

After New England Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel intercepted Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme and returned it 24-yards for a touchdown, it cut the Panthers lead to 20-17 heading into the fourth quarter. Delhomme was only 11-of-26 for 154 yards on the day.

New England had a chance to come from behind, but Panthers All-Pro defensive end Julius Peppers recovered a Tom Brady fumble after he was hit by Mike Rucker. He returned it to the New England 12-yard line, which set up the final score of the game on the final Stephen Davis one-yard TD run.
Brady was 23-of-44 passing for 270 yards on the day, with one touchdown and an interception. Both squads now stand at 1-1 on the season.
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