Panthers Upset Packers 16-13 on Rico Dowdle's 130-Yard Rushing Performance

In a closely contested NFL game, the Carolina Panthers upset the Green Bay Packers 16-13, thanks largely to Rico Dowdle's standout performance with 130 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Dowdle's critical 19-yard run late in the game set up rookie kicker Ryan Fitzgerald's 49-yard field goal, which won the game as time expired. Despite celebrating his second touchdown with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that impacted the extra point attempt, Dowdle redeemed himself with his final drive contribution. The Packers suffered injuries to key players, including tight end Tucker Kraft and rookie receiver Matthew Golden, which may affect future games. Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love completed 26 of 37 passes for 273 yards but threw an interception, while the Panthers' quarterback struggled with 102 yards and an interception. The Panthers improved to 5-4 and will next face the Saints, while the Packers dropped to 5-2-1 and have an extra day to prepare for their next game.