Buffalo Survives Carolina Scare for Road Win

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Buffalo Bills dug deep and held off a late rally from the Carolina Panthers to escape Bank of America Stadium with a hard-fought 21-17 victory in Week 8.

Allen, Kincaid, and Samuel carry Buffalo's offense

Quarterback Josh Allen was efficient throughout the afternoon, completing 19 of 32 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 16 yards. His favorite target was tight end Dalton Kincaid, who caught seven passes for 89 yards and a 14-yard score that proved to be the difference maker in the third quarter.

"Dalton's becoming that reliable outlet every time the pocket starts collapsing," Allen said postgame. "He's got great hands and finds soft spots in coverage - he's been huge for us."

Wide receiver Curtis Samuel also found the end zone on a five-yard touchdown from Allen in the second quarter, while fullback Reggie Gilliam punched in a one-yard score in the opening frame.

Panthers strike early but stall in the second half

Carolina quarterback Bryce Young delivered one of his most efficient performances of the season, going 21-of-32 for 257 yards and two touchdowns - both in the first half. The first came on a beautiful 21-yard wheel route to Chuba Hubbard, followed by a 6-yard strike to tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders.

Despite 328 total offensive yards, the Panthers' red-zone struggles cost them - they converted just one touchdown on four trips inside the 20. "We had opportunities and just didn't capitalize," said head coach Dave Alvarez. "You can't settle for field goals or turnovers against a team like Buffalo."

Hubbard was a bright spot, tallying 63 yards on 13 carries and 50 more through the air. Rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan led Carolina with 62 receiving yards on three catches, including a 39-yard bomb that set up the team's first touchdown.

Defensive stands seal it for Buffalo

The Bills' defense came up clutch in the second half, shutting out Carolina after halftime. Linebacker Matt Milano recorded five tackles, a sack, and a key forced fumble recovered by Shaq Thompson to halt a third-quarter drive.

Cornerback Christian Benford added a sack, while Tyler Bass remained perfect on extra points.

"We talk about resilience every week," said Bills head coach Sean McDermott. "It wasn't pretty, but our defense got stops when it mattered most."

Up Next

The Bills return home to host the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 9, while the Panthers travel to Lambeau to face the Green Bay Packers