A Defensive Standdown
The Carolina Panthers secured a tight 16-13 victory over the Houston Texans in their preseason finale on Friday, August 28, 2026. The game, played before an attendance of 72,041 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC, was defined by field goal precision and late-game execution rather than offensive explosion. Carolina improves to 3-1 on the season, while Houston remains winless at 0-3.
The Field Goal Battle
Neither team managed a touchdown until the fourth quarter, resulting in a low-scoring affair decided by the kicking game. The Texans struck first in the second period when Ka'imi Fairbairn nailed a 38-yard field goal, giving Houston a 3-0 lead. Carolina responded with two consecutive kicks from Ryan Fitzgerald, who connected from 30 yards and then 37 yards to take a 6-3 halftime advantage.
The third quarter saw both offenses struggle to cross the goal line. Fitzgerald extended Carolina’s lead to 9-3 with a 28-yard field goal. Fairbairn answered for Houston, drilling a 47-yard attempt to make the score 9-6 heading into the final frame. The tension remained high as neither team could generate a touchdown in regulation time.
Fourth Quarter Deciders
The scoring finally changed when Miles Davis broke loose for a 1-yard rushing touchdown, supported by Fitzgerald’s kick, pushing Carolina ahead 16-6. However, the Texans refused to fold. Brett Rypien led a drive that culminated in a 6-yard touchdown pass to Zay Jones. Fairbairn’s extra point brought the score to 16-13 with time winding down.
