Packers defeat Panthers 27-19 despite late Carolina rally
Christian Watson returned after a hospital examination for a chest injury and made a key late reception to help Green Bay protect its lead.
Green Bay overcame three turnovers to beat Carolina 27-19 at Lambeau Field, improving its record to 5-3. The Panthers slipped to 3-4 after their rally from a 27-10 third-quarter deficit fell short.
Carolina's comeback hopes suffered a setback at midfield when Bryce Young's pass on fourth-and-5 was incomplete with 2:41 remaining. Christian Watson followed with a 7-yard catch on third-and-2 at the 2:33 mark, helping the Packers retain possession until just 22 seconds remained.
Watson had left by ambulance with 9:11 remaining before halftime to undergo a hospital examination for a chest injury. Doctors cleared his return, and he finished with 113 yards from eight catches.
Love threw for 288 yards, completing 30 of 41 passes with one interception and three touchdowns. Tucker Kraft, Matthew Golden and Josh Jacobs caught the scoring passes. Jacobs added a 1-yard rushing touchdown, while Golden collected 79 receiving yards on seven catches.
Young was sacked six times and completed 23 of 41 attempts for 209 yards, throwing one interception and one touchdown. Chuba Hubbard scored a rushing touchdown and gained 81 yards across 22 carries.
Carolina produced 109 yards in the fourth quarter to Green Bay's 32, but the Packers led in total yardage, 354 to 258. The Panthers managed only a field goal from their three takeaways, which included fumbles by Coleman Owen and Watson.
