The Detroit Lions concluded the first half of their Sunday night game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C., with the score tied 16-16. The contest at Bank of America Stadium saw both teams exchange leads and scores across the first two quarters. Entering the game, Detroit held a 2-1 record, while the Panthers were 1-2.
Detroit opened the game with possession, showing early signs of offensive movement. Jahmyr Gibbs initiated the drive with a 7-yard rush. Quarterback Jared Goff then connected with Jameson Williams for a first down, followed by an 18-yard gain on a pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown. However, the drive stalled after tight end Brock Wright incurred a false-start penalty. Despite the setback, Jake Bates successfully converted a 54-yard field goal, giving Detroit an early 3-0 lead. This marked the Lions' first instance of scoring points on their opening drive of the season.
Carolina's initial offensive possession concluded without points, largely due to Alim McNeill, who sacked Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. Detroit's subsequent drive faced challenges, including a holding penalty against Juice Scruggs. Goff attempted a deep pass to Williams that was incomplete, and on third-and-10, a pass to Gibbs fell short of the first-down marker.
The Panthers then orchestrated a scoring drive, with Bryce Young finding Tetairoa McMillan for a 21-yard gain. Young later connected with Chuba Hubbard, who broke free for a 15-yard touchdown run. The successful extra point put Carolina ahead 7-3.
As the second quarter commenced, Detroit narrowed the deficit, scoring a field goal that brought the score to 7-6. Carolina quickly responded, extending their lead when Young completed a 32-yard touchdown pass to McMillan. However, the ensuing extra-point attempt was unsuccessful, hitting the upright and leaving the score at 13-6.
Detroit answered Carolina's score with a touchdown of their own. Jahmyr Gibbs powered into the end zone with a 1-yard touchdown run, and the subsequent extra point was good, knotting the game at 13-13. With 28 seconds remaining in the half, Carolina secured a field goal, reclaiming a 16-13 lead.
Following the kickoff, the Lions mounted a rapid response. With 21 seconds left on the clock, Jared Goff connected with Jameson Williams on a deep pass for a significant 49-yard gain. Despite this big play, Goff was unable to connect with Isaac TeSlaa on the subsequent play, and another incompletion followed. Faced with limited time, the Lions opted for a field goal attempt, which was successful, tying the game at 16-16 as the first half concluded.