CHARLOTTE, N.C. (News 10) — The Detroit Lions’ fourth-quarter comeback came up short Sunday night as the Carolina Panthers handed Detroit a 32-26 loss at Bank of America Stadium.
Detroit trailed by 13 points in the fourth quarter before Jared Goff connected with Sam LaPorta for an eight-yard touchdown with 3:42 remaining, cutting Carolina’s lead to six. The Panthers were able to run out the clock from there to secure the win.
Goff and the Lions’ passing attack put up big numbers despite the loss. The Detroit quarterback completed 32 of 52 passes for 412 yards and a touchdown without throwing an interception.
Jameson Williams led Detroit with 102 receiving yards on six catches, while rookie Isaac TeSlaa added four receptions for 95 yards. LaPorta caught eight passes for 84 yards and Detroit’s lone passing touchdown.
The Lions struck first when Jake Bates connected on a 54-yard field goal in the opening quarter, but Carolina responded with a 15-yard Chuba Hubbard touchdown run to take a 7-3 lead.
Carolina extended its advantage in the second quarter when Bryce Young found Tetairoa McMillan for a 32-yard touchdown.
Detroit answered late in the half. Jahmyr Gibbs punched in a one-yard touchdown to tie the game at 13 before the teams exchanged field goals over the final 32 seconds, sending the game into halftime tied at 16.
The Panthers took control in the third quarter.
Young connected with McMillan again, this time for a 10-yard touchdown, before Hubbard scored his second rushing touchdown of the night to help Carolina build a 29-19 advantage.
Young finished 29-of-41 passing for 329 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. McMillan was his top target, hauling in 14 passes for 192 yards and two scores.
Hubbard provided Carolina with a strong ground attack, rushing for 122 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries.
Detroit finished with 452 total yards, but nearly all of its production came through the air. Gibbs had all 15 of the Lions’ rushing attempts, finishing with 46 yards and a touchdown.
The Lions also hurt themselves with nine penalties for 67 yards.
Detroit falls to 2-2 with the loss and will remain on the road in Week 5. The Lions travel to Arizona to face the Cardinals on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX at State Farm Stadium. Detroit will then have its bye in Week 6 before returning home to face the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 25.
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