Graham Gano’s field goal lifts Carolina over Indianapolis, 29-26, in overtime
Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) and defensive lineman Kawann Short (99) tackle Colts running back Frank Gore (23).
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Graham Gano kicked a 52-yard field goal in overtime to lift the Carolina Panthers over the Indianapolis Colts, 29-26, on a rain-drenched Monday night, allowing them to remain the NFC’s only unbeaten team.
It was Carolina’s 11th consecutive regular-season victory dating to last season.
The Panthers surrendered a 17-point fourth-quarter lead as Andrew Luck threw two touchdown passes in the final 7 minutes 11 seconds of regulation and led another field-goal drive at the end of regulation.
The teams traded field goals in overtime, with Gano tying the score on a 42-yard kick with 7:50 to go. On the Colts’ ensuing possession, safety Roman Harper deflected Luck’s pass over the middle to Coby Fleener and linebacker Luke Kuechly came up with the interception at the Colts 39.
Four plays later Gano, who has missed a point-after try earlier, made the game winner.
“I had a lot of confidence in Graham,†Coach Ron Rivera said. “A kid like him is just fearless.â€
Cam Newton was 16 of 35 for 248 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He ran for 41 yards.
Luck had been limited to 40 yards passing and two interceptions through the first three quarters. But in the fourth quarter, he threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Andre Johnson and an eight-yard touchdown pass to Fleener to bring the Colts to within 23-20.
The Panthers, with the No. 1 running game in the league, couldn’t pick up a first down to put the game away and were forced to punt.
Adam Vinatieri made the third of his four field goals as time expired to send the game into overtime.
Go beyond the scoreboard
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