The Carolina Panthers have taken a 14-10 lead into half time of their NFL clash with the Tennessee Titans at the Nissan Stadium this evening.
The perfect Panthers settled into a rhythm on their very first drive of the night, getting joy in both the passing and running game before Jonathan Stewart picked up the opening touchdown with a 16-yard rush.
Having progressed through their first seven games of the season without giving up a first-quarter touchdown, the Panthers allowed a second in as many weeks when Dexter McCluster tiptoed down the line before diving over for a 25-yard score to levels things up.
They were back in front early in the second, however, as Cam Newton led an 80-yard drive to the goalline before firing a one-yard pass to Ed Dickson for his first touchdown of the season.
Newton remained perfect for a career-best 11 consecutive passes to start the game, while Marcus Mariota was also making ground and guided his side into field goal range, allowing Ryan Succop to reduce the deficit to four midway through the second quarter.
The Titans were unable to find another score before the end of the half, however, as they remain on course for a fifth defeat from five home games this season.
Barney Corkhill
