CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper has waited seven years for a playoff contender.

He might finally have one after the Panthers’ 16-13 win over the heavily favored Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Lambeau Field.

The Packers came in with the NFC’s best record and only one loss, but it was the Panthers who controlled the game from the onset and rode Rico Dowdle and the run game and a tough defense to their fourth straight victory with 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young — who didn’t play last week in a loss to Buffalo — under center.

This is the deepest in the season the Panthers have been above .500 since 2019, when they were also 5-4, but proceeded to lose their final seven games.

Tepper has not been to the playoffs since purchasing the team in 2018.

This year,

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