EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined by missed opportunities and stifling pressure, the Carolina Panthers grinded out a 13-6 victory over the winless New York Jets on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

The game, a stark contrast to pregame projections that heavily favored the Jets, saw Carolina’s defense dominate, sacking New York quarterbacks six times and intercepting two passes to secure the win and improve their record to 4-3. The Jets, meanwhile, continued their season of futility, falling to 0-7.

A methodical opening drive set the tone for the Panthers, who consumed over nine minutes of clock before settling for a 30-yard Ryan Fitzgerald field goal. The possession was a mixed bag for Carolina, featuring a fumble by quarterback Bryce Young that he recovered himself, but it ultimately established early control.

The Jets’ offense, led initially by Justin Fields, struggled to find any rhythm against a relentless Panthers front. Fields was under constant duress, with Carolina’s Derrick Brown leading the charge. Brown was a disruptive force throughout, finishing with seven tackles and two sacks, part of a collective effort that repeatedly buried New York behind the line of scrimmage.

New York’s lone productive first-half drive came early in the second quarter. A switch at quarterback to Tyrod Taylor provided a brief spark, moving the Jets into field goal range where Nick Folk connected from 34 yards to cut the deficit to 3-6.

The Panthers responded just before halftime with the game’s only touchdown. A well-executed two-minute drill, culminating in a 3-yard touchdown pass from Young to rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette with 1:11 remaining in the half, gave Carolina a 10-3 lead. The scoring strike capped a 67-yard drive that saw Young connect with Legette three times, including a key 26-yard catch-and-run by Chuba Hubbard to set up the score.

Carolina extended its lead in the third quarter with another Fitzgerald field goal, this time from 29 yards, making it 13-3. The drive was kept alive by a 12-yard run from Rico Dowdle and a key 11-yard reception by tight end Mitchell Evans.

The Jets’ offense continued to sputter, unable to sustain drives or protect their quarterbacks. A promising third-quarter drive deep into Carolina territory was snuffed out when Jets cornerback Jaycee Horn intercepted a Taylor pass intended for Josh Reynolds in the end zone.

New York managed a final scoring drive in the fourth quarter, culminating in Folk’s second field goal, a 47-yarder, to pull within 6-13 with 6:26 remaining. The drive was kept alive by a 35-yard deep shot from Taylor to Tyler Johnson.

Any hope of a late Jets comeback was extinguished on the ensuing possession when Horn secured his second interception of the day, picking off Taylor again near midfield with 4:28 left. Carolina’s offense, now led by veteran Andy Dalton, effectively ran out the clock, with a 33-yard completion from Dalton to Legette sealing the victory.

Statistically, the game was a testament to Carolina’s defensive dominance. Young finished with a modest stat line, completing 15 of 25 passes for 138 yards and one touchdown, while adding 10 yards on the ground. Legette was his primary target, hauling in nine catches for 92 yards and the game’s lone touchdown.

For the Jets, the quarterback combination of Fields and Taylor combined for just 172 passing yards. Fields was also the team’s leading rusher with 22 yards. The Jets’ defense, led by linebacker Jamien Sherwood’s 10 tackles and a sack, performed admirably but received no support from an anemic offense.

The Panthers will look to build on the win when they host the Buffalo Bills next Sunday. The Jets, still searching for their first victory, travel to face the Cincinnati Bengals.