Panthers vs. Texans: Key Halftime Stats for the Panthers

The Panthers are well out of playoff contention, but don't tell them that. As No. 1 overall pick Cam Newton continues to learn the NFL, Carolina will continue to stay in games and ultimately win them as well. 

Carolina's offense has the potential to make an end-zone break at any time, mainly because of Newton's dual-threat abilities. But while quarterbacks in Denver that rhyme with Schmim Schmebow need the fourth quarter to play big, Cam is a major factor in all phases.

Let's take a look at some key halftime stats to gear up for the third quarter.

The Panthers won the turnover battle in the first half and made the Texans pay big. An Arian Foster fumble deep in the Texans' own territory set up the Panthers' first touchdown of the day when Cam found Steve Smith in the end zone for 26-yard strike. The turnover battle is often the most telling stat of a football game. The team that wins is usually the victor on the scoreboard as well. 

The Texans offense has been downright terrible with T.J. Yates under center. Houston may have two stud running backs, but their offense has been stagnant, and Yates hasn't been able to keep the Carolina defense honest by completing passes. Carolina can easily stack eight in the box because, more times than not, they know it's going to a running back.

No. 1

Carolina is up 14 in the first half against a team that was No. 1 in first-half point differential. That stat will likely stick, but the Panthers are playing at a very high level right now. This isn't the team that picked No. 1 overall. This is a dangerous team playing against a very good defensive team.