The Carolina Panthers secured one of the most surprising upset victories in recent NFL memory by handing the Green Bay Packers a 16-13 defeat in Week 9. With this win, the Panthers improved their record to 5-4, quietly emerging as a sneaky wild-card contender in the NFC.
Carolina’s formula for winning games revolves around strong defense and a powerful running game on offense. Once again, the Panthers received a standout performance from running back Rico Dowdle, though both he and rookie linebacker Nic Scourton faced punishments from the league on Saturday night.
### NFL Announces Fines for Rico Dowdle and Nic Scourton
Dowdle’s rise as the Panthers’ lead running back has been one of the season’s most surprising developments. Despite starting only three games, he has rushed for 735 yards this season, ranking fourth-highest in the NFL. Over a few weeks, Dowdle has essentially overshadowed Chuba Hubbard in Carolina’s offensive plans.
Against the Packers, Dowdle delivered another dominant performance, rushing for 130 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries, along with catching two passes for 11 yards. His impressive rushing totals have helped the Panthers’ offense improve, even if they aren’t consistently putting up huge point totals each week.
Following one of his touchdowns against Green Bay, Dowdle celebrated with the now-famous “Two Pumps” touchdown celebration. However, this led to an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and a $14,491 fine from the NFL.
On Saturday, the league confirmed Dowdle’s fine and also announced that rookie outside linebacker Nic Scourton was fined $8,701 for taunting.
Joe Person of The Athletic shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“Rico Dowdle’s $14,491 fine for his two-pump celebration officially fell under the ‘obscene gestures’ provision, per NFL’s weekly gameday accountability release. In addition to Dowdle, Panthers rookie OLB Nic Scourton fined $8,701 for taunting vs. Packers.”
### Panthers Look to Continue Momentum in Week 10
The fine levied against Dowdle has been public knowledge throughout the week, so the league’s confirmation comes as no surprise. Dowdle has responded positively to the situation by launching a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, with an initial goal of $14,000—the same amount as his fine.
As of Sunday morning, Dowdle has raised over $44,000, far exceeding his original target. He has since increased the fundraising goal to $60,000, turning a league fine into a charitable opportunity.
With momentum on their side and a rising star in Dowdle, the Panthers will look to build on their recent success as they head into Week 10.
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