Rookie Manuel Caps Bills' 24-23 Win over Panthers

(AP) Rookie Manuel caps Bills’ 24-23 win over Panthers
By JOHN WAWROW
AP Sports Writer
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y.
Rookie EJ Manuel hit Stevie Johnson for a 2-yard touchdown pass with 2 seconds left to lead the Buffalo Bills to a 24-23 win over the Carolina Panthers.

The touchdown capped a nine-play, 80-yard drive in which the first-round draft pick completed 6 of 8 attempts for 51 yards. Manuel also got help on third-and-6 from Carolina’s 29, when Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly was penalized for pass interference with 14 seconds left.

Two plays later, Manuel found Johnson alone in the left corner as Buffalo (1-1) bounced back from a 23-21 season-opening loss to New England.

The Panthers (0-2) lost yet another close game. They were coming off a 12-7 loss to Seattle last week and have now dropped to 2-14 in games decided by 7 points or less in two-plus seasons under coach Ron Rivera.

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AP NFL website: http://www.pro32.ap.org