ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Joe Webb's short pass to running back Brandon Wegher led to a 42-yard touchdown with 54 seconds left in rallying the Carolina Panthers to a 25-24 win over the Buffalo Bills in each team's preseason opener on Friday night.
The Panthers' third-string quarterback then hit Paul Browning for a 2-point conversion to seal the victory, as coach Ron Rivera went for the win rather than have the game decided in overtime.
The loss spoiled new Bills coach Rex Ryan's first game at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Fired by the New York Jets at the end of last season, he was hired by Buffalo to replace Doug Marrone, who stepped down abruptly on Dec. 31.
The Bills were in a position to win after EJ Manuel put them ahead 24-17 by hitting receiver Deonte Thompson in stride for a 51-yard touchdown late in the third quarter.
Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press
