Kyle Allen ready for Houston after amazing performance in second career start

Kyle Allen was named starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers this week as the team prepares to face the Houston Texans on Sunday. As he spoke to media, Allen reflected on his journey, what it will take to get a win in Houston and how he makes it all work. "I prepare like I'm gonna start every week," Allen said.

Allen garnered 19-of-26 for 261 yards in front of his hometown crowd vs. the Arizona Cardinals in only his second career start. That performance put Allen (144.4) atop a short list of 11 quarterback that earned a QB-rating of, at least, 100 through week 3. "He understands the business of football ...he knew his opportunity was going to come eventually," Ron Rivera said. "Understanding what we're trying to do, knowing where our people are going to be on the field - that's tremendously important and he get's it."

Beyond the stat lines, however, it was Allen's composure that fascinated onlookers most. After shaking off a little rust on the first possession, Allen appeared to be un-phased by the challenge of facing some of the leagues best defenders. He credits his practice routine and team support for being able to make the adjustment so quickly. "It's a week-to-week thing and you gotta show up every single day because you're not gonna get as many opportunities as everybody else," Allen said.

The support from the Panthers' locker room has been nothing short of what has been given for injured quarterback Cam Newton due to the close-knit culture in Charlotte. "We have a hundred percent confidence in Kyle getting the job done," Jarius Wright said after practice on Wednesday.

The former Houston Cougar quarterback will play in front of another crowd of familiar faces this week as he tries to pilot the Panthers to their second win of the season. With at least two touchdown passes and no interceptions on Sunday at Houston (1:00 PM ET, FOX), Allen would become the first player in the Super Bowl era to throw at least two touchdown passes without an interception in each of his first three career starts.

But it won't be an easy task as he looks across the line of scrimmage at DE J.J. Watt, DT D.J. Reader who had 1.5 sacks last weekend LB Whitney Mercilus. Watt had 2 sacks last week and also had a sack & 2 PD in last the last meeting with Carolina. Mercilus had a sack & FF in Week 3 and will be looking to extend that streak to 4 straight this week. The All-time series between the two team is tied at 2-2 with the Panthers winning the last 2 meetings.

THIS WEEK'S GAME:

PANTHERS at TEXANS

Sunday Sept. 29, 2019 1PM

NEXT WEEK'S GAME:

JAGUARS at PANTHERS

Sunday Oct. 6, 2019 1PM