Charlotte, NC — What began as a dominant rebound win for the Buffalo Bills turned into one of the most talked-about postgame moments of Week 8.

Following Buffalo’s 40–9 blowout victory over the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, Bills left tackle

Dion Dawkins and Panthers defensive end A’Shawn Robinson nearly ignited a full-on brawl. Cameras captured the two exchanging heated words, teammates rushing in to separate them before the confrontation escalated.

Multiple reports confirmed that Dawkins had pointed toward the scoreboard and read the final score aloud — a comment made as he approached for a postgame handshake — which Robinson interpreted as taunting after an embarrassing defeat without young star quarterback Bryce Young. In the chaos, helmets were thrown, referees rushed in, and security held their breath.

But a day later, Robinson stepped forward and issued a direct apology to Dawkins — taking full responsibility for letting emotions boil over.

“When you get blown out like that, emotions hit a breaking point. But that’s not on Dion.
I want to apologize to him directly — he played a great game, and I let frustration take over.

That moment is on me.” — A’Shawn Robinson

Dawkins and the Bills offensive line were instrumental in the dominant win, allowing just two sacks on Josh Allen and paving the way for

James Cook’s career-best 216 rushing yards and four total rushing touchdowns by Buffalo’s offense. Frustration was understandably high on the Panthers sideline — but Robinson’s apology signals clear accountability.

Bills supporters applauded Dawkins for

showing restraint, while Panthers fans credited Robinson for owning up to his mistake — a rare and refreshing show of professionalism in a league fueled by passion and ego.

Despite the flare-up, both teams left Week 8 with renewed goals:

• Buffalo moves to 5–2, reclaiming momentum after a two-game slide

• Carolina falls to 4–4 and faces major questions on offense without Bryce Young

As the NFL reviews the situation, both players appear ready to move on.

Rivalry is part of football — respect is too.