The Carolina Panthers sprinted out of the blocks in Sunday’s NFC Divisional Playoff, and the Seattle Seahawks never caught up.
The Panthers, who won the game 31-24, pulled out to a quick 14-0 lead without quarterback Cam Newton throwing a pass when they rushed to the end zone in four plays in the first three minutes of the game followed by a pick-six on the next drive.
Russell Wilson tries to make something out of nothing.
Bad idea.
Because Luke Kuechly happens #Pick6 #KeepPounding https://t.co/dOlX3wFJCe
— NFL (@NFL) January 17, 2016
The score was 31-0 at halftime, and while Seattle tried to mount a comeback, Carolina didn’t need to put any more points on the board to hold on for the win. It came down to the wire when Seahawks kicker Steven Hauschka nailed a 37-yard field goal to put Seattle down by a touchdown with 1:16 to go, but Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis recovered the ensuing onside kick to win the game.
The Panthers will host the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship Game next Sunday.
Thumbnail photo via Jeremy Brevard/USA TODAY Sports Images