In the first game of both the NFC wild-card playoffs and the overall NFL playoff season, the Carolina Panthers knocked-off the Arizona Cardinals by the final score of 27-16.
The game saw quarterback Cam Newton and the Panthers get off to a hot start off the success of their defense. Carolina’s defense held quarterback Ryan Lindley and the Cardinals to two straight three-and-outs, giving the Panthers great field position on both drives. The Panthers capitalized with a 47-yard Graham Gano field goal on their first drive and a 13-yard Jonathan Stewart touchdown run on the next.
After seeing success in the first quarter, the Panthers made costly mistakes, giving Arizona a chance to end the first half with the lead. After another successful Panthers drive, Carolina’s return man Brenton Bersin muffed a punt, giving the ball back to Arizona in Panthers territory. Lindley capitalized with a one-yard touchdown pass to Darren Fells to put the Cardinals on the board.
Later in the first half, Newton was picked-off by veteran cornerback Antonio Cromarite, who advanced the ball deep into Carolina’s territory. The turnover was nearly followed by an Arizona turnover as running back Marion Grice appeared to fumble at the goal line. However, the officials overturned the call and awarded Grice with the touchdown.
Both quarterbacks had relatively quiet first halves though the air. Newton had just 103 yards while Lindley recorded 45.
The Panthers were quick to score in the second half as Fozzy Whitaker scored on a 39-yard catch and run.
The remainder of the second half saw a whirlwind of turnovers and mistakes. Things got started on the kickoff after the Whitaker score when Ted Ginn fumbled, giving the Panthers the ball at the Arizona three yard-line. After a crucial third-down pass interference call, running back Mike Tolbert caught a one-yard touchdown pass from Newton.
Later in the half, Cam Newton fumbled on a pass attempt, setting the Cardinals up to score. Then on the first drive of the Cardinals possession, Lindley threw an interception to all-pro linebacker Luke Kuechly. Kuechly would later be responsible for the game-clinching pick as he tipped a Lindley pass that landed in the hands of Panthers’ safety Tre Boston.
The victory marked the Panthers’ first playoff win since 2005 and Newton’s first career playoff win. The Panthers now have to wait until tomorrow to see who they will face in the divisional round.
[Photo: FOX Sports NFL Official Twitter page (@NFLonFOX)]Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
