The Panthers captured their second straight NFC South division title and qualified for the postseason for the first time in back-to-back years despite failing to improve on a 12–4 record and finishing with a losing record of 7–8–1. Additionally, they became the first team in NFC South history to have back-to-back division titles and also became the second team to win a division title with a sub-.500 record in a full season after the 2010 Seattle Seahawks, and would be followed by the 2020 Washington Football Team, a team that Rivera also coached, and the 2022 Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their 2025 Carolina Panthers team. The Panthers defeated the Arizona Cardinals in the Wild Card round, but lost to the Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional round.
Front office Owner/founder – Jerry Richardson President – Danny Morrison General manager – Dave Gettleman Director of football operations – Brandon Beane Director of team administration – Rob Rogers Football operations manager – Bryan Porter Football operations assistant – Matt Allen Football operations assistant – Mike Anderson Director of pro scouting – Mark Koncz Director of college scouting – Don Gregory National scout – Jeff Morrow National scout – Mike Szabo Director of player development – Mark Carrier Executive assistant to the Head Coach – Linda O'Hora Head coaches Head coach – Ron RiveraOffensive coaches Offensive coordinator – Mike Shula Quarterbacks – Ken Dorsey Running backs – Jim Skipper Wide receivers – Ricky Proehl Tight ends – Pete Hoener Offensive line – John Matsko Assistant offensive line – Ray Brown Senior offensive assistant – John Ramsdell
Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator – Sean McDermott Defensive line – Eric Washington Assistant defensive line – Sam Mills III Linebackers – Al Holcomb Passing defense coordinator/secondary – Steven Wilks Defensive assistant/defensive backs – Curtis FullerSpecial teams coaches Special teams coordinator – Richard Rodgers Assistant special teams – Bruce DeHavenStrength and conditioning Strength and conditioning – Joe Kenn Assistant strength and conditioning – Jason Benguche
First quarterNo scoring plays.Second quarter CAR – Greg Olsen 5-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Graham Gano kick), 7:59. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 15 plays, 69 yards, 9:00. CAR – Graham Gano 28-yard field goal, 0:00. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 10 plays, 47 yards, 1:53.Third quarterNo scoring plays.Fourth quarter CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 26-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Graham Gano kick), 14:53. Panthers 17–0. Drive: 4 plays, 37 yards, 1:05. TB – Chris Owusu 19-yard pass from Josh McCown (Patrick Murray kick), 7:23. Panthers 17–7. Drive: 6 plays, 62 yards, 2:11. TB – Bobby Rainey 6-yard pass from Josh McCown (Patrick Murray kick), 2:06. Panthers 17–14. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 2:17. CAR – Graham Gano 33-yard field goal, 0:23. Panthers 20–14. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:04.Top passers CAR – Derek Anderson – 24/34, 230 yards, 2 TD TB – Josh McCown – 22/35, 183 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers CAR – DeAngelo Williams – 14 rushes, 72 yards TB – Jorvorskie Lane – 1 rush, 54 yards Top receivers CAR – Kelvin Benjamin – 6 receptions, 92 yards, TD TB – Brandon Myers – 6 receptions, 41 yards
First quarterNo scoring plays.Second quarter CAR – Greg Olsen 5-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Graham Gano kick), 7:59. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 15 plays, 69 yards, 9:00. CAR – Graham Gano 28-yard field goal, 0:00. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 10 plays, 47 yards, 1:53.Third quarterNo scoring plays.Fourth quarter CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 26-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Graham Gano kick), 14:53. Panthers 17–0. Drive: 4 plays, 37 yards, 1:05. TB – Chris Owusu 19-yard pass from Josh McCown (Patrick Murray kick), 7:23. Panthers 17–7. Drive: 6 plays, 62 yards, 2:11. TB – Bobby Rainey 6-yard pass from Josh McCown (Patrick Murray kick), 2:06. Panthers 17–14. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 2:17. CAR – Graham Gano 33-yard field goal, 0:23. Panthers 20–14. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:04.
Top passers CAR – Derek Anderson – 24/34, 230 yards, 2 TD TB – Josh McCown – 22/35, 183 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers CAR – DeAngelo Williams – 14 rushes, 72 yards TB – Jorvorskie Lane – 1 rush, 54 yards Top receivers CAR – Kelvin Benjamin – 6 receptions, 92 yards, TD TB – Brandon Myers – 6 receptions, 41 yards
Derek Anderson made his first start as Panthers QB, substituting for Cam Newton who was nursing a rib injury he'd suffered during the preseason. The change in QB didn't appear to faze the team, as the Panthers won their first season opener in six years, 20–14. They started the season 1–0 and improved to 1–0 without Newton starting.
TV announcers(Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
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Game information
First quarterNo scoring plays.Second quarter CAR – Graham Gano 29-yard field goal, 7:58. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 14 plays, 77 yards, 6:04. CAR – Graham Gano 53-yard field goal, 1:11. Panthers 6–0. Drive: 6 plays, 26 yds, 2:06.Third quarter DET – Jed Collins 1-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Nate Freese kick), 9:28. Lions 7–6. Drive: 8 plays, 63 yards, 4:01. CAR – Jason Avant 14-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 2:30. Panthers 13–7. Drive: 7 plays, 72 yards, 3:21.Fourth quarter CAR – Jonathan Stewart 2-yard run (Cam Newton-Jerricho Cotchery pass), 7:26. Panthers 21–7. Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 4:53. CAR – Graham Gano 38-yard field goal, 4:45. Panthers 24–7. Drive: 4 plays, 13 yards, 2:31.Top passers DET – Matthew Stafford – 27/48, 291 yards, TD, INT CAR – Cam Newton – 22/34, 281 yards, TD Top rushers DET – Joique Bell – 10 rushes, 36 yards CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 15 rushes, 37 yards, TD Top receivers DET – Calvin Johnson – 6 receptions, 83 yards CAR – Greg Olsen – 6 receptions, 72 yards
First quarterNo scoring plays.Second quarter CAR – Graham Gano 29-yard field goal, 7:58. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 14 plays, 77 yards, 6:04. CAR – Graham Gano 53-yard field goal, 1:11. Panthers 6–0. Drive: 6 plays, 26 yds, 2:06.Third quarter DET – Jed Collins 1-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Nate Freese kick), 9:28. Lions 7–6. Drive: 8 plays, 63 yards, 4:01. CAR – Jason Avant 14-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 2:30. Panthers 13–7. Drive: 7 plays, 72 yards, 3:21.Fourth quarter CAR – Jonathan Stewart 2-yard run (Cam Newton-Jerricho Cotchery pass), 7:26. Panthers 21–7. Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 4:53. CAR – Graham Gano 38-yard field goal, 4:45. Panthers 24–7. Drive: 4 plays, 13 yards, 2:31.
Top passers DET – Matthew Stafford – 27/48, 291 yards, TD, INT CAR – Cam Newton – 22/34, 281 yards, TD Top rushers DET – Joique Bell – 10 rushes, 36 yards CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 15 rushes, 37 yards, TD Top receivers DET – Calvin Johnson – 6 receptions, 83 yards CAR – Greg Olsen – 6 receptions, 72 yards
Newton returned to the starting lineup with some added padding around his ribs. The game's highlight was a defensive interception against Lions star WR Calvin "Megatron" Johnson. With the win, the Panthers improved to 2–0 and 16–5 when Newton doesn't commit a turnover.
Week 3: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Steelers
3
6
14
14
37
Panthers
3
0
3
13
19
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
First quarter CAR – Graham Gano 40-yard field goal, 6:40. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 58 yards, 3:55. PIT – Shaun Suisham 42-yard field goal, 0:07. Tied 3–3. Drive: 6 plays, 51 yards, 2:31.Second quarter PIT – Shaun Suisham 24-yard field goal, 5:37. Steelers 6–3. Drive: 16 plays, 87 yards, 8:00. PIT – Shaun Suisham 45-yard field goal, 0:00. Steelers 9–3. Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 1:35.Third quarter PIT – Antonio Brown 7-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham kick), 11:02. Steelers 16–3. Drive: 4 plays, 17 yards, 1:30. CAR – Graham Gano 40-yard field goal, 6:21. Steelers 16–6. Drive: 12 plays, 58 yards, 4:41. PIT – Antonio Brown 7-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham kick), 2:22. Steelers 23–6. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:59.Fourth quarter CAR – Greg Olsen 37-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 13:28. Steelers 23–13. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:54. PIT – Robert Golden fumble recovery in endzone (Shaun Suisham kick), 11:00. Steelers 30–13. PIT – LeGarrette Blount 8-yard run (Shaun Suisham kick), 5:38. Steelers 37–13. Drive: 8 plays, 98 yards, 4:29. CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 35-yard pass from Derek Anderson (pass failed), 3:53. Steelers 37–19. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 1:45.Top passers PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 22/30, 196 yards, 2 TD CAR – Cam Newton – 24/35, 250 yards, TD Top rushers PIT – Le'Veon Bell – 21 rushes, 147 yards CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 5 rushes, 31 yards Top receivers PIT – Antonio Brown – 10 receptions, 90 yards, 2 TD CAR – Kelvin Benjamin – 8 receptions, 115 yards, TD
First quarter CAR – Graham Gano 40-yard field goal, 6:40. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 58 yards, 3:55. PIT – Shaun Suisham 42-yard field goal, 0:07. Tied 3–3. Drive: 6 plays, 51 yards, 2:31.Second quarter PIT – Shaun Suisham 24-yard field goal, 5:37. Steelers 6–3. Drive: 16 plays, 87 yards, 8:00. PIT – Shaun Suisham 45-yard field goal, 0:00. Steelers 9–3. Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 1:35.Third quarter PIT – Antonio Brown 7-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham kick), 11:02. Steelers 16–3. Drive: 4 plays, 17 yards, 1:30. CAR – Graham Gano 40-yard field goal, 6:21. Steelers 16–6. Drive: 12 plays, 58 yards, 4:41. PIT – Antonio Brown 7-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham kick), 2:22. Steelers 23–6. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:59.Fourth quarter CAR – Greg Olsen 37-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 13:28. Steelers 23–13. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:54. PIT – Robert Golden fumble recovery in endzone (Shaun Suisham kick), 11:00. Steelers 30–13. PIT – LeGarrette Blount 8-yard run (Shaun Suisham kick), 5:38. Steelers 37–13. Drive: 8 plays, 98 yards, 4:29. CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 35-yard pass from Derek Anderson (pass failed), 3:53. Steelers 37–19. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 1:45.
Top passers PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 22/30, 196 yards, 2 TD CAR – Cam Newton – 24/35, 250 yards, TD Top rushers PIT – Le'Veon Bell – 21 rushes, 147 yards CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 5 rushes, 31 yards Top receivers PIT – Antonio Brown – 10 receptions, 90 yards, 2 TD CAR – Kelvin Benjamin – 8 receptions, 115 yards, TD
This was the first Sunday Night Football home game for the Panthers since 2009. With the loss, the Panthers dropped to 2–1. Newton left the game due to injury but he fumbled the ball. This dropped the team to 10–20 when he commits a turnover.
First quarterNo scoring plays.Second quarter BAL – Steve Smith Sr. 61-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Justin Tucker kick), 13:12. Ravens 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:30. CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 28-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 8:35. Tied 7–7. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:37. BAL – Justin Forsett 11-yard run (Justin Tucker kick), 5:22. Ravens 14–7. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:13. BAL – Steve Smith Sr. 21-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Justin Tucker kick), 1:53. Ravens 21–7. Drive: 7 plays, 68 yards, 2:36.Third quarter BAL – Torrey Smith 24-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Justin Tucker kick), 9:51. Ravens 28–7. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:09. CAR – Graham Gano 38-yard field goal, 3:30. Ravens 28–10. Drive: 12 plays, 64 yards, 6:21.Fourth quarter BAL – Lorenzo Taliaferro 1-yard run (Justin Tucker kick), 11:34. Ravens 35–10. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:56. BAL – Justin Tucker 38-yard field goal, 3:33. Ravens 38–10. Drive: 9 plays, 37 yards, 5:50.Top passers CAR – Cam Newton – 14/25, 197 yards, TD BAL – Joe Flacco – 22/31, 327 yards, 3 TD Top rushers CAR – DeAngelo Williams – 11 rushes, 34 yards BAL – Justin Forsett – 14 rushes, 66 yards, TD Top receivers CAR – Jerricho Cotchery – 5 receptions, 80 yards BAL – Steve Smith Sr. – 7 receptions, 139 yards, 2 TD
First quarterNo scoring plays.Second quarter BAL – Steve Smith Sr. 61-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Justin Tucker kick), 13:12. Ravens 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:30. CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 28-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 8:35. Tied 7–7. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:37. BAL – Justin Forsett 11-yard run (Justin Tucker kick), 5:22. Ravens 14–7. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:13. BAL – Steve Smith Sr. 21-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Justin Tucker kick), 1:53. Ravens 21–7. Drive: 7 plays, 68 yards, 2:36.Third quarter BAL – Torrey Smith 24-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Justin Tucker kick), 9:51. Ravens 28–7. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:09. CAR – Graham Gano 38-yard field goal, 3:30. Ravens 28–10. Drive: 12 plays, 64 yards, 6:21.Fourth quarter BAL – Lorenzo Taliaferro 1-yard run (Justin Tucker kick), 11:34. Ravens 35–10. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:56. BAL – Justin Tucker 38-yard field goal, 3:33. Ravens 38–10. Drive: 9 plays, 37 yards, 5:50.
Top passers CAR – Cam Newton – 14/25, 197 yards, TD BAL – Joe Flacco – 22/31, 327 yards, 3 TD Top rushers CAR – DeAngelo Williams – 11 rushes, 34 yards BAL – Justin Forsett – 14 rushes, 66 yards, TD Top receivers CAR – Jerricho Cotchery – 5 receptions, 80 yards BAL – Steve Smith Sr. – 7 receptions, 139 yards, 2 TD
This game marked the first time WR Steve Smith Sr. played against his former team after being cut in the offseason. He was clearly fired up, recording over 100 yards receiving and two touchdown receptions. With the loss, the Panthers record was 2–2. The team dropped to 16-6 when Newton doesn't commit a turnover.
Week 5: vs. Chicago Bears
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Bears
14
7
3
0
24
Panthers
7
7
7
10
31
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
First quarter CAR – Corey Brown 79-yard punt return (Graham Gano kick), 10:56. Panthers 7–0. CHI – Matt Forte 10-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), 4:31. Tied 7–7. Drive: 3 plays, 28 yards, 0:47. CHI – Jay Cutler 10-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), 2:13. Bears 14–7. Drive: 3 plays, 13 yards, 1:21.Second quarter CHI – Alshon Jeffery 25-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), 10:51. Bears 21–7. Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 5:20. CAR – Greg Olsen 9-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 0:12. Bears 21–14. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 1:39.Third quarter CAR – Chris Ogbonnaya 1-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 7:16. Tied 21–21. Drive: 9 plays, 86 yards, 4:00. CHI – Robbie Gould 45-yard field goal, 2:38. Bears 24–21. Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 4:38.Fourth quarter CAR – Graham Gano 44-yard field goal, 4:29. Tied 24–24. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:27. CAR – Greg Olsen 6-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 2:18. Panthers 31–24. Drive: 6 plays, 23 yards, 2:00.Top passers CHI – Jay Cutler – 28/36, 289 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT CAR – Cam Newton – 19/35, 255 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers CHI – Matt Forte – 17 rushes, 61 yards CAR – Darrin Reaves – 10 rushes, 36 yards Top receivers CHI – Matt Forte – 12 receptions, 105 yards, TD CAR – Greg Olsen – 6 receptions, 72 yards, 2 TD
First quarter CAR – Corey Brown 79-yard punt return (Graham Gano kick), 10:56. Panthers 7–0. CHI – Matt Forte 10-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), 4:31. Tied 7–7. Drive: 3 plays, 28 yards, 0:47. CHI – Jay Cutler 10-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), 2:13. Bears 14–7. Drive: 3 plays, 13 yards, 1:21.Second quarter CHI – Alshon Jeffery 25-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), 10:51. Bears 21–7. Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 5:20. CAR – Greg Olsen 9-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 0:12. Bears 21–14. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 1:39.Third quarter CAR – Chris Ogbonnaya 1-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 7:16. Tied 21–21. Drive: 9 plays, 86 yards, 4:00. CHI – Robbie Gould 45-yard field goal, 2:38. Bears 24–21. Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 4:38.Fourth quarter CAR – Graham Gano 44-yard field goal, 4:29. Tied 24–24. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:27. CAR – Greg Olsen 6-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 2:18. Panthers 31–24. Drive: 6 plays, 23 yards, 2:00.
Top passers CHI – Jay Cutler – 28/36, 289 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT CAR – Cam Newton – 19/35, 255 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers CHI – Matt Forte – 17 rushes, 61 yards CAR – Darrin Reaves – 10 rushes, 36 yards Top receivers CHI – Matt Forte – 12 receptions, 105 yards, TD CAR – Greg Olsen – 6 receptions, 72 yards, 2 TD
With the win, the Panthers improved to 3–2. They would also improve to 11–20 when Newton commits at least one turnover. Unknown at the time, this would be the team's last victory for over two months.
TV announcers(Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
,
Game information
First quarter CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 3-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 5:45. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 15 plays, 86 yards, 9:16.Second quarter CIN – Brandon Tate 5-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent kick), 14:21. Tied 7–7. Drive: 14 plays, 69 yards, 6:29. CIN – Giovani Bernard 89-yard run (Mike Nugent kick), 11:50. Bengals 14–7. Drive: 1 play, 89 yards, 0:15. CAR – Graham Gano 39-yard field goal, 6:20. Bengals 14–10. Drive: 11 plays, 61 yards, 5:30. CIN – Mike Nugent 44-yard field goal, 0:03. Bengals 17–10. Drive: 12 plays, 54 yards, 6:17.Third quarter CAR – Fozzy Whittaker 4-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 9:07. Tied 17–17. Drive: 2 plays, 10 yards, 0:42. CAR – Cam Newton 12-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 3:54. Panthers 24–17. Drive: 6 plays, 77 yards, 2:11.Fourth quarter CIN – Mohamed Sanu 34-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent kick), 11:38. Tied 24–24. Drive: 6 plays, 71 yards, 3:11. CAR – Greg Olsen 13-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 4:50. Panthers 31–24. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:48. CIN – Jeremy Hill 3-yard run (Mike Nugent kick), 4:32. Tied 31–31. Drive: 1 play, 3 yards, 0:18. CIN – Mike Nugent 38-yard field goal, 2:11. Bengals 34–31. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:11. CAR – Graham Gano 44-yard field goal, 0:00. Tied 34–34. Drive: 12 plays, 54 yards, 2:11.Overtime CIN – Mike Nugent 42-yard field goal, 8:35. Bengals 37–34. Drive: 13 plays, 56 yards, 6:25. CAR – Graham Gano 36-yard field goal, 2:19. Tied 37–37. Drive: 12 plays, 60 yards, 6:16.Top passers CAR – Cam Newton – 29/46, 284 yards, 2 TD, INT CIN – Andy Dalton – 33/43, 323 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers CAR – Cam Newton – 17 rushes, 107 yards, TD CIN – Giovani Bernard – 18 rushes, 137 yards, TD Top receivers CAR – Greg Olsen – 6 receptions, 62 yards, TD CIN – Mohamed Sanu – 10 receptions, 120 yards, TD
First quarter CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 3-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 5:45. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 15 plays, 86 yards, 9:16.Second quarter CIN – Brandon Tate 5-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent kick), 14:21. Tied 7–7. Drive: 14 plays, 69 yards, 6:29. CIN – Giovani Bernard 89-yard run (Mike Nugent kick), 11:50. Bengals 14–7. Drive: 1 play, 89 yards, 0:15. CAR – Graham Gano 39-yard field goal, 6:20. Bengals 14–10. Drive: 11 plays, 61 yards, 5:30. CIN – Mike Nugent 44-yard field goal, 0:03. Bengals 17–10. Drive: 12 plays, 54 yards, 6:17.Third quarter CAR – Fozzy Whittaker 4-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 9:07. Tied 17–17. Drive: 2 plays, 10 yards, 0:42. CAR – Cam Newton 12-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 3:54. Panthers 24–17. Drive: 6 plays, 77 yards, 2:11.Fourth quarter CIN – Mohamed Sanu 34-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent kick), 11:38. Tied 24–24. Drive: 6 plays, 71 yards, 3:11. CAR – Greg Olsen 13-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 4:50. Panthers 31–24. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:48. CIN – Jeremy Hill 3-yard run (Mike Nugent kick), 4:32. Tied 31–31. Drive: 1 play, 3 yards, 0:18. CIN – Mike Nugent 38-yard field goal, 2:11. Bengals 34–31. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:11. CAR – Graham Gano 44-yard field goal, 0:00. Tied 34–34. Drive: 12 plays, 54 yards, 2:11.Overtime CIN – Mike Nugent 42-yard field goal, 8:35. Bengals 37–34. Drive: 13 plays, 56 yards, 6:25. CAR – Graham Gano 36-yard field goal, 2:19. Tied 37–37. Drive: 12 plays, 60 yards, 6:16.
Top passers CAR – Cam Newton – 29/46, 284 yards, 2 TD, INT CIN – Andy Dalton – 33/43, 323 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers CAR – Cam Newton – 17 rushes, 107 yards, TD CIN – Giovani Bernard – 18 rushes, 137 yards, TD Top receivers CAR – Greg Olsen – 6 receptions, 62 yards, TD CIN – Mohamed Sanu – 10 receptions, 120 yards, TD
Both teams went back and forth scoring in a shootout. This would be the highest-scoring overtime tie in NFL history until 2025, as well as the first tie in Panthers history as their record stood at 3–2–1. The team's record then stood at 11–20–1 when Newton commits a turnover.
First quarter CAR – Graham Gano 31-yard field goal, 6:21. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 58 yards, 6:26.Second quarter CAR – Graham Gano 26-yard field goal, 13:23. Panthers 6–0. Drive: 12 plays, 46 yards, 6:21. SEA – Stephen Hauschka 58-yard field goal, 11:00. Panthers 6–3. Drive: 5 plays, 13 yards, 2:23.Third quarter SEA – Stephen Hauschka 29-yard field goal, 7:13. Tied 6–6. Drive: 12 plays, 29 yards, 6:00.Fourth quarter CAR – Graham Gano 46-yard field goal, 4:37. Panthers 9–6. Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 4:56. SEA – Luke Willson 23-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Stephen Hauschka kick), 0:47. Seahawks 13–9. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:50.Top passers SEA – Russell Wilson – 20/32, 199 yards, TD, INT CAR – Cam Newton – 12/22, 171 yards, INT Top rushers SEA – Marshawn Lynch – 14 rushes, 62 yards CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 16 rushes, 79 yards Top receivers SEA – Doug Baldwin – 6 receptions, 61 yards CAR – Kelvin Benjamin – 4 receptions, 94 yards
First quarter CAR – Graham Gano 31-yard field goal, 6:21. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 58 yards, 6:26.Second quarter CAR – Graham Gano 26-yard field goal, 13:23. Panthers 6–0. Drive: 12 plays, 46 yards, 6:21. SEA – Stephen Hauschka 58-yard field goal, 11:00. Panthers 6–3. Drive: 5 plays, 13 yards, 2:23.Third quarter SEA – Stephen Hauschka 29-yard field goal, 7:13. Tied 6–6. Drive: 12 plays, 29 yards, 6:00.Fourth quarter CAR – Graham Gano 46-yard field goal, 4:37. Panthers 9–6. Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 4:56. SEA – Luke Willson 23-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Stephen Hauschka kick), 0:47. Seahawks 13–9. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:50.
Top passers SEA – Russell Wilson – 20/32, 199 yards, TD, INT CAR – Cam Newton – 12/22, 171 yards, INT Top rushers SEA – Marshawn Lynch – 14 rushes, 62 yards CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 16 rushes, 79 yards Top receivers SEA – Doug Baldwin – 6 receptions, 61 yards CAR – Kelvin Benjamin – 4 receptions, 94 yards
With the loss, the Panthers dropped to 3–4–1. The team also dropped to 11–22–1 when Newton commits at least one turnover.
Week 9: vs. New Orleans Saints
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Saints
0
14
7
7
28
Panthers
0
0
7
3
10
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
First quarterNo scoring plays.Second quarter NO – Mark Ingram 3-yard run (Shayne Graham kick), 2:38. Saints 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 4 yards, 0:42. NO – Jimmy Graham 1-yard pass from Drew Brees (Shayne Graham kick), 0:03. Saints 14–0. Drive: 10 plays, 85 yards, 1:46.Third quarter CAR – Cam Newton 10-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 10:14. Saints 14–7. Drive: 10 plays, 81 yards, 4:46. NO – Drew Brees 1-yard run (Shayne Graham kick), 4:04. Saints 21–7. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 6:10.Fourth quarter CAR – Graham Gano 31-yard field goal, 12:57. Saints 21–10. Drive: 8 plays, 54 yards, 2:53. NO – Mark Ingram 3-yard run (Shayne Graham kick), 5:30. Saints 28–10. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 7:27.Top passers NO – Drew Brees – 24/34, 297 yards, TD, INT CAR – Cam Newton – 10/28, 151 yards, INT Top rushers NO – Mark Ingram – 30 rushes, 100 yards, 2 TD CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 8 rushes, 46 yards Top receivers NO – Jimmy Graham – 7 receptions, 83 yards, TD CAR – Jerricho Cotchery – 5 receptions, 59 yards
First quarterNo scoring plays.Second quarter NO – Mark Ingram 3-yard run (Shayne Graham kick), 2:38. Saints 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 4 yards, 0:42. NO – Jimmy Graham 1-yard pass from Drew Brees (Shayne Graham kick), 0:03. Saints 14–0. Drive: 10 plays, 85 yards, 1:46.Third quarter CAR – Cam Newton 10-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 10:14. Saints 14–7. Drive: 10 plays, 81 yards, 4:46. NO – Drew Brees 1-yard run (Shayne Graham kick), 4:04. Saints 21–7. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 6:10.Fourth quarter CAR – Graham Gano 31-yard field goal, 12:57. Saints 21–10. Drive: 8 plays, 54 yards, 2:53. NO – Mark Ingram 3-yard run (Shayne Graham kick), 5:30. Saints 28–10. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 7:27.
Top passers NO – Drew Brees – 24/34, 297 yards, TD, INT CAR – Cam Newton – 10/28, 151 yards, INT Top rushers NO – Mark Ingram – 30 rushes, 100 yards, 2 TD CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 8 rushes, 46 yards Top receivers NO – Jimmy Graham – 7 receptions, 83 yards, TD CAR – Jerricho Cotchery – 5 receptions, 59 yards
With the loss, the Panthers dropped to 3-5-1. The team would sit at 11-23-1 when Newton turns the ball over.
First quarter PHI – Cody Parkey 39-yard field goal, 13:25. Eagles 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 0:40. PHI – Darren Sproles 8-yard run (Cody Parkey kick), 11:25. Eagles 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 43 yards, 1:45. CAR – Jonathan Stewart 1-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 6:00. Eagles 10–7. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:25. PHI – Darren Sproles 65-yard punt return (Cody Parkey kick), 3:29. Eagles 17–7.Second quarter PHI – Jordan Matthews 13-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Cody Parkey kick), 11:33. Eagles 24–7. Drive: 10 plays, 91 yards, 3:35. PHI – Bradley Fletcher 34-yard interception return (Cody Parkey kick), 2:13. Eagles 31–7.Third quarter PHI – LeSean McCoy 1-yard run (Cody Parkey kick), 7:40. Eagles 38–7. Drive: 2 plays, 30 yards, 0:17.Fourth quarter PHI – Jordan Matthews 18-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Cody Parkey kick), 11:43. Eagles 45–7. Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 2:41. CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 21-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 9:05. Eagles 45–14. Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, 2:38. CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 40-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 5:30. Eagles 45–21. Drive: 6 plays, 65 yards, 2:22.Top passers CAR – Cam Newton – 25/40, 306 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT PHI – Mark Sanchez – 20/37, 332 yards, 2 TD Top rushers CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 11 rushes, 36 yards, TD PHI – LeSean McCoy – 12 rushes, 19 yards, TD Top receivers CAR – Greg Olsen – 6 receptions, 119 yards PHI – Jordan Matthews – 7 receptions, 138 yards, 2 TD
First quarter PHI – Cody Parkey 39-yard field goal, 13:25. Eagles 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 0:40. PHI – Darren Sproles 8-yard run (Cody Parkey kick), 11:25. Eagles 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 43 yards, 1:45. CAR – Jonathan Stewart 1-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 6:00. Eagles 10–7. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:25. PHI – Darren Sproles 65-yard punt return (Cody Parkey kick), 3:29. Eagles 17–7.Second quarter PHI – Jordan Matthews 13-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Cody Parkey kick), 11:33. Eagles 24–7. Drive: 10 plays, 91 yards, 3:35. PHI – Bradley Fletcher 34-yard interception return (Cody Parkey kick), 2:13. Eagles 31–7.Third quarter PHI – LeSean McCoy 1-yard run (Cody Parkey kick), 7:40. Eagles 38–7. Drive: 2 plays, 30 yards, 0:17.Fourth quarter PHI – Jordan Matthews 18-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Cody Parkey kick), 11:43. Eagles 45–7. Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 2:41. CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 21-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 9:05. Eagles 45–14. Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, 2:38. CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 40-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 5:30. Eagles 45–21. Drive: 6 plays, 65 yards, 2:22.
Top passers CAR – Cam Newton – 25/40, 306 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT PHI – Mark Sanchez – 20/37, 332 yards, 2 TD Top rushers CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 11 rushes, 36 yards, TD PHI – LeSean McCoy – 12 rushes, 19 yards, TD Top receivers CAR – Greg Olsen – 6 receptions, 119 yards PHI – Jordan Matthews – 7 receptions, 138 yards, 2 TD
On Monday Night Football, Carolina barely put up a fight. The Eagles easily won the game, their defense sacking Cam Newton nine times. This dropped the Panthers record to 3–6–1. They also fell to 11–24–1 when Newton commits at least one turnover.
Week 11: vs. Atlanta Falcons
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Falcons
0
6
10
3
19
Panthers
0
3
0
14
17
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
First quarterNo scoring plays.Second quarter CAR – Graham Gano 23-yard field goal, 14:57. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 17 plays, 83 yards, 9:05. ATL – Matt Bryant 34-yard field goal, 9:26. Tied 3–3. Drive: 13 plays, 64 yards, 5:31. ATL – Matt Bryant 42-yard field goal, 0:02. Falcons 6–3. Drive: 10 plays, 48 yards, 1:33.Third quarter ATL – Matt Bryant 26-yard field goal, 12:07. Falcons 9–3. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:28. ATL – Roddy White 2-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 6:34. Falcons 16–3. Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 3:49.Fourth quarter CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 22-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 9:12. Falcons 16–10. Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 1:50. CAR – Corey Brown 47-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 6:20. Panthers 17–16. Drive: 2 plays, 69 yards, 0:41. ATL – Matt Bryant 44-yard field goal, 2:08. Falcons 19–17. Drive: 12 plays, 54 yards, 4:12.Top passers ATL – Matt Ryan – 31/45, 268 yards, TD CAR – Cam Newton – 23/37, 292 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers ATL – Steven Jackson – 17 rushes, 41 yards CAR – DeAngelo Williams – 10 rushes, 41 yards Top receivers ATL – Roddy White – 8 receptions, 75 yards, TD CAR – Kelvin Benjamin – 9 receptions, 109 yards, TD
First quarterNo scoring plays.Second quarter CAR – Graham Gano 23-yard field goal, 14:57. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 17 plays, 83 yards, 9:05. ATL – Matt Bryant 34-yard field goal, 9:26. Tied 3–3. Drive: 13 plays, 64 yards, 5:31. ATL – Matt Bryant 42-yard field goal, 0:02. Falcons 6–3. Drive: 10 plays, 48 yards, 1:33.Third quarter ATL – Matt Bryant 26-yard field goal, 12:07. Falcons 9–3. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:28. ATL – Roddy White 2-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 6:34. Falcons 16–3. Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 3:49.Fourth quarter CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 22-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 9:12. Falcons 16–10. Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 1:50. CAR – Corey Brown 47-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 6:20. Panthers 17–16. Drive: 2 plays, 69 yards, 0:41. ATL – Matt Bryant 44-yard field goal, 2:08. Falcons 19–17. Drive: 12 plays, 54 yards, 4:12.
Top passers ATL – Matt Ryan – 31/45, 268 yards, TD CAR – Cam Newton – 23/37, 292 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers ATL – Steven Jackson – 17 rushes, 41 yards CAR – DeAngelo Williams – 10 rushes, 41 yards Top receivers ATL – Roddy White – 8 receptions, 75 yards, TD CAR – Kelvin Benjamin – 9 receptions, 109 yards, TD
With their fifth straight loss, the Panthers headed into their bye week at 3–7–1. Also the team dropped to 11–25–1 when Newton commits a turnover. This would be Carolina's last home loss until week 3 of 2016 against Minnesota.
TV announcers(Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
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Game information
First quarter MIN – Kyle Rudolph 4-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Blair Walsh kick), 9:41. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 3:07. MIN – Adam Thielen 30-yard return of blocked punt (Blair Walsh kick), 7:00. Vikings 14–0. CAR – Graham Gano 30-yard field goal, 0:37. Vikings 14–3. Drive: 14 plays, 68 yards, 6:23.Second quarter MIN – Everson Griffen 43-yard return of blocked punt (Blair Walsh kick), 9:35. Vikings 21–3. CAR – Graham Gano 35-yard field goal, 3:28. Vikings 21–6. Drive: 12 plays, 63 yards, 6:07. MIN – Greg Jennings 17-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Blair Walsh kick), 0:16. Vikings 28–6. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 3:12.Third quarter CAR – Corey Brown 32-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 9:15. Vikings 28–13. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:13.Fourth quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 39-yard field goal, 8:55. Vikings 31–13. Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 3:25.Top passers CAR – Cam Newton – 18/35, 194 yards, TD, INT MIN – Teddy Bridgewater – 15/21, 138 yards, 2 TD Top rushers CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 12 rushes, 85 yards MIN – Matt Asiata – 14 rushes, 52 yards Top receivers CAR – Greg Olsen – 5 receptions, 59 yards MIN – Greg Jennings – 5 receptions, 45 yards, TD
First quarter MIN – Kyle Rudolph 4-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Blair Walsh kick), 9:41. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 3:07. MIN – Adam Thielen 30-yard return of blocked punt (Blair Walsh kick), 7:00. Vikings 14–0. CAR – Graham Gano 30-yard field goal, 0:37. Vikings 14–3. Drive: 14 plays, 68 yards, 6:23.Second quarter MIN – Everson Griffen 43-yard return of blocked punt (Blair Walsh kick), 9:35. Vikings 21–3. CAR – Graham Gano 35-yard field goal, 3:28. Vikings 21–6. Drive: 12 plays, 63 yards, 6:07. MIN – Greg Jennings 17-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Blair Walsh kick), 0:16. Vikings 28–6. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 3:12.Third quarter CAR – Corey Brown 32-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 9:15. Vikings 28–13. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:13.Fourth quarter MIN – Blair Walsh 39-yard field goal, 8:55. Vikings 31–13. Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 3:25.
Top passers CAR – Cam Newton – 18/35, 194 yards, TD, INT MIN – Teddy Bridgewater – 15/21, 138 yards, 2 TD Top rushers CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 12 rushes, 85 yards MIN – Matt Asiata – 14 rushes, 52 yards Top receivers CAR – Greg Olsen – 5 receptions, 59 yards MIN – Greg Jennings – 5 receptions, 45 yards, TD
With the loss, the Panthers dropped to 3–8–1 and 11–26–1 when Newton commits at least one turnover.
First quarter CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 9-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 11:42. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:18. CAR – Graham Gano 37-yard field goal, 9:57. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:02. CAR – Cam Newton 2-yard run, 6:41. Panthers 17–0. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 3:11.Second quarter NO – Shayne Graham 37-yard field goal, 13:19. Panthers 17–3. Drive: 7 plays, 34 yards, 3:28. CAR – Greg Olsen 16-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 2:14. Panthers 24–3. Drive: 12 plays, 68 yards, 4:46.Third quarter CAR – Jonathan Stewart 69-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 13:59. Panthers 31–3. Drive: 1 play, 69 yards, 0:11. CAR – Fozzy Whittaker 26-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 5:13. Panthers 38–3. Drive: 9 plays, 86 yards, 5:49.Fourth quarter CAR – Graham Gano 41-yard field goal, 14:10. Panthers 41–3. Drive: 11 plays, 38 yards, 5:05. NO – Benjamin Watson 7-yard pass from Drew Brees (Shayne Graham kick), 5:29. Panthers 41–10. Drive: 12 plays, 83 yards, 3:31.Top passers CAR – Cam Newton – 21/33, 226 yards, 3 TD NO – Drew Brees – 29/45, 235 yards, TD, INT Top rushers CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 20 rushes, 155 yards, TD NO – Mark Ingram – 10 rushes, 43 yards Top receivers CAR – Greg Olsen – 10 receptions, 72 yards, TD NO – Marques Colston – 5 receptions, 72 yards
First quarter CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 9-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 11:42. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:18. CAR – Graham Gano 37-yard field goal, 9:57. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:02. CAR – Cam Newton 2-yard run, 6:41. Panthers 17–0. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 3:11.Second quarter NO – Shayne Graham 37-yard field goal, 13:19. Panthers 17–3. Drive: 7 plays, 34 yards, 3:28. CAR – Greg Olsen 16-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 2:14. Panthers 24–3. Drive: 12 plays, 68 yards, 4:46.Third quarter CAR – Jonathan Stewart 69-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 13:59. Panthers 31–3. Drive: 1 play, 69 yards, 0:11. CAR – Fozzy Whittaker 26-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 5:13. Panthers 38–3. Drive: 9 plays, 86 yards, 5:49.Fourth quarter CAR – Graham Gano 41-yard field goal, 14:10. Panthers 41–3. Drive: 11 plays, 38 yards, 5:05. NO – Benjamin Watson 7-yard pass from Drew Brees (Shayne Graham kick), 5:29. Panthers 41–10. Drive: 12 plays, 83 yards, 3:31.
Top passers CAR – Cam Newton – 21/33, 226 yards, 3 TD NO – Drew Brees – 29/45, 235 yards, TD, INT Top rushers CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 20 rushes, 155 yards, TD NO – Mark Ingram – 10 rushes, 43 yards Top receivers CAR – Greg Olsen – 10 receptions, 72 yards, TD NO – Marques Colston – 5 receptions, 72 yards
With their 6-game losing streak snapped, the Panthers improved to 4–8–1. The team also improved to 17–6 when Newton doesn't commit a turnover.
Week 15: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Buccaneers
7
3
0
7
17
Panthers
6
3
7
3
19
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Date: December 14
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Game weather: 60°F (16°C), sunny
Game attendance: 72,842
Referee: Ron Torbert
TV announcers(Fox): Dick Stockton, Kirk Morrison and Kristina Pink
,
Game information
First quarter CAR – Graham Gano 29-yard field goal, 8:19. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 73 yards, 6:41. TB – Mike Evans 8-yard pass from Josh McCown (Patrick Murray kick), 5:54. Buccaneers 7–3. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:25. CAR – Graham Gano 49-yard field goal, 1:14. Buccaneers 7–6. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 4:41.Second quarter CAR – Graham Gano 38-yard field goal, 1:10. Panthers 9–7. Drive: 15 plays, 68 yards, 6:03. TB – Patrick Murray 48-yard field goal, 0:02. Buccaneers 10–9. Drive: 7 plays, 50 yards, 1:08.Third quarter CAR – Jerricho Cotchery 2-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Graham Gano kick), 13:53. Panthers 16–10. Drive: 2 plays, 4 yards, 0:48.Fourth quarter CAR – Graham Gano 45-yard field goal, 8:31. Panthers 19–10. Drive: 12 plays, 46 yards, 6:24. TB – Josh McCown 16-yard run (Patrick Murray kick), 3:11. Panthers 19–17. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:20.Top passers TB – Josh McCown – 13/28, 154 yards, TD, INT CAR – Derek Anderson – 25/40, 277 yards, TD Top rushers TB – Doug Martin – 14 rushes, 96 yards CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 22 rushes, 75 yards Top receivers TB – Vincent Jackson – 6 receptions, 70 yards CAR – Greg Olsen – 10 receptions, 110 yards
First quarter CAR – Graham Gano 29-yard field goal, 8:19. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 73 yards, 6:41. TB – Mike Evans 8-yard pass from Josh McCown (Patrick Murray kick), 5:54. Buccaneers 7–3. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:25. CAR – Graham Gano 49-yard field goal, 1:14. Buccaneers 7–6. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 4:41.Second quarter CAR – Graham Gano 38-yard field goal, 1:10. Panthers 9–7. Drive: 15 plays, 68 yards, 6:03. TB – Patrick Murray 48-yard field goal, 0:02. Buccaneers 10–9. Drive: 7 plays, 50 yards, 1:08.Third quarter CAR – Jerricho Cotchery 2-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Graham Gano kick), 13:53. Panthers 16–10. Drive: 2 plays, 4 yards, 0:48.Fourth quarter CAR – Graham Gano 45-yard field goal, 8:31. Panthers 19–10. Drive: 12 plays, 46 yards, 6:24. TB – Josh McCown 16-yard run (Patrick Murray kick), 3:11. Panthers 19–17. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:20.
Top passers TB – Josh McCown – 13/28, 154 yards, TD, INT CAR – Derek Anderson – 25/40, 277 yards, TD Top rushers TB – Doug Martin – 14 rushes, 96 yards CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 22 rushes, 75 yards Top receivers TB – Vincent Jackson – 6 receptions, 70 yards CAR – Greg Olsen – 10 receptions, 110 yards
QB Derek Anderson was pressed into service for the second time in 2014, as Newton had injured his back in a car accident earlier that week. Once again, Anderson led the Panthers to a close victory over Tampa Bay, completing a season sweep and improving the team's record to 5–8–1. Anderson improved his starting regular season record as a Panther to 2–0.
Week 16: vs. Cleveland Browns
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Browns
0
3
3
7
13
Panthers
3
7
0
7
17
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
First quarter CAR – Graham Gano 23-yard field goal, 2:47. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 14 plays, 77 yards, 6:25.Second quarter CLE – Garrett Hartley 43-yard field goal, 13:25. Tied 3–3. Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 4:22. CAR – Cam Newton 2-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 1:55. Panthers 10–3. Drive: 12 plays, 57 yards, 6:26.Third quarter CLE – Garrett Hartley 31-yard field goal, 3:14. Panthers 10–6. Drive: 9 plays, 43 yards, 5:06.Fourth quarter CLE – Jordan Cameron 81-yard pass from Brian Hoyer (Garrett Hartley kick), 9:59. Browns 13–10. Drive: 3 plays, 85 yards, 1:23. CAR – Jonathan Stewart 9-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 7:07. Panthers 17–13. Drive: 7 plays, 66 yards, 2:52.Top passers CLE – Brian Hoyer – 7/13, 134 yards, TD, INT CAR – Cam Newton – 18/31, 201 yards, TD, INT Top rushers CLE – Isaiah Crowell – 16 rushes, 55 yards CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 24 rushes, 122 yards Top receivers CLE – Jordan Cameron – 3 receptions, 88 yards, TD CAR – Kelvin Benjamin – 5 receptions, 47 yards
First quarter CAR – Graham Gano 23-yard field goal, 2:47. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 14 plays, 77 yards, 6:25.Second quarter CLE – Garrett Hartley 43-yard field goal, 13:25. Tied 3–3. Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 4:22. CAR – Cam Newton 2-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 1:55. Panthers 10–3. Drive: 12 plays, 57 yards, 6:26.Third quarter CLE – Garrett Hartley 31-yard field goal, 3:14. Panthers 10–6. Drive: 9 plays, 43 yards, 5:06.Fourth quarter CLE – Jordan Cameron 81-yard pass from Brian Hoyer (Garrett Hartley kick), 9:59. Browns 13–10. Drive: 3 plays, 85 yards, 1:23. CAR – Jonathan Stewart 9-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 7:07. Panthers 17–13. Drive: 7 plays, 66 yards, 2:52.
Top passers CLE – Brian Hoyer – 7/13, 134 yards, TD, INT CAR – Cam Newton – 18/31, 201 yards, TD, INT Top rushers CLE – Isaiah Crowell – 16 rushes, 55 yards CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 24 rushes, 122 yards Top receivers CLE – Jordan Cameron – 3 receptions, 88 yards, TD CAR – Kelvin Benjamin – 5 receptions, 47 yards
With the win, the Panthers improved to 6–8–1 and 12–26–1 when Newton turns the ball over at least once.
TV announcers(CBS): Jim Nantz, Phil Simms and Tracy Wolfson
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Game information
First quarter CAR – Graham Gano 21-yard field goal, 7:50. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 77 yards, 7:10. CAR – Ed Dickson 5-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 0:04. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 10 plays, 87 yards, 4:45.Second quarter ATL – Matt Bryant 21-yard field goal, 10:36. Panthers 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 35 yards, 4:28. CAR – Roman Harper 31-yard interception return (Graham Gano kick), 4:18. Panthers 17–3. CAR – Cam Newton 4-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 1:47. Panthers 24–3. Drive: 1 play, 4 yards, 0:07.Third quarter CAR – Graham Gano 48-yard field goal, 8:43. Panthers 27–3. Drive: 8 plays, 29 yards, 4:35. CAR – Tre Boston 84-yard interception return (Graham Gano kick), 0:07. Panthers 34–3.Fourth quarterNo scoring plays.Top passers CAR – Cam Newton – 10/16, 114 yards, TD ATL – Matt Ryan – 29/47, 260 yards, 2 INT Top rushers CAR – Cam Newton – 6 rushes, 51 yards, TD ATL – Jacquizz Rodgers – 9 rushes, 44 yards Top receivers CAR – Corey Brown – 1 reception, 28 yards ATL – Roddy White – 8 receptions, 104 yards
First quarter CAR – Graham Gano 21-yard field goal, 7:50. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 77 yards, 7:10. CAR – Ed Dickson 5-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 0:04. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 10 plays, 87 yards, 4:45.Second quarter ATL – Matt Bryant 21-yard field goal, 10:36. Panthers 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 35 yards, 4:28. CAR – Roman Harper 31-yard interception return (Graham Gano kick), 4:18. Panthers 17–3. CAR – Cam Newton 4-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 1:47. Panthers 24–3. Drive: 1 play, 4 yards, 0:07.Third quarter CAR – Graham Gano 48-yard field goal, 8:43. Panthers 27–3. Drive: 8 plays, 29 yards, 4:35. CAR – Tre Boston 84-yard interception return (Graham Gano kick), 0:07. Panthers 34–3.Fourth quarterNo scoring plays.
Top passers CAR – Cam Newton – 10/16, 114 yards, TD ATL – Matt Ryan – 29/47, 260 yards, 2 INT Top rushers CAR – Cam Newton – 6 rushes, 51 yards, TD ATL – Jacquizz Rodgers – 9 rushes, 44 yards Top receivers CAR – Corey Brown – 1 reception, 28 yards ATL – Roddy White – 8 receptions, 104 yards
The Panthers finished their season in Atlanta against the Falcons with the NFC South title and the NFC's #4 seed on the line. They would blowout Atlanta and finish the season out 7–8–1. The team would also improve to 18–6 when Newton doesn't commit a turnover.
First quarter CAR – Graham Gano 47-yard field goal, 11:27. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 19 yards, 2:03. CAR – Jonathan Stewart 13-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 5:21. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 3:51. Second quarter ARI – Darren Fells 1-yard pass from Ryan Lindley (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 14:56. Panthers 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 30 yards, 2:15. ARI – Marion Grice 1-yard run (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 2:50. Cardinals 14–10. Drive: 4 plays, 17 yards, 2:04. CAR – Graham Gano 39-yard field goal, 0:15. Cardinals 14–13. Drive: 9 plays, 95 yards, 2:35. Third quarter CAR – Fozzy Whittaker 39-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 5:36. Panthers 20–14. Drive: 1 play, 39 yards, 0:14. CAR – Mike Tolbert 1-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 4:04. Panthers 27–14. Drive: 3 plays, 3 yards, 1:24. Fourth quarter ARI – Brad Nortman tackled in end zone by Justin Bethel, 0:03. Panthers 27–16. Top passers ARI – Ryan Lindley – 16/28, 82 yards, TD, 2 INT CAR – Cam Newton – 18/32, 198 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers ARI – Kerwynn Williams – 10 rushes, 23 yards CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 24 rushes, 123 yards, TD Top receivers ARI – John Brown – 4 receptions, 34 yards CAR – Fozzy Whittaker – 1 reception, 39 yards, TD
First quarter CAR – Graham Gano 47-yard field goal, 11:27. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 19 yards, 2:03. CAR – Jonathan Stewart 13-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 5:21. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 3:51. Second quarter ARI – Darren Fells 1-yard pass from Ryan Lindley (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 14:56. Panthers 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 30 yards, 2:15. ARI – Marion Grice 1-yard run (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 2:50. Cardinals 14–10. Drive: 4 plays, 17 yards, 2:04. CAR – Graham Gano 39-yard field goal, 0:15. Cardinals 14–13. Drive: 9 plays, 95 yards, 2:35. Third quarter CAR – Fozzy Whittaker 39-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 5:36. Panthers 20–14. Drive: 1 play, 39 yards, 0:14. CAR – Mike Tolbert 1-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 4:04. Panthers 27–14. Drive: 3 plays, 3 yards, 1:24. Fourth quarter ARI – Brad Nortman tackled in end zone by Justin Bethel, 0:03. Panthers 27–16.
Top passers ARI – Ryan Lindley – 16/28, 82 yards, TD, 2 INT CAR – Cam Newton – 18/32, 198 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers ARI – Kerwynn Williams – 10 rushes, 23 yards CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 24 rushes, 123 yards, TD Top receivers ARI – John Brown – 4 receptions, 34 yards CAR – Fozzy Whittaker – 1 reception, 39 yards, TD
The win over the Cardinals improved the Panthers' overall record to 8–8–1, with the defense turning in a record performance, holding Arizona to 78 total yards. Their record stood at 13–26–1 when Cam turns the ball over.