The Carolina Panthers did not mess around Sunday against the Seahawks.
The Panthers’ first play from scrimmage was a 59-yard run by Jonathan Stewart.
First play of the game, Jonathan Stewart rips off big run pic.twitter.com/TCXOZGYJR8
— The Sports Daily (@SportsDailyBlog) January 17, 2016
Three plays later Stewart punched the ball into the end zone and made one Panthers fan extremely happy.
Jonathan Stewart takes it in for the touchdown. pic.twitter.com/ARPGEc1u8a
— The Sports Daily (@SportsDailyBlog) January 17, 2016
Jonathan Stewart just made a fan for life. She is so happy. Awesome #SEAvsCAR pic.twitter.com/nqzf8EWkb1
— Chris Law (@ChrisLaw) January 17, 2016
The Panthers then stuffed the Seahawks on the ensuing kickoff, took down Marshawn Lynch for a loss on Seattle’s first offensive play, then pressured Russell Wilson into an interception, which Luke Kuechly returned for a touchdown.
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
Nine plays into the game, Carolina already led 14-0, and it really only got better from there. After a Seahawks punt, Cam Newton led a 15-play, 86-yard drive, and Stewart reached the end zone for the second time.
Jonathan Stewart leaps for his second touchdown of the first half pic.twitter.com/ph0NvOJI5c
— The Sports Daily (@SportsDailyBlog) January 17, 2016
On the following drive, Wilson threw another pick, this one to Cortland Finnegan, and the Panthers capitalized with a field goal to go up 24-0.
Seattle was again forced to punt, and Carolina again responded with a score. This time it was Newton finding tight end Greg Olsen in the end zone.
Perfect Cam Newton throw.
Ridiculous Greg Olsen catch.The Panthers are causing SERIOUS problems. #KeepPounding https://t.co/THn9hlMaVj
— NFL (@NFL) January 17, 2016
The Seahawks put together a competent drive for the first time but were stopped short on fourth down after opting not to kick a field goal.
After the Panthers punted, Wilson led the Seahawks in opposing territory, setting up a 55-yard field goal as time expired, which Steven Hauschka… missed of course.
With that, the Panthers entered halftime leading 31-0 and feeling something like this:
CAROLINA MOOD: pic.twitter.com/aCUwIVmAWu
— NFL (@NFL) January 17, 2016
