NFL
By: Colton Wood
The Carolina Panthers are headed to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2004 after a 49-15 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
Carolina set the tone early after their defense forced the Carson Palmer led Arizona Cardinals to go three-and-out and punt. Potential NFL MVP Cam Newton then led a field goal drive on their first possession of the game.
The Panthers continued to carry their momentum as they went into halftime with a 24-7 lead.
Despite a last minute attempt at a comeback from Seattle in last week’s divisional playoff game against Carolina, the Panthers looked to not let off the “gas pedal” and continue to put points on the board against Arizona. They did not disappoint Panthers’ fans this time.
Arizona’s turnovers were the key of the game as Palmer threw four intercpetion, one for a touchdown, while fumbling the ball three times which were all recovered by Carolina.
Cam Newton threw for 339 yards in the victory while throwing for two touchdowns and another touchdown on the ground. Newton did threw one intercpetion, but Carolina’s defense immediately responded with an intercpetion.
Greg Olsen and Corey Brown had huge games as they both recorded 100+ receiving yards.
The Cardinals were limited to only 60 yards on the ground, but gained 238 receiving yards despite not having a 100+ yard receiver.
The Panthers will take on Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos on February 7th in which may very well be Peyton’s last game in the NFL. The Panthers are currently 3.5 point favorites.
(Photo Credit: David J. Phillip/AP)
