CHARLOTTE (COURTESY CAROLINA PANTHERS) – The Panthers held on to earn a 31-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Sunday’s NFC Divisional Playoff at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina will host the NFC Championship against the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday at 6:40 p.m.
Running back Jonathan Stewart
rushed for 59 yards on the game’s first play and later finished the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run.
On Seattle’s second play, linebacker Luke Kuechly intercepted quarterback Russell Wilson’s pass for running back Marshawn Lynch and returned it for a 14-yard touchdown.
Stewart reached the end zone for the second time with a 1-yard score early in the second quarter to make it 21-0, and Wilson threw his second interception on the first play of the ensuing Seattle possession. Cornerback Cortland Finnegan picked him off, leading to a 48-yard field goal from Graham Gano.
Tight end Greg Olsen made it 31-0 with a 19-yard touchdown catch in the back of the end zone.
Seattle got on the board quickly after receiving the kickoff for the second half, as Wilson connected with wide receiver Jermaine Kearse for a 13-yard touchdown that took only 1:33 to produce.
The Seahawks struck again on their next possession. Wide receiver Tyler Lockett made a 33-yard touchdown catch midway through the third quarter.
Kearse cut the Panthers’ lead to 10 when he caught a 3-yard touchdown pass with 6:04 remaining in the game. Steven Hauschka added a 36-yard field goal with 1:12 left.
Linebacker Thomas Davis recovered the ensuing onside kick to seal the victory for Carolina.
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