The Carolina Panthers have performed admirably over the past two months, but for some reason, coach Wilks has insisted they finish. In the fourth quarter, when they were most successful, the Carolina Panthers made a significant lead over the Seattle Seahawks and scored on a lengthy touchdown drive. They left Seattle after defeating the Seahawks 30-24 to 5-8 with a win that was so satisfying to witness.
It was their second victory at Lumen Field (after the 2015 match during the Super Bowl season), and it ended a league-record-long nine-game road losing streak.
Along with the Buccaneers’ loss at San Francisco, the Carolina Panthers are just a game out of first in the NFC South.
The Panthers have a good opportunity moving into these final four games – Pittsburgh and Detroit at home, then at Tampa and New Orleans, and it will start to resemble the 2014 run Wilks is referencing ( when they won the division at 7-8-1).
The Panthers made it happen on Sunday thanks to a defense that stood its own in crucial situations. Jaycee Horn and CJ Henderson intercepted MVP candidate Geno Smith, who had multiple interceptions for the first time this season.
They made it happen with a bludgeoning run game as they continued to earn a physical identity.
Chuba Hubbard and Raheem Blackshear combined to lead a 10-play, 74-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter when it mattered most, gaining 68 of those yards on the ground. At one point, they added three additional offensive linemen to the field.
That was a very defining moment for the team that had been looking for one, after that they raced to a 17-0 lead and had to hang on.
Panthers had successful offensive and defensive plays, as a lengthy field goal drive to open the game was swiftly followed by Horn’s interception of the Smith.
A play later, Sam Darnold hit shi smith for a touchdown, after that they got a defensive stop and after that, they got another long drive.
The Seattle Seahawks eventually woke up, cutting the Carolina panthers’ lead to 20-17 in the third quarter. But the Carolina Panthers did not fold, started playing sharply in the second half of the game which was very crucial for them to win.