Game Recap: Panthers 49, Cardinals 15

Jan 24, 2016 at 02:15 PM

Bryan Strickland

Senior Writer

CHARLOTTE – Cam Newton, your Carolina Panthers just won the NFC Championship. How do you feel?

"Super."

Super indeed.

Newton threw for two touchdowns and ran for two more, and linebacker Luke Kuechly and safeties Kurt Coleman and Tre Boston came up with two takeaways apiece as Carolina claimed the final coveted spot in Super Bowl 50 with a 49-15 triumph over the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium.

"We were able to put ourselves in position to make plays. Our guys flew around. They hustled," head coach Ron Rivera said. "I think this is really neat, I really do. I'm excited about the opportunity. More so than anything else, I'm excited for this organization."

Carolina will face the Denver Broncos on Feb. 7 at Levi's Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers (6:30 p.m., CBS). The Broncos won the AFC title with a 20-18 victory over the New England Patriots earlier Sunday.

The Panthers dominated the early portions of the game by dominating both lines of scrimmage, and they never let up. Last week, the Panthers rolled to a 31-0 halftime lead in a Division Playoff against Seattle before holding on for a 31-24 victory. Sunday, leading 24-7 at halftime, they took the opening kickoff of the second half and kept the ball more than seven minutes before kicking a field goal.

The defense – minus linebacker Thomas Davis (arm) and safety Roman Harper (eye) – then forced a three-and-out. Carolina then marched 79 yards, jumpstarted by a 39-yard reception by Ted Ginn, Jr. and finished off by Newton runs of 11 and then 12 for the touchdown for a 34-7 lead.

"When we were getting ready to come out for the second half, I didn't have to say anything. The players said it," Rivera said. "Cam Newton stepped up and really challenged everybody. They took ownership.

"I like the energy they came out with."

That applied to the beginning of the game as well, when the Panthers made a statement early in the first NFC Championship game ever hosted by the organization. Carolina's first three drives of the game resulted in scores as the Panthers consistently controlled things along the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.

Graham Gano got it going with a 45-yard field goal, then Ginn found the end zone on a remarkable play against his former team. After Ginn set the table with a 32-yard punt return, he scored on a reverse from the 22-yard line, when Newton faked a handoff, faked a run and pitched it back to Ginn, who eventually weaved his way all the way back across the field for the touchdown.

"I just tried to become an athlete," Ginn said. "I got around the corner but (cornerback Justin) Bethel held me up a little bit, but that let me see the defense a little bit, and then I just continued on the journey.

"It had shut down, but Pops always told me to use my shoes, so I just tried to use my shoes, and I had two blockers on the other side and did what I could do."

On Carolina's next possession, facing a third-and-long from its own 14-yard line, Newton spotted Philly Brown open at the 40 versus man-to-man coverage. Brown gathered it, and then with one subtle move got past safety Rashad Johnson and sped to an 86-yard score, the longest play in Panthers postseason history.

The Cardinals, known for succeeding with long shots down the field, were suddenly a long shot to win, in a 17-0 hole as Carolina's secondary exceeded expectations and its defensive line matched its great expectations.

"I know the big buzz all week was about their receiving core and quarterbacks and how they take a lot of shots deep," cornerback Robert McClain said. "We had to take coaching and be on point during the week as though every practice is the game.

"You're going to make some mistakes. That's part of football – it's not going to be a perfect game – but if you stick together every single play and you want it more than the other guy across from you, it's going to show."

McClain and Co. sparkled in part because Carolina's front seven didn't give quarterback Carson Palmer time to get comfortable.

"Our defensive line, we know we can be the best in the league if we come out and communicate and get off the ball," defensive tackle Kawann Short said. "We can be unstoppable, and that's what we were today."

Arizona did threaten to get back into it midway through the second quarter, when the Cardinals pieced together a 79-yard touchdown drive, capped by David Johnson's 1-yard touchdown run with 5:44 left in the half.

The Arizona defense followed with a three-and-out, and the Cardinals appeared set to get good field position off a short Brad Nortman punt, but Patrick Peterson overran the ball and muffed it. Cornerback Teddy Williams recovered it at the Arizona 46, and five plays later Newton scored with one of his signature, over-the-top 1-yard runs for a 24-7 lead just after the two-minute warning.

Craziness ensued from there, with three of the next four plays resulting in turnovers but with both teams missing out on scoring opportunities in the process. A Peterson interception and 72-yard return to the Carolina 22 negated a scoring chance created by a Charles Johnson strip-sack and Boston fumble recovery, but then Coleman made a leaping interception of Palmer on the next snap in the end zone.

"It was a big momentum shift," Coleman said. "Tre had the fumble recovery, we were in position, and (tight end) Ed Dickson was open in the seam. The ball sailed – that happens – and then the thing that may go unnoticed was the hustle of Ted Ginn to save the touchdown (on Peterson's return).

"That gave the defense another opportunity to line up and play, and obviously it turned into an interception that didn't allow them to get any points. Then we got the ball to start the second half and scored."

Coleman added a second interception midway through the fourth quarter, and Newton directed an 86-yard drive capped by a 5-yard touchdown pass to rookie Devin Funchess for a 42-15 lead. On Arizona's next offensive snap, Kuechly intercepted Palmer and returned it 21 yards for a touchdown that capped the scoring. Boston then added an interception - Palmer's fourth and final to go with two lost fumbles.

"It's unbelievable, to do this at home in front of this crowd," center Ryan Kalil said. "They've been unbelievable all year long. They're the best fans in the NFL, and we couldn't be happier for them.

"We're out there with the confetti celebrating, but when you walk by every guy, they say, 'One more. We've got one more.' We've got work left to do."

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Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton is introduced before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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Carolina Panthers' Jonathan Stewart is introduced before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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Carolina Panthers' Mike Tolbert is introduced before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

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Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson hits a drum before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

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Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera watches warm ups before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

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Arizona Cardinals' David Johnson runs during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

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Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton throws during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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Arizona Cardinals' Justin Bethel (28) tries to stop Carolina Panthers' Ted Ginn after a catch during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Carolina Panthers kicker Graham Gano makes a field goal during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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Carolina Panthers' Robert McClain breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals' John Brown during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

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Arizona Cardinals' Carson Palmer (3) is hit by Carolina Panthers' Cortland Finnegan as he throws during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

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Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton throws during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

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Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton flips the ball to Carolina Panthers' Ted Ginn for a touchdown run during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Carolina Panthers' Ted Ginn gets past Arizona Cardinals' Justin Bethel for a touchdown run during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

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Carolina Panthers' Ted Ginn runs for a touchdown as teammate Cam Newton runs with him during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

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Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton throws during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Carolina Panthers' Corey Brown gets away from Arizona Cardinals' Rashad Johnson for a touchdown after a catch during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

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Carolina Panthers' Corey Brown breaks away for a touchdown after a catch during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

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Carolina Panthers' Corey Brown celebrates his touchdown catch during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

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Carolina Panthers' Corey Brown celebrates a touchdown catch with fans during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

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Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton hands seven-year-old Cameron Gandy a ball after a touchdown during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

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Seven-year-old Cameron Gandy celebrates after Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton gave him a touchdown ball during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

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Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton and Joe Webb celebrate a touchdown run during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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Arizona Cardinals' Carson Palmer fumbles as he is hit by Carolina Panthers' Kawann Short and Mario Addison (97) during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

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Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly recovers a fumble by Arizona Cardinals' Carson Palmer during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

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Arizona Cardinals' Darren Fells is hit by Carolina Panthers' Thomas Davis (58) and Luke Kuechly after catching a pass during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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Arizona Cardinals' David Johnson runs past Carolina Panthers' Shaq Green-Thompson during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

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Arizona Cardinals' David Johnson runs for a touchdown during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

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Arizona Cardinals' David Johnson runs for a touchdown past Carolina Panthers' Kony Ealy (94) during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera argues a call during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton throws during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

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Carolina Panthers' Jonathan Stewart is stopped short of the goal line during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton dives into the end zone for a touchdown during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

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Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton celebrates his touchdown run during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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Carolina Panthers' Jonathan Stewart and Cam Newton celebrate a touchdown during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

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Arizona Cardinals' Carson Palmer throws during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

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Carolina Panthers' Kurt Coleman is congratulated after intercepting a pass during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

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Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton throws during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Carolina Panthers' Ted Ginn catches a pass in front of Arizona Cardinals' Jerraud Powers during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Carolina Panthers' Ted Ginn catches a pass for a first down during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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Carolina Panthers' Ted Ginn catches a pass during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

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Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton throws during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton runs for a first down past Arizona Cardinals' Chris Clemons (29) during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton celebrates a first down run during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

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Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton runs for a touchdown during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton celebrates his touchdown run with Ted Ginn (19) during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton celebrates his touchdown run during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton leaps in the end zone for a touchdown run during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton leaps into the end zone for a touchdown run during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

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Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton celebrates his touchdown run with Jonathan Stewart (289) during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

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Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald catches a pass in front of Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

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Carolina Panthers' Robert McClain breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

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Arizona Cardinals' John Brown is called for a face mask penalty after Carolina Panthers' Kurt Coleman (20) intercepted a pass during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

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A fan holds a sign during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game between the Carolina Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton runs past Arizona Cardinals' Kenny Demens for a first down during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton- celebrates a first down pass during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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Carolina Panthers' Mike Tolbert gets past Arizona Cardinals' Sean Weatherspoon for a two-point conversion during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly is congratulated after intercepting a pass and running it back for a touchdown during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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Carolina Panthers' Tre Boston intercepts a pass during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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Arizona Cardinals' Patrick Peterson (21) consoles Frostee Rucker during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

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Arizona Cardinals' Carson Palmer watches from the bench during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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Arizona Cardinals' Patrick Peterson reacts during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

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Some Carolina Panthers celebrate from the bench during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera is congratulated by Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians after the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton talks to Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald after the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton celebrates with Jonathan Stewart after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton celebrates after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera holds the George Halas Trophy after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Carolina Panthers celebrate after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

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Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson holds his son Charles Johnson Jr. after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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Carolina Panthers' Greg Olsen celebrates after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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Carolina Panthers'defensive end Charles Johnson kisses the George Halas Trophy after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

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Carolina Panthers' Josh Norman celebrates after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

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Carolina Panthers players hold the George Halas Trophy after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Carolina Panthers' Josh Norman takes a selfie after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Carolina Panthers players celebrate with fans after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Carolina Panthers' Kawann Short celebrates with fans after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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