WHAT IT MEANS
They weren't going to make it look that easy.
The Carolina Panthers followed a familiar script Sunday, sprinting out to a big lead only to open the door for a second-half comeback. But as they have all season long, they ultimately included a happy ending.
After holding off the Seahawks, 31-24, the Panthers' next chapter of this storybook year will be told in the NFC Championship. When they host Arizona next Sunday at 6:40 p.m., it'll be their fourth appearance in a conference title game, but the first in Charlotte.
Many may have been planning their final four parties when the Panthers took a stunning 31-0 lead at halftime. Instead of the two-time defending NFC champs, the Seahawks looked like a homecoming opponent as the Panthers completely dominated the first 30 minutes.
But a team that has struggled to hold big leads plus one with a recent history of miracle postseason comebacks equaled a collective groan around the Carolinas.
The Seahawks took less than 90 seconds to score a touchdown on the first drive of the second half, and by the time quarterback Russell Wilson spun some magic, tossing a touchdown pass over the fingertips of cornerback Josh Norman, the Panthers' once insurmountable lead was down to 10.
Only one team in NFL history has come back in a playoff game after trailing by at least 30 points. The Seahawks didn't join the 1993 Bills as the second.
Despite being shutout in the second half, the Panthers recovered an onside kick with 1:12 left, appropriately enough by linebacker Thomas Davis.
The Panthers will next face the Cardinals in the playoffs for the second straight season. Carolina leads the overall series, 9-5, including a 1-1 record in the playoffs.
TOP PLAYS
–Jonathan Stewart kicks things off
Jonathan Stewart had an OK start to the playoff. pic.twitter.com/836LmsbARU
— Troy Machir (@TroyMachir) January 17, 2016
–Uhhh ... decent start
El Pick 6 de Luke Kuechly pic.twitter.com/IO2U6Ootr0
— NFL Latino (@NFLlatino) January 17, 2016
–Just a simple pitch-and-catch
Greg Olsen touchdown catch. pic.twitter.com/NXddmW8SbK
— MarcusD (@_MarcusD_) January 17, 2016
NOTABLE NUGGETS
–Put up the most points they’ve ever scored against Seattle. 27 in Week 6 was the previous high.
–Scored 14 points in the first 3:22. In their previous five meetings with Seattle, the Panthers totaled just three points in the third quarter.
–Extended their league-best home-win streak to 12.
–Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart rushed for 106 yards, becoming the first player to rush for 100 yards against the Seahawks in 28 games (including playoffs).
–Seahawks QB Russell Wilson threw his second career pick-6. His other came in Week 5 of 2012 when former Panthers’ CB Captain Munnerlyn returned a Wilson interception in Charlotte.
HEALTH WATCH
TE Greg Olsen walked directly to the bench after suffering a right shoulder injury while making a first-down gain early in the fourth quarter. He returned on the Panthers' next drive.