Coming into Sunday’s game, the Arizona Cardinals defense had not allowed a touchdown in 11 quarters.
Then Carolina running back Jonathan Stewart scored two in the first half of a 30-20 victory that, for the moment, salvaged the Panthers’ playoff hopes.
After struggling to create turnovers all season, the Panthers got one early from Carson Palmer, whose fumble on a sack by Star Lotulelei was scooped up by Thomas Davis and returned 56 yards for his first career touchdown in 12 NFL seasons.
Stewart’s 2-yard touchdown run, which completed a nine-play, 75-yard drive, made it 14-0.