Quarterback Derek Anderson started in place of Cam Newton, but his only play ended in a 14-yard interception return by linebacker Mike Morgan. Although the Panthers’ defense allowed only three yards on Seattle’s ensuing drive to force a 23-yard field goal, the turnover was only an indication of things to come.
Head coach Ron Rivera said Newton did not start because of a dress code violation.
Seattle scored 23 points in a dominating first half, accumulating a combined 280 total yards on their five scoring drives. Both the Seahawks' touchdowns in that half belonged to running back Thomas Rawls, who rushed for 103 yards before halftime.