Carolina quarterback Cam Newton was held out for the first series of Sunday night’s game against Seattle, and it cost the Panthers dearly.
Backup Derek Anderson took the first offensive snap for Carolina with Newton standing on the sideline, and proceeded to throw an interception.
Anderson’s pass bounced off Mike Tolbert’s hands and was intercepted by Seattle’s Mike Morgan. Morgan returned the interception Carolina’s 8-yard line, but the Panthers held Seattle to a 23-yard Steve Hauschka field goal.
N.B.C.’s Michele Tafoya reported at halftime that Newton was benched by Coach Ron Rivera for a dress code violation.