CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Carolina Panthers played a nearly-perfect first half with the defense suffocating Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson.
The Panthers picked Wilson off twice, including a 14-yarder returned for a touchdown by linebacker Luke Kuechly on Seattle’s second play, to build a 31-0 lead against the two-time defending NFC champions.
Meanwhile, the Carolina offense had its way against a Seattle defense that had been suffocating. It began on the first play with running back Jonathan Stewart going up the middle for 59 yards.
It was Stewart’s first carry after missing the last four regular-season games with a sprained foot.