Regular season
Week 1: at Jacksonville Jaguars
Game information |
First quarter
- CAR – Graham Gano 43-yard field goal, 7:49. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 14 plays, 55 yards, 5:47.
- JAX – Jason Myers 22-yard field goal, 0:59. Tied 3–3. Drive: 11 plays, 54 yards, 4:26.
Second quarter
Third quarter
- CAR – Josh Norman 30-yard interception return, (Graham Gano kick), 9:01. Panthers 17–9.
Fourth quarter
- CAR – Graham Gano 47-yard field goal, 2:41. Panthers 20–9. Drive: 15 plays, 64 yards, 8:07.
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Top passers
- CAR – Cam Newton – 18/31, 175 yards, TD, INT
- JAX – Blake Bortles – 22/40, 183 yards, TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
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Panthers CB Josh Norman intercepted one of Blake Bortles passes, returning it for a touchdown and WR Jericho Cotchery caught the first Panthers offensive TD of the year as Carolina started the 2015 season 1–0. However, linebacker Luke Kuechly sustained a concussion during the game and would be out for the next three weeks.
Week 2: vs. Houston Texans
Game information |
First quarter
- HOU – Randy Bullock 43-yard field goal, 7:57. Texans 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 53 yards, 3:48.
Second quarter
- CAR – Ted Ginn Jr. 25-yard pass from Cam Newton, (Graham Gano kick), 11:22. Panthers 7–3. Drive: 5 plays, 74 yards, 2:04.
- CAR – Graham Gano 28-yard field goal, 5:26. Panthers 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 4:39.
Third quarter
- HOU – Garrett Graham 7-yard pass from Ryan Mallett, (Randy Bullock kick), 8:29. Tied 10–10. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 6:31.
- CAR – Cam Newton 2-yard run, (Graham Gano kick), 1:04. Panthers 17–10. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 7:25.
Fourth quarter
- CAR – Corey Brown 36-yard pass from Cam Newton, (Graham Gano kick), 8:53. Panthers 24–10. Drive: 1 play, 36 yards, 0:09.
- HOU – Ryan Mallett 6-yard run, (Randy Bullock kick), 6:31. Panthers 24–17. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:22.
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Top passers
- HOU – Ryan Mallett – 27/58, 244 yards, TD, INT
- CAR – Cam Newton – 18/37, 195 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers
- HOU – Chris Polk – 14 rushes, 38 yards
- CAR – Cam Newton – 10 rushes, 76 yards, TD
Top receivers
Top tacklers
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Carolina's home opener was highlighted by QB Cam Newton's flip into the end zone in the 3rd quarter. Despite the athletic move, the team still had to endure a final Houston drive to ensure the victory. With the win, the Panthers improved to 2–0.
Week 3: vs. New Orleans Saints
Week Three: New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Saints |
3 |
7 |
6 | 6 | 22 |
Panthers |
0 |
10 |
10 | 7 | 27 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
- Date: September 27
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
- Game weather: 69 °F (21 °C), rain
- Game attendance: 73,402
- Referee: Ed Hochuli
- TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
- Recap, Gamebook
Game information |
First quarter
- NO – Zach Hocker 31-yard field goal, 9:00. Saints 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 67 yards, 6:00.
Second quarter
- NO – Mark Ingram 5-yard run, (Zach Hocker kick), 11:44. Saints 10–0. Drive: 16 plays, 94 yards, 9:11.
- CAR – Greg Olsen 11-yard pass from Cam Newton, (Graham Gano kick), 5:14. Saints 10–7. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:30.
- CAR – Graham Gano 20-yard field goal, 0:02. Tied 10–10. Drive: 11 plays, 79 yards, 2:04.
Third quarter
- NO – Marcus Murphy 74-yard punt return, (2-point conversion: run failed), 12:31. Saints 16–10.
- CAR – Greg Olsen 11-yard pass from Cam Newton, (Graham Gano kick), 8:43. Panthers 17–16. Drive: 6 plays, 83 yards, 3:48.
- CAR – Graham Gano 47-yard field goal, 1:31. Panthers 20–16. Drive: 9 plays, 29 yards, 3:16.
Fourth quarter
- CAR – Cam Newton 13-yard run, (Graham Gano kick), 9:32. Panthers 27–16. Drive: 9 plays, 88 yards, 4:05.
- NO – Khiry Robinson 2-yard run, (2-point conversion: pass failed), 4:50. Panthers 27–22. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:42.
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Top passers
- NO – Luke McCown – 31/38, 310 yards, INT
- CAR – Cam Newton – 20/31, 315 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
- NO – Mark Ingram – 14 rushes, 50 yards, TD
- CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 14 rushes, 52 yards
Top receivers
- NO – Brandin Cooks – 7 rec, 79 yards
- CAR – Greg Olsen – 8 rec, 134 yards, 2 TD
Top tacklers
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In a close contest the Saints, with backup QB Luke McCown starting in place of an injured Drew Brees, almost stole the victory. McCown threw for over 300 yards as the score went back and forth. On the Saints last drive, McCown's 4th quarter end zone heave was intercepted by Josh Norman, sealing the win for Carolina. With the victory, the Panthers improved to 3–0.
Week 4: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week Four: Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Panthers |
10 |
7 |
14 | 6 | 37 |
Buccaneers |
3 |
7 |
7 | 6 | 23 |
at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
- Date: October 4
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
- Game weather: 74 °F (23 °C), cloudy
- Game attendance: 57,468
- Referee: Gene Steratore
- TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
- Recap, Gamebook
Game information |
First quarter
- CAR – Graham Gano 24-yard field goal, 12:09. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 5 plays, 15 yards, 2:12.
- CAR – Josh Norman 46-yard interception return, (Graham Gano kick), 10:41. 'Panthers 10–0. Drive: 3 plays, 2 yards, 1:28.
- TB – Kyle Brindza 42-yard field goal, 7:03. Panthers 10–3. Drive: 7 plays, 39 yards, 3:38.
Second quarter
- CAR – Ted Ginn Jr. 6-yard pass from Cam Newton, (Graham Gano kick), 10:50. Panthers 17–3. Drive: 8 plays, 45 yards, 3:24.
- TB – Doug Martin 5-yard run, (Kyle Brindza kick), 4:23. Panthers 17–10. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 6:27.
Third quarter
- CAR – Ed Dickson 57-yard fumble recovery, (Graham Gano kick), 12:25. Panthers 24–10. Drive: 1 play, 67 yards, 0:13.
- CAR – Ted Ginn Jr. 12-yard pass from Cam Newton, (Graham Gano kick), 7:25. Panthers 31–10. Drive: 5 plays, 33 yards, 2:25.
- TB – Charles Sims 10-yard pass from Jameis Winston, (Kyle Brindza kick), 2:48. Panthers 31–17. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:37.
Fourth quarter
- CAR – Graham Gano 27-yard field goal, 13:28. Panthers 34–17. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 4:20.
- CAR – Graham Gano 27-yard field goal, 4:15. Panthers 37–17. Drive: 6 plays, 20 yards, 2:41.
- TB – Vincent Jackson 6-yard pass from Jameis Winston, (kick failed), 0:58. Panthers 37–23. Drive: 11 plays, 81 yards, 3:17.
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Top passers
- CAR – Cam Newton - 11/22, 124 yards, 2 TD
- TB – Jameis Winston - 26/43, 287 yards, 2 TD, 4 INT
Top rushers
- CAR – Cam Newton - 12 rushes, 51 yards
- TB – Doug Martin - 20 rushes, 106 yards
Top receivers
- CAR – Brenton Bersin - 4 rec, 54 yards
- TB – Vincent Jackson - 10 rec, 147 yards
Top tacklers
- CAR – Thomas Davis - 11 tackles
- TB – Chris Conte - 8 tackles
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Josh Norman had his second pick-six of the season and Tampa Bay QB Jameis Winston threw 4 interceptions, with Norman intercepting a second one later in the game. On the game's most bizarre play, the ball was stripped from RB Jonathan Stewart by a Tampa defender; the ball flew up in the air and TE Ed Dickson, who'd been trailing the play, grabbed it and ran untouched into the end zone. With the victory, the Panthers improved to 4-0. Carolina also became one of five teams to finish the first quarter of the season undefeated overall, and one of three NFC teams to do so.
Week 6: at Seattle Seahawks
Game information |
First quarter
- SEA – Steven Hauschka 30-yard field goal, 5:37. Seahawks 3–0. Drive: 5 plays, 21 yards, 2:36.
Second quarter
- CAR – Cam Newton 2-yard run, (Graham Gano kick), 13:30. Panthers 7–3. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 7:07.
- SEA – Marshawn Lynch 1-yard run, (Steven Hauschka kick), 8:00. Seahawks 10–7. 12 plays, 90 yards, 5:30.
Third quarter
- SEA – Ricardo Lockette 40-yard pass from Russell Wilson, (Steven Hauschka kick), 11:27. Seahawks 17–7. Drive: 4 plays, 63 yards, 1:58.
- SEA – Steven Hauschka 50-yard field goal, 8:49. Seahawks 20–7. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 1:51.
- CAR – Jonathan Stewart 1-yard run, (Graham Gano kick), 3:34. Seahawks 20–14. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:15.
Fourth quarter
- SEA – Steven Hauschka 43-yard field goal, 11:46. Seahawks 23–14. Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 4:11.
- CAR – Jonathan Stewart 1-yard run, (kick failed), 3:55. Seahawks 23–20. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:13.
- CAR – Greg Olsen 26-yard pass from Cam Newton, (Graham Gano kick), 0:32. Panthers 27–23. Drive: 8 plays 80 yards, 1:48.
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Top passers
- CAR – Cam Newton - 20/36, 269 yards, TD, 2 INT
- SEA – Russell Wilson - 18/30, 241 yards , TD
Top rushers
- CAR – Jonathan Stewart - 20 rushes, 78 yards
- SEA – Marshawn Lynch - 17 rushes, 54 yards
Top receivers
- CAR – Greg Olsen - 7 rec, 131 yards
- SEA – Jimmy Graham - 8 rec, 140 yards
Top tacklers
- CAR – Luke Kuechly - 14 tackles
- SEA – K.J. Wright - 12 tackles
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After a bye week the Panthers flew to Washington state for their fifth meeting with the Seattle Seahawks in the Rivera/Newton era; the past four meetings were all close, low-scoring games won by Seattle. Challenges started early on game day for the Panthers, as a fire alarm was pulled at 5:40 AM at their hotel.[15] Mere hours later, in front of a capacity crowd at CenturyLink Field, Carolina overcame a slow first three quarters, including giving up a reverse flea flicker TD pass, to stun the Seahawks in the 4th.
After coming back from a 14-point deficit (down 20-7 at one point), Carolina's defense managed to stop Seattle's offense. With just over two minutes to play Cam Newton led the offense down the field 80 yards (the fourth time he'd done so in the game) down 23-20. The drive concluded at around half a minute to play, when Newton found TE Greg Olsen wide open in the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown. Carolina's defense stuffed Seattle's last offensive possession, ending the game. With the surprising win, the Panthers improved to 5-0, their first such start since 2003. It was also in this game that Cam Newton debuted the 'dab' touchdown dance after a rushing TD, which was quickly imitated by other players around the NFL and in college football.
Week 7: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Week Seven: Philadelphia Eagles at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Eagles |
0 |
6 |
10 | 0 | 16 |
Panthers |
7 |
7 |
7 | 6 | 27 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Game information |
First quarter
Second quarter
- PHI – Caleb Sturgis 52-yard field goal, 5:42. Panthers 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 37 yards, 2:26.
- CAR – Cam Newton 2-yard run, (Graham Gano kick), 3:33. Panthers 14–3. Drive: 4 plays, 60 yards, 2:09.
- PHI – Caleb Sturgis 29-yard field goal, 0:04. Panthers 14–6. Drive: 7 plays, 28 yards, 1:01.
Third quarter
- CAR – Mike Tolbert 2-yard pass from Cam Newton, (Graham Gano kick), 11:50. Panthers 21–6. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:10.
- PHI – Ryan Matthews 63-yard run, (Caleb Sturgis kick), 9:32. Panthers 21–13. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:18.
- PHI – Caleb Sturgis 24-yard field goal, 5:48. Panthers 21–16. Drive: 7 plays, 12 yards, 2:52.
Fourth quarter
- CAR – Graham Gano 35-yard field goal, 8:59. Panthers 24–16. Drive: 8 plays, 43 yards, 2:59.
- CAR – Graham Gano 29-yard field goal, 0:18. Panthers 27–16. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:37.
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Top passers
- PHI – Sam Bradford - 26/46, 205 yards, TD, INT
- CAR – Cam Newton - 14/24, 197 yards, TD, 3 INT
Top rushers
- PHI – Ryan Matthews - 6 rushes, 97 yards
- CAR – Jonathan Stewart - 24 rushes, 125 yards
Top receivers
- PHI – Zach Ertz - 5 rec, 63 yards
- CAR – Greg Olsen - 3 rec, 65 yards
Top tacklers
- PHI – Nolan Carroll II - 9 tackles
- CAR – Thomas Davis - 13 tackles
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Carolina pulled out the pregame fireworks for their team introduction. Newton threw and ran for scores and fullback Mike Tolbert was responsible for two touchdowns. With yet another close win, this one coming down to a failed Eagles 4th-down conversion, the Panthers went 6-0 for the first time in franchise history. It also marked their first home victory on Sunday Night Football since 2009.
Week 8: vs. Indianapolis Colts
Week Eight: Indianapolis Colts at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
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1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | OT | Total |
Colts |
0 |
6 |
0 | 17 | 3 | 26 |
Panthers |
10 |
0 |
7 | 6 | 6 | 29 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Game information |
First quarter
- CAR – Graham Gano 39-yard field goal, 13:41. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 0:44.
- CAR – Jonathan Stewart 3-yard run, (Graham Gano kick), 7:21. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 11 plays, 37 yards, 5:03.
Second quarter
- IND – Adam Vinatieri 47-yard field goal, 10:24. Panthers 10–3. Drive: 7 plays, 27 yards, 4:16.
- IND – Adam Vinatieri 34-yard field goal, 7:04. Panthers 10–6. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:04.
Third quarter
- CAR – Greg Olsen 27-yard pass from Cam Newton, (Graham Gano kick), 0:14. Panthers 17–6. Drive: 2 plays, 29 yards, 0:48.
Fourth quarter
- CAR – Corey Brown 8-yard pass from Cam Newton, (kick failed), 10:44. Panthers 23–6. Drive: 3 plays, 30 yards, 1:24.
- IND – Andre Johnson 18-yard pass from Andrew Luck, (Adam Vinatieri kick), 7:04. Panthers 23–13. Drive: 8 plays, 86 yards, 3:40.
- IND – Coby Fleener 8-yard pass from Andrew Luck, (Adam Vinatieri kick), 2:27. Panthers 23–20. Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 2:15.
- IND – Adam Vinatieri 24-yard field goal, 0:00. Tied 23–23. Drive: 16 plays, 54 yards, 2:02.
Overtime
- IND – Adam Vinatieri 50-yard field goal, 12:04. Colts 26–23. Drive: 6 plays, 23 yards, 2:56.
- CAR – Graham Gano 42-yard field goal, 7:50. Tied 26–26. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 4:14.
- CAR – Graham Gano 52-yard field goal, 5:22. Panthers 29–26. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:40.
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Top passers
- IND – Andrew Luck - 23/47, 231 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT
- CAR – Cam Newton - 16/35, 248 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers
- IND – Frank Gore - 22 rushes, 70 yards
- CAR – Jonathan Stewart - 24 rushes, 82 yards
Top receivers
- IND – Andre Johnson - 4 rec, 81 yards
- CAR – Greg Olsen - 6 rec, 79 yards
Top tacklers
- IND – D'Qwell Jackson - 13 tackles
- CAR – Luke Kuechly - 14 tackles
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The Panthers came into the Monday night game as one of four undefeated teams in the NFL, while playing their second game in eight days. The team took to the field amid fireworks, as is their custom for prime-time contests. A heavy rain kept up most of the night, which saw both the drenched crowd of over 74,000 stay in their seats and a 23-6 Panther lead dissolve by a 17-point Colts comeback in the 4th. Indianapolis sent the game into overtime with a field goal following a near-pick by Kuechly; the extra period began close to midnight. Each team managed a field goal on their first two possessions. Carolina got a break when Colts QB Andrew Luck threw his third interception, which was picked off by Kuechly on the game's 154th play, according to ESPN play-by-play man Mike Tirico. A few plays later, Panthers kicker Graham Gano hit a 52-yard field goal, his longest of the season, to give Carolina the win early Tuesday morning. With the win, the Panthers went 7-0 for the first time in franchise history. Also, Carolina became the last undefeated team in the NFC with the Packers' loss to the Broncos the previous night on Sunday Night Football.
Week 9: vs. Green Bay Packers
Week Nine: Green Bay Packers at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Packers |
7 |
0 |
7 | 15 | 29 |
Panthers |
3 |
24 |
3 | 7 | 37 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Game information |
First quarter
Second quarter
- CAR – Cam Newton 1-yard run, (Graham Gano kick), 12:09. Panthers 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:46.
- CAR – Greg Olsen 7-yard pass from Cam Newton, (Graham Gano kick), 8:55. Panthers 17–7. Drive: 3 plays, 62 yards, 1:24.
- CAR – Graham Gano 49-yard field goal, 4:59. Panthers 20–7. Drive: 6 plays, 20 yards, 2:55.
- CAR – Corey Brown 39-yard pass from Cam Newton, (Graham Gano kick), 0:41. Panthers 27–7. Drive: 4 plays, 52 yards, 1:12.
Third quarter
- GB – Randall Cobb 53-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers, (Mason Crosby kick), 14:00. Panthers 27–14. Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 1:00.
- CAR – Graham Gano 22-yard field goal, 4:48. Panthers 30–14. Drive: 13 plays, 82 yards, 6:35.
Fourth quarter
- CAR – Devin Funchess 14-yard pass from Cam Newton, (Graham Gano kick), 9:22. Panthers 37–14. Drive: 5 plays, 74 yards, 2:21.
- GB – James Starks 29-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers, ( 2-point conversion: Davante Adams pass from Aaron Rodgers), 7:54. Panthers 37–22. Drive: 6 plays, 79 yards, 1:28.
- GB – Richard Rodgers 3-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers, (Mason Crosby kick), 3:43. Panthers 37–29. Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 2:38.
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Top passers
- GB – Aaron Rodgers – 25/48, 369 yards, 4 TDs, INT
- CAR – Cam Newton – 15/30, 297 yards, 3 TDs, INT
Top rushers
- GB – James Starks – 10 rushes, 39 yards
- CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 20 rushes, 66 yards
Top receivers
- GB – Randall Cobb – 4 receptions, 99 yards, TD
- CAR – Jerricho Cotchery – 3 receptions, 82 yards
Top tacklers
- GB – Jake Ryan – 6 tackles, 1 tackle for loss
- CAR – Luke Kuechly – 6 tackles
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Green Bay came into Charlotte looking for a much-needed victory after their loss to Denver. The game was a 27-7 Panthers blowout in the first half, but came down to the wire as the Packers mounted a 4th quarter comeback, answered only by a single Panthers offensive TD. The last few minutes saw the Packers drive deep into Panthers territory, looking to get a touchdown and a game-tying two-point conversion. However, LB Thomas Davis intercepted an Aaron Rodgers pass on 4th down inside the red zone, ensuring the win for Carolina. With the close win the Panthers improved to 8-0 for the first time in franchise history. They were one of three teams to finish the first half of the season undefeated.
Week 10: at Tennessee Titans
Game information |
First quarter
Second quarter
- CAR - Ed Dickson 1-yard pass from Cam Newton,(Graham Gano kick), 13:17. Panthers 14-7. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 5:24.
- TEN - Ryan Succop 45-yard field goal, 7:51. Panthers 14-10. Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 5:29.
Third quarter
- CAR - Graham Gano 48-yard field goal, 0:28. Panthers 17-10. Drive: 7 plays, 39 yards, 3:38.
Fourth quarter
- CAR - Graham Gano 19-yard field goal, 9:10. Panthers 20-10. Drive: 8 plays, 42 yards, 4:16.
- CAR - Cam Newton 2-yard run, (Graham Gano kick), 2:48. Panthers 27-10. Drive: 10 plays, 64 yards, 4:44.
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Top passers
- CAR – Cam Newton - 21/25, 217 yards, TD
- TEN – Marcus Mariota - 16/24, 185 yards, INT
Top rushers
- CAR – Jonathan Stewart - 22 rushes, 91 yards, TD
- TEN – Dexter McCluster - 3 rushes, 25 yards, TD
Top receivers
Top tacklers
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The Panthers' hot streak continued as they went 9-0 for the first time in franchise history, eclipsing the eight-game win streak during the 2013 season. Carolina also won its first game against the Titans ever since they relocated to Tennessee.
Week 11: vs. Washington Redskins
Week Eleven: Washington Redskins at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Redskins |
14 |
0 |
0 | 2 | 16 |
Panthers |
14 |
17 |
10 | 3 | 44 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
- Date: November 22
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: 50 °F (10 °C), mostly sunny
- Game attendance: 74,418
- Referee: Jerome Boger
- TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Charles Davis and Tony Siragusa
- Recap, Gamebook
Game information |
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
- CAR - Graham Gano 25 yard FG 10:36. Carolina 44-14. Drive: 9 plays, 58 yards, 5:46
- WAS - Houston Bates Safety 0:16. Carolina 44-16. Drive: 1 play, 0 yards, 0:00
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
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In a game marred with a high number of penalty flags, Carolina overcame a close 1st quarter to roll over Washington for the remainder of the game. Cam Newton tied the franchise record of five touchdown passes in one game. Most of the flags were against Washington's defense, including at least five neutral zone infraction penalties, where a defensive player crosses the imaginary line separating them and the offensive line. The Panthers' winning streak continued as they went 10–0 for the first time in franchise history.
Week 12: at Dallas Cowboys
Thanksgiving Day game
Week Twelve: Carolina Panthers at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Panthers |
10 |
13 |
7 | 3 | 33 |
Cowboys |
3 |
0 |
3 | 8 | 14 |
at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Game information |
First quarter
- CAR – Kurt Coleman 36-yard interception return (Graham Gano kick), 14:15. Panthers 7–0.
- CAR – Graham Gano 49-yard field goal, 8:14. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 4:18.
- DAL – Dan Bailey 21-yard field goal, 1:25. Panthers 10–3. Drive: 13 plays, 77 yards, 6:47.
Second quarter
- CAR – Graham Gano 43-yard field goal, 3:32. Panthers 13–3. Drive: 10 plays, 48 yards, 5:48.
- CAR – Luke Kuechly 32-yard interception return (Graham Gano kick), 2:47. Panthers 20–3.
- CAR – Graham Gano 25-yard field goal, 0:03. Panthers 23–3. Drive: 9 plays, 22 yards, 2:23.
Third quarter
- DAL – Dan Bailey 48-yard field goal, 7:53. Panthers 23–6. Drive: 6 plays, 22 yards, 3:35.
- CAR – Cam Newton 4-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 0:25. Panthers 30–6. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 7:29.
Fourth quarter
- CAR – Graham Gano 50-yard field goal, 10:27. Panthers 33–6. Drive: 6 plays, 26 yards, 3:50.
- DAL – Cole Beasley 2-yard pass from Matt Cassel (Matt Cassel-Darren McFadden pass), 4:27. Panthers 33–14. Drive: 16 plays, 80 yards, 6:00.
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
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In their first Thanksgiving Day game, the Panthers debuted their all-Panther blue Nike "Color Rush" uniforms while the Cowboys debuted all white. The Panthers intercepted three passes from Dallas QB Tony Romo, the first one less than a minute into the game by DB Kurt Coleman, who returned it for a touchdown. Kuechly had his first pick-six of his career minutes later, and on the Cowboys' next offensive series, managed to intercept Romo yet again. Romo was later injured by a sack from Panthers LB Thomas Davis at the end of the third quarter and would leave the game, being replaced by Matt Cassel. He would end up missing the rest of the 2015 season.
With the blowout win, the Panthers improved to 11–0. With the New England Patriots' overtime loss to the Denver Broncos on November 29 during Sunday Night Football, the Panthers became the last undefeated team in the NFL, and would remain so for the following month.
Week 13: at New Orleans Saints
Week Thirteen: Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Panthers |
0 |
13 |
14 | 14 | 41 |
Saints |
14 |
2 |
8 | 14 | 38 |
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Date: December 6
- Game time: 4:25 p.m. EST/3:25 p.m. CST
- Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
- Game attendance: 73,097
- Referee: Brad Allen
- TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
- Recap, Gamebook
Game information |
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
- CAR 10:21 – Ted Ginn, Jr. 13 yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick) CAR 20–16
- CAR 4:56 – Devin Funchess 13 yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick) CAR 27–16
- NO 2:51 – Brandin Cooks 54 yard pass from Drew Brees (Mark Ingram Jr. run for two–point conversion) CAR 27–24
Fourth quarter
- NO 14:02 – Brandon Coleman 24 yard pass from Drew Brees (Kai Forbath kick) NO 31–27
- CAR 11:54 – Ted Ginn, Jr. 45 yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick) CAR 34–31
- NO 5:21 – Mark Ingram Jr. 9 yard run (Kai Forbath kick) NO 38–34
- CAR 1:05 – Jerricho Cotchery 15 yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick) CAR 41–38
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
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Due to the Falcons' loss to the Buccaneers earlier that same day, the Panthers entered this game having already clinched their third straight NFC South title—becoming the first team in the 2015 season to clinch a playoff berth, as well as the first team to clinch their division that season. Led by Drew Brees and a determined defense, New Orleans fought hard all game, their defense recovering three Panthers turnovers- including the first returned extra point attempt for points in NFL history. In the end, Carolina needed a 4th quarter game-winning touchdown drive from the offense (including a 4th down conversion), and a last-second defensive stand to seal it. With the thrilling win, the Panthers became the 9th team in NFL history to start the season 12–0. They also matched their franchise record for most victories in a season.
Week 14: vs. Atlanta Falcons
Week Fourteen: Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Falcons |
0 |
0 |
0 | 0 | 0 |
Panthers |
21 |
7 |
10 | 0 | 38 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Game information |
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
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The Panthers shut out Atlanta 38–0 to move to 13–0. Carolina's defense recorded five sacks and four turnovers- two fumbles and two interceptions- and held Atlanta to 54 total yards rushing. Perhaps the most impressive play of the game was Newton's touchdown pass to Ed Dickson, where Newton managed to fit the ball between multiple defenders' hands and into Dickson's grasp. The victory assured the Panthers of no worse than the second seed in the NFC—and with it, a first-round bye in the NFC playoffs. However, the Cardinals' win over the Vikings three days earlier prevented them from also clinching home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Carolina additionally broke the franchise record of most games won in a regular season (12 games) that had been set in 1996, 2008, and 2013, respectively.
Week 15: at New York Giants
Week Fifteen: Carolina Panthers at New York Giants – Game summary
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1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Panthers |
7 |
14 |
14 | 3 | 38 |
Giants |
7 |
0 |
7 | 21 | 35 |
at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Date: December 20
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: 41 °F (5 °C), sunny
- Game attendance: 79,436
- Referee: Terry McAulay
- TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
- Recap, Gamebook
Game information |
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Fourth quarter
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The Panthers looked to stay hot and undefeated as they traveled to MetLife Stadium to take on the Giants, led by two-time Super Bowl winning QB Eli Manning and star WR Odell Beckham Jr., who both had strong performances in a Monday Night shootout at Miami a week earlier. Much of the game was overshadowed by Beckham's and Josh Norman's melees throughout the game, which would lead to Beckham being suspended the following week and both players receiving fines. Carolina led 35-7 late in the third quarter, but the Manning-led Giants stormed back with four touchdowns (the last of which was a pass to Beckham) to tie the game with just under two minutes remaining. Carolina responded by putting together a quick drive that concluded with a game-winning field goal on the final play of regulation. With the last-second win, the Panthers moved to 14-0 and set a new record for the most wins to start a season by an NFC team. It also made them the fourth team, along with the 1972 Miami Dolphins, the 2007 New England Patriots, and the 2009 Indianapolis Colts to start a season 14–0 in NFL history.
Week 16: at Atlanta Falcons
Week Sixteen: Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
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1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Panthers |
7 |
0 |
3 | 3 | 13 |
Falcons |
0 |
7 |
7 | 6 | 20 |
at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
- Date: December 27
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
- Game attendance: 70,981
- Referee: John Parry
- TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch and Pam Oliver
- Recap, Gamebook
Game information |
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
- CAR – Graham Gano 33 yard field goal, 5:26. Panthers 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 2:56.
- ATL – Julio Jones 70 yard pass from Matt Ryan (Shayne Graham kick), 2:12. Falcons 14–10. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 3:14.
Fourth quarter
- CAR – Graham Gano 47 yard field goal, 7:59. Falcons 14–13. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:28.
- ATL – Shayne Graham 37 yard field goal, 2:23. Falcons 17–13. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 5:36.
- ATL – Shayne Graham 54 yard field goal, 1:30. Falcons 20–13. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 0:18.
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The Panthers' undefeated season came to an end with a 13–20 loss in Atlanta, dropping their record to 14–1. Carolina started off well with a Newton rushing TD, but Atlanta proved to be too much at home, culminating in a long touchdown pass from Falcons QB Matt Ryan to WR Julio Jones. The Falcons defense swarmed the field all day, as the Panthers couldn't manage a touchdown for the rest of the game. As a result, Atlanta pulled off the upset. Despite the loss, their only one of the regular season, Carolina kept both its playoff spot and division title.
Week 17: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week Seventeen: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
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1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Buccaneers |
3 |
0 |
7 | 0 | 10 |
Panthers |
0 |
24 |
7 | 7 | 38 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Game information |
First quarter
- TB - Connor Barth 39-yard field goal, 1:32. "Buccaneers 3-0. Drive: 5 plays, 24 yards, 1:38.
Second quarter
- CAR - Cam Newton 1-yard run, (Graham Gano kick), 12:42. "Panthers 7-3. Drive: 9 plays, 62 yards, 3:53.
- CAR - Graham Gano 49-yard field goal, 9:34. "Panthers 10-3. Drive: 6 plays, 46 yards, 2:14.
- CAR - Cameron Artis-Payne 11-yard run, (Graham Gano kick), 4:23. "Panthers 17-3. Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 4:15.
- CAR - Jerricho Cotchery 31-yard pass from Cam Newton, (Graham Gano kick), 2:00. "Panthers 24-3. Drive: 3 plays, 49 yards, 0:51.
Third quarter
- CAR - Cam Newton 1-yard run, (Graham Gano kick), 9:21. "Panthers 31-3. Drive: 2 plays, 3 yards, 0:43.
- TB - Jameis Winston 4-yard run, (Connor Barth kick), 4:53. "Panthers 31-10. Drive: 9 plays, 82 yards, 4:33.
Fourth quarter
- CAR - Devin Funchess 16-yard pass from Cam Newton, (Graham Gano kick), 7:29. "Panthers 38-10. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 6:04.
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Top passers
- TB – Jameis Winston - 29/49, 325 yards, 2 INT
- CAR – Cam Newton - 21/26, 293 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
Top receivers
- TB – Mike Evans - 4 rec, 99 yards
- CAR – Devin Funchess - 7 rec, 120 yards, TD
Top tacklers
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Cam Newton tied former 49ers QB Steve Young for 43 career rushing touchdowns, the defense forced two interceptions from Bucs QB Jameis Winston and versatile special teams player Joe Webb (who also played backup QB and WR) recovered a fumbled punt return by Buccaneers RB Bobby Rainey. The Panthers capped off their best season in franchise history with a dominating win over Tampa Bay, finishing the regular season with a 15-1 record. It was both the most regular season wins ever recorded in franchise history and the best record in the NFL that year. Just minutes before the game ended, the Seahawks finished off a rout of the Cardinals, giving the Panthers home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
Postseason
NFC Divisional Playoffs: vs. (#6) Seattle Seahawks
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This playoff game was a rematch of 2014's divisional round game and the second meeting between the Panthers and Seahawks during the 2015-16 season. Tickets were sold out in under five minutes[16] and all Panthers fans in attendance were given white towels to twirl, matching Carolina's all-white uniforms.
Carolina raced to a 31–0 halftime lead due to strong play on both sides of the ball, including a Kuechly pick-six. A couple of the Panthers' biggest offensive plays of the half were a long run by Jonathan Stewart to start the game and TE Greg Olsen's touchdown catch that was made with a defenders' arm in between Olsen's. The huge lead was only temporary, however, as the Seahawks scored 24 unanswered points in the second half and were a touchdown away from tying the game. The victory wasn't sealed for sure until Thomas Davis recovered an onside kick with 1:12 to play in regulation. The Panthers advanced to their fourth NFC Championship game in franchise history, their first NFC Championship appearance since 2005 and the first to be played at Bank of America Stadium.
NFC Championship: vs. (#2) Arizona Cardinals
NFC Championship: (#2) Arizona Cardinals at (#1) Carolina Panthers – Game summary
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1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
Cardinals |
0 |
7 |
0 | 8 | 15 |
Panthers |
17 |
7 |
10 | 15 | 49 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
- Date: January 24, 2016
- Game time: 6:40 p.m. EST
- Game weather: 39 °F (4 °C), clear
- Game attendance: 74,294
- Referee: Bill Vinovich
- TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Chris Myers
- Recap, Gamebook
Game information |
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Bank of America Stadium was open earlier than usual due to the recent winter weather around the region, allowing some fans to see the ending of the AFC Championship game, since it was broadcast on the stadium's video boards.
Less than four hours later, with another sold-out crowd mostly wearing a mix of black and blue, the Carolina Panthers routed the Arizona Cardinals by a score of 49–15 en route to Super Bowl 50. The Panthers forced seven turnovers from the Cardinals, six from QB Carson Palmer and one from cornerback Patrick Peterson on a punt return, despite losing Thomas Davis to an arm injury early. Offensively, Cam Newton threw two touchdown passes and ran for another pair. Linebacker Luke Kuechly had both his third pick-six of the year and pick-sixes in consecutive playoff games, while safety Kurt Coleman had two red zone interceptions. Coleman's first pick came the play after Peterson picked off a Newton pass. The Panthers also out gained the Cardinals in total yardage 476-287.
In the aftermath of Kuechly's pick-six, with the victory fully secured, the stadium itself began shaking due to the crowd noise and energy. This was noticed on air by Fox Sports' Joe Buck, who, after the cameras showed almost thirty seconds of exuberant Panthers fans dancing in the stands, stated: "This booth is literally bouncing."
With the blowout win, the Panthers would improve to 17–1 overall and would head onto the Super Bowl, their first appearance in twelve years and their second in franchise history. They would become the first 15–1 team to do so since the 1985 Bears. The win also made Rivera the fifth man of color and the second Latino head coach to lead a team to the Super Bowl, the first being Tom Flores who'd lead the Raiders to Super Bowl XVIII. Coincidentally, Rivera was a linebacker for the Chicago Bears when they won Super Bowl XX.
Super Bowl 50: vs. (A1) Denver Broncos
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Despite out gaining the Broncos 315-194 and having 21 first downs compared to Denver's 11, Carolina fell to Denver in Super Bowl 50. Carolina's defense played well, allowing only one offensive touchdown, which was aided by a Panthers' turnover in the red zone. Carolina ultimately committed 4 costly turnovers though, including two strip sacks from QB Cam Newton, one of which immediately resulted in a touchdown for the Denver Broncos. Newton finished the game completing 18 of 41 passes for 265 yards with one interception, rushed six times for 45 yards and was sacked a career-high nine times. Carolina Panthers finished 17–2 overall record.