Carolina Panthers: Carolina loses to Minnesota 22-10
The Carolina Panthers did not look much like the team that went 15-1 last Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.
On Sunday, the Carolina Panthers did not look like a team that was the Super Bowl runner up earlier this year. Carolina Panthers’ starting quarterback Cam Newton did not look like the reigning NFL MVP. Kelvin Benjamin caught no passes against Minnesota. Carolina scored only one touchdown and a total of 10 points after averaging 42 points in their last three homes.
The Minnesota Vikings looked like they were in a Super Bowl recently, in fact. Minnesota’s defense sacked Cam Newton eight times. One of those sacks was a safety.
If you look at the team statistics, Carolina outplayed Minnesota, per se. Carolina had 306 total yards to Minnesota’s 211. Carolina’s time of possession was 34:52. Minnesota’s time of possession was 25:08. Carolina had 18 first downs compared to Minnesota’s 13 first downs.
More from Carolina Panthers
- Carolina Panthers: Secondary battles to watch in training camp 2020
- Carolina Panthers: 2020 training camp kicks off on Tuesday
- Carolina Panthers: Familiarity should help offense in 2020
- Carolina Panthers: Better or worse at running back in 2020?
- Carolina Panthers: Ranking the NFC South quarterback rooms
Despite these statistics, Carolina’s three turnovers and 10 penalties were more important than any other statistic. All three turnovers were interceptions by Newton. The penalties illustrated how much Carolina’s offense was in disarray.
Minnesota’s defense pressured Newton at will. When the Vikings’ defense did not sack Newton, they were able to rush his throws.
The Vikings’ victory gave them a perfect 3-0 record while the Panthers fall to 1-2 to start the season. Minnesota defeated Carolina without their starting quarterback (Teddy Bridgewater) and their starting running back (Adrian Peterson). In addition, Minnesota ended Carolina’s 14-game home game winning streak.
Next: Tar Heels Football: North Carolina Defeats Pittsburgh 37-36
The Carolina Panthers must rebound from this loss quickly. They play the Atlanta Falcons next Sunday in Georgia.