SEATTLE -- A few thoughts on the Carolina Panthers' 31-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in an NFC divisional playoff game at CenturyLink Field:
What it means: The Panthers won't get a chance for that made-for-TV movie about winning the Super Bowl, which fullback Mike Tolbert has been talking about in recent weeks. But they showed their strong finish to the regular season wasn't a fluke and played the defending Super Bowl champions close until a fourth-quarter collapse. The Panthers had a chance for the same reasons they turned the season around: They ran the ball well and stopped the run, particularly in the first half. Seattle, which had the league’s No. 1 rushing offense, ran for 21 yards in the first half. Carolina had 87 against the league's No. 1 rush defense. But Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson showed why the Carolina staff called him an MVP candidate, with three touchdown passes and an impressive 149.2 passer rating. Wilson was a perfect 8-for-8 on third down with three touchdowns. According to ESPN Stats & Information, he had only two third-down touchdown passes all season. Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, though, was far from perfect.
Stock watch: Newton needed to play flawlessly. He didn't come close. His fumble on the read-option to Jonathan Stewart in the first quarter set up Seattle's first touchdown, and his fourth-quarter interception was returned 90 yards for a touchdown to cap off Seattle's rout. Newton was picked off twice and should have been intercepted at least two other times. His play once again raised the question: What will he be worth when negotiations begin for a long-term deal?
Wild card: The Panthers were 5-0 with rookie cornerback Bene' Benwikere and rookie safety Tre Boston in the lineup prior to Saturday. Each gave up a touchdown in the first half: Boston a 16-yarder late in the first quarter, and Benwikere a 63-yarder in the second. Boston bit on the play. Benwikere was beaten by a terrific throw-and-catch. The young secondary didn't stand up to the test.
Game ball: Rookie wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin. After dropping two first-half touchdowns in the Oct. 26 meeting against Seattle, he caught seven passes for 75 yards and two touchdowns. He almost had a third but only got one foot down in the back of the end zone in the first half.
What's next: The Panthers end their season with an 8-9-1 record, playoffs included.
