20th season in franchise history
The 2014 season was the Carolina Panthers' 20th in the National Football League (NFL) and their fourth under head coach Ron Rivera.
The Panthers captured their second straight NFC South division title and qualified for the postseason for the first time in back-to-back years despite failing to improve on a 12–4 record and finishing with a losing record of 7–8–1. Additionally, they became the first team in NFC South history to have back-to-back division titles and also became the second team to win a division title with a sub-.500 record after the 2010 Seattle Seahawks, and would be followed by the 2020 Washington Football Team, a team that Rivera also coached, and the 2022 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Panthers defeated the Arizona Cardinals in the Wild Card round, but lost to the Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional round.
The Panthers' four-game winning streak to close out the regular season, combined with a 14–0 start the following season, would achieve a tie with the 2003–2004 New England Patriots for the third longest regular season winning streak in NFL history, at 18.
This was the first season since 2000 that Steve Smith Sr. was not on the opening-day roster, as he signed with the Baltimore Ravens.
2014 Draft Class
Staff
2014 Carolina Panthers staff | Front office - Owner/founder – Jerry Richardson
- President – Danny Morrison
- General manager – Dave Gettleman
- Director of football operations – Brandon Beane
- Director of team administration – Rob Rogers
- Football operations manager – Bryan Porter
- Football operations assistant – Matt Allen
- Football operations assistant – Mike Anderson
- Director of pro scouting – Mark Koncz
- Director of college scouting – Don Gregory
- National scout – Jeff Morrow
- National scout – Mike Szabo
- Director of player development – Mark Carrier
- Executive assistant to the Head Coach – Linda O'Hora
Head coaches Offensive coaches | | | Defensive coaches Special teams coaches Strength and conditioning - Strength and conditioning – Joe Kenn
- Assistant strength and conditioning – Jason Benguche
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Final roster
2014 Carolina Panthers final roster |
| Quarterbacks Running backs Wide receivers Tight ends | | Offensive linemen Defensive linemen | | Linebackers Defensive backs Special teams | | Reserve lists - 93 Chase Blackburn LB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
![](//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/Injury_icon_2.svg/10px-Injury_icon_2.svg.png) - 47 Richie Brockel FB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
![](//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/Injury_icon_2.svg/10px-Injury_icon_2.svg.png) - 78 Nate Chandler T (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
![](//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/Injury_icon_2.svg/10px-Injury_icon_2.svg.png) - 76 Greg Hardy DE (Exempt)
- 72 Kevin Hughes T (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
![](//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/Injury_icon_2.svg/10px-Injury_icon_2.svg.png) - 71 Edmund Kugbila G (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
![](//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/Injury_icon_2.svg/10px-Injury_icon_2.svg.png) - 60 Kevin Matthews C (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
![](//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/Injury_icon_2.svg/10px-Injury_icon_2.svg.png) - 10 De'Andre Presley WR (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
![](//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/Injury_icon_2.svg/10px-Injury_icon_2.svg.png) - 65 Garry Williams T (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
![](//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/Injury_icon_2.svg/10px-Injury_icon_2.svg.png) Practice squad Rookies in italics 53 active, 9 inactive, 10 practice squad |
Schedule
Preseason
The Panthers' preseason opponents were announced on April 9, 2014.
Regular season
Postseason
Game summaries
Regular season
Week 1: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Game information |
First quarter Second quarter - CAR – Greg Olsen 5-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Graham Gano kick), 7:59. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 15 plays, 69 yards, 9:00.
- CAR – Graham Gano 28-yard field goal, 0:00. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 10 plays, 47 yards, 1:53.
Third quarter Fourth quarter - CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 26-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Graham Gano kick), 14:53. Panthers 17–0. Drive: 4 plays, 37 yards, 1:05.
- TB – Chris Owusu 19-yard pass from Josh McCown (Patrick Murray kick), 7:23. Panthers 17–7. Drive: 6 plays, 62 yards, 2:11.
- TB – Bobby Rainey 6-yard pass from Josh McCown (Patrick Murray kick), 2:06. Panthers 17–14. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 2:17.
- CAR – Graham Gano 33-yard field goal, 0:23. Panthers 20–14. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:04.
| Top passers - CAR – Derek Anderson – 24/34, 230 yards, 2 TD
- TB – Josh McCown – 22/35, 183 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Top rushers Top receivers - CAR – Kelvin Benjamin – 6 receptions, 92 yards, TD
- TB – Brandon Myers – 6 receptions, 41 yards
| |
Derek Anderson made his first start as Panthers QB, substituting for Cam Newton who was nursing a rib injury he'd suffered during the preseason. The change in QB didn't appear to faze the team, as the Panthers won their first season opener in six years, 20–14. They started the season 1–0 and improved to 1–0 without Newton starting.
Week 2: vs. Detroit Lions
Week Two: Detroit Lions at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Lions | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
Panthers | 0 | 6 | 7 | 11 | 24 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
- Date: September 14
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
- Game weather: 70 °F (21 °C), cloudy
- Game attendance: 73,586
- Referee: Jerome Boger
- TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
- Recap, Gamebook
Game information |
First quarter Second quarter - CAR – Graham Gano 29-yard field goal, 7:58. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 14 plays, 77 yards, 6:04.
- CAR – Graham Gano 53-yard field goal, 1:11. Panthers 6–0. Drive: 6 plays, 26 yds, 2:06.
Third quarter Fourth quarter - CAR – Jonathan Stewart 2-yard run (Cam Newton-Jerricho Cotchery pass), 7:26. Panthers 21–7. Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 4:53.
- CAR – Graham Gano 38-yard field goal, 4:45. Panthers 24–7. Drive: 4 plays, 13 yards, 2:31.
| Top passers - DET – Matthew Stafford – 27/48, 291 yards, TD, INT
- CAR – Cam Newton – 22/34, 281 yards, TD
Top rushers - DET – Joique Bell – 10 rushes, 36 yards
- CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 15 rushes, 37 yards, TD
Top receivers - DET – Calvin Johnson – 6 receptions, 83 yards
- CAR – Greg Olsen – 6 receptions, 72 yards
| |
Newton returned to the starting lineup with some added padding around his ribs. The game's highlight was a defensive interception against Lions star WR Calvin "Megatron" Johnson. With the win, the Panthers improved to 2–0 and 16–5 when Newton doesn't commit a turnover.
Week 3: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Week Three: Pittsburgh Steelers at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Steelers | 3 | 6 | 14 | 14 | 37 |
Panthers | 3 | 0 | 3 | 13 | 19 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Game information |
First quarter - CAR – Graham Gano 40-yard field goal, 6:40. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 58 yards, 3:55.
- PIT – Shaun Suisham 42-yard field goal, 0:07. Tied 3–3. Drive: 6 plays, 51 yards, 2:31.
Second quarter - PIT – Shaun Suisham 24-yard field goal, 5:37. Steelers 6–3. Drive: 16 plays, 87 yards, 8:00.
- PIT – Shaun Suisham 45-yard field goal, 0:00. Steelers 9–3. Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 1:35.
Third quarter - PIT – Antonio Brown 7-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham kick), 11:02. Steelers 16–3. Drive: 4 plays, 17 yards, 1:30.
- CAR – Graham Gano 40-yard field goal, 6:21. Steelers 16–6. Drive: 12 plays, 58 yards, 4:41.
- PIT – Antonio Brown 7-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham kick), 2:22. Steelers 23–6. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:59.
Fourth quarter - CAR – Greg Olsen 37-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 13:28. Steelers 23–13. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:54.
- PIT – Robert Golden fumble recovery in endzone (Shaun Suisham kick), 11:00. Steelers 30–13.
- PIT – LeGarrette Blount 8-yard run (Shaun Suisham kick), 5:38. Steelers 37–13. Drive: 8 plays, 98 yards, 4:29.
- CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 35-yard pass from Derek Anderson (pass failed), 3:53. Steelers 37–19. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 1:45.
| Top passers - PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 22/30, 196 yards, 2 TD
- CAR – Cam Newton – 24/35, 250 yards, TD
Top rushers Top receivers - PIT – Antonio Brown – 10 receptions, 90 yards, 2 TD
- CAR – Kelvin Benjamin – 8 receptions, 115 yards, TD
| |
This was the first Sunday Night Football home game for the Panthers since 2009. With the loss, the Panthers dropped to 2–1. Newton left the game due to injury but he fumbled the ball. This dropped the team to 10–20 when he commits a turnover.
Week 4: at Baltimore Ravens
Game information |
First quarter Second quarter - BAL – Steve Smith Sr. 61-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Justin Tucker kick), 13:12. Ravens 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:30.
- CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 28-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 8:35. Tied 7–7. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:37.
- BAL – Justin Forsett 11-yard run (Justin Tucker kick), 5:22. Ravens 14–7. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:13.
- BAL – Steve Smith Sr. 21-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Justin Tucker kick), 1:53. Ravens 21–7. Drive: 7 plays, 68 yards, 2:36.
Third quarter - BAL – Torrey Smith 24-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Justin Tucker kick), 9:51. Ravens 28–7. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:09.
- CAR – Graham Gano 38-yard field goal, 3:30. Ravens 28–10. Drive: 12 plays, 64 yards, 6:21.
Fourth quarter - BAL – Lorenzo Taliaferro 1-yard run (Justin Tucker kick), 11:34. Ravens 35–10. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:56.
- BAL – Justin Tucker 38-yard field goal, 3:33. Ravens 38–10. Drive: 9 plays, 37 yards, 5:50.
| Top passers - CAR – Cam Newton – 14/25, 197 yards, TD
- BAL – Joe Flacco – 22/31, 327 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers - CAR – DeAngelo Williams – 11 rushes, 34 yards
- BAL – Justin Forsett – 14 rushes, 66 yards, TD
Top receivers - CAR – Jerricho Cotchery – 5 receptions, 80 yards
- BAL – Steve Smith Sr. – 7 receptions, 139 yards, 2 TD
| |
This game marked the first time WR Steve Smith Sr. played against his former team after being cut in the offseason. He was clearly fired up, recording over 100 yards receiving and two touchdown receptions. With the loss, the Panthers record was 2–2. The team dropped to 16-6 when Newton doesn't commit a turnover.
Week 5: vs. Chicago Bears
Week Five: Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Bears | 14 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 24 |
Panthers | 7 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 31 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Game information |
First quarter - CAR – Corey Brown 79-yard punt return (Graham Gano kick), 10:56. Panthers 7–0.
- CHI – Matt Forte 10-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), 4:31. Tied 7–7. Drive: 3 plays, 28 yards, 0:47.
- CHI – Jay Cutler 10-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), 2:13. Bears 14–7. Drive: 3 plays, 13 yards, 1:21.
Second quarter - CHI – Alshon Jeffery 25-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Robbie Gould kick), 10:51. Bears 21–7. Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 5:20.
- CAR – Greg Olsen 9-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 0:12. Bears 21–14. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 1:39.
Third quarter - CAR – Chris Ogbonnaya 1-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 7:16. Tied 21–21. Drive: 9 plays, 86 yards, 4:00.
- CHI – Robbie Gould 45-yard field goal, 2:38. Bears 24–21. Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 4:38.
Fourth quarter - CAR – Graham Gano 44-yard field goal, 4:29. Tied 24–24. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:27.
- CAR – Greg Olsen 6-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 2:18. Panthers 31–24. Drive: 6 plays, 23 yards, 2:00.
| Top passers - CHI – Jay Cutler – 28/36, 289 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
- CAR – Cam Newton – 19/35, 255 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers - CHI – Matt Forte – 17 rushes, 61 yards
- CAR – Darrin Reaves – 10 rushes, 36 yards
Top receivers - CHI – Matt Forte – 12 receptions, 105 yards, TD
- CAR – Greg Olsen – 6 receptions, 72 yards, 2 TD
| |
With the win, the Panthers improved to 3–2. They would also improve to 11–20 when Newton commits at least one turnover. Unknown at the time, this would be the team's last victory for over two months.
Week 6: at Cincinnati Bengals
Week Six: Carolina Panthers at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
Panthers | 7 | 3 | 14 | 10 | 3 | 37 |
Bengals | 0 | 17 | 0 | 17 | 3 | 37 |
at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Date: October 12
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
- Game weather: 60 °F (16 °C), cloudy
- Game attendance: 57,053
- Referee: Carl Cheffers
- TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
- Recap, Gamebook
Game information |
First quarter Second quarter - CIN – Brandon Tate 5-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent kick), 14:21. Tied 7–7. Drive: 14 plays, 69 yards, 6:29.
- CIN – Giovani Bernard 89-yard run (Mike Nugent kick), 11:50. Bengals 14–7. Drive: 1 play, 89 yards, 0:15.
- CAR – Graham Gano 39-yard field goal, 6:20. Bengals 14–10. Drive: 11 plays, 61 yards, 5:30.
- CIN – Mike Nugent 44-yard field goal, 0:03. Bengals 17–10. Drive: 12 plays, 54 yards, 6:17.
Third quarter - CAR – Fozzy Whittaker 4-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 9:07. Tied 17–17. Drive: 2 plays, 10 yards, 0:42.
- CAR – Cam Newton 12-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 3:54. Panthers 24–17. Drive: 6 plays, 77 yards, 2:11.
Fourth quarter - CIN – Mohamed Sanu 34-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent kick), 11:38. Tied 24–24. Drive: 6 plays, 71 yards, 3:11.
- CAR – Greg Olsen 13-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 4:50. Panthers 31–24. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:48.
- CIN – Jeremy Hill 3-yard run (Mike Nugent kick), 4:32. Tied 31–31. Drive: 1 play, 3 yards, 0:18.
- CIN – Mike Nugent 38-yard field goal, 2:11. Bengals 34–31. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:11.
- CAR – Graham Gano 44-yard field goal, 0:00. Tied 34–34. Drive: 12 plays, 54 yards, 2:11.
Overtime - CIN – Mike Nugent 42-yard field goal, 8:35. Bengals 37–34. Drive: 13 plays, 56 yards, 6:25.
- CAR – Graham Gano 36-yard field goal, 2:19. Tied 37–37. Drive: 12 plays, 60 yards, 6:16.
| Top passers - CAR – Cam Newton – 29/46, 284 yards, 2 TD, INT
- CIN – Andy Dalton – 33/43, 323 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Top rushers - CAR – Cam Newton – 17 rushes, 107 yards, TD
- CIN – Giovani Bernard – 18 rushes, 137 yards, TD
Top receivers - CAR – Greg Olsen – 6 receptions, 62 yards, TD
- CIN – Mohamed Sanu – 10 receptions, 120 yards, TD
| |
Both teams went back and forth scoring in a shootout. This would be the highest-scoring overtime tie in NFL history,[1] as well as the first tie in Panthers history as their record stood at 3–2–1. The team's record then stood at 11–20–1 when Newton commits a turnover.
Week 7: at Green Bay Packers
Week Seven: Carolina Panthers at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Panthers | 0 | 3 | 0 | 14 | 17 |
Packers | 21 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 38 |
at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
- Date: October 19
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
- Game weather: 48 °F (9 °C), cloudy
- Game attendance: 78,106
- Referee: Jeff Triplette
- TV announcers (Fox): Sam Rosen, John Lynch and Pam Oliver
- Recap, Gamebook
Game information |
First quarter - GB – Jordy Nelson 59-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 11:51. Packers 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:09.
- GB – Eddie Lacy 5-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 5:53. Packers 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 4:10.
- GB – James Starks 13-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 2:07. Packers 21–0. Drive: 5 plays, 62 yards, 2:08.
Second quarter - GB – Randall Cobb 3-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 4:07. Packers 28–0. Drive: 9 plays, 94 yards, 5:57.
- CAR – Graham Gano 33-yard field goal, 0:00. Packers 28–3. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 1:51.
Third quarter - GB – Davante Adams 21-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 10:20. Packers 35–3. Drive: 4 plays, 58 yards, 1:54.
- GB – Mason Crosby 34-yard field goal, 0:08. Packers 38–3. Drive: 5 plays, 33 yards, 2:10.
Fourth quarter - CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 13-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 9:39. Packers 38–10. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 4:29.
- CAR – Brenton Bersin 1-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Graham Gano kick), 1:24. Packers 38–17. Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 2:57.
| Top passers - CAR – Cam Newton – 17/31, 205 yards, TD, INT
- GB – Aaron Rodgers – 19/22, 255 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers - CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 13 rushes, 50 yards
- GB – Eddie Lacy – 12 rushes, 63 yards, TD
Top receivers - CAR – Greg Olsen – 8 receptions, 105 yards
- GB – Randall Cobb – 6 receptions, 121 yards, TD
| |
With the loss, the Panthers dropped to 3–3–1. The team also dropped to 11–21–1 when Newton turns the ball over.
Week 8: vs. Seattle Seahawks
Week Eight: Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Seahawks | 0 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 13 |
Panthers | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 9 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Game information |
First quarter - CAR – Graham Gano 31-yard field goal, 6:21. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 58 yards, 6:26.
Second quarter - CAR – Graham Gano 26-yard field goal, 13:23. Panthers 6–0. Drive: 12 plays, 46 yards, 6:21.
- SEA – Stephen Hauschka 58-yard field goal, 11:00. Panthers 6–3. Drive: 5 plays, 13 yards, 2:23.
Third quarter - SEA – Stephen Hauschka 29-yard field goal, 7:13. Tied 6–6. Drive: 12 plays, 29 yards, 6:00.
Fourth quarter - CAR – Graham Gano 46-yard field goal, 4:37. Panthers 9–6. Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 4:56.
- SEA – Luke Willson 23-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Stephen Hauschka kick), 0:47. Seahawks 13–9. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:50.
| Top passers - SEA – Russell Wilson – 20/32, 199 yards, TD, INT
- CAR – Cam Newton – 12/22, 171 yards, INT
Top rushers Top receivers | |
With the loss, the Panthers dropped to 3–4–1. The team also dropped to 11–22–1 when Newton commits at least one turnover.
Week 9: vs. New Orleans Saints
Week Nine: New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Saints | 0 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 28 |
Panthers | 0 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 10 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Game information |
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter - CAR – Cam Newton 10-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 10:14. Saints 14–7. Drive: 10 plays, 81 yards, 4:46.
- NO – Drew Brees 1-yard run (Shayne Graham kick), 4:04. Saints 21–7. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 6:10.
Fourth quarter - CAR – Graham Gano 31-yard field goal, 12:57. Saints 21–10. Drive: 8 plays, 54 yards, 2:53.
- NO – Mark Ingram 3-yard run (Shayne Graham kick), 5:30. Saints 28–10. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 7:27.
| Top passers - NO – Drew Brees – 24/34, 297 yards, TD, INT
- CAR – Cam Newton – 10/28, 151 yards, INT
Top rushers - NO – Mark Ingram – 30 rushes, 100 yards, 2 TD
- CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 8 rushes, 46 yards
Top receivers - NO – Jimmy Graham – 7 receptions, 83 yards, TD
- CAR – Jerricho Cotchery – 5 receptions, 59 yards
| |
With the loss, the Panthers dropped to 3-5-1. The team would sit at 11-23-1 when Newton turns the ball over.
Week 10: at Philadelphia Eagles
Game information |
First quarter - PHI – Cody Parkey 39-yard field goal, 13:25. Eagles 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 0:40.
- PHI – Darren Sproles 8-yard run (Cody Parkey kick), 11:25. Eagles 10–0. Drive: 5 plays, 43 yards, 1:45.
- CAR – Jonathan Stewart 1-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 6:00. Eagles 10–7. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:25.
- PHI – Darren Sproles 65-yard punt return (Cody Parkey kick), 3:29. Eagles 17–7.
Second quarter - PHI – Jordan Matthews 13-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Cody Parkey kick), 11:33. Eagles 24–7. Drive: 10 plays, 91 yards, 3:35.
- PHI – Bradley Fletcher 34-yard interception return (Cody Parkey kick), 2:13. Eagles 31–7.
Third quarter - PHI – LeSean McCoy 1-yard run (Cody Parkey kick), 7:40. Eagles 38–7. Drive: 2 plays, 30 yards, 0:17.
Fourth quarter - PHI – Jordan Matthews 18-yard pass from Mark Sanchez (Cody Parkey kick), 11:43. Eagles 45–7. Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 2:41.
- CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 21-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 9:05. Eagles 45–14. Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, 2:38.
- CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 40-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 5:30. Eagles 45–21. Drive: 6 plays, 65 yards, 2:22.
| Top passers - CAR – Cam Newton – 25/40, 306 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT
- PHI – Mark Sanchez – 20/37, 332 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers - CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 11 rushes, 36 yards, TD
- PHI – LeSean McCoy – 12 rushes, 19 yards, TD
Top receivers - CAR – Greg Olsen – 6 receptions, 119 yards
- PHI – Jordan Matthews – 7 receptions, 138 yards, 2 TD
| |
On Monday Night Football, Carolina barely put up a fight. The Eagles easily won the game, their defense sacking Cam Newton nine times. This dropped the Panthers record to 3–6–1. They also fell to 11–24–1 when Newton commits at least one turnover.
Week 11: vs. Atlanta Falcons
Week Eleven: Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Falcons | 0 | 6 | 10 | 3 | 19 |
Panthers | 0 | 3 | 0 | 14 | 17 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
- Date: November 16
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: 48 °F (9 °C), cloudy
- Game attendance: 73,314
- Referee: Walt Anderson
- TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, Kirk Morrison and Kristina Pink
- Recap, Gamebook
Game information |
First quarter Second quarter - CAR – Graham Gano 23-yard field goal, 14:57. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 17 plays, 83 yards, 9:05.
- ATL – Matt Bryant 34-yard field goal, 9:26. Tied 3–3. Drive: 13 plays, 64 yards, 5:31.
- ATL – Matt Bryant 42-yard field goal, 0:02. Falcons 6–3. Drive: 10 plays, 48 yards, 1:33.
Third quarter - ATL – Matt Bryant 26-yard field goal, 12:07. Falcons 9–3. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:28.
- ATL – Roddy White 2-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 6:34. Falcons 16–3. Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 3:49.
Fourth quarter - CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 22-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 9:12. Falcons 16–10. Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 1:50.
- CAR – Corey Brown 47-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 6:20. Panthers 17–16. Drive: 2 plays, 69 yards, 0:41.
- ATL – Matt Bryant 44-yard field goal, 2:08. Falcons 19–17. Drive: 12 plays, 54 yards, 4:12.
| Top passers - ATL – Matt Ryan – 31/45, 268 yards, TD
- CAR – Cam Newton – 23/37, 292 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Top rushers Top receivers - ATL – Roddy White – 8 receptions, 75 yards, TD
- CAR – Kelvin Benjamin – 9 receptions, 109 yards, TD
| |
With their fifth straight loss, the Panthers headed into their bye week at 3–7–1. Also the team dropped to 11–25–1 when Newton commits a turnover. This would be Carolina's last home loss until week 3 of 2016 against Minnesota.
Week 13: at Minnesota Vikings
Week Thirteen: Carolina Panthers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Panthers | 3 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 13 |
Vikings | 14 | 14 | 0 | 3 | 31 |
at TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Date: November 30
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
- Game weather: 12 °F (−11 °C), sunny
- Game attendance: 52,016
- Referee: Brad Allen
- TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
- Recap, Gamebook
Game information |
First quarter Second quarter - MIN – Everson Griffen 43-yard return of blocked punt (Blair Walsh kick), 9:35. Vikings 21–3.
- CAR – Graham Gano 35-yard field goal, 3:28. Vikings 21–6. Drive: 12 plays, 63 yards, 6:07.
- MIN – Greg Jennings 17-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Blair Walsh kick), 0:16. Vikings 28–6. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 3:12.
Third quarter - CAR – Corey Brown 32-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 9:15. Vikings 28–13. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:13.
Fourth quarter - MIN – Blair Walsh 39-yard field goal, 8:55. Vikings 31–13. Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 3:25.
| Top passers - CAR – Cam Newton – 18/35, 194 yards, TD, INT
- MIN – Teddy Bridgewater – 15/21, 138 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers Top receivers - CAR – Greg Olsen – 5 receptions, 59 yards
- MIN – Greg Jennings – 5 receptions, 45 yards, TD
| |
With the loss, the Panthers dropped to 3–8–1 and 11–26–1 when Newton commits at least one turnover.
Week 14: at New Orleans Saints
Game information |
First quarter - CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 9-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 11:42. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:18.
- CAR – Graham Gano 37-yard field goal, 9:57. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:02.
- CAR – Cam Newton 2-yard run, 6:41. Panthers 17–0. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 3:11.
Second quarter - NO – Shayne Graham 37-yard field goal, 13:19. Panthers 17–3. Drive: 7 plays, 34 yards, 3:28.
- CAR – Greg Olsen 16-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 2:14. Panthers 24–3. Drive: 12 plays, 68 yards, 4:46.
Third quarter - CAR – Jonathan Stewart 69-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 13:59. Panthers 31–3. Drive: 1 play, 69 yards, 0:11.
- CAR – Fozzy Whittaker 26-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 5:13. Panthers 38–3. Drive: 9 plays, 86 yards, 5:49.
Fourth quarter - CAR – Graham Gano 41-yard field goal, 14:10. Panthers 41–3. Drive: 11 plays, 38 yards, 5:05.
- NO – Benjamin Watson 7-yard pass from Drew Brees (Shayne Graham kick), 5:29. Panthers 41–10. Drive: 12 plays, 83 yards, 3:31.
| Top passers - CAR – Cam Newton – 21/33, 226 yards, 3 TD
- NO – Drew Brees – 29/45, 235 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers - CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 20 rushes, 155 yards, TD
- NO – Mark Ingram – 10 rushes, 43 yards
Top receivers - CAR – Greg Olsen – 10 receptions, 72 yards, TD
- NO – Marques Colston – 5 receptions, 72 yards
| |
With their 6-game losing streak snapped, the Panthers improved to 4–8–1. The team also improved to 17–6 when Newton doesn't commit a turnover.
Week 15: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week Fifteen: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Buccaneers | 7 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 17 |
Panthers | 6 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 19 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
- Date: December 14
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: 60 °F (16 °C), sunny
- Game attendance: 72,842
- Referee: Ron Torbert
- TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, Kirk Morrison and Kristina Pink
- Recap, Gamebook
Game information |
First quarter - CAR – Graham Gano 29-yard field goal, 8:19. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 73 yards, 6:41.
- TB – Mike Evans 8-yard pass from Josh McCown (Patrick Murray kick), 5:54. Buccaneers 7–3. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:25.
- CAR – Graham Gano 49-yard field goal, 1:14. Buccaneers 7–6. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 4:41.
Second quarter - CAR – Graham Gano 38-yard field goal, 1:10. Panthers 9–7. Drive: 15 plays, 68 yards, 6:03.
- TB – Patrick Murray 48-yard field goal, 0:02. Buccaneers 10–9. Drive: 7 plays, 50 yards, 1:08.
Third quarter - CAR – Jerricho Cotchery 2-yard pass from Derek Anderson (Graham Gano kick), 13:53. Panthers 16–10. Drive: 2 plays, 4 yards, 0:48.
Fourth quarter - CAR – Graham Gano 45-yard field goal, 8:31. Panthers 19–10. Drive: 12 plays, 46 yards, 6:24.
- TB – Josh McCown 16-yard run (Patrick Murray kick), 3:11. Panthers 19–17. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:20.
| Top passers - TB – Josh McCown – 13/28, 154 yards, TD, INT
- CAR – Derek Anderson – 25/40, 277 yards, TD
Top rushers - TB – Doug Martin – 14 rushes, 96 yards
- CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 22 rushes, 75 yards
Top receivers - TB – Vincent Jackson – 6 receptions, 70 yards
- CAR – Greg Olsen – 10 receptions, 110 yards
| |
QB Derek Anderson was pressed into service for the second time in 2014, as Newton had injured his back in a car accident earlier that week. Once again, Anderson led the Panthers to a close victory over Tampa Bay, completing a season sweep and improving the team's record to 5–8–1. Anderson improved his starting regular season record as a Panther to 2–0.
Week 16: vs. Cleveland Browns
Week Sixteen: Cleveland Browns at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Browns | 0 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 13 |
Panthers | 3 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 17 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
- Date: December 21
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: 48 °F (9 °C), mostly cloudy
- Game attendance: 73,810
- Referee: Ed Hochuli
- TV announcers (CBS): Tom McCarthy and Adam Archuleta
- Recap, Gamebook
Game information |
First quarter - CAR – Graham Gano 23-yard field goal, 2:47. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 14 plays, 77 yards, 6:25.
Second quarter - CLE – Garrett Hartley 43-yard field goal, 13:25. Tied 3–3. Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 4:22.
- CAR – Cam Newton 2-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 1:55. Panthers 10–3. Drive: 12 plays, 57 yards, 6:26.
Third quarter - CLE – Garrett Hartley 31-yard field goal, 3:14. Panthers 10–6. Drive: 9 plays, 43 yards, 5:06.
Fourth quarter - CLE – Jordan Cameron 81-yard pass from Brian Hoyer (Garrett Hartley kick), 9:59. Browns 13–10. Drive: 3 plays, 85 yards, 1:23.
- CAR – Jonathan Stewart 9-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 7:07. Panthers 17–13. Drive: 7 plays, 66 yards, 2:52.
| Top passers - CLE – Brian Hoyer – 7/13, 134 yards, TD, INT
- CAR – Cam Newton – 18/31, 201 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers - CLE – Isaiah Crowell – 16 rushes, 55 yards
- CAR – Jonathan Stewart – 24 rushes, 122 yards
Top receivers - CLE – Jordan Cameron – 3 receptions, 88 yards, TD
- CAR – Kelvin Benjamin – 5 receptions, 47 yards
| |
With the win, the Panthers improved to 6–8–1 and 12–26–1 when Newton turns the ball over at least once.
Week 17: at Atlanta Falcons
Week Seventeen: Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Panthers | 10 | 14 | 10 | 0 | 34 |
Falcons | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
- Date: December 28
- Game time: 4:25 p.m. EST[C]
- Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
- Game attendance: 71,015
- Referee: Bill Leavy
- TV announcers (CBS[C]): Jim Nantz, Phil Simms and Tracy Wolfson
- Recap, Gamebook
Game information |
First quarter - CAR – Graham Gano 21-yard field goal, 7:50. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 77 yards, 7:10.
- CAR – Ed Dickson 5-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 0:04. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 10 plays, 87 yards, 4:45.
Second quarter - ATL – Matt Bryant 21-yard field goal, 10:36. Panthers 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 35 yards, 4:28.
- CAR – Roman Harper 31-yard interception return (Graham Gano kick), 4:18. Panthers 17–3.
- CAR – Cam Newton 4-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 1:47. Panthers 24–3. Drive: 1 play, 4 yards, 0:07.
Third quarter - CAR – Graham Gano 48-yard field goal, 8:43. Panthers 27–3. Drive: 8 plays, 29 yards, 4:35.
- CAR – Tre Boston 84-yard interception return (Graham Gano kick), 0:07. Panthers 34–3.
Fourth quarter | Top passers - CAR – Cam Newton – 10/16, 114 yards, TD
- ATL – Matt Ryan – 29/47, 260 yards, 2 INT
Top rushers - CAR – Cam Newton – 6 rushes, 51 yards, TD
- ATL – Jacquizz Rodgers – 9 rushes, 44 yards
Top receivers - CAR – Corey Brown – 1 reception, 28 yards
- ATL – Roddy White – 8 receptions, 104 yards
| |
The Panthers finished their season in Atlanta against the Falcons with the NFC South title and the NFC's #4 seed on the line. They would blowout Atlanta and finish the season out 7–8–1. The team would also improve to 18–6 when Newton doesn't commit a turnover.
Postseason
NFC Wild Card Playoffs: vs. #5 Arizona Cardinals
Game information |
- First quarter
- CAR – Graham Gano 47-yard field goal, 11:27. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 19 yards, 2:03.
- CAR – Jonathan Stewart 13-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 5:21. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 3:51.
- Second quarter
- ARI – Darren Fells 1-yard pass from Ryan Lindley (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 14:56. Panthers 10–7. Drive: 6 plays, 30 yards, 2:15.
- ARI – Marion Grice 1-yard run (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 2:50. Cardinals 14–10. Drive: 4 plays, 17 yards, 2:04.
- CAR – Graham Gano 39-yard field goal, 0:15. Cardinals 14–13. Drive: 9 plays, 95 yards, 2:35.
- Third quarter
- CAR – Fozzy Whittaker 39-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 5:36. Panthers 20–14. Drive: 1 play, 39 yards, 0:14.
- CAR – Mike Tolbert 1-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 4:04. Panthers 27–14. Drive: 3 plays, 3 yards, 1:24.
- Fourth quarter
| - Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- ARI – John Brown – 4 receptions, 34 yards
- CAR – Fozzy Whittaker – 1 reception, 39 yards, TD
| |
The win over the Cardinals improved the Panthers' overall record to 8–8–1, with the defense turning in a record performance, holding Arizona to 78 total yards. Their record stood at 13–26–1 when Cam turns the ball over.
NFC Divisional Playoffs: at #1 Seattle Seahawks
NFC Divisional Playoffs: (#4) Carolina Panthers at (#1) Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Panthers | 0 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 17 |
Seahawks | 7 | 7 | 0 | 17 | 31 |
at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington
Game information |
- 1st Quarter
- 2nd Quarter
- CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 7-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 7:44. Tied 7–7. Drive: 14 plays, 79 yards, 8:12.
- SEA – Jermaine Kearse 63-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Steven Hauschka kick), 4:54. Seahawks 14–7. Drive: 5 plays, 77 yards, 2:50.
- CAR – Graham Gano 35-yard field goal, 0:00. Seahawks 14–10. Drive: 13 plays, 62 yards, 4:54.
- 3rd Quarter
- 4th Quarter
- SEA – Steven Hauschka 37-yard field goal, 14:55. Seahawks 17–10. Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 6:32.
- SEA – Luke Willson 25-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Steven Hauschka kick), 10:26. Seahawks 24–10. Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 2:27.
- SEA – Kam Chancellor 90-yard interception return (Steven Hauschka kick), 5:55. Seahawks 31–10.
- CAR – Kelvin Benjamin 15-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 2:34. Seahawks 31–17. Drive: 8 plays, 83 yards, 3:21.
| - Leading passers
- Leading rushers
- Leading receivers
| |
The loss made the Panthers finish 8–9–1 overall and 13–27–1 when Newton turns the ball over.
Standings
Division
Conference
|
# | Team | Division | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | SOS | SOV | STK |
Division leaders |
1[a] | Seattle Seahawks | West | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 5–1 | 10–2 | .525 | .513 | W6 |
2[a] | Green Bay Packers | North | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 5–1 | 9–3 | .482 | .440 | W2 |
3[a] | Dallas Cowboys | East | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 4–2 | 8–4 | .445 | .422 | W4 |
4 | Carolina Panthers | South | 7 | 8 | 1 | .469 | 4–2 | 6–6 | .490 | .357 | W4 |
Wild Cards |
5[b] | Arizona Cardinals | West | 11 | 5 | 0 | .688 | 3–3 | 8–4 | .523 | .477 | L2 |
6[b] | Detroit Lions | North | 11 | 5 | 0 | .688 | 5–1 | 9–3 | .471 | .392 | L1 |
Did not qualify for the postseason |
7 | Philadelphia Eagles | East | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 4–2 | 6–6 | .490 | .416 | W1 |
8 | San Francisco 49ers | West | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 2–4 | 7–5 | .527 | .508 | W1 |
9[c] | New Orleans Saints | South | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 3–3 | 6–6 | .486 | .415 | W1 |
10[c] | Minnesota Vikings | North | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 1–5 | 6–6 | .475 | .308 | W1 |
11[d] | New York Giants | East | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 2–4 | 4–8 | .512 | .323 | L1 |
12[d] | Atlanta Falcons | South | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 5–1 | 6–6 | .482 | .380 | L1 |
13[d] | St. Louis Rams | West | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 2–4 | 4–8 | .531 | .427 | L3 |
14 | Chicago Bears | North | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 1–5 | 4–8 | .529 | .338 | L5 |
15 | Washington Redskins | East | 4 | 12 | 0 | .250 | 2–4 | 2–10 | .496 | .422 | L1 |
16 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | South | 2 | 14 | 0 | .125 | 0–6 | 1–11 | .486 | .469 | L6 |
Tiebreakers[e] |
- ^ a b c Seattle, Green Bay and Dallas were ranked in seeds 1–3 based on conference record.
- ^ a b Arizona defeated Detroit head-to-head (Week 11, 14–6).
- ^ a b New Orleans defeated Minnesota head-to-head (Week 3, 20–9).
- ^ a b c The NY Giants defeated both Atlanta and St. Louis head-to-head (Atlanta: Week 5, 30–20; St. Louis: Week 16, 37–27), while Atlanta finished ahead of St. Louis based on conference record.
- ^ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division.
|
Notes
- ^ a b The Panthers traded their original fifth- and one of their two seventh-round selections — Nos. 168 and 225 overall, respectively — to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for the Vikings' fifth-round selection (No. 148 overall). The Panthers previously acquired the No. 225 overall selection in a trade that sent linebacker Jon Beason to the New York Giants.
- ^ The Panthers traded their original seventh-round selection (No. 243 overall) to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for safety Colin Jones.
- ^ a b c The kickoff time and/or network were changed after the initial schedule release as a result of flexible scheduling.The kickoff time and/or network were changed after the initial schedule release as a result of flexible scheduling.
- ^ Simulcast on WBTV.
- ^ Simulcast on WSOC-TV.
- ^ Simulcast on WJZY.
References
- ^ "Bengals, Panthers have highest-scoring tie game ever".
- ^ "2014 Conference Standings". NFL.com. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
External links
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- Based and headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina
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