Panthers miss out on great chance of knocking off a NFC contender.
Seattle, aiming to contend in the NFC after falling to Atlanta in the second round of the playoffs last season, opened their season with a 12-7 victory over Carolina.
Jermaine Kearse’s touchdown reception early in the fourth quarter made the difference for the Seahawks, who saw second-year quarterback Russell Wilson complete 25-of-33 passes for 320 yards that included the 43-yard strike to Kearse.
However, Carolina fans and offcials will be left wondering if they will get more of the same they suffered through in 2012, where they competed for much of the game, only to fall over in the final quarter.
The Panther’s defensive line dominated for much of the afternoon as they manged to keep Wilson inside the pocket and under pressure for many of his throws.
While normally a potent force Marshawn Lynch was also kept quiet for the Seahawks, averaging only 2.5 yards per carry.
But when it mattered most Carolina could not come up with a killer drive as DeAngelo Williams fumbled inside the 10-yard line.
With Ron Rivera into his third season he will be looking for better than “so close, yet so far” as they let a valuable chance slip against an NFC contender.
Click here to watch full highlights of the Seahawks v Panthers.
Seattle will have a tough task ahead of them in week two as the host the San Francisco 49ers, who will be riding high after their big win over Green Bay.
Carolina will lick their wounds this week as they prepare to take on the Bills who also let a golden chance slip away in week one, when they failed to captalise on a sloppy New England team.
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