The first play from scrimmage during Sunday’s game could hardly have started better for the Carolina Panthers or their running back, Jonathan Stewart.
Jonathan Stewart starts off the game with a nice run. pic.twitter.com/PrzO6N7Y8s
— ✶ Ⓜ️𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕦𝕤 ▶️ ✶ (@_MarcusD_) January 17, 2016
The Seahawks nearly forced a turnover the following play, when Cameron Artis-Payne was stripped, but Mike Tolbert alertly fell on the ball for Carolina. After Cam Newton picked up a first down, the ball went back to Stewart.
That's how you start a game, @Jonathanstewar1! #SEAvsCAR #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/mdnYkZ7PpY
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) January 17, 2016
It’s fitting that Stewart would cap that drive off to put the Panthers up 7-0.
Things got even better for the Panthers on Seattle’s first posession, when Luke Kuechly intercepted a Russell Wilson pass and easily cruised into the end zone.