David Kenyon
When in the midst of a nerve-wracking situation, one’s backside might clench up until the outcome is realized. Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers apparently felt that way during their close win over the Seattle Seahawks.
After the 31-24 triumph that included Seattle scoring 24 second-half points, the ever-calm Newton admitted he started feeling the nerves. Per the team’s official site, Newton said:
“It was just a tale of execution. We needed a little bit more of that in the second half. There were a lot of guys playing with the butts tight. Coaches with the butts tight. At one point fans and myself were butt tight too, but you just have to find ways to get your groove back going and we need a little bit more of that next Sunday.”
Who could blame Newton?
Carolina raced out to a 31-0 halftime lead thanks to a complete and spectacular full-team effort. Newton led four scoring drives, Luke Kuechly returned an interception for a touchdown and the defensive line kept Russell Wilson and Co. often bottled up at or behind the line of scrimmage.
But after the halftime break, the Seahawks were ready to play. They scored a pair of touchdowns within the first eight minutes of the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 17 points.
Without a doubt, nervousness increased on the Panthers sideline and in the fan base when they punted on the ensuing possession. Those feelings of a disastrous collapse certainly continued until Thomas Davis secured a game-sealing onside kick with about one minute remaining in the game.
The Carolina faithful finally felt that relief and relaxed, knowing the team had advanced to the NFC Championship.
When the Panthers host the Arizona Cardinals, fans surely will be nervous throughout the 60-minute contest. However, Newton and his teammates will hope to avoid a similar feeling.
