(Redirected from 2018 Carolina Panthers)
24th season in franchise history
The 2018 season was the Carolina Panthers' 24th in the National Football League (NFL) and their eighth under head coach Ron Rivera. It was the team's first season without former assistant head coach/defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, who became head coach of the Arizona Cardinals in the offseason and former offensive coordinator Mike Shula, who became the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator of the New York Giants.
The Panthers entered the season hoping to improve or match their 11–5 record from last year. After starting 6–2, the Panthers suffered a late-season collapse, going on a 7-game losing streak, failing to improve or match their previous season's record, and were eliminated from playoff contention following a loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16. Although they went a dismal 1–7 in the second half of the season, the Panthers managed to end on a high note by defeating their division rival New Orleans Saints, 33–14. From 2018 onwards, the Panthers have failed to make the postseason or have a winning season.
Draft
Main article: 2018 NFL draft
Draft trades
- The Panthers traded wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin to Buffalo in exchange for Buffalo's third-round selection (85th overall) and the seventh-round selection they acquired from the LA Chargers (234th overall).
- The Panthers traded their fourth-round selection (123rd overall) and punter Kasey Redfern to Cleveland in exchange for Cleveland's seventh-round selection in 2017 and punter Andy Lee.
Staff
2018 Carolina Panthers staff
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Front office
- Owner – David Tepper
- President – Tom Glick
- General manager – Marty Hurney
- Director of football operations – Bryan Porter
- Assistant director of football operations – Mike Anderson
- Director of team administration – Rob Rogers
- Director of pro scouting – Matt Allen
- Senior director of college scouting – Jeff Morrow
- Regional director of college scouting – Mike Szabo
- Regional director of college scouting – Eric Stokes
- Senior advisor to the general manager – Mark Carrier
- Executive assistant to the head coach – Linda O'Hora
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
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Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
Strength and conditioning
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Final roster
Preseason
Regular season
Schedule
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Game summaries
Week 1: vs. Dallas Cowboys
Week One: Dallas Cowboys at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Cowboys |
0 |
0 |
0 | 8 | 8 |
| Panthers |
0 |
10 |
0 | 6 | 16 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
| Game information
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First quarter
Second quarter
- CAR – Cam Newton 4-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 8:54. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 35 yards, 3:28.
- CAR – Graham Gano 27-yard field goal, 0:07. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards, 2:41.
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
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In the Panthers' home opener both teams were scoreless in the first quarter. In the second, Cam Newton rushed for a touchdown to score the game's first points. Graham Gano later kicked a field goal to further the Panthers' lead to 10–0. Both teams were again scoreless in the third quarter. Alexander Armah scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter, but the extra point attempt was no good when the ball slipped out of Michael Palardy's hands. The Cowboys later put points on the board with an Ezekiel Elliott touchdown run followed by a two-point conversion by quarterback Dak Prescott, decreasing the Panthers' lead to eight points. The Panthers managed to hold off the Cowboys by forcing a fumble off Prescott in the Cowboys' last offensive drive, winning 16–8.
Tight end Greg Olsen and offensive tackle Daryl Williams left the game early due to injuries.
Week 2: at Atlanta Falcons
Week Two: Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Panthers |
3 |
7 |
0 | 14 | 24 |
| Falcons |
3 |
14 |
7 | 7 | 31 |
at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
| Game information
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First quarter
- CAR – Graham Gano 54-yard field goal, 11:36. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 39 yards, 3:24.
- ATL – Matt Bryant 44-yard field goal, 5:41. Tied 3–3. Drive: 10 plays, 57 yards, 5:55.
Second quarter
- CAR – Jarius Wright 5-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 8:42. Panthers 10–3. Drive: 13 plays, 70 yards, 6:28.
- ATL – Calvin Ridley 11-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 4:03. Tied 10–10. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:39.
- ATL – Austin Hooper 8-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 0:22. Falcons 17–10. Drive: 7 plays, 85 yards, 1:13.
Third quarter
- ATL – Matt Ryan 1-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 9:23. Falcons 24–10. Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 3:26.
Fourth quarter
- CAR – Torrey Smith 3-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 11:23. Falcons 24–17. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:21.
- ATL – Matt Ryan 8-yard run (Matt Bryant kick), 7:17. Falcons 31–17. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 4:06.
- CAR – D. J. Moore 51-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 2:20. Falcons 31–24. Drive: 5 plays, 96 yards, 1:36.
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Top passers
- CAR – Cam Newton – 32/45, 335 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
- ATL – Matt Ryan – 23/28, 272 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
- CAR – Cam Newton – 5 carries, 42 yards
- ATL – Tevin Coleman – 16 carries, 107 yards
Top receivers
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The Falcons proved too much for the Panthers. With the 24–31 loss, the Panthers fell to 1–1.
Week 3: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Week Three: Cincinnati Bengals at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Bengals |
7 |
7 |
7 | 0 | 21 |
| Panthers |
7 |
14 |
7 | 3 | 31 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
| Game information
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First quarter
Second quarter
- CAR – Devin Funchess 4-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 12:03. Panthers 14–7. Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 4:52.
- CIN – C. J. Uzomah 1-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Randy Bullock kick), 6:59. Tied 14–14. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 5:04.
- CAR – C. J. Anderson 24-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 2:47. Panthers 21–14. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 4:12.
Third quarter
- CAR – Cam Newton 5-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 5:34. Panthers 28–14. Drive: 6 plays, 26 yards, 3:53.
- CIN – Tyler Boyd 27-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Randy Bullock kick), 2:53. Panthers 28–21. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:41.
Fourth quarter
- CAR – Graham Gano 40-yard field goal, 1:11. Panthers 31–21. Drive: 7 plays, 28 yards, 2:22.
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
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The Bengals were the first to score in the game but the Panthers answered back with a Cam Newton touchdown. Late in the first quarter Andy Dalton threw a pass intended for John Ross but it was intercepted by Donte Jackson. Early in the second Devin Funchess scored a touchdown with a Graham Gano field goal, and Carolina took the lead. Dalton was sacked by Efe Obada and fumbled the ball. Carolina recovered but the call was reversed and the Bengals soon tied the game at 14. Carolina took back the lead with a C. J. Anderson touchdown. In the third Dalton was picked off again, this time by Obada. Cincinnati soon followed a Newton TD with a touchdown of their own, moving to within seven. With less than four minutes to go, Jackson intercepted a Dalton pass intended for Ross. Gano then kicked a field goal making the score 31–21. Dalton's Hail Mary attempt, intended for Tyler Eifert, was picked off by Luke Kuechly. The Panthers won and improved to 2–1.
Week 5: vs. New York Giants
Week Five: New York Giants at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Giants |
3 |
10 |
3 | 15 | 31 |
| Panthers |
7 |
13 |
0 | 13 | 33 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
| Game information
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First quarter
Second quarter
- CAR – Colin Jones fumble recovery in end zone (Graham Gano kick), 14:06. Panthers 14–3.
- CAR – Graham Gano 47-yard field goal, 8:44. Panthers 17–3. Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 4:24.
- NYG – Saquon Barkley 57-yard pass from Odell Beckham Jr. (Aldrick Rosas kick), 6:37. Panthers 17–10. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 2:07.
- CAR – Graham Gano 47-yard field goal, 2:36. Panthers 20–10. Drive: 8 plays, 31 yards, 4:01.
- NYG – Aldrick Rosas 53-yard field goal, 0:20. Panthers 20–13. Drive: 7 plays, 40 yards, 2:16.
Third quarter
- NYG – Aldrick Rosas 36-yard field goal, 7:34. Panthers 20–16. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 5:36.
Fourth quarter
- CAR – Christian McCaffrey 18-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 11:21. Panthers 27–16. Drive: 9 plays, 68 yards, 5:09.
- NYG – Odell Beckham Jr. 33-yard pass from Eli Manning (Eli Manning-Rhett Ellison pass), 8:08. Panthers 27–24. Drive: 2 plays, 34 yards, 0:45.
- CAR – Graham Gano 39-yard field goal, 2:16. Panthers 30–24. Drive: 12 plays, 54 yards, 5:52.
- NYG – Saquon Barkley 15-yard pass from Eli Manning (Aldrick Rosas kick), 1:08. Giants 31–30. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:08.
- CAR – Graham Gano 63-yard field goal, 0:01. Panthers 33–31. Drive: 8 plays, 30 yards, 1:07.
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
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The Panthers came back after their bye week and took on the New York Giants at home. Carolina went into the third quarter with a 20–13 lead. New York scored a field goal in the third quarter, decreasing the Panthers' lead to four. In the fourth quarter, the Giants scored a touchdown with a two point conversion, followed by a Carolina field goal. With 1:15 to go in the game, the Giants scored on a Saquon Barkley touchdown catch, giving New York their first lead since the first quarter. The Panthers, down 31-30, only had a little more than a minute to try to win. They were able to get in field goal position. With six seconds to go, Graham Gano's 63 yard field goal was good. It was the longest successful field goal in franchise history and Gano became one of only six players to make a kick from 63 yards or longer. The Panthers won 33–31, improving to 3–1.
Week 6: at Washington Redskins
Week Six: Carolina Panthers at Washington Redskins – Game summary
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Panthers |
0 |
6 |
3 | 8 | 17 |
| Redskins |
14 |
3 |
0 | 6 | 23 |
at FedExField, Landover, Maryland
- Date: October 14
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
- Game weather: 52 °F (11 °C), cloudy
- Game attendance: 60,482
- Referee: Clay Martin
- TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Charles Davis and Pam Oliver
- Recap, Gamebook
| Game information
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- First quarter
- Second quarter
- WAS – Dustin Hopkins 49-yard field goal, 5:30. Redskins 17–0. Drive: 10 plays, 36 yards, 5:54.
- CAR – Devin Funchess 23-yard pass from Cam Newton (kick failed), 3:05. Redskins 17–6. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:25.
- Third quarter
- CAR – Graham Gano 32-yard field goal, 5:08. Redskins 17–9. Drive: 11 plays, 47 yards, 5:32.
- Fourth quarter
- WAS – Dustin Hopkins 56-yard field goal, 12:40. Redskins 20–9. Drive: 12 plays, 42 yards, 7:28.
- CAR – Torrey Smith 3-yard pass from Cam Newton (Cam Newton-Torrey Smith pass), 8:32. Redskins 20–17. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:08.
- WAS – Dustin Hopkins 29-yard field goal, 3:15. Redskins 23–17. Drive: 10 plays, 64 yards, 5:17.
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- Top passers
- CAR – Cam Newton – 27/40, 275 yards, 2 TD, INT
- WAS – Alex Smith – 21/36, 163 yards, 2 TD
- Top rushers
- CAR – Cam Newton – 9 rushes, 43 yards
- WAS – Adrian Peterson – 17 rushes, 97 yards
- Top receivers
- CAR – Devin Funchess – 5 receptions, 74 yards, TD
- WAS – Vernon Davis – 3 receptions, 48 yards, TD
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Things didn't start off well for the Panthers. Rookie D. J. Moore fumbled on a punt return and Washington recovered. This put the Redskins at a perfect spot to score and they did so. The Panthers had multiple turnovers in the first quarter, giving the Redskins a 14–0 lead by the end of one. The Panthers were able to catch up to the Redskins and had a chance to take the lead late in the fourth quarter. However, on fourth down and 5 at the Redskins 16, Cam Newton's pass for Jarius Wright fell incomplete. With the close loss of 17–23, the Panthers fell to 3–2.
This game saw the return of both Greg Olsen, who had been out with a foot injury since week one, and Thomas Davis, who was suspended for the first four games of the season.
Week 7: at Philadelphia Eagles
Week Seven: Carolina Panthers at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Panthers |
0 |
0 |
0 | 21 | 21 |
| Eagles |
0 |
10 |
7 | 0 | 17 |
at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Date: October 21
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
- Game weather: 49 °F (9 °C), partly sunny
- Game attendance: 69,696
- Referee: Clete Blakeman
- TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Charles Davis and Pam Oliver
- Recap, Gamebook
| Game information
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- First quarter
- Second quarter
- PHI – Alshon Jeffery 11-yard pass from Carson Wentz (Jake Elliott kick), 11:39. Eagles 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 3:44.
- PHI – Jake Elliott 46-yard field goal, 6:36. Eagles 10–0. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 3:21.
- Third quarter
- PHI – Dallas Goedert 1-yard pass from Carson Wentz (Jake Elliott kick), 0:39. Eagles 17–0. Drive: 17 plays, 49 yards, 9:22.
- Fourth quarter
- CAR – Curtis Samuel 14-yard run (kick failed), 10:41. Eagles 17–6. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 4:58.
- CAR – Devin Funchess 18-yard pass from Cam Newton (Cam Newton-Jarius Wright pass), 4:08. Eagles 17–14. Drive: 7 plays, 78 yards, 2:44.
- CAR – Greg Olsen 1-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 1:22. Panthers 21–17. Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 0:55.
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Top passers
- CAR – Cam Newton – 25/39, 269 yards, 2 TD
- PHI – Carson Wentz – 30/37, 310 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
Top receivers
- CAR – Devin Funchess – 6 receptions, 62 yards, 1 TD
- PHI – Zach Ertz – 9 receptions, 138 yards
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The Panthers were down 17-0 going into the fourth quarter with a seemingly lifeless offense. However, the team scored 21 points in the 4th quarter and beat the shell-shocked Eagles 21–17, improving to 4–2. They sealed the victory after preventing a 4th down conversion by the Eagles in the closing seconds of the 4th quarter. It was the largest 4th quarter comeback win in team history, and the largest comeback in franchise history.
Week 8: vs. Baltimore Ravens
Week Eight: Baltimore Ravens at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Ravens |
7 |
0 |
7 | 7 | 21 |
| Panthers |
7 |
17 |
3 | 9 | 36 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
| Game information
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First quarter
Second quarter
- CAR – Greg Olsen 11-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 13:25. Panthers 14–7. Drive: 3 plays, 12 yards, 1:28.
- CAR – Christian McCaffrey 6-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 3:45. Panthers 21–7. Drive: 10 plays, 99 yards, 6:03.
- CAR – Graham Gano 54-yard field goal, 0:00. Panthers 24–7. Drive: 6 plays, 35 yards, 0:52.
Third quarter
- CAR – Graham Gano 44-yard field goal, 2:58. Panthers 27–7. Drive: 5 plays, 23 yards, 2:33.
- BAL – Javorius Allen 9-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Justin Tucker kick), 0:10. Panthers 27–14. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 2:48.
Fourth quarter
- CAR – Cam Newton 12-yard run (pass failed), 9:52. Panthers 33–14. Drive: 9 plays, 85 yards, 5:18.
- CAR – Graham Gano 30-yard field goal, 3:10. Panthers 36–14. Drive: 11 plays, 42 yards, 5:41.
- BAL – Hayden Hurst 26-yard pass from Lamar Jackson (Justin Tucker kick), 1:02. Panthers 36–21. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 2:08.
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Top passers
- BAL – Joe Flacco – 22/39, 192 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
- CAR – Cam Newton – 21/29, 219 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
- BAL – Alex Collins – 11 carries, 49 yards, 1 TD
- CAR – Cam Newton – 10 carries, 52 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
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Carolina and Baltimore went into the second quarter tied at seven. In the beginning of the second, Kyle Love tipped the ball out of QB Joe Flacco's hands, and the ball was recovered by Luke Kuechly. Greg Olsen scored a touchdown for the Panthers. Towards the end of the second, Cam Newton threw the ball into the end zone. Baltimore tipped it but Christian McCaffrey was able to catch it and score. With two seconds to go in the half, Graham Gano kicked a field goal, giving Carolina a 24–7 lead. In the third, Gano kicked another field goal. Alex Collins scored a touchdown for the Ravens making it a 27–14 Panthers lead. Newton scored a touchdown in the fourth but a two point conversion attempt was no good. Gano later made another field goal. The Panthers won 36–21 and improved to 5–2.
Week 9: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week Nine: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Buccaneers |
0 |
14 |
7 | 7 | 28 |
| Panthers |
14 |
21 |
0 | 7 | 42 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
| Game information
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- First quarter
- Second quarter
- TB – O. J. Howard 4-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 14:15. Panthers 14–7. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:59.
- CAR – Curtis Samuel 33-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 11:20. Panthers 21–7. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:55.
- CAR – Christian McCaffrey 1-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 7:24. Panthers 28–7. Drive: 4 plays, 42 yards, 1:37.
- CAR – Greg Olsen 17-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 4:01. Panthers 35–7. Drive: 5 plays, 25 yards, 2:25.
- TB – O. J. Howard 3-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 0:15. Panthers 35–14. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 3:46.
- Third quarter
- TB – Adam Humphries 5-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 5:14. Panthers 35–21. Drive: 10 plays, 84 yards, 4:31.
- Fourth quarter
- TB – Adam Humphries 30-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 14:24. Panthers 35–28. Drive: 6 plays, 79 yards, 2:22.
- CAR – Curtis Samuel 19-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 9:04. Panthers 42–28. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 5:20.
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Top passers
- TB – Ryan Fitzpatrick – 24/40, 243 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT
- CAR – Cam Newton – 19/25, 247 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
- TB – Peyton Barber – 11 carries, 31 yards
- CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 17 carries, 79 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
- TB – Adam Humphries – 8 receptions, 82 yards, 2 TD
- CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 5 receptions, 78 yards
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The Panthers went into half time up 35–14. In the third quarter Tampa Bay scored a touchdown making the score 35–21. Carolina and Tampa Bay both scored a touchdown in the fourth. The Panthers won 42–28, and improved to 6–2.
Week 10: at Pittsburgh Steelers
Week Ten: Carolina Panthers at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Panthers |
7 |
7 |
0 | 7 | 21 |
| Steelers |
21 |
10 |
14 | 7 | 52 |
at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Date: November 8
- Game time: 8:20 p.m. EST
- Game weather: 40 °F (4 °C), clear
- Game attendance: 62,881
- Referee: Walt Coleman
- TV announcers (Fox/NFLN): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews, and Kristina Pink
- Recap, Gamebook
| Game information
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First quarter
- CAR – Christian McCaffrey 20-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 10:29. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:31.
- PIT – JuJu Smith-Schuster 75-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Chris Boswell kick), 10:18. Tied 7–7. Drive: 1 plays, 75 yards, 0:11.
- PIT – Vince Williams 17-yard interception return (Chris Boswell kick), 10:05. Steelers 14–7.
- PIT – James Conner 2-yard run (Chris Boswell kick), 4:35. Steelers 21–7. Drive: 8 plays, 61 yards, 4:21.
Second quarter
- PIT – Chris Boswell 50-yard field goal, 9:49. Steelers 24–7. Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 5:01.
- CAR – Christian McCaffrey 25-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 5:04. Steelers 24–14. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 4:42.
- PIT – Antonio Brown 53-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Chris Boswell kick), 3:08. Steelers 31–14. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:56.
Third quarter
- PIT – Vance McDonald 12-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Chris Boswell kick), 8:18. Steelers 38–14. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 6:42.
- PIT – Jesse James 8-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Chris Boswell kick), 0:18. Steelers 45–14. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 5:48.
Fourth quarter
- PIT – Jaylen Samuels 6-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Chris Boswell kick), 14:55. Steelers 52–14. Drive: 2 plays, 9 yards, 0:15.
- CAR – Christian McCaffrey 1-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 5:35. Steelers 52–21. Drive: 7 plays, 34 yards, 3:41.
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
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In this Thursday night game, the Steelers were too much for the Panthers, as the Steelers' defense sacked Cam Newton five times and returned an interception for a touchdown, while their offense scored on seven of their eight drives under Ben Roethlisberger, who threw for five touchdowns and recorded a perfect passer rating, culminating in a 21–52 loss.
With the crushing loss, the Panthers' three game winning streak was snapped, and they fell to 6–3.
Cam Newton went 23 for 29, throwing for 193 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception, giving him a passer rating of 103 in spite of the Steelers suffocating defense.
Week 11: at Detroit Lions
Week Eleven: Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions – Game summary
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Panthers |
7 |
0 |
0 | 12 | 19 |
| Lions |
7 |
3 |
3 | 7 | 20 |
at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
- Date: November 18
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
- Game attendance: 61,999
- Referee: Clay Martin
- TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
- Recap, Gamebook
| Game information
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First quarter
Second quarter
- DET – Matt Prater 54-yard field goal, 0:37. Drive: 10 plays, 48 yards, 3:36. Lions 10–7.
Third quarter
- DET – Matt Prater 32-yard field goal, 3:47. Drive: 11 plays, 62 yards, 5:24. Lions 13–7.
Fourth quarter
- CAR – Curtis Samuel 12-yard pass from Cam Newton (kick failed), 9:29. Drive: 10 plays, 92 yards, 4:33. Tied 13–13.
- DET – Kenny Golladay 19-yard pass from Matthew Stafford, 5:13. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:10. Lions 20–13.
- CAR – D. J. Moore 8-yard pass from Cam Newton (pass failed), 1:07. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 1:37. Lions 20–19.
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Top passers
- CAR – Cam Newton – 25/37, 357 yards, 3 TD, INT
- DET – Matthew Stafford – 23/37, 220 yards, TD
Top rushers
- CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 13 carries, 53 yards
- DET – Kerryon Johnson – 15 carries, 87 yards, TD
Top receivers
- CAR – D. J. Moore – 7 receptions, 157 yards, TD
- DET – Kenny Golladay – 8 receptions, 113 yards, TD
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Carolina had a chance to win at the end of the game with a two-point conversion attempt. However, Newton's pass intended for Wright fell incomplete. With the loss, the Panthers fall to 6-4.
Week 12: vs. Seattle Seahawks
Week Twelve: Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Seahawks |
0 |
10 |
7 | 13 | 30 |
| Panthers |
3 |
10 |
7 | 7 | 27 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
- Date: November 25
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: 57 °F (14 °C), partly cloudy
- Game attendance: 74,002
- Referee: Shawn Smith
- TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, Charles Davis and Pam Oliver
- Recap, Gamebook
| Game information
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First quarter
- CAR – Graham Gano 26-yard field goal, 2:11. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 3:21.
Second quarter
- SEA – Sebastian Janikowski 33-yard field goal, 12:41. Tied 3–3. Drive: 12 plays, 60 yards, 4:30.
- CAR – Curtis Samuel 7-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 6:15. Panthers 10–3. Drive: 4 plays, 53 yards, 2:12.
- SEA – Chris Carson 1-yard rush (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 2:24. Tied 10–10. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:54.
- CAR – Graham Gano 25-yard field goal, 0:00. Panthers 13–10. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 2:24.
Third quarter
- SEA – Tyler Lockett 12-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 6:45. Seahawks 17–13. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:54.
- CAR – Christian McCaffrey 1-yard rush (Graham Gano kick), 1:41. Panthers 20–17. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 5:04.
Fourth quarter
- SEA – Sebastian Janikowski 30-yard field goal, 9:27. Tied 20–20. Drive: 14 plays, 63 yards, 7:14.
- CAR – Christian McCaffrey 2-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 6:57. Panthers 27–20. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:30.
- SEA – David Moore 35-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 3:26. Tied 27–27. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:31.
- SEA – Sebastian Janikowski 31-yard field goal, 0:00. Seahawks 30–27. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 1:40.
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Top passers
- SEA – Russell Wilson – 22/31, 339 yards, 2 TD
- CAR – Cam Newton – 25/30, 256 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
- SEA – Chris Carson – 16 carries, 55 yards, 1 TD
- CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 17 carries, 125 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
- SEA – Tyler Lockett – 5 receptions, 107 yards, 1 TD
- CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 11 receptions, 112 yards, 1 TD
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In a tight contest the Panthers were unable to put away the Seahawks, and lost 27–30. They fell to 6–5.
Week 13: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week Thirteen: Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Panthers |
7 |
0 |
10 | 0 | 17 |
| Buccaneers |
10 |
7 |
7 | 0 | 24 |
at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
- Date: December 2
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: 81 °F (27 °C), cloudy
- Game attendance: 52,568
- Referee: Carl Cheffers
- TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Ronde Barber and Sara Walsh
- Recap, Gamebook
| Game information
|
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- TB – Chris Godwin 13-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Cairo Santos kick), 0:13. Buccaneers 17–7. Drive: 5 plays, 32 yards, 0:52.
- Third quarter
- CAR – Graham Gano 37-yard field goal, 10:58. Buccaneers 17–10. Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 4:02.
- TB – Peyton Barber 1-yard rush (Cairo Santos kick), 7:23. Buccaneers 24–10. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:35.
- CAR – Devin Funchess 10-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 2:24. Buccaneers 24–17. Drive: 10 plays, 92 yards, 4:59.
- Fourth quarter
|
Top passers
- CAR – Cam Newton – 28/41, 300 yards, 2 TD, 4 INT
- TB – Jameis Winston – 20/30, 249 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
- CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 10 carries, 106 yards
- TB – Jameis Winston – 5 carries, 48 yards
Top receivers
- CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 9 receptions, 55 yards, 1 TD
- TB – Chris Godwin – 5 receptions, 101 yards, 1 TD
|
|
The Panthers, thanks in part to Newton's four interceptions, fell to 6-6. The day after the game, the Panthers announced defensive line coach Brady Hoke and assistant secondary/cornerbacks coach Jeff Imamura had been fired. Ron Rivera would also take over defensive play calling duties, although Washington would retain the title of defensive coordinator.
Week 14: at Cleveland Browns
Week Fourteen: Carolina Panthers at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Panthers |
7 |
10 |
3 | 0 | 20 |
| Browns |
7 |
10 |
0 | 9 | 26 |
at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
Second quarter
- CAR – Christian McCaffrey 1-yard rush (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 14:13. Panthers 14–7. Drive: 5 plays, 17 yards, 2:18.
- CLE – Jarvis Landry 51-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (Greg Joseph kick), 8:27. Tied 14–14. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 5:46.
- CAR – Chandler Catanzaro 30-yard field goal, 4:03. Panthers 17–14. Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 4:24.
- CLE – Greg Joseph 49-yard field goal, 0:59. Tied 17–17. Drive: 8 plays, 44 yards, 3:04.
Third quarter
- CAR – Chandler Catanzaro 34-yard field goal, 7:11. Panthers 20–17. Drive: 10 plays, 38 yards, 4:26.
Fourth quarter
- CLE – Nick Chubb 4-yard rush (kick failed), 13:05. Browns 23–20. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:31.
- CLE – Greg Joseph 41-yard field goal, 8:46. Browns 26–20. Drive: 6 plays, 40 yards, 3:55.
|
Top passers
- CAR – Cam Newton – 26/42, 265 yards, 1 INT
- CLE – Baker Mayfield – 18/22, 238 yards, 1 TD
Top rushers
- CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 16 carries, 63 yards, 2 TD
- CLE – Nick Chubb – 13 carries, 66 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
|
|
With the loss, Carolina fell to 6-7.
Week 15: vs. New Orleans Saints
Week Fifteen: New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Saints |
3 |
3 |
0 | 6 | 12 |
| Panthers |
7 |
0 |
0 | 2 | 9 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
Second quarter
- NO – Wil Lutz 24-yard field goal, 10:00. Panthers 7–6. Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 5:50.
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
- NO – Alvin Kamara 16-yard rush (pass failed), 12:12. Saints 12–7. Drive: 11 plays, 84 yards, 6:13.
- CAR – Donte Jackson intercepted two-points conversion attempts. Saints 12–9.
|
Top passers
Top rushers
- NO – Alvin Kamara – 14 carries, 67 yards, TD
- CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 15 carries, 53 yards
Top receivers
- NO – Michael Thomas – 7 receptions, 49 yards
- CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 8 receptions, 67 yards
|
|
The Panthers came into Monday night facing the NFC South champion and playoff-bound Saints. Carolina's defense stifled Drew Brees and the Saints offense for most of the game, forcing three turnovers. Cornerback Donte Jackson had a pick-two on a two-point conversion attempt and fellow corner James Bradberry had an interception. However, the Panthers offense stalled on several drives, including their final one. With the loss, the team's record fell to 6-8.
Week 16: vs. Atlanta Falcons
Week Sixteen: Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Falcons |
7 |
3 |
14 | 0 | 24 |
| Panthers |
7 |
3 |
0 | 0 | 10 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
- Date: December 23
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: 52 °F (11 °C), sunny
- Game attendance: 73,722
- Referee: Pete Morelli
- TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, Mark Schlereth and Jennifer Hale
- Recap, Gamebook
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
Second quarter
- CAR – Chandler Catanzaro 50-yard field goal, 7:46. Panthers 10–7. Drive: 9 plays, 46 yards, 5:22.
- ATL – Matt Bryant 39-yard field goal, 5:35. Tied 10–10. Drive: 6 plays, 55 yards, 2:09.
Third quarter
- ATL – Calvin Ridley 75-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 14:51. Falcons 17-10. Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, 0:09.
- ATL – Mohamed Sanu 44-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 4:45. Falcons 24-10. Drive: 7 plays, 85 yards, 4:06.
Fourth quarter
|
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
|
|
During the week, the Panthers decided to give backup QB Taylor Heinicke his first NFL start due to Newton's injured shoulder. The Panthers lost 24-10, extending their losing streak to 7 games. Their record stood at 6-9.
Week 17: at New Orleans Saints
Week Seventeen: Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Panthers |
13 |
10 |
7 | 3 | 33 |
| Saints |
0 |
0 |
0 | 14 | 14 |
at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Date: December 30
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
- Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
- Game attendance: 73,028
- Referee: Bill Vinovich
- TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Ronde Barber and Kristina Pink
- Recap, Gamebook
| Game information
|
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- CAR – Ian Thomas 8-yard pass from Kyle Allen (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 2:00. Panthers 20–0. Drive: 16 plays, 90 yards, 7:45.
- CAR – Chandler Catanzaro 22-yard field goal, 0:00. Panthers 23–0. Drive: 7 plays, 66 yards, 1:28.
- Third quarter
- CAR – Curtis Samuel 53-yard pass from Kyle Allen (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 3:46. Panthers 30–0. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:34.
- Fourth quarter
- NO – Tre'Quan Smith 9-yard pass from Teddy Bridgewater (Wil Lutz kick), 13:28. Panthers 30–7. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 5:18.
- CAR – Chandler Catanzaro 51-yard field goal, 8:17. Panthers 33–7. Drive: 9 plays, 42 yards, 5:11.
- NO – Taysom Hill 9-yard rush (Wil Lutz kick), 3:47. Panthers 33–14. Drive: 4 plays, 57 yards, 1:23.
|
Top passers
- CAR – Kyle Allen – 16/27, 228 yards, 2 TD
- NO – Teddy Bridgewater – 14/22, 118 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
- CAR – Cameron Artis-Payne – 16 carries, 56 yards
- NO – Dwayne Washington – 11 carries, 108 yards
Top receivers
- CAR – D. J. Moore – 4 receptions, 81 yards
- NO – Tre'Quan Smith – 3 receptions, 30 yards
|
|
This was the Panthers' only game outside of the Eastern Time Zone during the 2018 season. Kyle Allen made his first start at QB due to injuries. Behind Allen, the Panthers won 33-14. With the win, the Panthers finished the season 7-9 and snapped their 7 game losing streak.
Standings
Division
Conference
| NFC
|
| #
|
Team
|
Division
|
W
|
L
|
T
|
PCT
|
DIV
|
CONF
|
SOS
|
SOV
|
STK
|
| Division leaders
|
| 1
|
New Orleans Saints
|
South
|
13
|
3
|
0
|
.813
|
4–2
|
9–3
|
.482
|
.488
|
L1
|
| 2
|
Los Angeles Rams
|
West
|
13
|
3
|
0
|
.813
|
6–0
|
9–3
|
.480
|
.428
|
W2
|
| 3
|
Chicago Bears
|
North
|
12
|
4
|
0
|
.750
|
5–1
|
10–2
|
.430
|
.419
|
W4
|
| 4
|
Dallas Cowboys
|
East
|
10
|
6
|
0
|
.625
|
5–1
|
9–3
|
.488
|
.444
|
W2
|
| Wild Cards
|
| 5
|
Seattle Seahawks
|
West
|
10
|
6
|
0
|
.625
|
3–3
|
8–4
|
.484
|
.400
|
W2
|
| 6
|
Philadelphia Eagles
|
East
|
9
|
7
|
0
|
.563
|
4–2
|
6–6
|
.518
|
.486
|
W3
|
| Did not qualify for the postseason
|
| 7
|
Minnesota Vikings
|
North
|
8
|
7
|
1
|
.531
|
3–2–1
|
6–5–1
|
.504
|
.355
|
L1
|
| 8
|
Atlanta Falcons
|
South
|
7
|
9
|
0
|
.438
|
4–2
|
7–5
|
.482
|
.348
|
W3
|
| 9
|
Washington Redskins
|
East
|
7
|
9
|
0
|
.438
|
2–4
|
6–6
|
.486
|
.371
|
L2
|
| 10
|
Carolina Panthers
|
South
|
7
|
9
|
0
|
.438
|
2–4
|
5–7
|
.508
|
.518
|
W1
|
| 11
|
Green Bay Packers
|
North
|
6
|
9
|
1
|
.406
|
1–4–1
|
3–8–1
|
.488
|
.417
|
L1
|
| 12
|
Detroit Lions
|
North
|
6
|
10
|
0
|
.375
|
2–4
|
4–8
|
.504
|
.427
|
W1
|
| 13
|
New York Giants
|
East
|
5
|
11
|
0
|
.313
|
1–5
|
4–8
|
.527
|
.487
|
L3
|
| 14
|
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
|
South
|
5
|
11
|
0
|
.313
|
2–4
|
4–8
|
.523
|
.506
|
L4
|
| 15
|
San Francisco 49ers
|
West
|
4
|
12
|
0
|
.250
|
1–5
|
2–10
|
.504
|
.406
|
L2
|
| 16
|
Arizona Cardinals
|
West
|
3
|
13
|
0
|
.188
|
2–4
|
3–9
|
.527
|
.302
|
L4
|
| Tiebreakers
|
- ^ New Orleans finished ahead of LA Rams based on head-to-head victory, claiming the No. 1 seed.
- ^ Atlanta finished ahead of Washington based on head-to-head victory. Atlanta finished ahead of Carolina based on head-to-head sweep. Washington finished ahead of Carolina based on head-to-head victory.
- ^ NY Giants finished ahead of Tampa Bay based on head-to-head victory.
- 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.
|
References
- "Cardinals choose Panthers DC Steve Wilks as new coach". January 22, 2018.
- "Panthers edge Eagles with historic comeback".
- "Panthers fire two defensive assistants after Bucs loss, Ron Rivera to handle play-calling duties".
- "Taylor Heinicke to start in place of Cam Newton versus Falcons".
External links
| Carolina Panthers |
|---|
|
|
| Franchise |
|
|---|
| Stadiums |
|
|---|
| Culture and lore |
|
|---|
| Rivalries |
|
|---|
| Hall of Honor |
|
|---|
| Wild card berths (2) |
|
|---|
| Division championships (6) |
|
|---|
| Conference championships (2) |
|
|---|
| Retired numbers |
|
|---|
| Media |
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|---|
| Current league affiliations |
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