Stunning First Half for the Carolina Panthers

It's a feeling we haven't felt all season really--Carolina ripping it up in the first half.  The Panthers scored on the first possession and haven't looked back, walking into the locker-room 24-3. 

Cam Newton came out firing five straight strikes, ending with a touchdown to Kelvin Benjamin. Carolina's defense forced two turnovers early, one remarkable interception by Bene "Stiki Wiki" Benwikere, which set up Cam Newton and the Carolina offense to keep pounding.  Had it not been for two Kelvin Benjamin Butters drops, the Panthers could have really had two more touchdowns in the first quarter.  

Carolina didn't let off the gas, however, as the defense continued to play aggressive, and the offense continued to put up touchdowns  Shula found somehow seemed to call a perfect mix of aggressive through the air and utilizing Cam in the running game. 

There was some real fight in the Carolina Panthers, one that manifested in a brawl after Newton's acrobatic rushing touchdown.  Brandon "Swole-Bones" Williams was ejected for throwing a punch as he defended Cam against a sore losing Saints defense.    

The defense played well, and the offense played even better in the 1st half.  Josh Norman forced a fumble, Tre Boston provided a stronger presence at safety, and everyone is happy to have Stiki Wiki back.  The Saints offense struggled to get anything going.  If Carolina can get a little out of the pass-rush, there could be some tough sledding ahead for Drew Brees and the Saints.

Standouts:

Cam Newton: 15/24, 162 yards, 68 rushing yards, 2 passing TDs, and 1 rushing TD.

Greg Olsen: 7 catches, 60 yards, and TD

Jonathan Stewart: 12 carries, 65 yards

Philly Brown: 3 catches, 42 yards

Bene Benwikere: INT, 2 tackles

Josh Norman: FF, 2 tackles