Steve Smith
The Carolina Panthers absolutely stunned the Minnesota Vikings Sunday night with a 26-7 win and have really mixed up the NFC playoff picture as a result.
Brett Favre and company just did not show up for this one.
The ageless quarterback was 17 of 27 passing for 224 yards and one interception. He did not have a touchdown pass on the night.
Adrian Peterson had the team’s lone touchdown, finding pay dirt from four yards out in the second quarter. It would be the highlight of his night, as he only gained 35 yards on 12 touches.
He was far more effective in the passing game, catching three balls for 73 yards, including a 63-yard screen pass late in the game.
The Carolina Panthers awoke in the fourth quarter, scoring 20 unanswered points to seal the victory.
Quarterback Matt Moore was effective in filling in for the injured Jake Delhomme. Moore was 21 of 33 passing for 299 yards, three touchdown and no interceptions.
Jonathan Stewart, who came in for an injured DeAngelo Williams, became the first running back to gain 100 yards against the Vikings in 36 games. Stewart finished the night with 109 yards on 25 carries, one of which went for a touchdown. He also had a receiving touchdown.
Receiver Steve Smith also stepped up huge, grabbing nine passes from Moore for 157 yards and one touchdown.
The loss drops the Vikings to 11-3 and gives hope to the Philadelphia Eagles to take away the second seed in the NFC.