Panthers pounce to open playoffs

Carolina quarterback Cam Newton threw two third-quarter touchdown passes and the Panthers defense stifled the Arizona Cardinals in a 27-16 NFL playoff victory.
In the first game of the post-season, the Panthers advanced in the National Football Conference, dashing the Cardinals' hopes of reaching the February 1 Super Bowl in their home stadium.
Newton connected on touchdown passes with Fozzy Whittaker and Mike Tolbert in the third period as the Panthers erased a 14-13 halftime deficit.
Carolina's defense made sure the lead held up, limiting the injury-depleted Arizona offense to 12 yards and two first downs in the second half.
With third-string quarterback Ryan Lindley at the helm, the Cardinals notched a mere 78 net yards for the game -- the fewest by one team in a playoff game in NFL history.
Both of Arizona's touchdowns came on short drives in the wake of Carolina turnovers.
Lindley threw a touchdown pass to Darren Fells in the second quarter, but was intercepted twice and finished with just 82 yards.
Newton, still feeling the effects of the back injury he suffered in a December 9 car crash, completed 18 of his 32 passing attempts for 198 yards with one interception.
Jonathan Stewart added 123 rushing yards and a touchdown for the Panthers, who notched their fifth straight win.
Carolina's late-season surge saw them seize the NFC South division title with a modest 7-8-1 record.
They next play either reigning Super Bowl champions Seattle or Green Bay, depending on the outcome of Sunday's first-round game between Detroit and Dallas.
American Football Conference playoff action kicked off later Saturday with the Baltimore Ravens taking on the Steelers in Pittsburgh.
Although both clubs have long been known for dominating defense, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and his Ravens counterpart Joe Flacco have presided over outstanding offensive seasons, with both teams setting club records in points and yardage.
Cincinnati will visit Indianapolis in Sunday's AFC clash, with New England and Denver awaiting this weekend's winners.
Source: AFP