Many elements added up to the Panthers’ offensive success, perhaps best illustrated by Joseph Charlton’s “1” in the punt column in the final gamebook. Carolina recorded 30 first downs — 11 rushing, 17 passing, two via penalty — consistently moving the ball. The offense did not have a three-and-out. Its only possession of fewer than four plays came early in the second quarter when quarterback Teddy Bridgewater threw an interception.

The Panthers finished with a 37:08 to 22:52 advantage in time of possession and ran 17 more plays than the Cardinals.

“Honestly, we wanted to have an aggressive approach,” Bridgewater said. “But we just had an opportunity where we kept drives alive, were converting on third downs, and staying on the field.”

Carolina’s first two drives of 13 and eight plays resulted in touchdowns. Then, after Bridgewater’s interception, the Panthers went 10 plays