Patriots fall to Panthers
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is sacked by Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy in the first quarter.
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After getting beat for a pass reception, Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib held on to Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith, sparking an on-field scuffle in the first quarter.
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Talib and Smith went back-and-forth after the play.
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Panthers tight end Greg Olsen pulled in a long pass reception for a first down.
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The Panthers were pumped after a fumble recovery. Patriots running back Stevan Ridley lost the ball.
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Olsen scored a touchdown in the third quarter with Patriots free safety Devin McCourty watching.
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Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski stretched for a touchdown in the third quarter.
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Defensive end Rob Ninkovich looked to have Panthers QB Cam Newton in his grasp, but Newton broke the tackle and scrambled for a long gain and a first down.
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Defensive back Nate Ebner and outside linebacker Dont'a Hightower finally brought down Panthers quarterback Cam Newton after he scrambled for a first down in the third quarter.
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Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith made a reception along the sidelines despite the defensive coverage of cornerback Aqib Talib.
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Free safety Devin McCourty is called for defensive holding penalty on Panthers tight end Greg Olsen on the game-winning drive in the fourth quarter.
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Running back Shane Vereen broke free of a pack of Panthers defenders on this run in the fourth quarter.
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Panthers wide receiver Ted Ginn broke a tackle by cornerback Kyle Arrington and raced into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown.
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Ginn was flying high as he celebrated the touchdown in the fourth quarter.
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Newton reacted after throwing the game-winning TD.
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Panther Robert Lester intercepted Tom Brady’s pass intended for Rob Gronkowski, who was wrapped up by Luke Kuechly. A flag was thrown, but it was picked up. ending the game.
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Kuechly questioned the flag while the referees confered on the field.
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An angry Tom Brady questioned the call at the end of the game.
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Patriots head coach Bill Belichick walked off the field after the loss.
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