Overview
- Stafford threw two interceptions and lost a fumble, with Carolina converting the takeaways into the decisive margin in a 31-28 win.
- A third-and-5 at the Panthers’ 17 with 2:34 left became third-and-10 on a delay-of-game, and Brown strip-sacked Stafford on the next snap as Carolina recovered.
- One interception was a pass tipped by Derrick Brown and picked by safety Nick Scott in the end zone, and the other was a 48-yard pick-six by cornerback Mike Jackson.
- Postgame, Stafford took responsibility for the penalty and turnovers, saying such mistakes haven’t been an issue this season and he doesn’t expect them to persist.
- Debate over his MVP candidacy intensified, though coverage notes he still leads key categories like touchdown passes and passer rating, while Panthers players, including Jackson, highlighted forcing three takeaways and a statement win.