Carolina Panthers survive Seattle Seahawks recovery

The Carolina Panthers withstood a furious second half comeback from the Seattle Seahawks last night to win 31-24 and set up a National Football Conference championship showdown against the Arizona Cardinals.

A devastating first-half points blitz saw Carolina race into a 31-0 lead with quarterback Cam Newton excelling as the Seahawks vaunted defense was run ragged in the NFL Divisional round playoff game in Charlotte.

The Seahawks, however, staged a superb second half rally with quarterback Russell Wilson throwing for three touchdowns and finishing with 366 yards.