Four Downs: Panthers' playoff hopes take major hit in loss to Vikings

The Carolina Panthers entered their Sunday game at Minnesota nursing a five-game losing streak, yet remarkably still alive for the NFC South title.

Those hopes for a playoff berth may have been washed away at TCF Bank Stadium, as the Vikings cruised to a 31-13 victory.

When Newton was selected No. 1 overall coming out of Auburn (2011 NFL Draft), the Panthers (now 3-8-1) fully expected the Heisman Trophy winner to lead them to the promise land for years and years to come.

However, it's been anything but a smooth ride for Newton and the Panthers. And this year has been particularly rough for the quarterback, who's experiencing the worst passing numbers of his four-year career.

Newton has never been and likely won't be a great passer. He relies on his legs to guide the Panthers nearly as much as the arm. Through four NFL seasons, Newton has posted pedestrian passing statistics, including career completion rate of 59.6 percent.

Even so, his passing over the last six games has been downright bad.

Sunday's effort was no different, with Newton (18 of 35 for 194 yards, one INT) tossed only one touchdown against the Vikings (5-7).

Since Week 8, Newton has a paltry completion rate (54.4 percent) and a shaky touchdown/interception ratio (6/9).

What's more, he's thrown at least one interception in eight straight games. Newton has completed 60-plus-percent of his passes just twice during that six-game stretch -- including a wretched 36 percent against the Saints on Oct. 30, a nationally televised home outing.

On the bench sits Derek Anderson, perhaps one of the NFL's best backup quarterbacks. Anderson has started 44 games during his career and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2007 (Cleveland Browns).

To be clear, no one is tabbing Anderson as the long-term solution, but he did lead the Panthers to victory in Week 1 (his only start of 2014), while completing 70 percent of his passes. For the season, the Oregon State product has four touchdowns and zero INTs.

Heading into Sunday, Minnesota hadn't recorded a punt-block return touchdown since 1986.

That all changed against the Panthers ... as the Vikings tallied not one, but two punt-block return TDs -- the driving forces behind Carolina's sizable lead at halftime (28-6).

Minnesota's Adam Thielen scored from 30 yards out with 7:00 left in the first quarter, after blocking a punt and scooping up the loose ball. On his way to the end zone, Thielen shed a couple of tackles.

Then, defensive end Everson Griffen scored from 43 yards out -- a reward for blocking Brad Normna's punt with 9:35 left in the first half.

So, just how unusual is having two blocked punt returns for touchdowns in the same game?

The 2014 NFC South, statistically speaking, is the worst division in NFL history. And yet, the Panthers (1-8-1 since Week 3) aren't a viable threat to sneak into the playoffs.

(New Orleans currently sits atop the division at 5-7. -- the same record as fourth-place Minnesota in the NFC North.)

Here's why Carolina remains a long shot for the division crown: The Panthers (1-4-1 mark in away games) must face the Saints and Falcons (4-7 heading into Sunday) on the road. Oddly enough, this was supposed to be the so-called "easy portion of the Panthers' schedule

Stewart (110 total yards on only 14 touches) finally produced the type of effort the Panthers -- and their fans -- have been waiting for all season. In essence, they have been waiting for any Carolina running back post sizable numbers like this.

The running game has been abysmal all season, due to a poor offensive line and injuries to tailbacks. But even when healthy, the rushers have failed to consistently hit the open running lanes.

On Sunday, though, Stewart ran hard and seemingly with a purpose, pounding out 85 rushing yards on 12 carries. For good measure, J-Stew also produced a 26-yard carry against the Vikings -- the longest run of any Panthers tailback this season.

It's been another difficult year for Stewart, who has battled injuries in each of the last three seasons. He entered Sunday's contest averaging just 3.3 yards per carry, with just two touchdowns.

In fairnesss, though, Stewart's only getting roughly nine carries per game, which can be tough for any running back.