Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers: Fourth Quarter Open Thread

Nursing a one-point lead coming out of the locker room, the Carolina Panthers put together a very impressive drive to start the second half. Eating up nearly half of the quarter and converting several big third downs, the home team found the end zone again, as Cam Newton found Devin Funchess on an 18-yard pass for a score. Graham Gano added the extra point, and the Panthers went back up by 8 at 21-13.

Things then went from bad to worse, as Case Keenum was sacked on the Vikings’ first offensive play by Mario Addison and fumbled the football. It was recovered by the Panthers in Minnesota territory, but the Vikings managed to limit the damage by forcing Carolina to settle for a 41-yard field goal, making it 24-13.

Minnesota pushed into Carolina territory on their next possession, but Keenum was sacked for the third time on the afternoon and the Vikings were forced to punt. Ryan Quigley’s punt was downed at the two-yard line. The Vikings took advantage, forcing a three-and-out, and then Marcus Sherels broke off a big 29-yard punt return to give the Vikings great field position at the Carolina 30. As we move to the fourth quarter, the Vikings have a 2nd-and-13 from the Carolina 33.

The Vikings’ winning streak and the NFC North title are on the line, as the Vikings trail the Panthers 24-13 going into the fourth quarter. Can the Vikings mount what would be an impressive comeback?