Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is sacked by Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Shariff Floyd (73) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Charles Johnson, right, runs from Carolina Panthers defensive end Wes Horton after making a reception during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph, right, celebrates with teammate Rhett Ellison after catching a 4-yard touchdown pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) runs from Carolina Panthers punter Brad Nortman (8) as he returns a blocked punt for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) tries to break a tackle by Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Chad Greenway (52) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart, left, is tackled by Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Anthony Barr during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Greg Jennings, right, runs from Carolina Panthers cornerback Antoine Cason (20) during a 17-yard touchdown reception in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Greg Jennings (15) celebrates after catching a 17-yard touchdown pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is tackled by Minnesota Vikings middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley (54) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Philly Brown (16) catches a 32-yard touchdown pass in front of Minnesota Vikings free safety Harrison Smith during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera watches from the sidelines during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen celebrates after sacking Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Panthers control game in terms of statistics but not on the scoreboard as two special teams touchdowns vault Vikings to a 31-13 victory. Read more
Carolina can't overcome a pair of blocked punts before halftime that the Vikings return for touchdowns. Read more
There were bright spots in the loss, like running back Jonathan Stewart's best game of the season and a career first for linebacker Luke Kuechly. Read more
The Panthers' playoff hopes took a major hit, but the team intends to keep pounding over the final month of the season. Read more
Check out the game highlights here:
The latest Panthers Insider looks at how Panthers dug themselves too big of a hole:
Hear the thoughts of head coach Ron Rivera and quarterback Cam Newton after the game:
And listen to what others have to say in the latest Locker Room Talk:
