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5 Takeaways From Carolina Panthers’ Win Over Seattle Seahawks In Divisional Round

Streeter Lecka Getty Images

After jumping out to a 31-0 halftime lead, the Carolina Panthers hung on to beat the Seattle Seahawks in Sunday’s first Divisional Round game. Here are five takeaways from the Panthers’ victory.

5. Greg Olsen Is the NFL's Second-Best Tight End

Greg Olsen Is the NFL's Second-Best Tight End Jamie Squire Getty Images
Rob Gronkowski is the league's best tight end until further notice, as long as his health permits. But Olsen continues to make a strong case for the No. 2 spot on anyone's list of the best at the position, with a terrific touchdown catch the most obvious evidence he provided on Sunday.

Rob Gronkowski is the league's best tight end until further notice, as long as his health permits. But Olsen continues to make a strong case for the No. 2 spot on anyone's list of the best at the position, with a terrific touchdown catch the most obvious evidence he provided on Sunday.

4. Seattle's Offense Should Center Around Russell Wilson Going Forward

Seattle's Offense Should Center Around Russell Wilson Going Forward Jamie Squire Getty Images
After losing some notable star power, Wilson was arguably the league's best quarterback down the stretch of the regular season and the Seahawks' offense was prolific. Going forward, Wilson and the passing game should drive the team's offense.

After losing some notable star power, Wilson was arguably the league's best quarterback down the stretch of the regular season and the Seahawks' offense was prolific. Going forward, Wilson and the passing game should drive the team's offense.

3. The Panthers Need Help At Wide Receiver

The Panthers Need Help At Wide Receiver Jamie Squire Getty Images
With all due respect to those who have helped fill the void left by Kelvin Benjamin's training camp ACL tear, and with a nod to a generally conservative offense, the Panthers simply don't have a difference-making wide receiver right now. Benjamin's return next season will help, but if there's anything that will hold the Panthers back over the rest of these playoffs, it might be not having a legit No. 1 wide receiver available who commands attention from defenses.

With all due respect to those who have helped fill the void left by Kelvin Benjamin's training camp ACL tear, and with a nod to a generally conservative offense, the Panthers simply don't have a difference-making wide receiver right now. Benjamin's return next season will help, but if there's anything that will hold the Panthers back over the rest of these playoffs, it might be not having a legit No. 1 wide receiver available who commands attention from defenses.

2. Carolina's Secondary Is A Big Concern

Carolina's Secondary Is A Big Concern Streeter Lecka Getty Images
Outside of cornerback Josh Norman, Carolina's secondary looks low on talent and susceptible to big plays if the pass rush fails to get home. Against an Arizona offense that is deep with capable pass catchers, that has to be a huge concern for the Panthers heading into next Sunday.

Outside of cornerback Josh Norman, Carolina's secondary looks low on talent and susceptible to big plays if the pass rush fails to get home. Against an Arizona offense that is deep with capable pass catchers, that has to be a huge concern for the Panthers heading into next Sunday.

1. Marshawn Lynch Has Played His Last Game As a Seattle Seahawk

Marshawn Lynch Has Played His Last Game As a Seattle Seahawk Grant Halverson Getty Images
It's not exactly news based on his history, but Lynch was described as unpredictable by Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said "you never know" regarding the running back's workload and effort level prior to Sunday's game. The Seahawks can save $6.5 million against their 2016 salary cap by cutting Lynch, and they have a viable replacement in Thomas Rawls. It's likely they will cut ties with the soon-to-be 30-year-old running back.

It's not exactly news based on his history, but Lynch was described as unpredictable by Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said "you never know" regarding the running back's workload and effort level prior to Sunday's game. The Seahawks can save $6.5 million against their 2016 salary cap by cutting Lynch, and they have a viable replacement in Thomas Rawls. It's likely they will cut ties with the soon-to-be 30-year-old running back.

Brad Berreman is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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