text: The team rebounded the following week, beating the Minnesota Vikings 35–10 and unexpectedly went on a then-franchise record eight-game winning streak. During the streak, the Panthers defeated the reigning NFC champion San Francisco 49ers in San Francisco and defeated longtime AFC powerhouse the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football in Charlotte. The Panthers defense, led by second year linebacker Luke Kuechly, became the main star during the streak, holding opponents to 20 points or less. It finally ended in week 14, when Carolina was beaten 31–13 by their division rival New Orleans Saints on Sunday Night Football. The Panthers were able to finish strong with three victories in a row over the New York Jets and close wins over the Saints and Atlanta Falcons. The latter victory allowed Carolina to clinch their third NFC South title overall and the 2nd seed for the NFC playoffs, and their first playoff appearance since 2008.
  In the Divisional round of the playoffs, the Panthers hosted the 49ers. The reigning conference champions were much healthier than they were in the regular season, and defeated the Panthers 23–10. Following the season, Rivera won Coach of the Year, becoming the second Panthers coach to win the award. Kuechly also won Defensive Player of the Year, the first Panther to win the honor.