2006 Carolina Panthers season - AbsoluteAstronomy.com

Regular season

Week	Date	Opponent	Results		Game site	Attendance
Week	Date	Opponent	Final score	Team record	Game site	Attendance
1	September 10	Atlanta Falcons 2006 Atlanta Falcons season -Roster:-Schedule:-Week 1: at Carolina Panthers:at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina The Falcons opened the regular season on the road against the Carolina Panthers on September 10...	L 6–20	0–1	Bank of America Stadium Bank of America Stadium Bank of America Stadium is a 73,778-seat football stadium located on of land in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. It is the home facility of the Carolina Panthers NFL franchise. It also hosts the annual Belk Bowl which features teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Big East...	73,522
2	September 17	at Minnesota Vikings 2006 Minnesota Vikings season 2006 was the 46th year of season play for the Minnesota Vikings and the 46th regular season of the National Football League.The 2006 Minnesota Vikings season began with the team trying to improve on their 9–7 record in 2005 which was the last under embattled head coach Mike Tice...	L 13–16 (OT)	0–2	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University...	63,623
3	September 24	at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2006 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season The 2006 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season began with the team trying to improve on their 11-5 record in 2005.-Summary:After winning the division in 2005, the Buccaneers suffered through an abysmal 2006 season...	W 26–24	1–2	Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium, also known as the "Ray Jay", is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Tampa, Florida. It is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as the NCAA's South Florida Bulls football team. The stadium seats 65,857 , and it is expandable to 75,000 for special events...	65,423
4	October 1	New Orleans Saints 2006 New Orleans Saints season The 2006 New Orleans Saints season began with the team trying to improve on their 3-13 record in 2005. All of the team's 2006 regular season home games were played in the Louisiana Superdome, which had been damaged all of the previous season by Hurricane Katrina...	W 21–18	2–2	Bank of America Stadium	73,392
5	October 8	Cleveland Browns 2006 Cleveland Browns season The 2006 Cleveland Browns season marked the 60th anniversary of the Browns franchise. It began with the team attempting to improve upon their win-loss record from 2005, where the team ended the year at 6–10. They were one of the most active teams during the free agency period, and looked to be one...	W 20–12	3–2	Bank of America Stadium	73,520
6	October 15	at Baltimore Ravens 2006 Baltimore Ravens season The 2006 Baltimore Ravens season began with the team trying to improve on their 6–10 record in 2005. The Ravens, for the first time in franchise history, started 4–0. The Ravens' ended the regular season with a team-best 13–3 record. The Ravens clinched the AFC North title, 1st-round bye...	W 23–21	4–2	M&T Bank Stadium M&T Bank Stadium M&T Bank Stadium is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the home of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. The stadium is immediately adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles. Served by the Hamburg Street station of...	70,762
7	October 22	at Cincinnati Bengals 2006 Cincinnati Bengals season The 2006 Cincinnati Bengals season began with the team trying to improve on their 11–5 record in 2005, defending their AFC North Division Championship title, and progress further through the playoffs than they made in the 2005 season having lost to Pittsburgh in the 1st round after losing star...	L 14–17	4–3	Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and...	65,964
8	October 29	Dallas Cowboys 2006 Dallas Cowboys season The 2006 Dallas Cowboys season began with the team trying to improve on their 9–7 record in 2005. The base offense was changed to a 2-TE formation. Several high profile free agents were signed including controversial wide receiver Terrell Owens and kicker Mike Vanderjagt...	L 14–35	4–4	Bank of America Stadium	73,682
9	Bye Bye (sports) A bye, in sports and other competitive activities, most commonly refers to the practice of allowing a player or team to advance to the next round of a playoff tournament without playing...
10	November 13	Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West...	W 24–10	5–4	Bank of America Stadium	73,573
11	November 19	St. Louis Rams 2006 St. Louis Rams season The 2006 St. Louis Rams season was the team's 69th year with the National Football League and the 12th season in St. Louis. The season began with the Rams trying to improve on their 6-10 record from 2005 under new head coach Scott Linehan.-Offseason:...	W 15–0	6–4	Bank of America Stadium	73,348
12	November 26	at Washington Redskins 2006 Washington Redskins season The 2006 Washington Redskins began with the team trying to improve on their 10-6 record from 2005.-Offseason:After the end of the 2005 season, the Redskins were reported to be $20 million over the salary cap...	L 13–17	6–5	FedEx Field	85,450
13	December 4	at Philadelphia Eagles 2006 Philadelphia Eagles season The 2006 Philadelphia Eagles season ended in the Eagles finishing 10–6, reclaiming the NFC East, and winning a playoff game at home. The season ended in a Divisional Round playoff loss to the New Orleans Saints, but was seen as a success in the face of the adversity of losing starting quarterback...	L 24–27	6–6	Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field is the home stadium of the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles. It has a seating capacity of 68,532 . It is located in South Philadelphia on Pattison Avenue between 11th and 10th streets, also aside I-95 as part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex...	69,098
14	December 10	New York Giants 2006 New York Giants season The 2006 New York Giants season began with the team trying to improve on their 11–5 record in 2005, which saw them win the NFC East. They did not win the NFC East or improve on that record, falling to 8-8 on the season after starting 6-2...	L 13–27	6–7	Bank of America Stadium	73,702
15	December 17	Pittsburgh Steelers 2006 Pittsburgh Steelers season The 2006 Pittsburgh Steelers season began with the team trying to improve on their 11–5 record from 2005 and trying to defend their Super Bowl XL championship.-Offseason:...	L 3–37	6–8	Bank of America Stadium	73,798
16	December 24	at Atlanta Falcons Atlanta Falcons The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...	W 10–3	7–8	Georgia Dome Georgia Dome The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the...	68,834
17	December 31	at New Orleans Saints New Orleans Saints The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....	W 31–21	8–8	Louisiana Superdome	69,569

Week 1: vs. Atlanta Falcons

at Bank of America Stadium

Bank of America Stadium

Bank of America Stadium is a 73,778-seat football stadium located on of land in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. It is the home facility of the Carolina Panthers NFL franchise. It also hosts the annual Belk Bowl which features teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Big East...

, Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte is the largest city in the U.S. state of North Carolina and the seat of Mecklenburg County. In 2010, Charlotte's population according to the US Census Bureau was 731,424, making it the 17th largest city in the United States based on population. The Charlotte metropolitan area had a 2009...

The Panthers opened the regular season at home against the Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...

on September 10. They lost, in what many fans and players alike referred to as an embarrassing game, 20-6. Kicker John Kasay

John Kasay

John David Kasay is an American football kicker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 1991 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia...

was the only scorer for Carolina with two field goals. However, it is important to note that the team's biggest playmaker, wide receiver Steve Smith, did not play due to a hamstring injury.

During the game, tackle Travelle Wharton

Travelle Wharton

Glenn Travelle Wharton is an American football player who currently plays offensive guard for the Carolina Panthers of the NFL...

seriously injured his left knee, effectively ending his season. He was later placed on injured reserve. Wharton had started the previous 28 regular season games for Carolina at either left guard or tackle. Carolina also lost its starting center, Justin Hartwig, and middle linebacker Dan Morgan for the season. With the loss, the Panthers started out their season 0-1.

Week 2: at Minnesota Vikings

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome

Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome

The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University...

, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis , nicknamed "City of Lakes" and the "Mill City," is the county seat of Hennepin County, the largest city in the U.S. state of Minnesota, and the 48th largest in the United States...

The Panthers had a middling game against the Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...

. Keyshawn Johnson

Keyshawn Johnson

Joseph Keyshawn Johnson is a former American football wide receiver, interior designer, business executive, author and current television broadcaster for sports channel ESPN. He retired from football on May 23, 2007 after an eleven-year career in the National Football League...

had 5 receptions for 106 yards, and rookie DeAngelo Williams

DeAngelo Williams

DeAngelo Williams is an American football running back for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. Williams was drafted by the Panthers 27th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft...

scored his first NFL touchdown. But with ten minutes left in regulation, and with a 13-6 lead, Chris Gamble

Chris Gamble

Chris Lee Gamble is an American football player with the Carolina Panthers. During his NFL career Gamble has only played cornerback, but was briefly a wide receiver at the Ohio State University. He was converted into a cornerback during his sophomore year...

, returning a kick, attempted to perform a lateral trick play. However, the plan backfired, as the ball was dropped and the Vikes recovered. Soon after, Ryan Longwell

Ryan Longwell

Ryan Walker Longwell is an American football placekicker for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League. After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he started his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers, but never played a game for the franchise...

faked a field goal and threw his first career touchdown pass to tight end Richard Owens

Richard Owens

Richard Owens is a former professional football player. He played tight end for the Minnesota Vikings, who acquired him as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Louisville....

, tying the game at 13-13. In overtime, Longwell connected from 19 yards out to drop the Panthers to a shocking 0-2.

Week 3: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

at Raymond James Stadium

Raymond James Stadium

Raymond James Stadium, also known as the "Ray Jay", is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Tampa, Florida. It is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as the NCAA's South Florida Bulls football team. The stadium seats 65,857 , and it is expandable to 75,000 for special events...

, Tampa, Florida

Tampa, Florida

Tampa is a city in the U.S. state of Florida. It serves as the county seat for Hillsborough County. Tampa is located on the west coast of Florida. The population of Tampa in 2010 was 335,709....

The Panthers beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West...

26-24, with the help of two touchdowns (1 receiving, 1 rushing) from former Bucs WR Keyshawn Johnson

Keyshawn Johnson

and four long field goals from Kicker John Kasay

John Kasay

. Kasay was the first kicker to go 4 for 4 in a game on field goals more than 46 yards. Steve Smith returned, catching 7 passes for 102 yards, and QB Jake Delhomme

Jake Delhomme

Jake Christopher Delhomme is an American football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. Delhomme played college football at Louisiana-Lafayette before being signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 1997...

threw his first touchdown pass of the season. With their first victory, the Panthers are 1-2.

Week 4: vs. New Orleans Saints

at Bank of America Stadium

Bank of America Stadium

, Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte, North Carolina

The Panthers earned a 21-18 victory over the previously undefeated New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....

. QB Jake Delhomme

Jake Delhomme

threw for two touchdowns (one to WR Steve Smith and one to WR Drew Carter

Drew Carter

Christopher Drew Carter is a retired American football wide receiver of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...

), with RB DeShaun Foster

DeShaun Foster

DeShaun Xavier Foster is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at UCLA.-Early years:...

running for another with less than two minutes remaining in the game. Carolina held off a late Saints rally to even their record at 2-2.

Week 5: vs. Cleveland Browns

at Bank of America Stadium

Bank of America Stadium

, Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte, North Carolina

Staying at home, the Panthers played a Week 5 match-up against the visiting Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...

. Even though the Browns would score first on a 41-yard field goal by Phil Dawson

Phil Dawson

Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...

, the Panthers struck big as rookie CB Richard Marshall took an interception 30 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, Carolina increased its lead, as QB Jake Delhomme

Jake Delhomme

threw a 17-yard TD pass to WR Keyshawn Johnson

Keyshawn Johnson

for the only score of the period (and in fact the only offensive touchdown of the game for either team). In the third quarter, both teams managed to get a field goal, as kicker John Kasay

John Kasay

got on from 24 yards out, while Dawson nailed a 47-yarder. In the fourth quarter, the Browns drew closer, as Dawson kicked a 22-yard field goal, but Kasay helped Carolina get a 19-yard field goal. The Panthers would allow one more Dawson field goal (a 32-yarder), but in the end, Carolina would walk away with their third-straight win while improving to 3-2.

Week 6: at Baltimore Ravens

at M&T Bank Stadium

M&T Bank Stadium

M&T Bank Stadium is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the home of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. The stadium is immediately adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles. Served by the Hamburg Street station of...

, Baltimore, Maryland

The Carolina Panthers earned their fourth straight victory by defeating the Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...

at M&T Bank Stadium

M&T Bank Stadium

23-21. QB Jake Delhomme

Jake Delhomme

passed for a career-high 365 yards while WR Steve Smith racked up 189 receiving yards and a touchdown, including a 72-yarder late in the fourth quarter. Also, WR Drew Carter

Drew Carter

Christopher Drew Carter is a retired American football wide receiver of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...

had 4 receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown. Ravens quarterback Kyle Boller

Kyle Boller

Kyle Bryan Boller is an American football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at The University of California.Boller has also played for the St...

threw two touchdowns to WR Mark Clayton that both came off tips by the Panthers secondary after Ravens starter Steve McNair

Steve McNair

Stephen LaTreal McNair was an American football quarterback who spent the majority of his NFL career with the Tennessee Titans....

left the game in the first quarter with a concussion. With the victory, the Panthers improved to 4-2 and second in the NFC South, trailing the 5-1 Saints by one game.

Week 7: at Cincinnati Bengals

at Paul Brown Stadium

Paul Brown Stadium

Paul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and...

, Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio. Cincinnati is the county seat of Hamilton County. Settled in 1788, the city is located to north of the Ohio River at the Ohio-Kentucky border, near Indiana. The population within city limits is 296,943 according to the 2010 census, making it Ohio's...

Putting their four-game winning streak on the line, the Panthers flew to Paul Brown Stadium

Paul Brown Stadium

for a cat fight against the Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...

. The Panthers stratched first as QB Jake Delhomme

Jake Delhomme

threw a 7-yard TD pass to TE Kris Mangum

Kris Mangum

Kris Thomas Mangum is a former American football player who played tight end for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League throughout his entire NFL career. He attended the University of Mississippi. His father, John Mangum, Sr. and his brother, John Mangum, Jr...

for the only score of the first quarter. In the second quarter, both teams swapped TD blows, as Bengals QB Carson Palmer

Carson Palmer

Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...

completed a 16-yard TD pass to TE Reggie Kelly

Reggie Kelly

Reginald Kuta Kelly is an American football tight end for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Mississippi State.He also played for the Cincinnati Bengals.-College career:Kelly...

, while Carolina RB Nick Goings

Nick Goings

Nick Aaron Goings is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2001...

caught a 20-yard TD pass. Unfortunately, the Panthers would get shut out in the second half, as Cincinnati got the win with kicker Shayne Graham

Shayne Graham

Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...

belting a 23-yard field in the third quarter, while Palmer threw a 1-yard TD pass to WR T. J. Houshmandzadeh

T. J. Houshmandzadeh

T. J. Houshmandzadeh, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State. Houshmandzadeh is of mixed...

. With the loss, Carolina fell to 4-3.

Week 8: vs. Dallas Cowboys

at Bank of America Stadium

Bank of America Stadium

, Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte, North Carolina

Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Bengals, the Panthers returned home for a Sunday night match-up with the Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...

. In the first quarter, Carolina started off strong with a 1-yard TD run by DeShaun Foster

DeShaun Foster

. The Panthers would even have QB Jake Delhomme

Jake Delhomme

complete a 24-yard TD pass to WR (Steve Smith). In the second quarter, the Cowboys started to play catch-up. QB Tony Romo

Tony Romo

Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005...

completed a 3-yard TD pass to TE Jason Witten

Jason Witten

Christopher Jason Witten is an American football tight end who plays for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Tennessee....

and kicker Mike Vanderjagt

Mike Vanderjagt

Michael John "Mike" Vanderjagt , is a professional American and Canadian football placekicker and punter who has played in the Arena Football League, the Canadian Football League and National Football League...

would complete a 38-yard field goal. Unfortunately, after a scoreless third quarter, the Panthers squandered their early lead in the fourth quarter. It came it the form of Vanderjagt kicking a 24-yard field goal, RB Julius Jones getting a 14-yard TD run (with Romo hooking up WR Terrell Owens

Terrell Owens

Terrell Owens is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens has been one of the dominant receivers of his era...

on the two-point conversion), a 3-yard TD run by RB Marion Barber

Marion Barber III

Marion Sylvester Barber III is an American football running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Minnesota....

, and Barber getting a 14-yard TD run. With their loss, the Panthers entered their Bye Week at 4-4.

Week 10: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

at Bank of America Stadium

Bank of America Stadium

, Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte, North Carolina

Coming off their Bye Week, the Panthers stayed at home for an NFC South rematch with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

on Monday Night Football

Monday Night Football

Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series...

. In the first quarter, Carolina trailed early as QB Bruce Gradkowski

Bruce Gradkowski

Bruce Raymond Gradkowski is an American Football quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Toledo.Gradkowski has previously been a member of the Tampa...

completed a 6-yard TD pass to WR Ike Hilliard

Ike Hilliard

Isaac Jason "Ike" Hilliard is a former American college and professional football player who was a wide receiver for twelve seasons in the National Football League during the 1990s and 2000s. He played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he played professionally for...

for the only score of the first quarter and of the first half. In the third quarter, the Panthers struck back with kicker John Kasay

John Kasay

completing a 28-yard field goal. Afterwards, QB Jake Delhomme

Jake Delhomme

completed a 4-yard TD pass to WR Keyshawn Johnson

Keyshawn Johnson

, followed up by FB Brad Hoover

Brad Hoover

Bradley R. Hoover is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2000...

's 5-yard TD run. In the third quarter, Tampa Bay tried to come back as kicker Matt Bryant

Matt Bryant

Steven Matt Bryant is an American football placekicker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was signed by the Frankfurt Galaxy as a street free agent in 2002...

nailed a 28-yard field goal. Fortunately, Carolina managed to put the game away as Delhomme completed a 36-yard TD pass to WR Steve Smith. With the win, the Panthers improved to 5-4.

Week 11: vs. St. Louis Rams

at Bank of America Stadium

Bank of America Stadium

, Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte, North Carolina

Coming off their primetime sweep over the Bucs, the Panthers stayed at home for the Week 11 fight with the St. Louis Rams

St. Louis Rams

The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...

. This game was notable as former teammates Stephen Davis

Stephen Davis (American football)

Stephen Lamont Davis is a former American football running back in the National Football League. Davis will be the Carolina Panthers' minority coaching intern for the 2010-11 season.-College career:...

and Will Witherspoon

Will Witherspoon

-Carolina Panthers:Witherspoon was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft. Witherspoon was the latest addition to new coach John Fox's overhaul of the defense, and Witherspoon's versatility at linebacker helped the Panthers total the second-best defense in the...

returned as members of the Rams. After a scoreless first quarter, the Panthers showed dominance as kicker John Kasay

John Kasay

nailed a 40-yard field goal, while QB Jake Delhomme

Jake Delhomme

completed a 62-yard TD pass to WR Steve Smith. In the third quarter, Kasay continued on improving Carolina's lead with a 34-yard field goal. Finally, in the fourth quarter, DE Mike Rucker

Mike Rucker

Michael Dean Rucker is a former American football defensive end who played for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League.-Early years:...

helped put the game away as he sacked Rams QB Marc Bulger

Marc Bulger

Marc Robert Bulger [] is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at West Virginia....

in St. Louis' endzone for a safety. With a strong defensive showing, the Panthers record their first home shutout since 1996 and their first overall since 1998. With the win, the Panthers improved to 6-4.

Week 12: at Washington Redskins

at FedExField

FedExField

FedExField is a football stadium located in an unincorporated area near the Capital Beltway in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States, near the site of the old Capital Centre . FedExField is the home of the Washington Redskins football team...

, Landover, Maryland

Landover, Maryland

Landover is an unincorporated community in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States, within the census-designated place of Greater Landover. The Prince Georges County Sports and Learning Complex is in Landover...

With two straight home wins under their belt, the Panthers flew to FedEx Field for an intraconference fight with the Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...

. In the first quarter, Carolina struck first with kicker John Kasay

John Kasay

getting a 42-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Redskins tied the game up with kicker Nick Novak

Nick Novak

Nicholas Ryan "Nick" Novak is an American football placekicker for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2005...

getting a 42-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Panthers regained the lead with Kasay's 51-yard field goal as time ran out on the half. In the third quarter, Carolina's lead was gone when QB Jason Campbell

Jason Campbell

Jason Campbell is an American football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft...

completed a 4-yard TD pass to WR Antwaan Randle El

Antwaan Randle El

Antwaan Randle El is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He attended Indiana University, after turning down a Major League Baseball draft selection by the Chicago Cubs in 1997...

for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Panthers came back to tie with QB Jake Delhomme

Jake Delhomme

completing an 8-yard TD pass to WR Steve Smith. However, it was not meant to be as Washington got the win with Campbell's 66-yard TD pass to TE Chris Cooley. With the loss, the Panthers fell to 6-5.

Week 13: at Philadelphia Eagles

at Lincoln Financial Field

Lincoln Financial Field

Lincoln Financial Field is the home stadium of the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles. It has a seating capacity of 68,532 . It is located in South Philadelphia on Pattison Avenue between 11th and 10th streets, also aside I-95 as part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex...

, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Philadelphia County, with which it is coterminous. The city is located in the Northeastern United States along the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. It is the fifth-most-populous city in the United States,...

Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Redskins, the Panthers flew to Lincoln Financial Field

Lincoln Financial Field

for a Monday Night fight with the Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...

. In the scrappy first quarter, Carolina struck first with QB Jake Delhomme

Jake Delhomme

completing a 9-yard TD pass to WR Steve Smith for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Eagles responded with QB Jeff Garcia

Jeff Garcia

Jeffrey Jason "Jeff" Garcia is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He played college football at San Jose State University....

completing an 8-yard TD pass to RB Brian Westbrook

Brian Westbrook

Brian Collins Westbrook is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at Villanova...

. Fortunately, the Panthers would regain before the half with Delhomme completing a 1-yard TD pass to the back corner of the endzone, caught by WR Keyshawn Johnson

Keyshawn Johnson

. In the third quarter, Philadelphia struck back with Garcia completing a 30-yard TD pass to WR Donte' Stallworth

Donte' Stallworth

Donté Lamar Stallworth is an American football wide receiver is currently playing for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft...

. Yet again, Carolina regained the lead with Delhomme completing a 35-yard TD screen pass to rookie RB DeAngelo Williams

DeAngelo Williams

DeAngelo Williams is an American football running back for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. Williams was drafted by the Panthers 27th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft...

, who rushed well after a shaky first quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Eagles crept closer with kicker David Akers

David Akers

David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....

getting a 28-yard field goal. The Panthers responded with kicker John Kasay

John Kasay

getting a 45-yard field goal. Philadelphia would respond with Garcia completing a 40-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Brown. Then, things got grim when Delhomme got intercepted by Free Safety Brian Dawkins

Brian Dawkins

Brian Patrick Dawkins is an American football safety for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft...

under pressure in the pocket, which led to Akers kicking a 25-yard field goal. Carolina tried to fight back as they marched deep into Philly territory, but came up short when Delhomme got intercepted again by cornerback Lito Sheppard

Lito Sheppard

Lito Decorian Sheppard is an American football cornerback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football for the University of Florida.Sheppard has also played for the New York...

in almost the same spot where Keyshawn Johnson

Keyshawn Johnson

made the earlier TD completion. Johnson claimed pass interference from Sheppard, but an official review decided this was not the case. With the loss, not only did the Panthers fall to 6-6, but it also marked the 5th time this season the Panthers had the lead going into the fourth quarter and lost. In many Panther's fans minds there was much pass interference and Shepard never had possession anyway.

Week 14: vs. New York Giants

at Bank of America Stadium

Bank of America Stadium

, Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte, North Carolina

Trying to snap a two-game losing streak and keep any playoff hope alive, the Panthers went home for a Week 14 fight with the New York Giants

New York Giants

The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...

. For this game, QB Chris Weinke

Chris Weinke

Christopher Jon Weinke is a former professional American football and baseball player. After spending six years in the Toronto Blue Jays minor league baseball system, he enrolled at Florida State University at the age of 26, and played quarterback for the Florida State Seminoles...

would be making his first start since 2002, as he stood in place for an injured Jake Delhomme

Jake Delhomme

(thumb injury). In the first quarter, the Panthers trailed as Giants kicker Jay Feely

Jay Feely

Thomas James "Jay" Feely is an American football placekicker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. Jay played for the Temple Terrace Spirit Soccer team that won the National Championships when he was 16....

nailed a 32-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, Carolina's troubles increased as QB Eli Manning

Eli Manning

Eli Nelson Manning is an American football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He is the younger brother of NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and the son of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning...

completed a 28-yard TD to WR Plaxico Burress

Plaxico Burress

Plaxico Antonio Burress is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers eighth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...

. The Panthers would get on the board with Weinke completing a 36-yard TD pass to WR Drew Carter

Drew Carter

Christopher Drew Carter is a retired American football wide receiver of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...

, while kicker John Kasay

John Kasay

nailed a 37-yard field goal. However, the G-Men continued to pound out some frustrations as Manning completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE Jeremy Shockey

Jeremy Shockey

Jeremy Charles Shockey is an American football tight end for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Giants 14th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...

. In the third quarter, Carolina's struggles continued with Feely kicking a 29-yard field goal, while Manning completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR David Tyree

David Tyree

David Mikel Tyree is a retired American football wide receiver and special teams player. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Syracuse University. Tyree has also played for the Baltimore Ravens...

. In the fourth quarter, the only sort of comeback Carolina could muster was Kasay's 45-yard field goal. Despite Weinke throwing for 423 yards (with his 61 attempts becoming the second highest of his career), he threw 3 interceptions. With their third-straight loss, the Panthers fell to 6-7.

Week 15: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

at Bank of America Stadium

Bank of America Stadium

, Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte, North Carolina

Trying to end their three-game losing skid, the Panthers played their final home game of the year against the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...

. With QB Jake Delhomme

Jake Delhomme

's thumb still sore, Chris Weinke

Chris Weinke

once again got the start. After a scoreless first quarter, Carolina's recent struggles continued with QB Ben Roethlisberger

Ben Roethlisberger

Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...

's 1-yard TD run, kicker Jeff Reed

Jeff Reed (football)

Jeffrey "Jeff" Montgomery Reed is a National Football League placekicker who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2002...

's 19-yard field goal, and Roethlisberger's 13-yard TD pass to RB Najeh Davenport

Najeh Davenport

Najeh Trenadious Monté Davenport is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...

. Afterwards, the Panthers got their only score of the game with kicker John Kasay

John Kasay

getting a 37-yard field goal. In the third quarter, more Panther trouble continued with Reed's 45-yard field goal and RB Willie Parker

Willie Parker

"Fast" Willie Everette Parker Jr. is an American football running back for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at North Carolina...

's 41-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, WR Santonio Holmes

Santonio Holmes

Santonio Holmes Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Ohio State...

returned a punt 65-yards for a touchdown, while Josh Reed booted a 26-yard field goal. With their fourth-straight loss, the Panthers fell to 6-8.

Week 16: at Atlanta Falcons

at the Georgia Dome

Georgia Dome

The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the...

, Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in...

The Panthers visited NFC South rival Atlanta

Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...

in a bid to keep their fading playoff hopes alive. Chris Weinke

Chris Weinke

continued to start at QB in place of injured stater Jake Delhomme

Jake Delhomme

. The Falcons opened the scoring with a field goal from NFL legend Morten Andersen

Morten Andersen

Morten Andersen , nicknamed "The Great Dane", is a former National Football League kicker. He holds the distinction of being the all-time leading scorer in NFL history, as well as being the all-time leading scorer for two different teams; the New Orleans Saints, with whom he spent 13 seasons, and...

which set the all-time record for field goals, cementing the Dane's

Denmark

Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...

place in league history. The Panthers opened the game with several running plays which would set the tone for the game. The Panthers' drive stretched into the 2nd
quarter where they scored on a 1-yard pass from Weinke to sparingly used TE Jeff King

Jeff King (American football)

Jeffery "Jeff" W. King is an American football tight end in the National Football League with the Arizona Cardinals. He played college football and basketball for Virginia Tech.-Football:...

. Kicker John Kasay

John Kasay

would later extend the lead to 7 with a field goal. The game ended 10-3. In total the Panthers only passed 7 times, connecting on 4. Offensive Coordinator Dan Henning called a running play 52 times, including many from the archaic single-wing formation which would later result in being known as the "Wild Cat Formation" used almost exclusively by the Miami Dolphins that Dan brought over with him after being let go end of the season.

However, even though the Panthers improved to 7-8 with their win, they would fall out of the playoff race with Atlanta with the New York Giants

New York Giants

' Week 17 Saturday night win over the Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins

Week 17: at New Orleans Saints

at the Louisiana Superdome

Louisiana Superdome

The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA...

, New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...

The Panthers arrived in New Orleans

New Orleans, Louisiana

to face off with the Saints

New Orleans Saints

. On the Saints' first drive, Reggie Bush

Reggie Bush

Reginald Alfred "Reggie" Bush II is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft...

scored a touchdown to give the Saints an early lead. The Panthers came right back with a pass to Steve Smith for the score. In the second quarter, Jamie Martin passed left short to Jamaal Branch

Jamaal Branch

Jamaal Branch is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was originally signed by the Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at Colgate University.-Early life and education:...

for a touchdown for the Saints. The Panthers responded once again with DeShaun Foster

DeShaun Foster

running into the end zone to tie the game at 14. Martin then made an interception and returned the ball for a touchdown to give the Panthers the lead. On the Panthers' next offensive possession, Jake Delhomme

Jake Delhomme

made a short pass to Smith to give the Panthers a 28-14 lead. The Saints cut the deficit in half when Fred McAfee

Fred McAfee

Fred Lee McAfee is a former American football running back in the NFL who played for the New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.-Early years:...

rushed up the middle for a touchdown. The Panthers kicked a field goal

Field goal (football)

A field goal in American football and Canadian football is a goal that may be scored during general play . Field goals may be scored by a placekick or the now practically extinct drop kick.The drop kick fell out of favor in 1934 when the shape of the ball was changed...

in the fourth quarter which ended the scoring to give Carolina a 31-21 victory. This win closed out the Panthers' disappointing season at 8-8.

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