2007 Carolina Panthers season
Encyclopedia
The 2007
2007 NFL season
The 2007 NFL season was the 88th regular season of the National Football League.Regular-season play was held from September 6 to December 30....

 Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...

 season
was the 13th season for the team in the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...

. They failed to improve upon their 8–8 record in 2006
2006 Carolina Panthers season
-Regular season:-Week 1: vs. Atlanta Falcons:at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North CarolinaThe Panthers opened the regular season at home against the Atlanta Falcons on September 10. They lost, in what many fans and players alike referred to as an embarrassing game, 20-6. Kicker John Kasay...

, finishing 7–9.

Staff

Roster

Preseason

Week Date Opponent Results Game site
Final score Team record
1 August 11 at New York Giants
2007 New York Giants season
The 2007 New York Giants season was the 83rd season for the New York Giants in the National Football League. The Giants finished the regular season 10–6 and in second place in the NFC East, improving upon their 8–8 record in 2006 in which they finished third in their division...

W 24–21 1–0 Giants Stadium
Giants Stadium
Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to...

2 August 17 at Philadelphia Eagles
2007 Philadelphia Eagles season
The 2007 Philadelphia Eagles season marked the 75th anniversary of the Eagles franchise. The team compiled an 8–8 record and a last-place finish in the NFC East....

L 10–27 1–2 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...

3 August 24 New England Patriots
2007 New England Patriots season
The 2007 New England Patriots season was the 38th season for the team in the National Football League and 48th season overall. They finished with a perfect 16–0 regular season record but lost to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII....

L 7–24 1–3 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...

4 August 30 Pittsburgh Steelers
2007 Pittsburgh Steelers season
The 2007 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the 75th season of the Steelers franchise. The season saw the team improve upon their 8–8 record from 2006, finish with a record of 10–6, and win the AFC North Division...

L 3–19 1–4 Bank of America Stadium

Regular season

Week Date Opponent Results Game site NFL.com
recap
Final score Team record
1 September 9 at 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,...

W 27–13 1–0 Edward Jones Dome
Edward Jones Dome
The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome (more formally known as the Edward Jones Dome at America's Center, and previously known as The Trans World Dome (from 1995–2001) is a multi-purpose stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, and home of the St. Louis Rams of the NFL. It was...

Recap
2 September 16 Houston Texans
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...

L 21–34 1–1 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...

Recap
3 September 23 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 27–20 2–1 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...

Recap
4 September 30 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...

L 7–20 2–2 Bank of America Stadium Recap
5 October 7 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 16–13 3–2 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...

Recap
6 October 14 at Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...

W 25–10 4–2 University of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl...

Recap
7 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...

8 October 28 Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....

L 7–31 4–3 Bank of America Stadium Recap
9 November 4 at Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter...

L 7–20 4–4 LP Field
LP Field
LP Field is a football stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, United States, owned by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County....

Recap
10 November 11 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...

L 13–20 4–5 Bank of America Stadium Recap
11 November 18 at Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...

L 17–31 4–6 Lambeau Field
Lambeau Field
Lambeau Field is an outdoor football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Opened in 1957 as City Stadium, it replaced the original City Stadium as the Packers' home field...

Recap
12 November 25 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 ....

L 6–31 4–7 Bank of America Stadium Recap
13 December 2 San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...

W 31–14 5–7 Bank of America Stadium Recap
14 December 9 at Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...

L 6–37 5–8 Jacksonville Municipal Stadium Recap
15 December 16 Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...

W 13–10 6–8 Bank of America Stadium Recap
16 Dec. 22 (Saturday) 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...

L 13–20 6–9 Bank of America Stadium Recap
17 December 30 at 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 31–23 7–9 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...

Recap
NOTES: Division games are in bold text. All game dates are on Sunday unless indicated otherwise.

Week 1: at St. Louis Rams

The Panthers began their 2007 campaign on the road against 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,...

. In the first quarter, Carolina pounced first with 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...

 completing a 10-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...

. Afterwards, the Rams would tie the game with 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....

 completing a 3-yard TD pass to WR Torry Holt
Torry Holt
After injuring his knee at the Senior Bowl, Holt, at 192 pounds, ran a 4.44 second 40-yard dash and had a vertical jump of 37 inches at the 1999 NFL Combine-St. Louis Rams:...

. In the second quarter, St. Louis would lead at halftime on a 42-yard field goal by kicker Jeff Wilkins
Jeff Wilkins
For the American basketball player, see Jeff Wilkins .Jeffrey Allen Wilkins nicknamed "Money" is a former American football placekicker in the National Football League for the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles and St Louis Rams. He played college football at Youngstown State University...

.

In the third quarter, the Rams increased their lead with Wilkins kicking a 28-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Panthers retook the lead with Delhomme completing a 68-yard TD pass to WR Steve Smith. In the fourth quarter, Carolina took control for the rest of the game with 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...

 nailing a 34-yard field goal, Delhomme & Carter hooking up with each other again on a 9-yard TD pass, and Kasay wrapping up the game with a 32-yard field goal.

With the win, the Panthers began their year at 1-0.

Week 2: vs. Houston Texans

Coming off their road win over the Rams, the Panthers would play their Week 2 homeopener against the Houston Texans
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...

. In the first quarter, Carolina pounced first with 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...

 hooking up with WR Steve Smith on a 7-yard TD pass and a 12-yard TD pass. The Texans would respond with QB Matt Schaub
Matt Schaub
Matthew Rutledge Schaub is the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia.-College career:...

 completing a 31-yard TD pass to WR Andre Johnson
Andre Johnson
Andre Lamont Johnson is an American football wide receiver currently playing for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. Through the 2010–11 NFL season, Johnson currently ranks first all-time in NFL history in receiving yards per game for a career...

. In the second quarter, Houston continued its pounding with Schaub and Johnson hooking up with each other again on a 9-yard TD pass, along with kicker Kris Brown
Kris Brown
Kristopher "Kris" Clayton Brown is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent.He was originally drafted in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first six years of his NFL career, he has converted 132 of 173 field goals and scored 573 points...

's 25-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Panthers continued to struggle as Texans RB Ahman Green
Ahman Green
Ahman Rashad Green is a retired American football running back. He is the all-time leading rusher for the Green Bay Packers. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the 3rd round of the 1998 NFL Draft...

 got a 13-yard TD run, while Carolina FB 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...

 fumbled during a kickoff return. The ball would roll into the endzone, where Houston WR Kevin Walter
Kevin Walter
Kevin Patrick Walter is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL Draft...

 would land on it for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, the Texans would put the game well out of reach with Brown's 33-yard field goal. The Panthers tried to get a comeback with Delhomme and Smith hooking up with each other on an amazing 74-yard TD pass, but the deficit was too much to overcome.

With the loss, Carolina fell to 1-1.

Week 3: at Atlanta Falcons

Trying to rebound from their home loss to the Texans, the Panther flew to 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...

 for an NFC South duel with 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...

. After a scoreless first quarter, Carolina scored first in the second quarter with 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...

 hitting a 45-yard field goal. The Falcons took the lead with QB Joey Harrington
Joey Harrington
John Joseph "Joey" Harrington, Jr. is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions third overall in the 2002 NFL Draft, where he played for most of his professional career. He ranks third all-time in Detroit history in pass completions, with 986...

 completing a 69-yard TD pass to WR Roddy White
Roddy White
Sharod Lamor White is an American football wide receiver playing for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League...

. The Panthers followed up with 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...

 completing a 13-yard TD pass to 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:...

. Atlanta would end the half with kicker 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...

 hitting a 24-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Falcons took the lead as Harrington completed a 13-yard TD pass to TE Alge Crumpler
Alge Crumpler
-Atlanta Falcons:Crumpler was drafted by the Falcons in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. Crumpler made the first start of his NFL career against the Carolina Panthers on September 23, 2001. He caught his first two passes for a total of 13 yards. His first touchdown was scored against the...

. Carolina retook the lead with Delhomme completing a 5-yard TD pass to 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:...

, followed by a 10-yard TD run from Foster. In the fourth quarter, the Panthers scored again, with Kasay kicking a 49-yard field goal. The Falcons' Andersen nailed a 25-yard field goal to end the scoring.

The game was noteworthy because of DeAngelo Hall
DeAngelo Hall
DeAngelo Eugene Hall is an American football cornerback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons eighth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...

's third quarter meltdown, wherein he was assessed 67 yards of penalties in a single drive. The penalties included a 37-yard pass interference penalty for tackling WR Steve Smith before the ball arrived, a 15-yard personal foul on the following play for blocking Smith at the line, and a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty during a verbal exchange with Smith following a third-down sack by John Abraham. The unsportsmanlike conduct penalty gave Carolina a first down, allowing their eventual TD to King rather than the likely 45-yard field goal attempt had the penalty not been called. Following the series, Hall was seen arguing with coaches on the sidelines, leading to a $100,000 fine by the team.

With the win, the Panthers improved to 2-1.

Week 4: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Coming off a divisional road win over the Falcons, the Panthers went home, donned their alternate uniforms, and prepared for another NFC South fight, as Carolina dueled with 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...

 with the division lead on the line. With 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...

 unable to start with an elbow injury on his throwing arm, QB David Carr
David Carr
David Duke Carr is an American football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans first overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...

 was given the start. In the first quarter, the Panthers struggled as Buccaneers 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....

 got a 3-yard TD run, while RB Earnest Graham
Earnest Graham
Earnest Graham, Jr. is an American football running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League . He was signed by the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He played college football at Florida....

 got a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Carolina continued to struggle 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...

 got a 25-yard field goal for the only score of the period.

After a scoreless third quarter, Tampa Bay sealed the win with Bryant nailing a 38-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Panthers would get their only score of the game with Carr completing a 24-yard TD pass to 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...

.

With their 4th-straight home loss, Carolina fell to 2-2.
Scoring summary
Q Team Time Scoring play Score
1 TB 8:43 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....

 3-yard TD run (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...

 kick)
TB 7-0
1 TB 0:48 Graham
Earnest Graham
Earnest Graham, Jr. is an American football running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League . He was signed by the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He played college football at Florida....

 1-yard TD run (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...

 kick)
TB 14-0
2 TB 6:41 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...

 25-yard FG
TB 17-0
4 TB 10:21 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...

 38-yard FG
TB 20-0
4 Car 8:01 24-yard TD pass from Carr
David Carr
David Duke Carr is an American football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans first overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...

 to 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...

 (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...

 kick)
TB 20-7

Week 5: at New Orleans Saints

Trying to rebound from their divisional home loss to the Buccaneers, the Panthers flew to 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...

 for a Week 5 divisional duel with the winless 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 ....

. With 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...

 out and done for the year with a right elbow injury, QB David Carr
David Carr
David Duke Carr is an American football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans first overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...

 was given the start.

In the first quarter, Carolina took the early lead with 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...

 getting a 23-yard field goal. The Saints responded with kicker Olindo Mare
Olindo Mare
Olindo Franco Mare is an American football placekicker for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 1996...

 getting a 25-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Panthers went back into the lead with Kasay nailing a 35-yard field goal. New Orleans would respond with Mare kicking a 28-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Carolina trailed as Saints FB Mike Karney
Mike Karney
Michael John Mario Karney is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...

 got a 2-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Panthers tied the game with Carr completing a 17-yard TD pass to WR Steve Smith. Afterwards, Carolina sealed the win in the final seconds with Kasay nailing a 52-yard field goal as time ran out.

With the win, the Panthers improved to 3-2.

Week 6: at Arizona Cardinals

Coming off their divisional road win over the Saints, the Panthers flew to the University of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium
University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl...

 for a Week 6 throwdown with the Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...

  With David Carr
David Carr
David Duke Carr is an American football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans first overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...

 recovering from injuries, recently-signed QB Vinny Testaverde
Vinny Testaverde
Vincent Frank Testaverde is a former NFL quarterback. Testaverde last played for the Carolina Panthers and had previously played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots. Testaverde holds the NFL record for having...

 got the start.

In the first quarter, Carolina pounced first with 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...

 getting a 33-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Panthers increased its lead with Kasay kicking a 43-yard field goal. The Cardinals would get on the board with RB Edgerrin James
Edgerrin James
Edgerrin Tyree James is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts fourth overall in the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami....

 getting a 23-yard TD run. In the third quarter, Carolina responded with Kasay getting a 24-yard field goal, yet Arizona answered with kicker Neil Rackers
Neil Rackers
Neil William Rackers is an American football placekicker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...

 getting a 50-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Testaverde completed a 65-yard TD pass to WR Steve Smith, increasing his consecutive seasons with a touchdown pass record to 21-straight. Afterwards, the Panthers sealed the win with Kasay nailing a 45-yard field goal, while 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...

 got a 13-yard TD run.

With the win, not only did Carolina improve to 4-2 heading into the bye week, but Testaverde became the oldest starting quarterback to win a game (43 years and 335 days), along with the third oldest quarterback to start a game.

Week 8: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Game Summary
Coming off their road win over the Cardinals, the Panthers went home for a Week 8 interconference duel with the defending Super Bowl champions, the Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....

. In the first quarter, Carolina struck first by turning their opening drive (which lasted 11 minutes and 1 second) into a 3-yard TD run by 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:...

. The Colts would respond with kicker Adam Vinatieri
Adam Vinatieri
Adam Matthew Vinatieri is an American football placekicker currently playing for the Indianapolis Colts. He has played in six Super Bowls, four with the New England Patriots and two with the Colts, winning four. Vinatieri won a Super Bowl in 2006 with Indianapolis and won Super Bowls in 2001,...

 getting a 20-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Indianapolis took the lead with RB Joseph Addai
Joseph Addai
Joseph Addai, Jr. is an American football running back for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was selected in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University.-Early years:Addai's family hails from Ghana in West Africa...

 getting a 2-yard TD run for the only score of the period.

In the third quarter, Indianapolis increased its lead with QB Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning
Peyton Williams Manning is an American football quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League . Manning holds the record for most NFL MVP awards with four. He was drafted by the Colts as the first overall pick in 1998 after a standout college football career with the...

 completing a 4-yard TD pass to Addai, along with a 59-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Wayne
Reggie Wayne
Reginald "Reggie" Wayne is a professional American football wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. Wayne was selected in the 1st round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Colts...

. In the fourth quarter, the Colts sealed their win with Addai getting a 12-yard TD run.

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

Scoring Summary
  • Scoring
    • 1st Quarter
      • CAR - 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:...

         3 yard run (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...

         kick), 3:59. Panthers 7-0. Drive: 18 plays, 80 yards, 11:01.
      • IND - Adam Vinatieri
        Adam Vinatieri
        Adam Matthew Vinatieri is an American football placekicker currently playing for the Indianapolis Colts. He has played in six Super Bowls, four with the New England Patriots and two with the Colts, winning four. Vinatieri won a Super Bowl in 2006 with Indianapolis and won Super Bowls in 2001,...

         20 yard field goal, 0:47. Panthers 7-3. Drive: 6 plays, 18 yards, 2:07.
    • 2nd Quarter
      • IND - Joseph Addai
        Joseph Addai
        Joseph Addai, Jr. is an American football running back for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was selected in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Louisiana State University.-Early years:Addai's family hails from Ghana in West Africa...

         2 yard run (Vinatieri kick), 1:33. Colts 10-7. Drive: 8 plays, 86 yards, 1:58.
    • 3rd Quarter
      • IND - Joseph Addai 4 yard pass from Peyton Manning
        Peyton Manning
        Peyton Williams Manning is an American football quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League . Manning holds the record for most NFL MVP awards with four. He was drafted by the Colts as the first overall pick in 1998 after a standout college football career with the...

         (Vinatieri kick), 12:11. Colts 17-7. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 2:49.
      • IND - Reggie Wayne
        Reggie Wayne
        Reginald "Reggie" Wayne is a professional American football wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. Wayne was selected in the 1st round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Colts...

         59 yard pass from Peyton Manning (Vinatieri kick), 4:47. Colts 24-7. Drive: 2 plays, 70 yards, 0:46.
    • 4th Quarter
      • IND - Joseph Addai 12 yard run (Vinatieri kick), 13:09. Colts 31-7. Drive: 11 plays, 55 yards, 4:17.

Week 9: at Tennessee Titans

Hoping to rebound from their home loss to the Colts, the Panthers flew to LP Field
LP Field
LP Field is a football stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, United States, owned by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County....

 for a Week 9 interconference duel with the Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter...

. In the first quarter, Carolina trailed early as Titans QB Vince Young
Vince Young
Vincent Paul Young, Jr. , nicknamed "VY", is an American football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He spent the first five seasons of his career with the Tennessee Titans. Young was the third overall draft pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college...

 got a 3-yard TD run, while kicker Rob Bironas
Rob Bironas
James Robert Douglas "Rob" Bironas is an American football placekicker for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He played college football at Auburn University and Georgia Southern.Bironas was an All-Pro...

 got a 47-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Panthers continued to struggle as Bironas nailed a 53-yard field goal for the only score of the period.

After a scoreless third quarter, Tennessee pulled away with RB LenDale White
LenDale White
LenDale Anthony White is an American football running back. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Southern California....

 getting a 1-yard TD run. Carolina would avoid a shutout as QB David Carr
David Carr
David Duke Carr is an American football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans first overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...

 completed an 18-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...

.

With the loss, the Panthers fell to 4-4.

Carr would relive his Texans days as he got sacked 7 times during the game.

Week 10: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Trying to snap a two-game losing skid, the Panthers came home for an NFC South rematch with 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...

. Veteran QB Vinny Testaverde
Vinny Testaverde
Vincent Frank Testaverde is a former NFL quarterback. Testaverde last played for the Carolina Panthers and had previously played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots. Testaverde holds the NFL record for having...

 would get the start. In the first quarter, Carolina trailed early as Falcons RB Warrick Dunn
Warrick Dunn
Warrick De'Mon Dunn is a former American football running back, and current minority owner of the Atlanta Falcons. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 12th overall in the 1997 NFL Draft, after playing college football at Florida State...

 getting a 30-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Panthers took the lead with CB Ken Lucas
Ken Lucas (football player)
Kenyatta Cornelius Lucas is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Seahawks in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft...

 returning a fumble 27 yards for a touchdown, while 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...

 managed to get a 29-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Atlanta tied the game with kicker 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...

 getting a 36-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Falcons regained the lead with Andersen kicking a 47-yard field goal. Carolina would reply with Kasay nailing a 31-yard field goal. Unfortunately, Atlanta sealed the win with QB Joey Harrington
Joey Harrington
John Joseph "Joey" Harrington, Jr. is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions third overall in the 2002 NFL Draft, where he played for most of his professional career. He ranks third all-time in Detroit history in pass completions, with 986...

 completing a 30-yard TD pass to TE Alge Crumpler
Alge Crumpler
-Atlanta Falcons:Crumpler was drafted by the Falcons in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. Crumpler made the first start of his NFL career against the Carolina Panthers on September 23, 2001. He caught his first two passes for a total of 13 yards. His first touchdown was scored against the...

.

With the loss, not only did the Panthers fall to 4-5, but they even lost six-straight home games.

Week 11: at Green Bay Packers

Trying to snap a three-game game losing skid, the Panthers flew to Lambeau Field
Lambeau Field
Lambeau Field is an outdoor football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Opened in 1957 as City Stadium, it replaced the original City Stadium as the Packers' home field...

 for Week 11 duel with the Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...

. This game would set a pregame record as QB Vinny Testaverde
Vinny Testaverde
Vincent Frank Testaverde is a former NFL quarterback. Testaverde last played for the Carolina Panthers and had previously played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots. Testaverde holds the NFL record for having...

 and Packers QB Brett Favre
Brett Favre
Brett Lorenzo Favre is a former American football quarterback who spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He was a 20-year veteran of the NFL, having played quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons , Green Bay Packers , New York Jets and Minnesota...

 would have the oldest combined age of two starting quarterbacks at 82 years and 44 days.

In the first quarter, Carolina trailed early as Packers CB Tramon Williams
Tramon Williams
Tramon Vernell Williams is an American football cornerback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League...

 returned a pooch punt 94 yards for a touchdowns. The Panthers would get on the board as 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...

 managed to get a 26-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Green Bay increased its lead with Favre completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Greg Jennings
Greg Jennings
Gregory Jennings, Jr. is a professional American football wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League...

 and a 26-yard TD pass to TE Donald Lee.

In the third quarter, Green Bay continued its domination as Favre and Lee hooked up with each other again on a 12-yard TD pass. Carolina would respond with Testaverde completing a 2-yard TD pass to TE Christian Fauria
Christian Fauria
Christian Ashley Fauria is a retired American football tight end.-Early life:Fauria attended Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino, California and lettered in football, track, and once in basketball...

. In the fourth quarter, the Panthers tried to come back as Testaverde completed a 5-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...

. However, the Packers sealed the win with kicker Mason Crosby
Mason Crosby
Mason Walker Crosby , is a professional American football placekicker for the Green Bay Packers in the National Football League. During his playing days at the University of Colorado, Crosby was widely considered the best kicker in college football, as evidenced by ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.'s...

 getting a 47-yard field goal.

With their fourth-straight loss, Carolina fell to 4-6.

Week 12: vs. New Orleans Saints

Trying to snap a four-game losing skid, the Panthers went home for a Week 12 NFC South rematch with the 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 ....

. In the first quarter, Carolina got the early lead as 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...

 managed to get a 45-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Saints took the lead as QB Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....

 completed a 1-yard TD pass to WR Lance Moore
Lance Moore
Lance Andrew Moore is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2005...

, along with kicker Olindo Mare
Olindo Mare
Olindo Franco Mare is an American football placekicker for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 1996...

 getting a 46-yard field goal. The Panthers woud end the half as Kasay nailed a 29-yard field goal. In the third quarter, New Orleans pulled away with Brees completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Billy Miller
Billy Miller
Billy RoShawn Miller is a retired American football tight end won a Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft...

, getting an 8-yard TD run, and completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Marques Colston
Marques Colston
Marques Colston is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the NFL. He was selected in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft as a supplemental compensatory pick. Following the trade of receiver Donté Stallworth, Colston was inserted into the starting lineup for week 1 of...

.

With their fifth-straight loss, not only did Carolina fall to 4-7, but they had also lost seven-straight home games (they have yet to win a home game this year). Also, the Panthers offense only managed to get 4 touchdowns in the last five games.

Week 13: vs. San Francisco 49ers

Trying to snap a five-game losing skid, the Panthers stayed at home for a Week 13 intraconference duel with the San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...

. In the first quarter, Carolina pounced first with 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...

 nailing a 19-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Panthers increased their lead with QB Vinny Testaverde
Vinny Testaverde
Vincent Frank Testaverde is a former NFL quarterback. Testaverde last played for the Carolina Panthers and had previously played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots. Testaverde holds the NFL record for having...

 completing a 5-yard TD pass to rookie TE Dante Rosario
Dante Rosario
Dante Santiago Rosario is an American football tight end who is currently a member of the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...

, while CB Richard Marshall returned an interception 67 yards for a touchdown.

In the third quarter, the 49ers managed to get on the board as QB Trent Dilfer
Trent Dilfer
Trent Farris Dilfer is a former football quarterback in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sixth overall in the 1994 NFL Draft and went on to play for the Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers. He played college football...

 coompleting a 20-yard TD pass to WR Arnaz Battle
Arnaz Battle
Arnaz Jerome Battle is an American football wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...

 and a 1-yard TD pass to TE Delanie Walker
Delanie Walker
Delanie Walker is an American football tight end for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He has also played in the positions of fullback and wide receiver. He was drafted by the 49ers in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Central Missouri...

. Afterwards, Carolina went back to work as 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:...

 got a 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Panthers pulled away as Testaverde completed a 1-yard TD pass to 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:...

.

With the win, not only did Carolina improve to 5-7, but it even managed to give the Panthers their first home win of the year.

Week 14: at Jacksonville Jaguars

Coming off their home win over the 49ers, the Panthers flew to Jacksonville Municipal Stadium for a Week 14 interconference duel with their 1995 expansion rival, the Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...

. In the first quarter, Carolina trailed early as Jaguars QB David Garrard
David Garrard
David Douglas Garrard is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent.Garrard played college football at East Carolina. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft, and served as the team's starting quarterback from 2007 to 2010...

 completed a 22-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Williams
Reggie Williams (wide receiver)
Reginald "Reggie" Williams, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currenly a free agent. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Washington.-Early years:...

 for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Panthers would get on the board as 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...

 managed to get a 49-yard field goal. Afterwards, Jacksonville responded with kicker Josh Scobee
Josh Scobee
Joshua Taylor Scobee is an American football placekicker, who currently plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League . He began his college football career as kicker for the Louisiana Tech University Bulldogs, setting several school records...

 getting a 21-yard field goal. Carolina would end the hald as Kasay kicked a 21-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Panthers began to fall behind as Garrard completed a 6-yard TD pass to WR Matt Jones
Matt Jones (American football)
Matthew Jones is a former American football wide receiver . He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft, and retired officially in November 2010. He played college football at Arkansas....

, along with Scobee kicking a 20-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Jaguars sealed the win with LB Clint Ingram
Clint Ingram
Clint Ingram is a professional American football linebacker who is currently a free agent of the National Football League He played college football for the University of Oklahoma Sooners, and was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft.-Early life:Ingram was...

 returning an interception 39 yards for a touchdown, RB Fred Taylor getting an 80-yard TD run, and Scobee nailing a 33-yard field goal.

With the loss, Carolina fell to 5-8.

Week 15: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Jaguars, the Panthers went home for a Week 15 intraconference duel with the Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...

. The game remained scorless for the first three quarters of play until 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...

 finally delivered the game's first punch in the fourth quarter with a 53-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Seahawks would respond with kicker Josh Brown getting a 23-yard field goal. After that, Carolina clawed deep with Kasay nailing a 37-yard field goal and 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...

 getting a 35-yard touchdown run. Later, Seattle's only response would be QB Matt Hasselbeck
Matt Hasselbeck
Matthew Michael Hasselbeck is a National Football League quarterback for the Tennessee Titans. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 1998 NFL Draft, and traded to Seattle in 2001. After becoming the starter in 2003, Hasselbeck led Seattle to six playoff appearances and...

 completing a 15-yard TD pass to WR Deion Branch
Deion Branch
Anthony Deion Branch, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisville.He has also played for the Seattle Seahawks...

.

With the win, the Panthers kept their slim playoffs alive by improving to 6-8.

Week 16: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Coming off their win over the Seahawks, the Panthers stayed at home for a Week 16 Saturday night duel with the playoff-bound 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 an attempt to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

In the first quarter, Carolina trailed early as Cowboys 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 10-yard TD pass to 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...

 for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, Dallas increased its lead with 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....

 getting a 5-yard TD run. The Panthers got on the board with rookie QB Matt Moore
Matt Moore (American football)
Matthew Erickson Moore is an American Football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League.He played college football at UCLA and Oregon State...

 completing an 11-yard TD pass to WR Steve Smith. The Cowboys ended the half with kicker Nick Folk
Nick Folk
Nicholas "Nick" Alexander Folk is an American football kicker who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...

 getting a 42-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Carolina began rallying with 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...

 getting a 37-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Dallas responded with Folk kicking a 23-yard field goal. The Panthers tried to come back as Kasay nailed a 25-yard field goal, but the Cowboys' defense held on for the win.

With the loss, not only did Carolina fall to 6–9, but it also eliminated them from the playoff race.

Week 17: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Carolina concluded the regular season at home
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...

 against the 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...

. With a playoff spot now gone and nothing to lose, the Panthers took the field with Matt Moore
Matt Moore (American football)
Matthew Erickson Moore is an American Football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League.He played college football at UCLA and Oregon State...

 at the helm.

Tampa Bay struck first as second-string QB Luke McCown
Luke McCown
Lucas Patrick McCown is an American football quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League...

, in place of starter 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....

, drove the Buccaneers down the field for the game's first score, a touchdown pass to TE Jerramy Stevens
Jerramy Stevens
Jerramy Stevens is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks 28th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Washington.-Early years:...

. The Panthers responded by driving to the Tampa Bay 4 yard line. A field goal kick by 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 good, but a holding penalty by LB Derrick Brooks
Derrick Brooks
Derrick Dewan Brooks is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buccaneers 28th overall in the 1995 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State....

 gave the Panthers a first down. They capitalized on this opportunity with a 2-yard touchdown pass from Moore to TE Christian Fauria
Christian Fauria
Christian Ashley Fauria is a retired American football tight end.-Early life:Fauria attended Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino, California and lettered in football, track, and once in basketball...

, tying the game at 7.

In the second quarter, a Matt Moore interception by Phillip Buchanon
Phillip Buchanon
Phillip Darren Buchanon is an American football cornerback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders 17th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...

 led to a 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...

 field goal. The Panthers responded once again with a 20-yard touchdown pass to TE Dante Rosario
Dante Rosario
Dante Santiago Rosario is an American football tight end who is currently a member of the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...

, giving Carolina a 14-10 lead with 6:40 left in the half. Late in the second quarter, Josh Bidwell
Josh Bidwell
Joshua John Bidwell is an American football punter who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft...

 punted to Carolina, but a fumble by Ryne Robinson
Ryne Robinson
Ryne Robinson is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Miami University...

 on the return was recovered by the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay tacked on another Bryant field goal with 2:34 left in the half, but Carolina responded with a field goal of their own with 16 seconds remaining until the break, giving them a 17-13 lead at the half.

Midway through the third quarter, Carolina punted and pinned the Buccaneers on their own 2 yard line. McCown then led the Buccaneers on a 10-play, 98-yard touchdown drive, the longest such scoring drive in franchise history, resulting in a 23-yard touchdown pass to RB Michael Bennett and a 20-17 lead. Carolina kept themselves in the game, however, quickly following up a 46-yard reception to 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 a 1-yard touchdown run by 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...

, making the score 24-20 in favor of the Panthers.

Going into the fourth quarter, the Bucs added another field goal from Bryant with 14:02 left in the game and the score 24-23. The Panthers capped their scoring with a 32-yard touchdown run from Williams, his second of the day, making it 31-23. Trailing late in the fourth quarter, McCown drove the Buccaneers to the Carolina 36 yard line, but was intercepted by DB Richard Marshall. As a sign of respect for his last official game, the Panthers let veteran QB Vinny Testaverde
Vinny Testaverde
Vincent Frank Testaverde is a former NFL quarterback. Testaverde last played for the Carolina Panthers and had previously played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots. Testaverde holds the NFL record for having...

kneel down the ball on the game's last play. The Panthers finished the season with a record of 7-9.
The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.  The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.
 
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