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2007 Carolina Panthers season

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2007 Carolina Panthers season
OwnerJerry Richardson
General managerMarty Hurney
Head coachJohn Fox
Home fieldBank of America Stadium
Results
Record7–9
Division place2nd NFC South
Playoff finishDid not qualify
The Panthers defense and Green Bay Packers offense in week 11 of the season

The 2007 Carolina Panthers season was the franchise's 13th season in the National Football League and the team's 11th season at Bank of America Stadium. They failed to improve upon their 8–8 record in 2006, finishing at 7–9 and missing the playoffs for the second straight season.

Personnel

NFL Draft

Main article: 2007 NFL Draft
2007 Carolina Panthers draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 25 Jon Beason *  LB Miami (FL)
2 45 Dwayne Jarrett  WR USC
2 59 Ryan Kalil *  C USC
3 83 Charles Johnson  DE Georgia
4 118 Ryne Robinson  WR Miami (OH)
5 155 Dante Rosario  TE Oregon
5 164 Tim Shaw  LB Penn State
7 225 C.J. Wilson (safety)  CB Baylor
      Made roster    †   Pro Football Hall of Fame    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Staff

2007 Carolina Panthers staff

Front office

  • Owner/Founder – Jerry Richardson
  • President – Mark Richardson
  • General Manager – Marty Hurney
  • Director of College Scouting – Don Gregory
  • Director of Pro Scouting – Mark Koncz

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Strength and Conditioning – Jerry Simmons
  • Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Tony Levine


[1]

Roster

2007 Carolina Panthers roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams

Rookies in italics
, 8 practice squad

Schedule

Preseason

Week Date Opponent Results Game site
Final score Team record
1 August 11 at New York Giants W 24–21 1–0 Giants Stadium
2 August 17 at Philadelphia Eagles L 10–27 1–1 Lincoln Financial Field
3 August 24 New England Patriots L 7–24 1–2 Bank of America Stadium
4 August 30 Pittsburgh Steelers L 3–19 1–3 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 W 27–13 1–0 Edward Jones Dome Recap
2 September 16 Houston Texans L 21–34 1–1 Bank of America Stadium Recap
3 September 23 at Atlanta Falcons W 27–20 2–1 Georgia Dome Recap
4 September 30 Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 7–20 2–2 Bank of America Stadium Recap
5 October 7 at New Orleans Saints W 16–13 3–2 Louisiana Superdome Recap
6 October 14 at Arizona Cardinals W 25–10 4–2 University of Phoenix Stadium Recap
7 Bye
8 October 28 Indianapolis Colts L 7–31 4–3 Bank of America Stadium Recap
9 November 4 at Tennessee Titans L 7–20 4–4 LP Field Recap
10 November 11 Atlanta Falcons L 13–20 4–5 Bank of America Stadium Recap
11 November 18 at Green Bay Packers L 17–31 4–6 Lambeau Field Recap
12 November 25 New Orleans Saints L 6–31 4–7 Bank of America Stadium Recap
13 December 2 San Francisco 49ers W 31–14 5–7 Bank of America Stadium Recap
14 December 9 at Jacksonville Jaguars L 6–37 5–8 Jacksonville Municipal Stadium Recap
15 December 16 Seattle Seahawks W 13–10 6–8 Bank of America Stadium Recap
16 Dec. 22 (Saturday) Dallas Cowboys L 13–20 6–9 Bank of America Stadium Recap
17 December 30 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 31–23 7–9 Raymond James Stadium Recap
NOTES: Division games are in bold text. All game dates are on Sunday unless indicated otherwise.

Standings

NFC South
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9 7 0 .563 5–1 8–4 334 270 L2
Carolina Panthers 7 9 0 .438 3–3 7–5 267 347 W1
New Orleans Saints 7 9 0 .438 3–3 6–6 379 388 L2
Atlanta Falcons 4 12 0 .250 1–5 3–9 259 414 W1

Regular season results

Week 1: at St. Louis Rams

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Panthers 7 0 71327
Rams 7 3 3013

at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 65,307
  • TV announcers (Fox): Sam Rosen (play-by-play) and Tim Ryan (color commentator)

The Panthers began their 2007 campaign on the road against the St. Louis Rams. In the first quarter, Carolina pounced first with QB Jake Delhomme completing a 10-yard TD pass to WR Drew Carter. Afterwards, the Rams would tie the game with QB Marc Bulger completing a 3-yard TD pass to WR Torry Holt. In the second quarter, St. Louis would lead at halftime on a 42-yard field goal by kicker Jeff Wilkins.

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 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

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Texans 7 10 14334
Panthers 14 0 0721

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 75°F (Sunny)
  • Game attendance: 73,665
  • TV announcers (CBS): Gus Johnson (play-by-play) and Steve Tasker (color commentator)

Coming off their road win over the Rams, the Panthers would play their Week 2 homeopener against the Houston Texans. In the first quarter, Carolina pounced first with QB Jake Delhomme 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 completing a 31-yard TD pass to WR Andre Johnson. 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's 25-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Panthers continued to struggle as Texans RB Ahman Green got a 13-yard TD run, while Carolina FB Nick Goings fumbled during a kickoff return. The ball would roll into the endzone, where Houston WR Kevin Walter 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

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Panthers 0 10 14327
Falcons 0 10 7320
  • Game time: 4:15 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 68,175
  • TV announcers (Fox): Ron Pitts (play-by-play) and Tony Boselli (color commentator)

Trying to rebound from their home loss to the Texans, the Panther flew to the Georgia Dome for an NFC South duel with the Atlanta Falcons. After a scoreless first quarter, Carolina scored first in the second quarter with kicker John Kasay hitting a 45-yard field goal. The Falcons took the lead with QB Joey Harrington completing a 69-yard TD pass to WR Roddy White. The Panthers followed up with QB Jake Delhomme completing a 13-yard TD pass to RB DeShaun Foster. Atlanta would end the half with kicker Morten Andersen 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. Carolina retook the lead with Delhomme completing a 5-yard TD pass to TE Jeff King, 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'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

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 14 3 0320
Panthers 0 0 077

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

  • Game time: 4:05 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 79°F (Sunny)
  • Game attendance: 73,707
  • TV announcers (Fox): Sam Rosen (play-by-play) and Tim Ryan (color commentator)

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 with the division lead on the line. With QB Jake Delhomme unable to start with an elbow injury on his throwing arm, QB David Carr was given the start. In the first quarter, the Panthers struggled as Buccaneers QB Jeff Garcia got a 3-yard TD run, while RB Earnest Graham got a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Carolina continued to struggle as kicker Matt Bryant 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.

With their 4th straight home loss, Carolina fell to 2–2.

Scoring summary
Q Team Time Scoring play Score
1 TB 8:43 Garcia 3-yard TD run (Bryant kick) TB 7–0
1 TB 0:48 Graham 1-yard TD run (Bryant kick) TB 14–0
2 TB 6:41 Bryant 25-yard FG TB 17–0
4 TB 10:21 Bryant 38-yard FG TB 20–0
4 Car 8:01 24-yard TD pass from Carr to Williams (Kasay kick) TB 20–7

Week 5: at New Orleans Saints

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Panthers 3 3 01016
Saints 3 3 7013

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 70,001
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers (play-by-play) and Brian Baldinger (color commentator)

Trying to rebound from their divisional home loss to the Buccaneers, the Panthers flew to the Louisiana Superdome for a Week 5 divisional duel with the winless New Orleans Saints. With QB Jake Delhomme out and done for the year with a right elbow injury, QB David Carr was given the start.

In the first quarter, Carolina took the early lead with kicker John Kasay getting a 23-yard field goal. The Saints responded with kicker Olindo Mare 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 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

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Panthers 3 3 31625
Cardinals 0 7 3010

at University of Phoenix, Glendale, Arizona

  • Game time: 4:05 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 64,403
  • TV announcers (Fox): Ron Pitts (play-by-play) and Tony Boselli (color commentator)

Coming off their divisional road win over the Saints, the Panthers flew to the University of Phoenix Stadium for a Week 6 throwdown with the Arizona Cardinals With David Carr recovering from injuries, recently signed QB Vinny Testaverde got the start.

In the first quarter, Carolina pounced first with kicker John Kasay 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 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 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 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

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 3 7 14731
Panthers 7 0 007

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

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. 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. The Colts would respond with kicker Adam Vinatieri getting a 20-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Indianapolis took the lead with RB Joseph Addai 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 completing a 4-yard TD pass to Addai, along with a 59-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Wayne. 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

First quarter

  • CAR – DeShaun Foster 3-yard run (Kasay kick), 3:59. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 18 plays, 80 yards, 11:01.
  • IND – Adam Vinatieri 20-yard field goal, 0:47. Panthers 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 18 yards, 2:07.

Second quarter

  • IND – Joseph Addai 2-yard run (Vinatieri kick), 1:33. Colts 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 86 yards, 1:58.

Third quarter

  • IND – Joseph Addai 4-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Vinatieri kick), 12:11. Colts 17–7. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 2:49.
  • IND – Reggie Wayne 59-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Vinatieri kick), 4:47. Colts 24–7. Drive: 2 plays, 70 yards, 0:46.

Fourth 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

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Panthers 0 0 077
Titans 10 3 0720

at LP Field, Nashville, Tennessee

  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game attendance: 69,143
  • TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton (play-by-play) and Brian Baldinger (color commentator)

Hoping to rebound from their home loss to the Colts, the Panthers flew to LP Field for a Week 9 interconference duel with the Tennessee Titans. In the first quarter, Carolina trailed early as Titans QB Vince Young got a 3-yard TD run, while kicker Rob Bironas 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 getting a 1-yard TD run. Carolina would avoid a shutout as QB David Carr completed an 18-yard TD pass to WR Drew Carter.

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

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Falcons 7 0 31020
Panthers 0 10 0313

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina''

Testaverde in week 10

Trying to snap a two-game losing skid, the Panthers came home for an NFC South rematch with the Atlanta Falcons. Veteran QB Vinny Testaverde would get the start. In the first quarter, Carolina trailed early as Falcons RB Warrick Dunn 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 returning a fumble 27 yards for a touchdown, while kicker John Kasay managed to get a 29-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Atlanta tied the game with kicker Morten Andersen 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 completing a 30-yard TD pass to TE Alge Crumpler.

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

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Panthers 3 0 7717
Packers 7 14 7331

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Trying to snap a three-game losing skid, the Panthers flew to Lambeau Field for Week 11 duel with the Green Bay Packers. This game set a record as QB Vinny Testaverde and Packers QB Brett Favre had 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 returned a pooch punt 94 yards for a touchdowns. The Panthers would get on the board as kicker John Kasay 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 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. In the fourth quarter, the Panthers tried to come back as Testaverde completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR Drew Carter. However, the Packers sealed the win with kicker Mason Crosby getting a 47-yard field goal.

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

Week 12: vs. New Orleans Saints

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Saints 0 10 21031
Panthers 3 3 006

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Trying to snap a four-game losing skid, the Panthers went home for a Week 12 NFC South rematch with the New Orleans Saints. In the first quarter, Carolina got the early lead as kicker John Kasay 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 completed a 1-yard TD pass to WR Lance Moore, along with kicker Olindo Mare getting a 46-yard field goal. The Panthers would 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, getting an 8-yard TD run, and completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Marques Colston.

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

Quarter 1 2 34Total
49ers 0 0 14014
Panthers 3 14 7731

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Trying to snap a five-game losing skid, the Panthers stayed at home for a Week 13 intraconference duel with the San Francisco 49ers. In the first quarter, Carolina pounced first with kicker John Kasay 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 completing a 5-yard TD pass to rookie TE Dante Rosario, 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 completing a 20-yard TD pass to WR Arnaz Battle and a 1-yard TD pass to TE Delanie Walker. Afterwards, Carolina went back to work as RB DeShaun Foster 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.

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. It took 54 weeks overall for the Panthers to win a home game; they continued the home losing streak that lasted throughout the rest of the 2006 season and extended it to 7 games, but they ended the streak by winning 31-14 against San Francisco at the BOA in Week 13.

Week 14: at Jacksonville Jaguars

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Panthers 0 6 006
Jaguars 7 3 101737

at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida

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. In the first quarter, Carolina trailed early as Jaguars QB David Garrard completed a 22-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Williams for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Panthers would get on the board as kicker John Kasay managed to get a 49-yard field goal. Afterwards, Jacksonville responded with kicker Josh Scobee getting a 21-yard field goal. Carolina would end the half 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, along with Scobee kicking a 20-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Jaguars sealed the win with LB Clint Ingram 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

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Seahawks 0 0 01010
Panthers 0 0 01313

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Jaguars, the Panthers went home for a Week 15 intraconference duel with the Seattle Seahawks. The game remained scoreless for the first three quarters of play until kicker John Kasay 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 getting a 35-yard touchdown run. Later, Seattle's only response would be QB Matt Hasselbeck completing a 15-yard TD pass to WR Deion Branch.

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

Week 16: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cowboys 7 10 0320
Panthers 0 7 3313

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

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 in an attempt to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

In the first quarter, Carolina trailed early as Cowboys QB Tony Romo completed a 10-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, Dallas increased its lead with RB Marion Barber getting a 5-yard TD run. The Panthers got on the board with Matt Moore completing an 11-yard TD pass to WR Steve Smith. The Cowboys ended the half with kicker Nick Folk getting a 42-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Carolina began rallying with John Kasay 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

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Panthers 7 10 7731
Buccaneers 7 6 7323

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Carolina concluded the regular season at home against the Buccaneers. With a playoff spot now gone and nothing to lose, the Panthers took the field with Matt Moore at the helm.

Tampa Bay struck first as second-string QB Luke McCown, in place of starter Jeff Garcia, drove the Buccaneers down the field for the game's first score, a touchdown pass to TE Jerramy Stevens. The Panthers responded by driving to the Tampa Bay 4-yard line. A field goal kick by John Kasay was good, but a holding penalty by LB Derrick Brooks gave the Panthers a first down. They capitalized on this opportunity with a 2-yard touchdown pass from Moore to TE Christian Fauria, tying the game at 7.

In the second quarter, a Matt Moore interception by Phillip Buchanon led to a Matt Bryant field goal. The Panthers responded once again with a 20-yard touchdown pass to TE Dante Rosario, giving Carolina a 14–10 lead with 6:40 left in the half. Late in the second quarter, Josh Bidwell punted to Carolina, but a fumble by Ryne Robinson 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 with a 1-yard touchdown run by RB DeAngelo Williams, 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 kneel down the ball on the game's last play. The Panthers finished the season with a record of 7–9.

References

  1. ^ "Assistant Coaches". Panthers.com. Archived from the original on January 15, 2013. Retrieved January 3, 2014.
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