Despite the return of Steve Smith, who finished with 70 yards on 4 catches, the Panthers (2-1) lose a tough one to the desperate Vikings (1-2) on the road. It was an ugly game all around, but it didn't start out that way. Carolina jumped on Minnesota early as they built a 10-0 2nd Quarter lead. But, a Jake Delhomme fumble (1 of 3 on the day) Antoine Winfield took it the distance and tied the game at 10 going into the locker room, giving Minnesota all the momentum they would need. The Panthers defense was solid all game long..except for the 3rd quarter. After giving up a quick TD to start the half, giving Minny a 17-10 lead, the Vikings absolutely wore out the defense on 19 play, 12 minute drive which only ended in a FG, but gave the Vikings Defense a huge rest. The Panthers were simply not able tomove the ball against the fresh, pass rushing defense of Minnesota. Equally disturbing were all of the penalties on Carolina. False starts, holdings, you name it, the Panthers offense did it.
Now, it's no time to panic. The Panthers are still in a 3 way tie for 1st with Tampa Bay and Atlanta. But, it's clear that the Panthers have a lot of work to do. It doesn't get any easier as the upstart Falcons come to town this week. The Falcons, laughing stocks last year, are now 2-1 so far. After facing LT and Adrian Peterson, the Panthers now get to face off against Michael Turner, who is off to a hot start. It will be a tough test in an early divisional game, to be sure.
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