Panthers fall prey to the Falcons

The Carolina Panthers suffered a disappointing setback in their quest to win the NFC South with a 45 to 28 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. But I was impressed that the Panthers did not just roll over and give up like they have been known to do in 2008, like in the Tampa Bay Game.

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Jake Delhomme played his best game in weeks and may have silenced the rumors about his “Tommy John” repaired arm being injured again. Jake was 21 of 35 for 295 yards with one touchdown pass and no interceptions. More importantly most of his throws looked crisp with some pop on them.

It was the regressing Panther run defense that lost this game for the Carolina Panthers. Atlanta Falcon running back Michael Turner gained 117 yards which isn’t bad until you figure in the 4 touchdown runs he had. Julius Peppers had his first bad game in a while with just 3 tackles and no sacks.

But the game was true to form for NFC East teams in 2008. They all win at home and struggle on the road. Atlanta is scratching and clawing their way back into the race which is heating up.

By Randy Inman
ProFootball-fans.com Carolina Panthers Correspondent

For more of Randy's work check out FootballDogz.com where he is the Chief Writer!