2008 Carolina Panthers season - AbsoluteAstronomy.com

Preseason

Week	Date	Opponent	Results		Game Site	NFL Recap
Week	Date	Opponent	Final score	Team record	Game Site	NFL Recap
1	Saturday, Aug. 9	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 ....	W 23-20 (OT)	1-0	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
2	Thursday, Aug. 14	Philadelphia Eagles Philadelphia Eagles The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...	L 24-13	1-1	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...	Recap
3	Saturday, Aug. 23	Washington Redskins Washington Redskins The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...	W 47-3	2-1	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
4	Thursday, Aug. 28	Pittsburgh Steelers Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...	L 19-16	2-2	Heinz Field Heinz Field Heinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively...	Recap

Regular season

Week	Date	Opponent	Results		Game Site	NFL Recap
Week	Date	Opponent	Final score	Team record	Game Site	NFL Recap
1	September 7, 2008	San Diego Chargers San Diego Chargers The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...	W 26–24	1–0	Qualcomm Stadium Qualcomm Stadium Qualcomm Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in San Diego, California, in the Mission Valley area....	Recap
2	September 14, 2008	Chicago Bears Chicago Bears The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...	W 20–17	2–0	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 21, 2008	Minnesota Vikings Minnesota Vikings The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...	L 20–10	2–1	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University...	Recap
4	September 28, 2008	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 24–9	3–1	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
5	October 5, 2008	Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...	W 34–0	4–1	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
6	October 12, 2008	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 27–3	4–2	Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium, also known as the "Ray Jay", is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Tampa, Florida. It is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as the NCAA's South Florida Bulls football team. The stadium seats 65,857 , and it is expandable to 75,000 for special events...	Recap
7	October 19, 2008	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 30–7	5–2	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
8	October 26, 2008	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 27–23	6–2	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
9	Bye Week Bye (sports) A bye, in sports and other competitive activities, most commonly refers to the practice of allowing a player or team to advance to the next round of a playoff tournament without playing...
10	November 9, 2008	Oakland Raiders Oakland Raiders The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...	W 17–6	7–2	Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum	Recap
11	November 16, 2008	Detroit Lions Detroit Lions The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...	W 31–22	8–2	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
12	November 23, 2008	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 45–28	8–3	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
13	November 30, 2008	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...	W 35–31	9–3	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
14	Dec. 8 (Monday)	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 38–23	10–3	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...	Recap
15	December 14, 2008	Denver Broncos Denver Broncos The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...	W 30–10	11–3	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...	Recap
16	December 21, 2008	New York Giants New York Giants The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...	L 34–28 (OT)	11–4	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...	Recap
17	December 28, 2008	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 33–31	12–4	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
NOTES: Division games are in bold text. All game dates are on Sunday unless indicated otherwise.

Postseason

Week	Date	Opponent	Results		Game Site	NFL Recap
Week	Date	Opponent	Final score	Team record	Game Site	NFL Recap
Wild Card	Bye Week 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...
Divisional	January 10, 2009	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...	L 33–13	12–5	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

Week 1: at San Diego Chargers

The 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...

and San Diego Chargers

San Diego Chargers

The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...

were locked in a defensive battle in the first quarter. 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...

made three field goals (44, 33, 30) while Philip Rivers

Philip Rivers

Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...

connected with Chris Chambers

Chris Chambers

Christopher J. "Chris" Chambers is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft...

on a 44-yard pass to score. At halftime the score was 9-7, in favor of the Panthers. Nate Kaeding

Nate Kaeding

Nathaniel James Kaeding is an American football placekicker who plays for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft in the 3rd round with a pick acquired from the Phillip Rivers-Eli Manning trade. He played college football at Iowa...

hit a 27-yard field goal to put the Chargers up 10-9, before Chris Gamble

Chris Gamble

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

recovered a fumble by TE Antonio Gates

Antonio Gates

Antonio Gates is an American football tight end for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2003 after playing college basketball at Kent State University...

, giving the Panthers a lead of 16-10. Another John Kasay

John Kasay

field goal would make it a two-score game, before Philip Rivers

Philip Rivers

would hit Antonio Gates

Antonio Gates

and Vincent Jackson

Vincent Jackson

Vincent Jackson , nicknamed "Action Jackson", is an American football wide receiver who currently plays in the National Football League for the San Diego Chargers....

for 24 and 5-yard touchdown passes, respectively. With 0:02 on the game clock, Panthers quarterback 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...

hit tight end 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...

on a 14 yard pass to give the Panthers the win and a 1-0 start.

Week 2: vs. Chicago Bears

The Bears and Panthers squared off and it was defensive. The lone score of the first quarter came when Brandon Lloyd

Brandon Lloyd

Brandon Matthew Lloyd is an American football wide receiver for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...

recovered a blocked punt and took it nine yards to score. Each team was able to score a field goal as Robbie Gould

Robbie Gould

Robert Paul "Robbie" Gould III is an American football placekicker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Penn State...

and John Kasay

John Kasay

hit field goals from 26 and 37 yards, respectively. Jason McKie

Jason McKie

Jason A. McKie is an American football fullback who currently a free agent. He was signed as a undrafted free agent out of Temple University by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2002....

scored a touchdown for the Bears to open the half and John Kasay

John Kasay

nailed a 45-yard field goal. Jonathan Stewart

Jonathan Stewart

Jonathan Creon Stewart is an American football running back for the Carolina Panthers of the NFL. He was selected by the Panthers in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Oregon.-High school career:Stewart is the career leading rusher in...

was able get to into the endzone for his first career touchdown. In the fourth quarter, another Jonathan Stewart

Jonathan Stewart

run gave the Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers

the lead and eventually, the victory.

With the win, the Panthers improved to 2-0.

WR Muhsin Muhammad

Muhsin Muhammad

Muhsin Muhammad II is a retired American football wide receiver who played for the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Panthers in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft...

(5 receptions for 59 yards) became the 29th player in NFL history to amass 10,000 career reception yards.

Week 3: at Minnesota Vikings

Coming off their home win over the Bears, the Panthers flew to the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome

Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome

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

for a Week 3 duel with the Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings

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

. This game would also be WR Steve Smith's first game of the year, coming off his 2-game suspension.

In the first quarter, Carolina got the early lead with kicker John Kasay

John Kasay

getting a 43-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Panthers increased their lead with rookie RB Jonathan Stewart

Jonathan Stewart

getting a 2-yard TD run. The Vikings responded with kicker Ryan Longwell

Ryan Longwell

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

's 28-yard field goal and CB Antoine Winfield

Antoine Winfield

Antoine Winfield is an American football cornerback in the NFL. He played college football at The Ohio State University, winning the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back in 1998. Winfield was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft. Since 2004, he...

returning a fumble 19 yards for a touchdown. In the third quarter, Minnesota took the lead with QB Gus Frerotte

Gus Frerotte

Gustave Joseph "Gus" Frerotte is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the seventh round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tulsa....

completing a 34-yard TD pass to TE Visanthe Shiancoe

Visanthe Shiancoe

Visanthe Shiancoe is an American football tight end who currently plays for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League.-High school:...

. In the fourth quarter, the Vikings sealed the win with Longwell nailing a 32-yard field goal.

With the loss, Carolina fell to 2-1.

Week 4: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Vikings, the Panthers went home for a Week 4 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...

. In the first quarter, Carolina pounced first with rookie RB Jonathan Stewart

Jonathan Stewart

getting an 8-yard TD run. The Falcons responded with kicker Jason Elam

Jason Elam

Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....

getting a 33-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Atlanta crept closer as Elam kicked a 33-yard field goal. Carolina would reply with QB Jake Delhomme

Jake Delhomme

completing a 56-yard TD pass to WR Steve Smith. The Falcons closed out the half with Elam getting a 44-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Panthers answered with kicker John Kasay

John Kasay

nailing a 44-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Carolina closed the game out with Delhomme completing a 36-yard TD pass to WR Muhsin Muhammad

Muhsin Muhammad

.

With the win, the Panthers improved to 3-1.

During the game, Muhsin Muhammad (8 receptions for 147 yards and a touchdown) became the Panthers All-Time WR Leader in Receptions (600) and TD Receptions (45).

Week 5: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Coming off their divisional win over the Falcons, the Panthers stayed at home for a Week 5 interconference duel with the Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...

. In the first quarer, Carolina pounced first as 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 10-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Panthers continued its attack as Williams caught a 25-yard TD pass from QB Jake Delhomme

Jake Delhomme

and even got a 32-yard TD run. In the third quarter, Carolina increased its lead with kicker John Kasay

John Kasay

getting a 32-yard field goal, along with Delhomme completing a 47-yard TD pass to WR Muhsin Muhammad

Muhsin Muhammad

. In the fourth quarter, the Panthers sealed their shutout win with Kasay nailing a 43-yard field goal.

With the win, Carolina improved to 4-1.

Week 6: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Coming off their shutout home win over the Chiefs, the Panthers flew to 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...

for a Week 6 NFC South duel with 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...

. In the first quarter, Carolina trailed early as Buccaneers LB Geno Hayes

Geno Hayes

Eugene Antonio "Geno" Hayes is an American football linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buccaneers in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...

returned a blocked punt 22 yards for a touchdown, along with QB Jeff Garcia

Jeff Garcia

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

completing a 2-yard TD pass to TE Alex Smith

Alex Smith (tight end)

Edwin Alexander "Alex" Smith , is an American football tight end for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft...

. In the second quarter, the Panthers got on the board with kicker John Kasay

John Kasay

getting a 20-yard field goal, yet Tampa Bay answered with 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...

getting a 37-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Buccaneers increased their lead as Bryant nailed a 49-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Tampa Bay sealed the win with 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....

getting a 1-yard TD run.

With the loss, Carolina fell to 4-2.

Week 7: vs. New Orleans Saints

Hoping to rebound from their divisional road loss to the Buccaneers, the Panthers went home for a Week 7 NFC South duel 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 pounced first as kicker John Kasay

John Kasay

got a 39-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Saints took the lead as 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 1-yard TD run. The Panthers regained the lead as rookie RB Jonathan Stewart

Jonathan Stewart

got an 18-yard TD run, along with Kasay getting a 48-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Carolina continued its domination as QB Jake Delhomme

Jake Delhomme

completed a 39-yard TD pass to WR Steve Smith, along with a 4-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...

. In the fourth quarter, the Panthers closed out the game as Kasay nailed a 28-yard field goal.

With the win, Carolina improved to 5-2.

Week 8: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Coming off their win over the Saints, the Panthers stayed at home for a Week 8 duel 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...

. In the first quarter, Carolina trailed early as Cardinals 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...

got a 21-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Arizona increased its lead as QB Kurt Warner

Kurt Warner

Kurtis Eugene "Kurt" Warner is a retired American football player. He played quarterback for three National Football League teams: the St. Louis Rams, the New York Giants, and the Arizona Cardinals. He was originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 1994 after playing...

completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR Anquan Boldin

Anquan Boldin

-Arizona Cardinals:As a rookie Boldin set an NFL record for most receiving yards by a rookie in his first game , tied Billy Sims for most yards from scrimmage by a rookie in his first game , and holds the NFL record for most receptions in the first 26 games of an NFL career...

. The Panthers got on the board with kicker John Kasay

John Kasay

getting a 23-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Cardinals increased their lead as RB Tim Hightower

Tim Hightower

-Arizona Cardinals:Hightower scored 10 touchdowns during his rookie season, and another 3 in the post season while averaging a meager 2.8 yards per carry. He would rush for a total amount of 399 yards in 2008. Hightower would then become the only Cardinal rookie running back ever to have scored a...

got a 2-yard TD run. Carolina started to rally as 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 15-yard TD run, while QB Jake Delhomme

Jake Delhomme

completed an 18-yard TD pass to WR Steve Smith. Arizona responded with Warner completing a 2-yard TD pass to Boldin (with a failed PAT), yet the Panthers got the lead with Delhomme hooking up with Smith again on a 65-yard TD pass. In the fourth quarter, Carolina completed its rally as Kasay nailed a 50-yard field goal.

With the win, the Panthers went into their bye week at 6-2.

Week 10: at Oakland Raiders

Coming off their bye week, the Panthers flew to Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum for a Week 10 interconference duel with the Oakland Raiders

Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...

. In the first quarter, Carolina pounced first as QB Jake Delhomme

Jake Delhomme

completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Muhsin Muhammad

Muhsin Muhammad

. In the second quarter, the Panthers increased their lead as 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 69-yard TD run. In the third quarter, the Raiders responded with kicker Sebastian Janikowski

Sebastian Janikowski

Sebastian Janikowski is a left-footed Polish placekicker who plays for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders. He is nicknamed The Polish Cannon because he is considered to have one of the strongest kicking legs in the league, and leads the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks. He lives in...

getting a 38-yard and a 45-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Carolina closed the game out with kicker John Kasay

John Kasay

nailing a 32-yard field goal.

With the win, the Panthers improved to 7-2.

Week 11: vs. Detroit Lions

Coming off their road win over the Raiders, the Panthers went home for a Week 11 duel with the winless Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...

. In the first quarter, Carolina trailed early as Lions QB Daunte Culpepper

Daunte Culpepper

Daunte Rachard Culpepper is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He last played for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League . Prior to joining the UFL, Culpepper enjoyed a successful National Football League career after being drafted 11th overall in...

completed a 29-yard TD pass to WR Calvin Johnson

Calvin Johnson (American football)

Calvin Johnson, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Lions second overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia Tech....

. In the second quarter, Detroit increased their lead as kicker Jason Hanson

Jason Hanson

Jason Douglas Hanson is an American football placekicker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League, where he has spent his entire 20 year career. He was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft...

got a 40-yard field goal. The Panthers got on the board as QB Jake Delhomme

Jake Delhomme

completed a 15-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:...

. The Lions would answer with Hanson making a 56-yard field goal, yet Carolina took the lead with 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 56-yard TD run, while rookie RB Jonathan Stewart

Jonathan Stewart

got a 22-yard TD run. Detroit ended the half with Hanson getting a 27-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Panthers increased their lead as kicker John Kasay

John Kasay

nailed a 29-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Lions tried to rally as Culpepper got a 1-yard TD run (with a failed 2-point conversion), yet Carolina pulled away with Williams getting a 4-yard TD run.

With the win, the Panthers improved to 8-2.

Week 12: at Atlanta Falcons

Coming off their record-setting win over the Lions, the Panthers 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 a Week 12 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...

. In the first quarter, Carolina trailed early as Falcons kicker Jason Elam

Jason Elam

Jason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....

made a 23-yard field goal, while WR Harry Douglas

Harry Douglas

Harry Douglas, IV is an American football wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Falcons in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisville....

got a 7-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Panthers continued to trail as RB Michael Turner got a 1-yard TD run. Carolina would close out the half as kicker John Kasay

John Kasay

got a 23-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Panthers began to make the game interesting. 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...

would get a 5-yard TD run, followed by Kasay nailing a 21-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Atlanta replied with Turner getting a 4-yard TD run. Carolina answered with QB Jake Delhomme

Jake Delhomme

getting a 12-yard TD run (followed up by Williams' 2-point conversion run), but the Falcons responded with Turner's 1-yard TD run, along with Douglas returning a punt 61 yards for a touchdown. The Panthers tried to come back as Delhomme completed a 16-yard TD pass to WR Muhsin Muhammad

Muhsin Muhammad

. However, Atlanta pulled away as Turner got a 16-yard TD run.

With the loss, Carolina fell to 8-3.

Week 13: at Green Bay Packers

Hoping to rebound from their divisional road loss to the Falcons, 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 a Week 13 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...

. In the first quarter, Carolina pounced first as 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 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Packers responded 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 32-yard field goal. The Panthers would answer with QB Jake Delhomme

Jake Delhomme

getting a 1-yard TD run. Green Bay replied with QB Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Charles Rodgers is an American football quarterback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . Rodgers was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Packers...

completing a 6-yard TD pass to WR Donald Driver

Donald Driver

Donald Jerome Driver is an American football wide receiver and children's author. He plays for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League...

, yet Carolina ended the half with Williams getting another 1-yard TD run.

In the third quarter, the Packers tied the game as Crosby made a 44-yard field goal, while Rodgers completed a 5-yard TD pass to TE Donald Lee (along with a successful 2-point conversion 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...

). In the fourth quarter, Green Bay took the lead as Rodgers hooked up with Jennings on a 21-yard TD pass, yet the Panthers answered with Williams getting his third 1-yard TD run. The Packers would retake the lead as Crosby nailed a 19-yard field goal, yet Carolina sealed the victory with Williams getting his fourth 1-yard TD run (setting the single-game franchise record for the most rushing touchdowns).

With the win, the Panthers improved to 9-3.

Week 14: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Panthers would run wild, literally, as they would amass a team record 299 yards on the ground (186 of them from 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...

, 115 from Jonathan Stewart

Jonathan Stewart

). Both Stewart and Williams had two touchdowns apiece, as Tampa Bay failed to tackle the dynamic duo. Steve Smith also had a good day, adding 117 yards and a TD. Although Jake Delhomme

Jake Delhomme

was intercepted twice, Tampa was unable to fully capitalize, despite a career day for Antonio Bryant

Antonio Bryant

Antonio Bryant is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...

, who finished with 200 yards and two scores.

With this victory, Carolina avenged its defeat by Tampa earlier in the season and gained sole possession of first place in the NFC South at 10-3.

Week 15: vs. Denver Broncos

Coming off from their divisional win over the Buccaneers, the Panthers stayed at home for a Week 15 interconference duel with the Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...

. In the first quarter, Carolina trailed early as Broncos QB Jay Cutler

Jay Cutler (American football)

Jay Christopher Cutler is a quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played football at Vanderbilt University. Cutler began his professional football career with the Denver Broncos, who selected him as the 11th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft...

completed a 7-yard TD pass to RB P.J. Pope. Carolina soon responded with QB Jake Delhomme

Jake Delhomme

completing a 15-yard TD pass to WR Steve Smith. Denver would retake the lead with kicker Matt Prater

Matt Prater

Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...

nailing a 43-yard field goal, yet Carolina answered as kicker John Kasay

John Kasay

ties the game with a 39-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Carolina took the lead with rookie RB Jonathan Stewart

Jonathan Stewart

getting a 2-yard TD run. Carolina closed out the half with Kasay nailing a 44-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Carolina increased its lead with 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...

's 56-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Carolina sealed the win with Kasay's 42-yard field goal.

With the win, Carolina improves to 11-3.

Week 16: at New York Giants

Coming off their home win over the Broncos, the Panthers flew to 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...

for a crucial Week 16 battle with the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants

New York Giants

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

, where the winner would lock up the NFC's #1 seed.

Despite trailing early in the first quarter through Giants kicker John Carney's 32-yard field goal, Carolina would respond with running back 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...

' 13-yard touchdown run. New York would regain the lead in the second quarter with running back Brandon Jacobs

Brandon Jacobs

-New York Giants:Going into the 2006 season Jacobs stated that he studied film of famed power running back Eddie George in an effort to refine his running style. George, like Jacobs, was a large, power running back. In the 2006 season, Jacobs carried the ball 96 times for 423 yards and nine...

getting a 2-yard touchdown run, yet the Panthers answered right back with Williams getting a 5-yard and a 1-yard touchdown run. The Giants would close out the first half with Carney nailing a 35-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, New York was gaining ground with quarterback Eli Manning

Eli Manning

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

completing a 4-yard touchdown pass to tight end Kevin Boss

Kevin Boss

Kevin Boss is an American football tight end for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League...

. Carolina would reply in the fourth quarter with Williams getting a 30-yard touchdown run. However, the Giants would tie the game with Jacobs getting a 1-yard touchdown run (followed by Manning's 2-point conversion pass to wide receiver Domenik Hixon

Domenik Hixon

Domenik Hixon is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Akron.-Early years:Hixon was born to an African American...

). The Panthers would get a late-game drive going and tried to end the game with kicker John Kasay

John Kasay

, but his 50-yard attempt sailed wide left. In overtime, New York would take their second possession and end the game with Jacobs' 2-yard touchdown run.

Despite falling to 11-4, Carolina would get a playoff berth, due in part to the Cowboys losing to the Ravens.

Week 17: at New Orleans Saints

With the division title on the line, 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 17 NFC South rematch with the New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints

. Carolina would get the early first quarter lead as kicker John Kasay

John Kasay

got a 45-yard and a 26-yard field goal. The Saints would respond in the second quarter with kicker Garrett Hartley

Garrett Hartley

Garrett Hartley is an American football placekicker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2008...

's 21-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Panthers would get a big lead as Kasay made a 34-yard field goal, quarterback Jake Delhomme

Jake Delhomme

completed an 8-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad

Muhsin Muhammad

, and cornerback Dante Wesley

Dante Wesley

Dante Julius Wesley is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...

returning a fumble 12 yards for a touchdown. New Orleans would end the half with quarterback 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....

completing a 26-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver 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...

.

In the third quarter, Carolina would add on to their lead with rookie running back Jonathan Stewart

Jonathan Stewart

's 2-yard touchdown run. However, in the fourth quarter, the Saints rallied to take the lead as Brees completed a 7-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Robert Meachem

Robert Meachem

Robert Meachem is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Saints 27th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee....

, along with a 9-yard and a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver 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...

. Fortunately, the Panthers got the last laugh as Kasay nailed the game-winning 42-yard field goal.

With the win, not only did Carolina close out the regular season at 12-4, but they also won the NFC South division crown and the NFC's #2 seed.

NFC Divisional Round: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Entering the postseason as the NFC's #2 seed, the Panthers began their playoff run at home in the NFC Divisional round against the #4 Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals

, in a rematch of their Week 8 contest.

Carolina would get off to a fast first quarter start as rookie running back Jonathan Stewart

Jonathan Stewart

got a 9-yard touchdown run. However, the Cardinals responded with quarterback Kurt Warner

Kurt Warner

completing a 3-yard touchdown pass to running back Tim Hightower

Tim Hightower

, followed by running back 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....

' 4-yard touchdown run. Arizona would take a huge lead in the second quarter as 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...

got a 49-yard and a 30-yard field goal, followed by Warner's 29-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald

Larry Fitzgerald

Larry Darnell Fitzgerald, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League, and currently ranks fourth all-time in league history in receiving yards per game for a career , behind Andre Johnson, Torry Holt, and Marvin Harrison...

.

In the third quarter, the Cardinals would add onto their grand lead as Rackers made a 33-yard field goal. Arizona would end its dominating night in the fourth quarter as Rackers nailed a 20-yard field goal. The Panthers would end the game's scoring with quarterback Jake Delhomme

Jake Delhomme

completing an 8-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Steve Smith.

With the disappointing loss, Carolina's season ended with an overall record of 12-5.

The Panthers' offense was plagued by Delhomme's 6 turnovers (5 interceptions and a fumble), Smith being limited to 2 catches for 43 yards & a touchdown, and the running back duo of 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...

and Stewart being held to 74 combined rushing yards.

External links

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