Much of that is due to the team’s poor play founded in some of the questionable moves made by Fox and GM Marty Hurney in the offseason.  Let’s see….franchise tagging Julius Peppers at a $16.7 million salary and in the process sacrificing much needed depth and improvement at other positions, re-signing QB Jake Delhomme to a $20 contract extension after a miserable playoff meltdown, knowing that he wasn’t leaving Charlotte.   To make matters worse, the team had not made attempts to develop any young QB’s in the last few years (though that could be addressed – see rest of the article).

One would be hard pressed to find a Panther fan or media member for that matter, who looked forward to having Fox and Hurney back in 2010.  In fact, the names Cowher, Shanahan and Gruden are names that rolled off the tongues of Charlottians quickly as the season wore on.  

Well it looks like they’ll have to wait at least one more year.  Reports surfaced Monday afternoon that Panthers owner Jerry Richardson will retain Fox and Hurney for 2010 which will take them through the end of their contracts. 

The other question that looms is whether Jake Delhomme will be a Panther again in 2010.  If Carolina releases him, they will still be paying him $13 million to walk…quite an attractive severance package if you ask me.   My guess is that with “Furney” coming back, so will Delhomme,…in some capacity.

That takes us to Matt Moore, who has been a Panther now for 3 seasons.  He started 3 games at the end of the 2007 season, looking impressive in each, then did not play in 2008.  This year, many around the Queen City called for him to play much earlier, but it took Delhomme breaking a finger for the ultra-loyal Fox to pull the trigger and put Moore into the game.  After 4 games this season he is now 3-1.  His last two starts have been very impressive with a win over Minnesota at home and an even more impressive performance in a rout of the Giants 41-9. 

In addition to Moore, with starting running back DeAngelo Williams out, Running Back 1A Jonathan Stewart had a career game rushing for over 200 yards against the Giants.  The Panther offense looked the most impressive it has all season and it was against a New York team that was still fighting for a playoff spot at the time.

Carolina finishes the season hot and against a limping Saints team

While not a top tier QB, Moore has shown he can manage a game for the Panthers and provide them the spark they weren’t getting from Delhomme.  Between his emergence and their rushing attack which is always a threat, the struggling Saints defense must be ready.   That unit has fallen from 9^th in Total Defense at mid-season to the mid-twenties going into this game.  The one saving grace for the Saints is that the Panthers will be without their biggest threat, WR Steve Smith.  Smith broke his forearm on a touchdown catch against the Giants last Sunday and had surgery this week.

That leaves Moore without much on the outside to throw to.  Veteran wideout Mushin Muhammed is an aging 35 and there is no 3^rd WR to speak of.  That may allow Saints Defensive Coordinator, Gregg Williams to move up a safety in the box like he likes to do to help stop the Panthers potent running game.

Saints Coach Sean Payton hasn’t shown his hand on if he will rest players, but Minnesota’s loss to Chicago Monday night certainly gives him options.   One thing is for sure, Carolina can expect a Saints team that is looking to regain its swagger going into the playoffs.   An even bigger question is will the Panthers keep their foot on the gas with nothing left to play for but pride and a lame duck coach.  We’ll know in a few days.

Other News

In injury news, several players sat out Wednesday’s practice including cornerback Richard Marshall (ankle), receiver Muhsin Muhammad (knee), tackle Geoff Schwartz (groin), running backs Jonathan Stewart (Achilles), DeAngelo Williams (ankle) and Tyrell Sutton (calf), and wide receiver Steve Smith (arm). The Panthers have yet to place Smith on injured reserve, but that move is expected.

Quarterback Matt Moore (ribs) practiced on a limited basis.

In other news, Fox said linebacker Jon Beason, center Ryan Kalil and Smith were voted second-team Pro Bowl alternates.

Related posts:

1. No more tune-ups as Panthers face Eagles in Week 1
2. Panthers eager to put ‘08 season in past
3. Déjà vu for Delhomme and the Panthers

At DE, Julius Peppers has a hand injury that has affected him since the Saints game.   While it’s not forced him out of action totally, he has been used more on passing downs than those against the run the past few weeks.

After failing to get to .500 last week, on the Sunday the Panthers (4-6) look play the also 4-6 Jets. With rookie QB Mark Sanchez struggling, the Jets will look to focus on running the football against a Carolina defense that is weak stopping the run. The Jets rank second in the league in rushing and with Carolina’s front seven depleted, look for Sanchez to get plenty of help from running back Thomas Jones.

The vibe inside the Panthers locker room at practice this week has been one of a team that has lost its bond, lost its enthusiasm, and lost its respect for Coach John Fox.  Players do not have the booming music in their lockers and the chatter and joking that goes on in most locker rooms; in fact, there is almost an aire of “ready to get the season over with”.  After practice, many players have been taking a shower and seem in a hurry to get out.   This is almost the sign of a team that has folded their tent for the rest of the season.

While this doesn’t sound very positive for those hoping for Panther wins to close out the season, it sounds quite good to a large contingent of fans hoping for whatever it takes to get Coach John Fox and GM Marty Hurney out after this season.  Many Carolina fans are looking for a complete overhaul and no longer have faith in a regime that has yet to post consecutive winning seasons in over 8 years.

Related posts:

1. Injury bug paying visits to Panthers Camp
2. Injury bug visits Panthers camp
3. Winless Panthers struggle through preseason

After starting off the season very poorly and below expectations, the Panthers are now 3-4 after playing by far their best and most complete game of the season last Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. This is the same Cardinals team that convincingly eliminated Carolina from the playoffs last January by forcing 6 turnovers, all from OB Jake Delhomme. 

The Cardinals entered the game this past Sunday with the first-ranked rush defense, but the Panthers gouged them for over 230 yards on the ground between RB’s DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart.  QB Jake Delhomme only put the ball in the air 14 times and that is just how Coach John Fox wants it  – run, run, run and strike with the pass only when necessary.  The key stat was that there were zero turnovers.   Not to mention the defense is also looking much improved and playing with more confidence, particularly after stopping a very explosive Arizona offense, one much like they’ll face this Sunday at New Orleans. 

But not only does it look like the Panthers could be hitting their stride, they also have some history on their side this Sunday against the undefeated 7-0 Saints.   You see, the Panthers have won the past seven road games in Louisiana, with the past five being quarterbacked by Louisiana native Jake Delhomme.  In fact, the much criticized Delhomme, who leads the league in INT’s with 13, has been very effective in his five road games in Louisiana – across all five games, he has a passer rating of 104.7, with for 5 TD’s and only 1 INT.  Call it revenge against his former team or call it karma, but the Panthers have had the Saints number when playing in New Orleans. 

But will history and karma be enough?  This year’s Saints defense is unlike what Jake and Panthers have faced the past few years.  Some of the personnel is still the same, but new Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams has the Black and Gold playing with more aggressiveness and intensity.  Williams uses multiple looks, blitz packages and even has switched from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense at times this year. 

Defensive pressure has caused Delhomme to make some very questionable throws this year, and you better believe the Saints defense has seen that on film this week.  With a New Orleans defense that leads the league in INT’s and an opposing QB that also leads the league in INT’s, that doesn’t make for a favorable equation for the Panthers.

I’m picking the Saints to stay undefeated – Saints 31/Panthers 20.

 Key notables:

• The Panthers injury list includes both FB’s Brad Hoover and back-up Tony Fiametta.  The Panthers run a lot of 2 back sets that include a fullback as a lead blocker, so they are scrambling to find a replacement , likely a tight end already on the roster.
• DE Julius Peppers has been finally playing with consistently the past few weeks.  Since the bye week, Peppers has 23 tackles, 4 sacks, 8 QB hurries and 1 interception for a touchdown.  Is it worth $1 million per game?  Not sure, but consistency is something Peppers has not often been accused of.
• Since DT Hollis Thomas was signed after week 4, the rushing defense has moved from 23^rd in the NFL into the top half of the league.  Thomas, a former Saint, provides a big body in the middle that the Panthers were missing since DT Maake Kemomatu went down in camp with a torn Achilles.
• Another injury of note is WR Mushin Muhammed.  Muhammed is an aging possession receiver at 37 who was not pulling attention away from Steve Smith.   With “Moose” out, the Panthers will turn to Dwayne Jarrett, a former high 2nd round draft pick from USC, who has been a disappointment so far in his Panthers career.

Related posts:

1. Panthers licking their wounds after falling to 0- 3
2. Panthers eager to put ‘08 season in past
3. Déjà vu for Delhomme and the Panthers

(4-2) ATLANTA                 21          
(4-2) DALLAS                     37

The Cowboys forced three turnovers and Dallas receiver Miles Austin showed why many are considering him as the team’s number one receiver. Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan was picked off twice, that’s now four interceptions in the last two games, but still managed to throw for two scores.  Ryan was also sacked four times.

It was Austin’s show however, as the Dallas receiver caught six balls for 171 yards and had two touchdowns, one coming on a 59-yard catch and run. Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo also had a good game going 21 of 29 on the day for 311 yards, three touchdowns and no picks.

Atlanta comes to the Superdome next Monday to face the Saints.

(3-4) BUFFALO                  20
(2-4) CAROLINA                 9

The Jake Delhomme era in Carolina could be coming to an end. Delhomme was picked off three times and now has 13 interceptions on the season, as the Panthers committed four turnovers as a team. Statistically the Panthers dominated the game outgaining the Bills 425 yards to just 167 for Buffalo. Carolina was a mess fumbling a punt and missing two field goals.

Carolina head coach John Fox said following the game that he will evaluate the film and decide if Delhomme starts next week when the Panthers travel to Phoenix.

(5-2) NEW ENGLAND      35
(0-7) TAMPA BAY             7

It was anything but a jolly good time for the Bucs in London as Tampa Bay turned the ball over three times and remained winless. The Buccaneers have now lost 11 games in a row dating back to last season. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was 23 of 32 for 308 yards, threw three touchdowns and two picks.

Tampa’s defense is now 27th in the NFL. New England on the other hand is getting scary good and are starting to play like the team that won 16 regular season games just two years ago. The Pats have outscored their opponents in the last two games 94-7.

The Buccaneers have a bye this week and then host Green Bay on November 7.

Related posts:

1. Saints NFC South Division champs in comeback win
2. Panthers licking their wounds after falling to 0- 3
3. Panthers have history to fall back on,…but is it enough?

ATLANTA- The last time the Falcons played a primetime game on (non-cable) network television, Michael Vick was the quarterback, Jim Mora was the coach, and the tandem of T.J. Duckett and Warrick Dunn were splitting the carries.

On the other sideline:  the New Orleans Saints.  Jim Haslett was the head coach.  Aaron Brooks was the quarterback.  Hurricane Katrina had forced them to play home games in three different cities.

It sure feels like December 12, 2005 was a long time ago.  (The Falcons won that Monday Night game on ABC, 36-17).  Since then, Atlanta has bid farewell to Vick, Mora, Bobby Petrino, Duckett, Dunn, and a cast of thousands.  They’re a playoff team again, and are looking to take the next step.

Sunday night, the Falcons (3-1) are in the national spotlight again.  They host the Chicago Bears (3-1) at the Georgia Dome, in a game that could carry NFC playoff seeding implications, even at such an early juncture of the season.

And the Falcons should be coming in to the showcase game with a boatload of confidence, after thrashing San Francisco 45-10 last week.  Matt Ryan threw for a career high total in single game yards, and wide receiver Roddy White joined running back Michael Turner to account for five combined touchdowns.

“I think we put together a good game plan and we spent a lot of time evaluating where we are as football team,” said Falcons coach Mike Smith of last Sunday’s win. “We went out and executed the things that we needed to make adjustments with.”

But the Falcons have also been far from perfect, and Smith is pushing his team to clean up some frequent mistakes.  Repeating a reoccurring theme from the early part of the season, Atlanta took 90 penalty yards in San Francisco.

“I would say that’s something we definitely have to address,” said Smith. “We don’t like dumb penalties. Aggressive penalties are a whole different kind of thing that you have to deal with. We don’t like dumb penalties.”

The Bears are coming off a bye week, but also put up big numbers in their last outing, lighting up Detroit for 48 points.  It’s a chance for Chicago to win a fourth consecutive game.  Smith says his playmakers will need to come up big.

“I think that’s a good problem to have if you can distribute the ball and get the ball to as many playmakers’ hands as you can,” said Smith.  “I thought (against San Francisco) when we got it into our playmakers hands, they made plays.”

Related posts:

1. Difficult road trip welcomes Falcons back from bye
2. Ryan, White, Turner combine to embarrass San Francisco 45-10
3. Falcons in position to bury division rival early

With most NFL observers expecting a nip-and-tuck affair, the quietly confident Atlanta Falcons made their longest road trip of the year hoping to make a statement against the improving San Francisco 49ers.

What they likely didn’t expect was to make that statement in less than a full half of football.

Wide Receiver Roddy White netted a franchise record 210 yards and two touchdowns, running back Michael Turner tacked on three scores, and quarterback Matt Ryan notched a career high 329 passing yards en route to a 45-10 thrashing of the 49ers Sunday.

The Falcons (3-1) led the game 35-10 at halftime, and scored 31 unanswered points starting in the second quarter.  San Francisco (3-2) was beyond sloppy, committing three turnovers, being penalized for 92 yards, and, at times, not even having proper personnel on the field.

Coming off an unusually early bye week, it was the Falcons defense that actually set the tone for a long day for San Francisco.  Newcomer Brian Williams picked 49ers quarterback Shaun Hill deep in San Francisco territory on their first possession of the game, setting up an easy seven yard touchdown plunge by Turner.

After the Falcons defense forced a three-and-out, Ryan and White hooked up for their first of two touchdowns of the day, this one from 31 yards out.

With less than ten minutes played, the Falcons had already scored all the points they needed to score their first road win of the year.

Though San Francisco would pull to within 14-10 early in the second quarter, Ryan slammed the door with three touchdown drives within six minutes of each other, including a 90 yard strike to White to extend the lead to 21-10.

The 35 first half points was also a Falcons record.

“I think when we were able to get the ball moving on the ground early in the game, I think that opened everything up,” said Falcons Tight End Tony Gonzalez, who had six grabs for 55 yards.

The jaw dropping offensive totals for the Falcons are even more impressive considering the pedigree of their opponent.  San Francisco had the fifth ranked defense in the league, sacrificing just 13 points per game prior to Sunday.  The Falcons rampaged against that defense for nearly 500 total yards, a total that may have gone higher had it not been for two Atlanta turnovers.

“We were really hurt after that last game against New England, and we wanted to make a statement against a good football team,” said Gonzalez.  “But we didn’t think it would be anything like this.”

The Falcons still trail the undefeated Saints by a game in the NFC South.  While New Orleans faces a Week Six showdown against the 5-0 Giants, it’s the Falcons that will play the nationally televised Sunday night game, hosting the 3-1 Chicago Bears.  Those two teams hooked up for a midseason classic last year at the Georgia Dome, where a last-second win by the Falcons ended up as a big factor in Atlanta clinching a postseason berth in 2008.

Related posts:

1. Atlanta 2-0 in preseason action
2. Ryan, Falcons hold on for key divisional win
3. Flu scare in rear view mirror, Falcons QB Ryan looks toward Dolphins

ATLANTA- Some say having a Week Four bye can help an NFL team heal its wounds early, make critical personnel adjustments, and get some much needed rest.

Others point out that an early bye sets up a grind of thirteen straight weeks of football, which could swell to seventeen straight weeks depending on that team’s postseason draw.

Like it or not, the Falcons found themselves in that position.  Now, they have a long haul to look forward to.

“I’ve never had a break this early in the season for me personally, so I am not accustomed to it,” said Falcons coach Mike Smith.  “I would prefer to have it a little later, but this is when it was scheduled, so we had to adjust a little bit in terms of how we where going to approach it.”

Speaking of long hauls, the Falcons (2-1) take their longest road trip of the season this weekend, traveling to San Francisco to face the surprising 49ers (3-1).

Despite strong opening week efforts at home against two playoff teams from 2008, any progress made in Falcons wins over Miami and Carolina was wiped out in a decisive pre-bye road loss at New England.

“We were dead on offense, defense and special teams,” said Smith. “There were a lot of areas that we can get better at was well as coaching.”

Now, Smith and the rest of the Falcons coaching staff deals with the challenge of waking up their team in San Francisco.  And Smith says it won’t be easy.

“They’re a good football team,” said Smith.  “They were making plays in all three phases. They’re a very good team.”

While the Falcons running game failed to establish itself in New England, it figures to get an injection of speed this weekend with the return of Jerrious Norwood, who was knocked out of the lineup with two separate injuries in the span of a month.

“We’re a faster offense,” said Smith.  “We’re much faster when we have Jerious in a game. He brings that speed element.”

Once divisional rivals, Atlanta and San Francisco have played each other only once in the past five seasons.  That was a game won by the Falcons 20-10 in the lost season of 2007, where Michael Vick went to jail and Bobby Petrino went to Fayetteville in the span of a few months.

Related posts:

1. Falcons gear up for rare Sunday night showdown against Bears
2. Falcons in position to bury division rival early
3. Falcons stymied in second half, suffer first loss to Patriots

 The Panthers had started 0-2 and not looked very good in either of its first two games.  The Cowboys had just had a losing effort the week before in the opening game at their $1 billion new stadium. 

In fact, in that game quarterback Tony Romo played much like Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme had played in the first two games, susceptible to turnovers.

While the Panthers said all the rights things during the week, the Cowboys didn’t get the memo.  After a sluggish start for both teams in the first half, the Cowboys went into the locker room at halftime to a chorus of boos from the home crowd, most of whom had paid big money for their tickets, parking spaces and concessions at Jerry Jones’ new Taj Mahal.  

In the second half, they got a solid performance from their Cowboys as they practically ran the ball at will against a soft Carolina defense.  They did this with starting running back Marion Barber out with a deep thigh bruise.  Back-ups Felix Jones and Tashard Choice filled in quite nicely, though depending on your perspective, their showing was partially to blame on the Panthers “pathetic tackling” as ESPN Monday Night announcer Mike Tirico put it on one second half play.  

Pathetic is just one of the adjectives (some aren’t printable) that Panthers fans were using on Tuesday call-in shows to describe this latest performance.  From the continued struggles of quarterback Jake Delhomme, to the lack of production by $17 million man Julius Peppers to some of the coaching decisions, the entire performance had fans and media buzzing.  “It’s time to bench Delhomme.” Was one of the feature headlines on Tuesday morning’s Charlotte Observer Sports section.  

While there are many places to point fingers Delhomme, Peppers, and Coach John Fox are the most common targets around Charlotte lately. 

“He might be the best option on the roster, but we just need a change,…any change.”, said one sports talk caller speaking of Delhomme.

“Fox and (GM Marty) Hurney both need to go.  It starts with the brass”, said another caller.

They may not be too far off.  Much of the Panthers troubles started in the offseason when they decided to mortgage their future and their depth by giving one man, DE Julius Peppers almost 1/8 of their entire salary cap.  Through his first 3 games, Peppers is not performing even close to what a top-tier Defensive End should be. 

They also decided to give an extension to QB Jake Delhomme.  While he has at times in his career been a good game manager that fits Fox’s offensive scheme, he has also had multiple very poor games in which he has been questionable with his reads and decisions, leading to turnovers.

Panther fans do have some good news where the team is concerned. The Panthers now face a bye week, so they’ll be no chance of another loss this week. 

Next up:   Washington at Bank of America stadium in Charlotte (10/11)

 Key numbers:

• 3     – Only three NFL teams since 1990 have climbed out of an 0-3 hole to make the playoffs.
• 2     – Only two tackles (1 solo, 1 assist) by DE Julius Peppers (far too little for someone earning $1 million per game)
• 182.6   - The rushing yards per game the Panthers defense is allowing.  (they gave up 212 to the Cowboys)

Related posts:

1. Panthers have history to fall back on,…but is it enough?
2. Panthers eager to put ‘08 season in past
3. Déjà vu for Delhomme and the Panthers

Strong second half efforts propelled the Falcons to relatively easy opening week victories over Miami and Carolina.  But Sunday in New England was a much different story.

Playing on the road for the first time in the 2009 regular season, the Falcons gave up 16 unanswered points, 13 of them coming in the second half, to be defeated by the Patriots 26-10.

Atlanta (2-1) dropped into second place in the NFC South, trailing the Saints by a game.  New England (2-1) took sole possession of second in the AFC, one game behind the New York Jets.

Perhaps over their heads in playing the 2007 AFC Champions to a relative draw in the first half, the Falcons came unglued in the third quarter, thanks in part to an uncharacteristic flurry of inaccurate passes from quarterback Matt Ryan.

Running back Michael Turner didn’t help matters either, losing his second fumble in as many weeks.

Ryan ended the game without throwing for a touchdown, and was limited to just 199 yards on 17 completions.  The Falcons were outgained by New England 445-227, and the Patriots held a 2 to 1 advantage in the all-important time of possession statistic.

Perhaps most distressing for the Falcons, for the second time in three weeks, they were unable to run the football.  Partially accounting for that major time of possession disparity was the fact that Atlanta managed only 58 yards rushing.  This, from a team that head coach Mike Smith repeatedly touts as a run first, pass second offense.

Atlanta also struggled to establish a ground game in their Week One victory over Miami, but was able to overcome that problem with a near-shutout on defense and a accurate day by Ryan.

It’s possible the Patriots may have given the rest of the NFC South a playbook on how to slow the Falcons offense.  Tight End Tony Gonzalez, who has been Ryan’s favorite target in the early season, was stuck in press coverage all day and managed only one reception on the afternoon, and it came long after the issue had been decided.

The upcoming bye week comes at a good time for the Falcons, who are hopeful banged up reserve running back Jerrious Norwood will soon return to the lineup.  For the second week, reserve fullback Jason Snelling played in Norwood’s place, managing 44 all purpose yards.

Related posts:

1. Hornets tip off 2nd half of the season with a loss
2. Falcons defense surprises, nearly shuts out Dolphins
3. Falcons win game 27-24; Leave with questions

ATLANTA- Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has been nothing short of impressive in his first two years as an NFL quarterback.  So, it may sound hyperbolic to call his performance Sunday at the Georgia Dome his best professional game to date.

But then again, it would be hard to argue it wasn’t.

Ryan threw three touchdown passes, completed all but six attempts (including thirteen in a row at one point), and amassed 220 yards through the air in a 28-20 victory.

The win gave Atlanta (2-0) a two game lead over Carolina (0-2), the team that edged out the Falcons by a game to win the NFC South in 2008.   Atlanta and the Saints are tied for first atop the NFC South.

But the Falcons nearly blew a 15 point fourth quarter lead, with the Panthers nearly forcing overtime on a bizarre sequence at the end of the game.

With eight seconds to play, Carolina drove to midfield, where they had an opportunity to throw a Hail Mary in hopes of setting up a game tying two point conversion.  Jake Delhomme’s pass was deflected up in the air in the end zone; and, for a split second, it appeared wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett came down with the ball off a tip to score a touchdown.

However, the ball hit the ground.  But the drama was not over.

Referee Don Carey belatedly called for a replay review to see if any time remained on the clock.  The only problem was, both teams had already left for the locker room.

Replay confirmed no time was left on the clock.

“I am sure glad of the decision that was made,” said Falcons coach Mike Smith.  “We may have had to pull some guys out of the shower, re-tape them, and get them out of there.”

The Falcons’ sloppy clock management and defensive miscues in the waning moments nearly nullified an outstanding performance by Ryan, his receivers, and his running backs.

“We still have a long way to go,” said Ryan.  “I think we can make a lot of improvements.  We had a lot of turnovers today, which you can’t do in divisional games.”

Smith says he was pleased with the production the Falcons got offensively, both in the air and on the ground.

“Turner went over 100 yards, which is to the core of what we want to do,” said Smith.  “We want to be a team that runs the football.”

“(Ryan) was distributing the ball extremely well.  He got us in an out of good plays, which is what we expect our quarterback to do.”

After a nip and tuck first half that featured four lead changes, it appeared the Falcons were finally able to put the game away five plays into the fourth quarter, when running back Michael Turner stumbled into the end zone from one yard out, giving Atlanta a 28-13 lead.  The 12 play drive wasn’t the Falcons prettiest of the day, but it was among the most effective.  It ate nearly seven minutes off the clock, and included one of two successful fourth down conversions they had on the day. 

The Panthers were able to make it interesting, though.  Quarterback Jake Delhomme connected with tight end Dante Rosario on a controversial 11 yard touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to eight.  It appeared Rosario never had control of the football, and, in fact, one referee ruled it an incomplete pass.  But a replay review confirmed the call of the overruling official.

Then, after a Falcons three and out, the Panthers took possession of the ball at their own 33 with more than five minutes to play.  Poor tackling on a DeAngelo Williams run moved the Panthers past midfield.  A circus sideline catch by wide receiver Steve Smith took Carolina into the red zone. 

But running back Jonathan Stewart nearly fumbled away the game at the Atlanta 18.  Delhomme was nearly picked on the next play, when he wildly lobbed the ball into the air while in the grasp of Kroy Bierman.  And on fourth down, Delhomme was intercepted, when cornerback Chris Houston stepped in front of Smith at the goal line to put the game away.

The Falcons were on the verge of extending their lead to 15 points on their first drive of the third quarter, but Turner fumbled at the Carolina 8 yard line.  It voided a crisp opening-half drive that included a Falcons conversion on fourth and inches.

But Carolina failed to capitalize, with Williams fumbling at midfield on the ensuing drive.  As it turned out, neither team scored in the third quarter.

By the middle of the second quarter, it appeared the Falcons offense was finally getting on track.  Twice, Ryan hooked up with wide receiver Marty Booker for long third down conversions (27 and 15 yards respectively).  A shoe-top catch by tight end Tony Gonzalez, called incomplete on the field but reversed after a replay review, gave the Falcons another key third down conversion inside the Carolina 10 yard line.  And Atlanta was able to convert their good fortune into seven points.  A ten yard touchdown pass from Ryan to seldom used fullback Jason Snelling gave the Falcons a 14-10 advantage, the fourth lead change of the first half.

A pair of long receptions by wide receiver Steve Smith set up a Carolina field goal just after the two minute warning of the first half, when John Kasay drilled a 50 yard field goal, his second of the game.  It cut the Atlanta lead to 14-13.

But Atlanta responded immediately.  Eric Weems’ 41 yard kickoff return, a 20 yard rush by Snelling, and a 15 yard reception by Gonzalez (while being interfered with) set up Ryan’s third touchdown of the half, a seven yard hookup to wide receiver Roddy White.  The 55 second drive gave the Falcons a 21-13 halftime lead.  It was the first time in Ryan’s career the second-year quarterback threw three touchdown passes in a half.

Carolina’s first touchdown of the game came early in the second quarter, courtesy of a long bomb to Smith, and two nifty runs by running back DeAngelo Williams, the second of which when he juked Falcons cornerback Chris Houston for an easy three yard stroll into the end zone.  It gave Carolina a 10-7 second quarter lead.

After being torn to pieces last week in a five turnover effort against Philadelphia, the game could not have started much better for quarterback Jake Delhomme.  He took Carolina down the field with ease, before the first drive of the game drive stalled when Williams could not hold on to a swing pass on a key third down.  Kasay converted a 38 yard field goal to salvage three points.

Ryan’s first interception of the season came late in the first quarter, when cornerback Richard Marshall stepped in front of intended receiver Marty Booker on a third down and long.  It capped off a sloppy opening frame for the Falcons, who were penalized four times in the quarter.

But the Falcons got some new life at the end of the first quarter on a bizarre play, where a Carolina punt was partially blocked by Brian Williams, and popped straight into the hands of Mike Peterson.  It set the Falcons up with their best starting field position of the day, their own 48 yard line.  Two plays later, the Falcons took the lead, on a 29 yard Ryan missile caught on a dive by Gonzalez.  It was the second touchdown hookup of the year between Ryan and Gonzalez.

NOTES:  Falcons defensive tackle and first round draft pick Peria Jerry suffered an apparent left knee injury while rushing Delhomme in the fourth quarter.  He did not return… Atlanta running back Jerious Norwood, who usually spells Turner for five to ten carries a game, was knocked out of the game with what team officials called a “head injury”… Smith did not elaborate on the condition of either Jerry or Norwood after the game.  For the second straight week, the Falcons recorded an official sell out of the Georgia Dome, but, in fact, about one quarter of the seats at the Georgia Dome were empty.

Related posts:

1. Lucky number 13. Saints hold off Falcons 26-23
2. Flu scare in rear view mirror, Falcons QB Ryan looks toward Dolphins
3. Ryan, White, Turner combine to embarrass San Francisco 45-10