From Thursday's practice:

   Quarterback Vinny Testaverde made it through another practice without any problems and remains the starter for Sunday's game against San Francisco.

   Defensive end Mike Rucker returned to work after missing practice on Wednesday with an illness.

   The only Carolina player to miss practice was wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett, who remains out with a knee injury.

   Just walked off the field following Wednesday's practice.

   Quarterback Vinny Testaverde was back on the field and practiced "full." Coach John Fox reiterated that Testaverde will start if healthy, but wouldn't say whether David Carr or Matt Moore will be the No. 2 quarterback.

   The only players who didn't practice Wednesday were defensive end Mike Rucker (illness) and receiver Dwayne Jarrett (knee).

   During Sunday's broadcast, FOX color analyst Brian Baldinger said it wasn't coach John Fox's decision to bring in quarterback David Carr, and that it was a front office decision.

   Fox denied that on Monday.

   "That's not true," Fox said. "Wasn't said by me. Basically, we do every personnel decision around here with a process and I'm part of that process, so that's not true."

   I believe Fox on this one.

   That has always been the way the Panthers have worked and he has regular input into all decisions. He wouldn't have signed off on Carr if he didn't think he was an upgrade over Chris Weinke.

   --Fox also was asked Monday if head coaches, like quarterbacks, receive too much blame when things go wrong.

   "I can't control all those things," he said. "It's been my experience that both cases are true whether you're a quarterback or a coach. When you're not having success there's going to be plenty of blame?"

   Asked to evaluate his own performance this season, Fox said, "I'm not into doing that. That's for other people. We're not pleased with where we are right now. We still have five games to go and those decisions are not in my control."

   --When asked who botched the interception when Carr overthrew rookie receiver Dwayne Jarrett, Fox said it was a combination of both guys making a mistake.

GAME RUNNER:

Recap: OK, new rules – first team to pick up a first down wins. Both offenses are really struggling early on. The Panthers manage a 45-yard field goal by John Kasay after Saints corner Jason David is flagged for pass interference on Drew Carter, resulting in a 41-yard gain. Unfortunately for the Panthers, that’s their only first down of the first quarter. Carolina’s defense has played well early on.

Big play: Julius Peppers tips a Drew Brees pass at the line of scrimmage and then intercepts it. However, the Panthers are unable to cash in, failing to pick up a fourth-and-1 at the Saints 40.

Big mistake: Jeff King was flagged for an illegal formation nullifying a 41-yard completion from David Carr to Drew Carter. On the next play, Carr was sacked and the Panthers were forced to punt.

Comment: David Carr, starting for the injured Vinny Testaverde, goes to Steve Smith six times in the opening quarter, but completes only pass to him. The Saints are sending everyone after Carr -- and you can’t blame them.

Score: Carolina 3, New Orleans 0

 

2^nd quarter

Recap: After stuffing the Panthers on a fourth-and-1 at the 40, the Saints drive 60 yards for the go-ahead touchdown. Brees finds second-year receiver Lance Moore in the corner of the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown pass. Moore beats corner Patrick Dendy on the play.

Big play: Panthers guard Mike Wahle is flagged for a false start on a second-and-goal at the Saints 4. Carr attempts two miserable passes and the Panthers settle for another Kasay field goal.

Big mistake: Carr, who may be the worst quarterback ever to suit up for the Panthers, badly overthrows Dwayne Jarrett and is intercepted near midfield. As the half comes to an end coach John Fox is bombarded with hollers of  “We want Moore!” Can’t blame them. Carolina has just 84 total yards at the half.

Comment: The Panthers avoid giving up an easy three near the end of the half after Kasay boots the kickoff out of bounds. Olindo Mare tries a 59-yard field goal and hits it about like I would – a line drive about 20 yards down the field.

Score: New Orleans 10, Carolina 6.

 

3^rd quarter

Recap: Once again, the Panthers come out of the locker room flat in the second half and give up not one, not two, but three touchdowns as the Saints take a 31-6 lead and blow this game open. Clearly the defense looks defeated – perhaps because the offense has no chance to score with Carr in the game. The Saints take the opening drive and easily march 73 yards on nine plays for a touchdown. Brees exploits the middle of the field on the drive before hitting Billy Miller with a 1-yard TD strike. Brees runs for another score and throws another to Marquis Colston.

Big mistake: Take your choice. DeShaun Foster fumbled twice in the third quarter, both leading to Saints touchdowns. Foster now has six fumbles on the season -- four resulting in turnovers.

Comment: With heavy rain falling, fans began piling out of the stadium after the Saints touchdown drive to open the half. By the end of the third quarter, almost everyone is gone except for about one thousand fans.

Score: New Orleans 31, Carolina 6

 

4^th quarter

Recap: It’s all Saints. The Panthers will lose their seventh straight game at home, having been outscored 200-70 at home during that span.

Big play: The only cheer of the game from the home crowd in the fourth quarter when Matt Moore began warming up on the sidelines. But Moore’s first drive ends with an interception – Carolina’s fifth turnover of the game.

Big mistake: You made it, if you were one of the 53,493 fans who came to the stadium to watch this horrendous excuse for a football team.

Comment: I thought the Panthers had a chance to win today – up until I found up Vinny Testaverde would not play. Carr is that bad, and he seems to drag the team down with him.

Score: New Orleans 31, Carolina 6

 

GAME RUNNER:

Recap: OK, new rules – first team to pick up a first down wins. Both offenses are struggling early on. The Panthers manage a 45-yard field goal by John Kasay after Saints corner Jason David is flagged for pass interference on Drew Carter, resulting in a 41-yard gain. That is Carolina’s only first down of the first quarter. Carolina’s defense has played well early on.

Big play: Julius Peppers tips a Drew Brees pass at the line of scrimmage and then intercepts it. However, the Panthers are unable to cash in, failing to pick up a fourth-and-1 at the Saints 40.

Big mistake: Jeff King was flagged for an illegal formation nullifying a 41-yard completion from David Carr to Drew Carter. On the next play, Carr was sacked and the Panthers were forced to punt.

Comment: David Carr, starting for the injured Vinny Testaverde, goes to Steve Smith six times in the opening quarter, but completes only pass to him. The Saints are sending everyone after Carr -- and you can’t blame them.

Score: Carolina 3, New Orleans 0

 

2^nd quarter

Recap: After stuffing the Panthers on a fourth-and-1 at the 40, the Saints drive 60 yards for the go-ahead touchdown. Brees finds second-year receiver Lance Moore in the corner of the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown pass. Moore beats corner Patrick Dendy on the play.

Big play: Panthers guard Mike Wahle is flagged for a false start on a second-and-goal at the Saints 4. Carr attempts two miserable pass attempts and the Panthers settle for another Kasay field goal.

Big mistake: Carr, who may be the worst quarterback ever to suit up for the Panthers, badly overthrows Dwayne Jarrett and is intercepted near midfield with the Panthers already losing 7-3. As the half comes to a close, fans are chanting, “We want Moore!” trying to convince coach John Fox to bench Carr for backup Matt Moore. Can’t blame them.

Comment: Wide receiver Steve Smith leaves the game briefly to have his knee looked at on the sidelines. He appears to be fine and returns to the game. The Panthers avoid giving up an easy three near the end of the half after Kasay boots the kickoff out of bounds.

Score: New Orleans 10, Carolina 6.

 

   CHARLOTTE -- The Carolina Panthers on Saturday added quarterback Vinny Testaverde to their injury report as questionable for Sunday's game against New Orleans with tightness in his back.
   According to team spokesman Charlie Dayton, Testaverde's back tightened up after Friday's practice.
   The Panthers did not practice Saturday.
   Dayton said coach John Fox will make a game-time decision on Testaverde's status.
   If Testaverde, 44, doesn't play, it's expected David Carr would start against the Saints.  Carr's only win as a starter this season came in Week 5 against New Orleans.
   The Panthers also have Matt Moore on the roster, but he is considered their third-string quarterback.
   Fox named Testaverde the starter on Wednesday, saying he wanted to have some stability at the quarterback situation.
   Also, safety Chris Harris was added to the injury report as probable with an illness.

   Ever since the league went to 32 teams, NFL teams know 14 of the 16 teams they will face the following season, and the season after that and so on...  But two games, both within the conference, are determined each year by where you finish in the division.

   This year, all NFC South teams played one game each against the NFC North and the NFC East. it works like this: the first place team in the NFC South plays the first place team in the NFC North and NFC East. The second place team in the NFC South plays the second place team in the NFC North and East, and so on.

   Well, as it turns out, finishing second in the division in 2006 has really cost the Panthers this year.

   They drew the Dallas Cowboys (9-1) from the East and the Green Bay Packers (9-1) from the North. It turns out the Packers and Cowboys are the toughest teams in the conference, which has makes Carolina's schedule just a little tougher than their division foes. 

   New Orleans, which actually won the division last year, drew Philadelphia and Chicago, two of the league's more disappointing teams. Atlanta, which finished third in the division last year, got the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings. And Tampa Bay, which finished dead last a year ago, drew Washington and Detroit.

1st Quarter

 

   RECAP: The Panthers have controlled the football for most of the game and DeShaun Foster is running surprisingly well against one of the league’s better defenses. However, the Packers still lead 7-3 behind Tramon Williams’ 94-yard punt return for a TD off a failed pooch punt. Carolina’s field goal was set up by a 43-yard reception by Drew Carter.

   BIG PLAY: Julius Peppers blocked a Mason Crosby field goal to keep the game scoreless and offset Vinny Testaverde’s interception on the first possession.

   BIG MISTAKE: John Fox’s conservative play call – having Kasay pooch punt instead of going for a 52-yard field goal – resulted in a 94-yard punt return for a touchdown by Williams.

   COMMENT: The Panthers came into the game ranked 28^th in offense and are without Steve Smith. The question coming into this game was not if the Panthers will win, but if they will score. They did, behind a

   SCORE: Green Bay 7, Carolina 3

 

2^nd quarter

   RECAP: The Packers, who came into the game averaging nearly 300 yards through the air, are starting to get warmed up. Favre connects on a 47-yard strike to Donald Driver. That sets up a 4-yard touchdown pass to Greg Jennings. Favre later connects on a 26-yard touchdown strike with tight end Donald Lee.

   BIG PLAY: On a third-and-3 at the Carolina 17, Favre hits James Jones on a crossing route for a 13-yard gain. That sets up Favre’s touchdown pass to Jennings, giving the Panthers an 11-point lead.

   BIG MISTAKE: The Panthers marched down the field to the Green Bay 7 with 16 seconds left in the half, but Testaverde held on to the ball too long and Corey Williams sacked him and jarred the ball loose. It looked like Testaverde got hit across the head by Williams, but the officials did not call a penalty. Aaron Kampman jumped on the loose ball as the Packers thwarted the drive to take a 21-3 lead into the half.

   COMMENT: Well, with the Panthers facing an 18-point deficit, it’s hard to imagine this one getting much closer in the second half. At least we get to see a little of Dwayne Jarrett, who isn’t playing all that bad.

   SCORE: Green Bay 21, Carolina 3

 

3^nd quarter

RECAP: The Packers get a 67-yard kickoff return from Koren Robinson to set up Favre’s third touchdown pass of the game the lead to 28-3. The Panthers aren’t giving up as Testaverde finds Christian Fauria for a touchdown.

BIG PLAY: Robinson’s return set the tone for the second half.

BIG MISTAKE: Testaverde turns the ball over for the third time on an interception. However, Packers kicker Mason Crosby misses another 49-yard field goal.

COMMENT: The Panthers are having a tough time covering the tight end as Donald Lee has two touchdowns.
SCORE: Green Bay 28, Carolina 10

 

4th quarter

RECAP: The Panthers showed some heart, scoring as Testaverde hit Drew Carter with a couple of late passes, including a 5-yard touchdown on a dig route. However, the Packers put the game away on a Crosby field goal.

BIG PLAY: Donald Driver recovers an on-side kick by Kasay with less than five minutes to play to prevent any type of a wild comeback by the Panthers.

BIG MISTAKE: Carolina’s last ditch effort comes up short when Jeff King is unable to haul in a pass from Testaverde on fourth-and-4.

COMMENT: The Panthers committed three turnovers and the Packers none. That was the difference in the game. Well, that and the Packers have superior talent.

SCORE: Green Bay 31, Carolina 17

 

By Steve Reed

   1st Quarter

   RECAP: The Panthers have controlled the football for most of the game and DeShaun Foster is running surprisingly well against one of the league’s better defense. However, the Packers still lead 7-3 behind Tramon Williams’ 94-yard punt return for a TD. Carolina’s field goal was set up a 43-yard reception by Drew Carter.

   BIG PLAY: Julius Peppers blocked a Mason Crosby field goal to keep the game scoreless and offset Vinny Testaverde’s interception on the first possession.

   BIG MISTAKE: John Fox’s conservative play call – calling for Kasay to quick punt instead of a 52-yard field goal – resulted in a 94-yard punt return for a touchdown by Williams.

   COMMENT: The Panthers came into the game ranked 28^th in offense and are without Steve Smith. The question coming into this game was not if the Panthers will win, but if they will score. They did, behind a

   SCORE: Green Bay 7, Carolina 3

 

2^nd Quarter

   RECAP: The Packers, who came into the game ranked first in the league, have found their passing game. Favre connects on a 47-yard strike to Donald Driver. That sets up a 4-yard touchdown pass to Greg Jennings. Favre later connects on a 26-yard touchdown strike with tight end Donald Lee.

   BIG PLAY: On a third-and-3 at the Carolina 17, Favre hits James Jones on a crossing route for a 13-yard gain. That sets up Favre’s touchdown pass to Jennings, giving the Panthers an 11-point lead.

   BIG MISTAKE: The Panthers marched down the field to the Green Bay 7 with 16 seconds left in the half, but Testaverde held on to the ball too long and Corey Williams sacked him and jarred the ball loose. Still, it looked like Williams clobbered Testaverde in the head, although officials did not make the call. Aaron Kampman jumped on the loose ball as the Packers thwarted the drive to take a 21-3 lead into the half.

   COMMENT: Well, with the Panthers facing an 18-point deficit, it’s hard to imagine this one getting much closer in the second half. At least we get to see a little of Dwayne Jarrett, who isn’t playing all that bad.

   SCORE: Green Bay 21, Carolina 3

   Here's a change from home.

   It is about 15 minutes before kickoff and Lambeau Field and there literally does not appear to be an empty seat in this place. Everyone is in their seats, chanting "Go Pack, Go!" wearing green and gold. It helps that the Packers are 8-1, but these fans are truly outstanding and love this team.

   Earlier this week, Panthers quarterback Vinny Testaverde called them the best fans in the NFL.

   GREEN BAY, Wisc. The Carolina Panthers have declared starting wide receiver Steve Smith inactive with a shin injury.
   Drew Carter and Keary Colbert will start for the Panthers against the Packers.
   Smith did not practice all week due to a shin injury.

-- more to come

   The Carolina Panthers on Saturday cut defensive end Otis Grigsby and elevated defensive tackle Gary Gibson to the practice squad. The move likely means the Panthers will be without defensive tackle Damione Lewis on Sunday against Green Bay. Lewis has been bothered by a shoulder injury all week and is listed as questionable.

   Wide receiver Steve Smith missed his second straight day of practice Thursday with a leg injury. More than likely, Smith is simply resting a nagging injury in an effort to be ready for Sunday.

   Defensive tackle Damione Lewis (shoulder) was the only other player who did not practice.

   The Panthers got good news on Thursday as safety Deke Cooper (shoulder) returned to practice before expected. Running back DeShaun Foster (toe) and cornerback Ken Lucas (hip) also were back on the field.

   No word yet on the quarterback situation, but I'm fully expecting Vinny Testaverde to start unless his Achilles acts up again like it did last Thursday night.

   Several readers have e-mailed to ask me what has happened to the Bill Rosinski Show, which was pulled off the airwaves earlier this week. Basically here's the condensed version -- the syndicator, Charis Radio Network, was losing money, quite a bit of it, in fact, prompting owner Danny Fontana to cancel the show.

   It was not a reflection at all on Rosinski’s work, and I'm not saying that because Bill is a friend. (We've known each other since 1995 when the Panthers came into the league).

   Folks, this was simply a monetary issue.

   I talked to Rosinski about the decision Wednesday.

   “The company I was working for ran out of money and the business plan didn’t work – that’s basically what happened,” Rosinski said. “They decided to pull the plug.”

   The Bill Rosinski Show, which started a little more than two years ago, had been on four stations but was later dropped by other markets and, as of earlier this month, could only be heard on WFNZ and Greensboro-based WBLO-AM.

   Rosinski, who for 10 years was the voice of the Carolina Panthers, still broadcasts NFL games for Westwood One radio (in fact, he will broadcast the Saints-Panthers game a week from Sunday) and ACC football games ISP Sports. He said he also plans to broadcast some ACC basketball for ISP.

   Bill is great at what he does, and while this has certainly been a rough few years, I'm sure he will land on his feet.

   Fontana, by the way, owns the radio station WDYT-AM, whose towers are located in the Gastonia area.

   WFNZ is debating on how to fill Rosinski's time slot.

 

   The show has been temporarily replaced on WFNZ by Tony Bruno of Sporting News Radio. By the way, I think they should rename it the Tony Brutal Show because it's simply terrible. I think I heard him talk about the “man card” about 15 times in a half hour, almost vomited, and turned it off vowing never to listen again.

   Look for WFNZ to have a local sports show in place during that time period before long.

   With the Panthers getting healthier at quarterback, the team decided Tuesday to cut quarterback Drew Olson. That's because Vinny Testaverde, David Carr and Matt Moore all have a good chance of being healthy enough to play this week against the Green Bay Packers.

   Don't be surprised to see the Panthers sign a safety to the 53-man roster on Wednesday.

   Starting free safety Deke Cooper was seen with his arm in a sling earlier this week and it's possible he could be out for this week, if not longer. That would leave the Panthers with only three safeties and one of them is a rookie in Quinton Teal.

   Also, the team signed fullback Billy Latsko to the practice squad Tuesday.

    ROSINSKI SHOW OFF THE AIR: It appears the Bill Rosinski Show, which aired from 10 a.m. to noon on WFNZ-AM is done for good. According to sources close to the situation, the show is likely done for good -- or at least for the foreseeable future on WFNZ. I will try to get more details as they come available.

   1^st Quarter

   RECAP: The Panthers fall behind 7-0 as the Falcons get a big touchdown run from Warrick Dunn. The Panthers are trying like heck to establish the run and having some success doing so as DeShaun Foster has 33 yards.
   BIG PLAY: The Panthers were completely fooled on a draw play on third-and-3 and Dunn took it 30 yards to the house for a touchdown. Only one Carolina defender got a hand on Dunn.

   BIG MISTAKE: WR Drew Carter dropped a pass on second-and-5 that would have moved the chains. On the next play, QB Vinny Testaverde threw short of WR Steve Smith and the Panthers were forced to punt.

   COMMENT: Carolina LB Thomas Davis knocks out starting QB Joey Harrington and backup Chris Redman comes into to complete a first down pass on third-and-8. Harrington returns on the next play and plays the remainder of the game.

   SCORE: Atlanta 7, Carolina 0

 

   2nd Quarter

   RECAP: Carolina’s offense couldn’t muster any points, so the defense took matters into their own hands as SS Chris Harris stripping WR Laurent Robinson of the ball and CB Ken Lucas taking it back 27 yards for a touchdown to tie the game 7-7.

   BIG PLAY: Testaverde completed a pass to Smith on fourth-and-1, but Smith was stripped of the ball by DeAngelo Hall and it rolled into the end zone for a touchback. It was a nice catch by Smith, but an even better play by Hall and cost the Panthers their best chance to score an offensive touchdown.

   BIG MISTAKE: DT Jonathan Babineaux’s facemask penalty on DeAngelo Williams assured the Panthers of a field goal before the end of the first half, giving Carolina a 10-7 lead heading into the locker room.

   COMMENT: Harris continues to have an amazing season for the Panthers. He now has forced four fumbles this season, recovered three and has an interception. Carolina has shut down Atlanta’s running game since the Dunn touchdown.

   SCORE: Carolina 10, Atlanta 7

 

   3rd Quarter

   RECAP: Both offenses are sputtering here in the third. The Falcons tie the game on Morten Andersen’s 36-yard field goal and the momentum seems to have swung to their side despite Dunn being their only offense.

   BIG PLAY: Harrington completes a swing pass to Dunn to for a 35-yard gain setting up Andersen’s field goal.

   BIG MISTAKE: Carter is called for offensive pass interference backing the Panthers into a hole in their own territory. Punter Jason Baker is not helping the Panthers today. His punts have been short all day.

   COMMENT: Dwayne Jarrett is seeing his most extensive playing time of the season and hasn’t looked too bad.

   SCORE: Carolina 10, Atlanta 10

 

   4^st Quarter

   RECAP: The Falcons take the lead on a 47-yard field goal by Andersen with 11:35 left in the game, but the Panthers bounce back to tie it up. The Panthers have a chance to drive for the winning points but go three-and-out. Baker’s ensuing punt is short and returned 23 yards by Adam Jennings into Carolina territory. Matt Moore’s last heave is intercepted.

   BIG PLAY: Atlanta TE Alge Crumpler broke free for a 30-yard touchdown reception with 20 seconds left to hand Carolina its sixth straight loss at home. Harris is picked off on the play by a referee, but it would have been tough for him to make the play anyway.

   BIG MISTAKE: On a first-and-10 from their own 22, Testaverde fires over the middle for Smith, who drops a would-be touchdown pass. Yes, the pass was a little behind him and it would have been a tough catch. Still, you have to make that play.

 

   1^st Quarter

   RECAP: The Panthers fall behind 7-0 as the Falcons get a big touchdown run from Warrick Dunn. The Panthers are trying like heck to establish the run and having some success doing so as DeShaun Foster has 33 yards.
   BIG PLAY: The Panthers were completely fooled on a draw play on third-and-3 and Dunn took it 30 yards to the house for a touchdown. Only one Carolina defender got a hand on Dunn.

   BIG MISTAKE: WR Drew Carter dropped a pass on second-and-5 that would have moved the chains. On the next play, QB Vinny Testaverde threw short of WR Steve Smith and the Panthers were forced to punt.

   COMMENT: Carolina LB Thomas Davis knocks out starting QB Joey Harrington and backup Chris Redman comes into to complete a first down pass on third-and-8. Harrington returns on the next play.

   SCORE: Atlanta 7, Carolina 0

 

   2nd Quarter

   RECAP: Carolina’s offense couldn’t muster any points, so the defense took matters into their own hands as Chris Harris stripped Laurent Robinson of the ball and Ken Lucas took it back 27 yards for a touchdown to tie the game 7-7.

   BIG PLAY: Testaverde completed a pass to Steve Smith on fourth-and-1, but Smith was stripped of the ball by DeAngelo Hall and it rolled into the end zone for a touchback. It was a nice catch by Smith, but a better play by Hall, costing the Panthers seven points.

   BIG MISTAKE: Jonathan Babineaux’s facemask penalty on DeAngelo Williams assured the Panthers of a field goal before the end of the first half, giving Carolina a 10-7 lead heading into the locker room.

   COMMENT: Harris continues to have an amazing season for the Panthers. He now has forced four fumbles this season, recovered three and has an interception. Is the Pro Bowl in his future? Carolina has shut down Atlanta’s running game since the Dunn touchdown.

   SCORE: Carolina 10, Atlanta 7

 

   3rd Quarter

   RECAP: Both offenses are sputtering here in the third. The Falcons tie the game on Morten Andersen’s 36-yard field goal and the momentum seems to have swung to their side despite Dunn being their only offense.

   BIG PLAY: Harrington completes a swing pass to Dunn to for a 35-yard gain setting up Andersen’s field goal.

   BIG MISTAKE: Carter is called for offensive pass interference backing the Panthers into a hole in their own territory. Punter Jason Baker is not helping the Panthers today. His punts have been short all day.

   COMMENT: Dwayne Jarrett is seeing his most extensive playing time of the season and hasn’t looked too bad.

   SCORE: Carolina 10, Atlanta 10

 

   1^st Quarter

   RECAP: The Panthers fall behind 7-0 as the Falcons get a big touchdown run from Warrick Dunn. The Panthers are trying like heck to establish the run and having some success doing so as DeShaun Foster has 33 yards.
   BIG PLAY: The Panthers were completely fooled on a draw play on third-and-3 and Dunn took it 30 yards to the house for a touchdown. Only one Carolina defender got a hand on Dunn.

   BIG MISTAKE: WR Drew Carter dropped a pass on second-and-5 that would have moved the chains. On the next play, QB Vinny Testaverde threw short of WR Steve Smith and the Panthers were forced to punt.

   COMMENT: Carolina LB Thomas Davis knocks out starting QB Joey Harrington and backup Chris Redman comes into to complete a first down pass on third-and-8. Harrington returns on the next play.

   SCORE: Atlanta 7, Carolina 0

   12:50 p.m. Still no word on who will start at QB... We'll have to wait to see who runs out into the huddle to open the game...

   It appears the decision on who'll start at quarterback for the Carolina Panthers will come right down to the wire. The Panthers have released their inactives, but refuse to say whether Vinny Testaverde or Matt Moore will start against the Atlanta Falcons. Testaverde did just come out of the locker room and threw a number of passes and he seems to be fine.

   Basically, it all depends on how sore his Achilles tendon is today.

   The most interesting news is that starting wide receiver Keary Colbert (foot) is out today, meaning Drew Carter will get the start opposite Steve Smith. Carolina's other inactives include quarterback David Carr, guard Evan Mathis, tackle Frank Omiyale, defensive ends Otis Grigsby and Charles Johnson and linebacker Donte Curry. Drew Olson is the emergency quarterback.

   For the Falcons, running back Jerious Norwood, wide receiver Joe Horn and quarterback Byron Leftwich are inactive.

   SI.Com recently ranked the game day atmosphere for each team in the NFL and the Panthers finished 10th out of 32 teams. It rates the fan experience that each NFL team offers based on some 17,000 fans’ opinions, in seven categories: tickets, food and souvenirs, accessibility, tailgating, caliber of team, stadium atmosphere and neighborhood.

    Here's what SI.Com had to say about the Panthers:

Carolina Panthers – Bank of America Stadium

Overall Ranking:  10

Final Score: 45 out of 70

TICKETS

Average Price per Ticket: $60.44 

Price Range of Tickets: $49-$380 

Ticket Availability: Games sold out since Dec. 15, 2002. 

COMMENT:  Even though it's been a decade [since the Panthers began play], people are still learning to be football fans ... in basketball country." Perhaps that's why Bank of America Stadium is "one of the quietest in the league." "There are people who will ask you to sit down on third-and-goal with the game on the line and the Panthers D on the field." "Panthers fans have a reputation for being a 'wine-and-cheese' crowd," where a "lady can walk into the lower level with a fur coat on," and fans are "often more worried about getting the wave started than a late fourth-quarter drive." "Many fans have a poor knowledge of football" and "have not learned how to cheer enough to create a hostile environment for the other team." In fact, "depending on whom the Panthers play, the other team's fans [often] outnumber Panthers' fans," a situation some attribute to a combination of Carolina "being relatively new in the league," and the city's "many transplants" "from NYC, Philly, Atlanta, etc." Admittedly, "we are not as rowdy as some fans; we are friendly and fun, not angry and hurtful, and we accommodate fans of other teams with good-natured ribbing." That may be admirable, but that's "not much of a home field advantage." 

SCORE: 5 out of 10 

FOOD & SOUVENIRS

Hot Dog: $3.50 

Soda (22 oz.): $3.00 

Beer (20 oz.): $5.75 

Expected Meal Cost: $10-$15 

Program: $0 

Cap: $9.95 

   COMMENT: This is North Carolina, so it should come as no surprise there "is good barbecue" to be found, especially the "good stuff" at JJR's BBQ Shack. If the "pretty long lines" for pulled pork discourage, many suggest "McAlister's Deli" with "locations on each level offering high-level sandwiches, sweet tea and lemonade." "Bojangles Chicken" is also "an area favorite," "although it's priced way too high." Prices for beer are "outrageous," but vendors serving "microbrews have their own tables" and offer a "quality brew for the same price as the [generic] stuff the next stand over." There's even a "beer garden on the upper deck." Heck, with that and the "homemade Philly cheesesteaks," who needs football? 

SCORE: 6 out of 10 

ACCESSIBILITY

Parking: Stadium offers 4,000 spaces to season-ticket holders, but does not control any other locations. 

   COMMENT: Minus "huge parking lots right next to the stadium," parking is scattered over "multiple locations," a decentralization [that] means it is relatively easy to get in and out of the city on a game day." A "15-minute walk [from your car] can save hours in traffic." It can also save you money: "parking can be found for free if you're willing to walk seven or eight blocks." The downtown location of the stadium affords access "by many different routes," so long as one can avoid the "traffic and pedestrians that quickly clog city streets." At least those streets won't be hampered by a "public transportation system that does not get fans near the stadium in a timely fashion." The facility's proximity to the I-77 interstate tempts one to get on "right by the stadium" when leaving, but since "ramps onto the interstate clog up," fans are better served taking one of "the three or four different routes back to the interstate" and getting on at a different access point. Further complicating the exit process are the streets "shut down for pedestrian traffic," which make getting out very time-consuming." But "N.C. troopers keep things moving," in part a function of "the well-designed roadways into and out of the stadium." 

SCORE: 7 out of 10

TAILGATING

COMMENT: "A slow building tradition," tailgating has struggled to take hold "because there isn't a big parking lot next to the stadium where everyone congregates." "Parking lots are scattered" around the stadium, "so there is little tailgating continuity." However, "each lot seems to have its own vibe." Some have "live music and big TVs;" others have "out-of-the-box fried chicken;" and still more have "pull-behind grills for pig pickin'." Most, though, have the type of "N.C. barbecue everyone in the country should try." As for the crowds, "fans behave themselves," limiting their activities largely to "pickup football games between cars." Blue laws prohibiting the sale of alcohol before noon on Sundays have a lot to do with that, too. 

SCORE: 7 out of 10 

TEAM

Record through Week 9: 4-4 

Players Worth Watching: Steve Smith (WR), DeShaun Foster (RB), Julius Peppers (DE) 

SCORE: 5 out of 10   

STADIUM ATMOSPHERE

COMMENT: "There isn't much intrigue or passion" at Bank of America Stadium -- it's "just clean and efficient; naturally, the stadium is named after a bank." At the very least, you can count on "great views, even from the cheap seats," where a fan can sit "in the last row of the upper deck ... and still be able to read the backs of players' jerseys." Getting to that last row -- or any row in the stadium's "nose bleeds takes a long time; you have to loop and loop and loop" around seemingly endless ramps "until you finally reach the fifth level." Access to other parts of the stadium is easier, thanks to "a staff that goes above and beyond in helping." The stadium has "numerous concession stands" and "huge bathrooms." And "unlike most new stadiums, it is fully enclosed at the sides," so it keeps the noise in and the wind out." Some believe Bank of America Stadium, while "a beautiful stadium," is just "a little too plain," others feel the "beautifully landscaped exterior," "black-and-gold Panthers eyes behind the end zones" and "bronze Panther statues at the stadium entrances" make the facility unique -- in a good way. Most important, "the stadium is well-designed for watching football." 

SCORE: 8 out of 10   

NEIGHBORHOOD

COMMENT: "It used to be a ghost town before and after games; now there are restaurants and bars open all over the place." That's quite a makeover for an uptown area of Charlotte some considered "run down 10 years ago." Where old warehouses once stood, "restaurants, small stores and art galleries" now sit. A "stone's throw away" are the "skyscrapers and hotels of downtown Charlotte." "This is just a clean, safe downtown" and a nice place to spend a Sunday afternoon. 

SCORE: 7 out of 10 

BOTTOM LINE

COMMENT: Odd, isn't it, that a team long built on defense would develop such a finesse atmosphere? The beautifully manicured field, the landscaping outside of the stadium, the laid-back crowds -- all suggest a precise West Coast style of offense. But that isn't what these fans get -- and it's to the organizations credit that it doesn't try to build a team in the area's "refined image." Whether that will ultimately connect with a fan base that often seems more interested in making a dinner reservation than in supporting a defensive stand seems yet to be determined. But the fact that Bank of America Stadium has not generated calls for a new facility after 10 years of use, especially in light of the newer, more elaborate stadiums being erected elsewhere, does say that this isn't a bad place to watch a game, no matter the style of play. 

FINAL SCORE: 45 out of 70 

 To check out the complete rankings, visit the “NFL Fan Value Experience” on SI.com click here:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/10/29/fvi.panthers/

   .... the Minnesota Vikings. (Got you nervous there, didn't I, Carolina fans?)

   Yes, the Weinkester is reported to bee back in his old stomping grounds today working out for the Vikings. Remember, he grew up in St. Paul, Minn., so he's kind of a local hero there. He also won his first NFL game there in 2001 (although the Panthers went on to lose their next 15 -- 14 of them with Weinke at the helm). The last I checked, Weinke and his new wife still live in Charlotte.

   The Vikings are looking for help at quarterback with the uncertainty surrounding starter Tavaris Jackson. You would have to think the Vikings would be real competitive in the NFC if they only had a great quarterback. Their running game is outstanding led by rookie phenom Adrian Peterson.

   The Panthers are also working out a quarterback today -- former UCLA star Drew Olson. The status of Vinny Testaverde (Achilles tendon) and David Carr (concussion) is up in the air this week, meaning rookie Matt Moore could get the start.  However, the Panthers might need a body to run the scout team this week and that's why they're considering signing Olson to the practice squad.

   It's conceivable if Olson signs that he could be elevated to the active roster if Testaverde and Carr aren't able to play.

   After going undrafted in 2006, Olson signed a non-guaranteed contract as an undrafted free agent with the Blatimore Ravens on May 12, 2006. He was cut and later added to the practice squad. In 2007, Olson was allocated to NFL Europa where he was the starting quarterback of the Amsterdam Admirals. He completed 170 out of 310 passes (54.8% completion percentage) for 1,967 yards and had 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Olson has never played in an NFL game.

   The Panthers are meeting with former UCLA quarterback Drew Olson today in Charlotte to discuss signing him to the practice squad as an emergency situation. The status of Vinny Testaverde (Achilles tendon) and David Carr (concussion) is up in the air this week, meaning rookie Matt Moore could get the start.

   However, the Panthers would obviously need a backup if Testaverde and Carr can't play.

   That is why they are considering Olson. If they sign him, they would likely do so to the practice squad and the re-evaluate later in the week whether or not to bring him up to the active roster.

   After going undrafted in 2006, Olson signed a non-guaranteed contract as an undrafted free agent with the Blatimore Ravens on May 12, 2006. He was cut and later added to the practice squad. In 2007, Olson was allocated to NFL Europa where he was the starting quarterback of the Amsterdam Admirals. He completed 170 out of 310 passes (54.8% completion percentage) for 1,967 yards and had 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Olson has never played in an NFL game.

RECAP: It’s been all Titans in the first quarter with two big returns — a 46-yard kickoff return and a 39-yard punt return — setting up Tennessee’s first two scores. Vince Young runs for one score and Rob Bironas adds a 47-yard field goal for a 10-0 lead. Carolina’s first two possessions end in three-and-outs and it’s pretty clear they’re going to have a tough time protecting David Carr today.

BIG PLAY: Chris Henry’s 46-yard kickoff return set the tone early for the Titans. We knew it was coming folks. The Panthers coverage teams have been very suspect all year.

BIG MISTAKE: The Panthers allowed Vince Young to run for an 18-yard gain on third down of the opening drive. Linebacker Thomas Davis, who is spying on Young, was blocked on the play and couldn’t break free.

COMMENT: The Panthers simply have been overwhelmed up front on the offensive line. Carr can’t even take a three-step drop without having someone draped all over him. Forget getting the ball to Steve Smith (1 catch, -3 yards), how about a second to throw? Carr has been sacked three times in the first quarter, twice by Albert Haynesworth.

Tennessee 10, Carolina 0.

 

RECAP: The Panthers have found some success on the ground, but not enough to maintain any lengthy drives and they’re killing themselves with stupid penalties on offense. The defense, which had just four sacks in seven games, has three in the first half, two by Damione Lewis.

BIG PLAY: Julius Peppers is flagged for an unnecessary roughness penalty giving the Titans a first down after Carolina had stopped them on third down. Peppers shoved tackle David Stewart in the helmet, but that came after Stewart shoved Peppers out of the way — also after the play. The refs missed that part. The problem is they always catch the second guy. Peppers’ penalty led to a 53-yard field goal by Rob Bironas at the end of the half giving the Titans a 13-0 lead.

BIG MISTAKE: Rookie linebacker Jon Beason came up with a fumble at the Tennessee 24-yard line, but the Panthers can’t convert. The offense can’t pick up a first down and the normally reliable John Kasay misses a 40-yard field goal — a huge momentum swing.

COMMENT: The Panthers are trying to go deep to Smith, as I suspected they might, but they’re having no luck getting it to him. Carr is 6-for-11 for 26 yards with one interception and four sacks in the first half.

Tennessee 13, Carolina 0

 

RECAP: Carolina’s defense has stepped up, intercepting Young a second time and the special teams has also forced a fumble on a punt return. Still no points though. The defense is doing a heck of a job shutting down White to this point in the game. The problem is the offense simply can’t get anything going through the air.

BIG PLAY: Panthers safety Deke Cooper came up with an interception of Young in the end zone keeping it a two-possession game. At this point in the game, the Panthers own a 4-1 edge in takeaways, yet still trail 13-0.

BIG MISTAKE: On a third-and-9 from the Tennessee 30, Carr fumbled the snap and was tackled out of field goal range, forcing another Carolina punt.

COMMENT: I told you last week that I’ve lost all confidence in Carr. The Panthers miss Jake Delhomme more than you can imagine. My question now is this — Vinny Testaverde is down, so is it time to go to Matt Moore yet?

Tennessee 13, Carolina 0

 

RECAP: Carolina’s defense finally wears down as the Titans go 68 yards on 13 plays for a touchdown. White finally finds paydirt and the Titans break the game wide open at 20-0. With 11:45 left in the game, this game is over. The Panthers couldn’t score three touchdowns if they stayed in Nashville all month. Carr does respond with a TD pass to Drew Carter after two more Titans penalties set up the score, but it’s too little, too late.

BIG PLAY: After the Panthers claw back to within 20-7, Carr takes his seventh sack of the game on a first down. The Panthers can’t move the ball and have to punt again.

BIG MISTAKE: Beason adds to Carolina’s stupid defensive penalties with an unnecessary roughness penalty that leads to a Tennessee touchdown. The Panthers have been flagged for four personal fouls.

COMMENT: With under 12 minutes to play in this game, the Panthers have 93 total net yards. If Vinny Testaverde is able to start next Sunday, coach John Fox would be crazy not to give him the nod. Carr is a nice enough guy, but he’s really struggling. The Titans have delivered a number of cheap shots in this game, as have the Panthers.

Tennessee 20, Carolina 7

1st Quarter

   RECAP: It’s been all Titans in the first quarter with two big returns – a 46-yard kickoff return and a 39-yard punt return – setting up Tennessee’s first two scores. Vince Young runs for one score and Rob Bironas adds a 47-yard field goal for a 10-0 lead. Carolina’s first two possessions end in three-and-outs and they can’t pass protect.

BIG PLAY: Chris Henry’s 46-yard kickoff set the tone early for the Titans on a 46-yard kickoff return. We knew it was coming folks. The Panthers coverage teams have been very suspect all year.

BIG MISTAKE: The Panthers allowed Vince Young to run for an 18-yard gain on third down on the opening drive. Linebacker Thomas Davis, who is spying on Young, was blocked on the play and couldn’t break free.

COMMENT: The Panthers simply have been overwhelmed up front on the offensive line. David Carr can’t even take a three-step drop without having someone draped all over him. Forget getting the ball to Steve Smith (1 catch, -3 yards), how about a second to throw? Carr has been sacked three times in the first quarter, twice by Albert Haynesworth.

SCORE: Tennessee 10, Carolina 0.

 

2nd Quarter

RECAP: The Panthers have found a little success on the ground, but not enough to maintain any lengthy drives and they’re killing themselves with stupid penalties on offense. The defense, which had just four sacks in seven games, has three in the first half, two by Damione Lewis.

BIG PLAY: Julius Peppers is flagged for an unnecessary roughness penalty giving the Titans a first down after Carolina had stopped them on third down. Peppers shoved tackle David Stewart in the helmet, but that came after Stewart shoved Peppers out of the way. The refs missed that part. The problem is they always catch the second guy. Peppers’ penalty led to a 53-yard field goal by Rob Bironas at the end of the half giving the Titans a 13-0 lead.

BIG MISTAKE: Rookie linebacker Jon Beason came up with a fumble at the Tennessee 24-yard line, but the Panthers can’t convert. The offense can’t pick up a first down and John Kasay misses a 40-yard field goal. That’s a huge momentum swing.

COMMENT: The Panthers are trying to go deep to Steve Smith, as I suspected they might, but they’re having no luck getting it to him. David Carr is 6-for-11 for 26 yards with one interception and four sacks in the first half.

SCORE: Tennessee 13, Carolina 0