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