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
3rd Quarter
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. They’re doing a heck of a job shutting down White up until this point in the game, but you suspect this defense is starting to wear down. The problem is they're getting no help at all from Carr and the offense.
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 turnovers, 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 I’ve lost all confidence in David Carr. Any remaining Carr supporters have to feel the same way. The Panthers clearly miss Jake Delhomme now more than ever. My question now is this -- is it time to go to Matt Moore yet?
SCORE: Tennessee 13, Carolina 0