GAME RUNNER:
1st quarter
Recap: The Panthers are digging deep into the bag of tricks on offense early. They ran a double reverse to DeAngelo Williams and also lined up Steve Smith at quarterback for a direct snap. Both plays resulted in first downs.
Big play: Defensive end Mike Rucker showed he still has a little something left, stripping Arnez Battle of the ball on a reverse. Damione Lewis recovered, leading to a John Kasay field goal.
Big mistake: Jordan Gross was flagged for a late hit and cost the Panthers at least a field goal. Instead of a third-and-2 at San Francisco 31, the Panthers had third-and-17 at the 47. The next play was incomplete and the Panthers were forced to punt.
Comment: So the Panthers get fancy earlier in the drive, but then with three cracks from the San Francisco 3-yard line they take Smith off the field for all three plays. Explain that strategy to me.
Score: Carolina 3, San Francisco 0