3RD QUARTER: The Vikings open the third quarter with a five-play, 80-yard touchdown drive. The Vikings outgain the Panthers 130-25 in the third quarter. Carolina ran just eight offensive plays in the third quarter and seem completely out of rhthym.

   SCORE: Minnesota 17, Carolina 10 

   2ND QUARTER: Funny how things can change on one play. The Panthers pretty much controlled play in the first half until Antoine Winfield came free on a corner bliz, sacked Jake Delhomme, picked up the loose ball and ran 19 yards for a touchdown. That ties the game at 10-10. It's hard to tell who was supposed to pick up the blitz. Nick Goings was in the backfield but he released into a pattern.

   Delhomme looked like he injured his shoulder or arm on the play, but did return.

   The tide of this game may have turned.

   SCORE: Carolina 10, Minnesota 10

   1ST QUARTER: Carolina's defense looks outstanding so far. They're getting good pressure from Julius Peppers and Chris Gamble already has an interception, his third turnover of the season.

   On offense, the Panthers didn't waste any time getting Steve Smith into the game, throwing to him on the first play. It resulted in a 31-yard gain -- 16 on the reception and a 15 facemask penalty on cornerback Decrid Griffin. He later caught a 15-yard pass. The Panthers are camping out in Minnesota territory but have only a 3-0 lead to show for it. Look for more from Jonathan Stewart in the second quarter.

   Jake Delhomme turned the ball over on a fumble after taking a snap from center and turning into pulling right guard Keydrick Vincent. The ball hit Vincent's hands and ended up on the ground near midfield. However, Carolina's defense held strong, forcing a quick three-and-out capped by a shared sack by Jon Beason and Charles Godfrey.

   SCORE: Carolina 3, Minnesota 0

   PRE-GAME: Panthers wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett is inactive this week. That's no big surprise given Steve Smith's return to the lineup. The Panthers regularly suit up four receivers and they need a spot for returner Mark Jones. For Minnesota, running back Adrian Peterson is active, but we're unsure of how much he'll play.

   Here are Sunday's inactives:

   For Carolina: WR Dwayne Jarrett, WR Ryne Robinson, DB C.J. Wilson, LB James Anderson, H Mackenzy Bernadeau, DE Hilee Taylor, OG Travelle Wharton, QB Matt Moore.

   For Minnesota: QB John David Booty, WR Sidney Rice, S Madieu Williams, CB Marcus McCauley, FB Thomas Tapeh, OT Drew Radovich, FB Jeff Dugan, DT Letroy Guion.