Hey folks, here's some quotes from Sunday's game that didn't make it into any stories. Hope you enjoy...

Panthers FB Brad Hoover on the team’s running game: “Today it wasn’t pretty at times, but when we did need it we were able to make it work. That’s the thing. There are some days where they are going to get the best of you but as long as you can make it efficient.  It may not be the best that we wanted or something we wanted to be able to do better to get more yards, but when it counted we were able to get the yards.”

Falcons DE John Abraham on the Panthers game plan: “They were a better team today. They played better and were able to execute and get in the end zone. We kind of gave them too much. Delhomme played a great game and showed up. They threw a lot of quick stuff and then they started sitting back and throwing it deep. They had a good game plan. They had me not rushing as much and doing some things I usually don’t do. So they did a good job.

   POSTGAME:   A quick update on Jeff Otah and Jordan Gross.

   Neither injury is considered very serious. Otah said x-rays on his ankle were negative and he hopes to back next week. Gross has a concussion and I doubt he will play next week, but it shouldn't be too long before he gets on the field.

   THIRD QUARTER: Check that on Jeff Otah. It's an ankle, not a knee.

   Jeff Otah was carted off late in the third quarter. He injured his ankle when a teammate fell on him on a running play. We'll keep you updated on his status. No word yet on if he'll return.

   HALFTIME: The Carolina Panthers want to fancy themselves as a running team, but right now they're having more success through the air. Carolina has run 14 times for 38 yards, while Jake Delhomme has thrown 15 times for 181 yards. The Panthers have a touchdown through the air and on the ground.

   Atlanta, which came in averaging 203 yards per game on the ground, had 93 yards rushing on 15 carries.

   FIRST QUARTER: As expected, Jordan Gross' day is over.

    Gross, who has never missed a start since joining the Panthers in 2003, was injured on Carolina’s opening series of the game and team officials said he will not return.

   The Panthers ran a sweep to the left and Gross apparently got hit in the head and might have been knocked unconscious. He went straight down on his face with his arms at his side. He remained face down until trainers rolled him over. The game was delayed several minutes before Gross was taken off on a cart.

   Travelle Wharton has shifted over to play left tackle, while Geoff Hangartner is back in at left guard.

   Gross pumped his fist as he was taken off the field.

   PRE-GAME: Rookie defensive end Hilee Taylor will be active for the first time this season for the Panthers, while receivers Dwayne Jarrett and Ryne Robinson are both inactive again.

   Carolina's other inactives are quarterback Matt Moore, safety C.J. Wilson. guard Mackenzy Bernadeau, tackle Frank Omiyale, and defensive tackle Gary Gibson. Taylor is basically taking Gibon's spot. With Gibson down the Panthers will have only three active defensive tackles, which is interesting considering the Falcons are going to want to run the football. Look for Tyler Brayton to play some inside.

   For Atlanta, starting left tackle Sam Baker is inactive, which means Julius Peppers will be facing a backup tackle for the fourth straight game. Todd Weiner will start for Baker. Weiner is only a backup in name, however, as he's faced Peppers 12 times during his career.

   Atlanta's other inactives are quarterback D.J. Shockey, receiver Laurent Robinson, cornerback David Irons, linebacker Tony Gilbert, center Alex Stepanovich, defensive end Simon Fraser, tight end Jason Radar and Baker.