POSTGAME: Just to let you all know, since the end of the game it has become a complete whiteout here in Green Bay. You can barely see anything. I'm really looking forward to that trip back to Milwaukee, which normally takes two hours but is destined to be longer tonight.

My stories are posted here on the site and the videos will be up soon.

FINAL: What a game!

   The Panthers win this one 35-31 in impressive fashion with DeAngelo Williams rushing for a franchise record four touchdowns. The score is set up by a 45-yard return by Mark Jones and a 54-yard reception by Steve Smith.

   This sets up a huge game next Monday night against Tampa Bay with first place in the division on the line. Both teams are 9-3.

   Check back later for complete coverage -- I'm headed to the locker room.

   THIRD QUARTER: A game that seemed to be in Carolina's control is suddenly tied with the Packers battling back and scoring 11 points to open the third quarter. They went 95 yards on eight plays, scoring on a 6-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers to Donald Lee. Rodgers threw to Greg Jennings for a two-point conversion. It's tied at 21.

   For Green Bay, running back Ryan Grant is out with a hand injury, but is likely to return. The Packers seem to be doing just fine with backup Brandon Jackson, who busted off a 32-yard run on the first play of the second half. Jackson now has three carries for 56 yards.

   For Carolina, Jonathan Stewart seems to be having some legs cramps, which may have been why he was dragged down from behind on long run he really should have scored on in the first half. He's back in the game now, so let's see how he does.

   FIRST HALF: No slow start today, folks.

   The Panthers have come to play and lead the Packers 21-10 at the half. Carolina has outgained the Packers 172-153 and DeAngelo Williams has 52 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Jake Delhomme ran for the other score. As a team, the Panthers are already over 100 yards (15 carries, 101 yards).

   Amazingly enough Steve Smith hasn't gained a yard.

   PREGAME: There's a winter storm warning in effect for the Green Bay area today.

   One of the local television stations is reporting the possibility of 3-5 inches of snow today, but that might hold off until after the game. That's good news for the Panthers, but bad news for me since I have to drive back to Milwaukee after the game when I'm done writing. Looking forward to that.

   Anyway, you never know up here about the weather, as it can take a turn for the worse at anytime. I'll give you an update as we get closer to kickoff. So far I haven't seen any snow coming down from my view in the press box (which, by the way, is nice and cozy).

   It's about 36 degrees right now.

   Here are Carolina's inactives for today's game: WR Dwayne Jarrett, DB C.J. Wilson, LB Adam Seward, G Mackenzy Bernadeau, OT Frank Omiyale, WR Kenneth Moore, DT Gary Gibson. Matt Moore is the third QB. What that means is D.J. Hackett is the third WR today and DT Darwin Walker is active for the first time since his automobile accident.

   Here are Green Bay's inactives: CB Patrick Lee, S Aaron Rouse, RB DeShawn Wynn, LB Nick Barnett, LB Danny Lansanah, G Allen Barbre and OT Breno Giacomini. Brian Brohm is the third QB.

   The Carolina Panthers are on  the move again.  

   The NFL announced the team’s  Week 15 game against the Denver Broncos – which was originally set to kickoff at 1 p.m. – has been moved to 4:15 p.m. for more television exposure. It’s one of two games in that week that were shifted under the NFL’s flexible-scheduling protocol.

   It’s the second time this season the Panthers have had a game moved to the later time slot. The last one – 45-28 loss to the Atlanta Falcons – didn’t work out so well.

   TWO PANTHERS DOCKED: Two Carolina players were fined this week for incidents in the Atlanta game – cornerback Richard Marshall ($7,500) for his horse-collar tackle and linebacker Thomas Davis ($5,000) for unnecessary roughness when he shoved an Atlanta player after the completion of a play.

  

   WHO IS NEXT?: With Chris Gamble having signed a six-year contract extension on Friday, the Carolina Panthers may are likely to focus on getting defensive end Julius Peppers a new deal. Not that they haven't been trying for some time, but Peppers is next in line.

   The Panthers can't talk contract with tackle Jordan Gross until after the season becuase he was their franchise player.

   "You are always trying to keep your good football players," said general manager Marty Hurney. "It’s a good situation where you can keep the players you have drafted and have played well for you. That’s always a goal. Our goal is try to keep our own."

   The Panthers could put the franchise tag on one of those players next year and try to re-sign the other long term. But ideally they'd like to sign both to long-term deals.

   Cornerback Chris Gamble has signed a six-year contract extension with the Carolina Panthers, according to the team.

   Only one player will sit out Sunday's game due to injury, that being linebacker Adam Seward. He has a sprained ankle and is listed as out. Running back Jonathan Stewart (heel) is the only player listed on the injury report and he is probable.

   CORRECTION: In a story earlier this week, I mentioned that wide receiver Kenneth Moore was on the team's practice squad. Actually, Moore is on the Panthers 53-man roster. However, he hasn't played this season as he's been deactivated every game. My apologies for the mistake.  

 

   Middle linebacker Adam Seward was the only player held out of practice Wednesday. Seward has a sprained ankle and it remains in a cast. Odds are Seward probably won't play, which means Landon Johnson will get another chance to play on Sunday.

There is little doubt what the game-changing play was in Sunday's game.

With Carolina's defense back playing with the confidence after the offense trimmed the lead to 24-21, quarterback Matt Ryan found rookie Harry Douglas for a pass play that resulted in a 69-yard gain. It set up Michael Turner's third touchdown of the game four plays later and basically took the wind out of Carolina's sails.

"For us to climb back in, our offense did a great job of getting us back in the game," cornerback Richard Marshall said. "That one play just killed us. I wish I could have had it back, but I can't. I've just got to look at film to see what mistake I made, and change it next time."

Marshall fell dwon on the play in front of Douglas.

Outside of that, cornerback Ken Lucas described Carolina's defense as having "perfect coverage."

Ryan's pass was underthrown and Douglas made a nice play by circling back to catch it. Charles Godfrey then came storming in from the side, but failed to bring him down. Douglas spun away from the tackle and raced to the 6 before a clearly frustrated Chris Harris pushed him out of bounds.

"It was a back-breaker for us," Lucas said. "But the coverage was what it was supposed to be, where it intended to be."

4th QUARTER: Harry who?

   Harry Douglas has done it again.

   Douglas caught a 69-yard touchdown pass to set up Michael Turner's third touchdown run of the game and then returned a punt 61 yards to put the game away. It's his second touchdown of the game. Atlanta leads 38-21 with 4:47 left. This one is over.

   Looks like the Panthers will fall back into a tie with Tampa Bay at 8-3. But remember, the Bucs have the head-to-head tiebreaker.

      The Panthers score on a rare touchdown run by Jake Delhomme, who scrambles 12 yards and finds the end zone by diving in head first. Gutsy play. The Panthers will go for two points hoping to trim the lead to 3. And DeAngelo Williams gets it, crossing the goal line before fumbling. It's Atlanta 24, Carolina 21.

   And now the Panthers are moving the ball with Delhomme hitting Smith for 27 yards and Dante Rosario for 21. The Panthers clearly need a touchdown here, not a field goal.

   The Falcons have scored on a 4-yard run by Michael Turner to make it 24-13. Here's some bad news, Carolina fans -- the Falcons are 6-0 this season when leading after the third quarter. But there's still a lot of time left on the clock.

 3rd QUARTER: The Falcons have regained momentum after going to a no-huddle offense. They are really going after cornerback Richard Marshall, who is struggling to cover anyone at this point. As I say that, Marshall is flagged for a horse collar after giving up a first down pass. The Falcons have a first-and-goal at the Carolina 4 as the third quarter ends. Still Atlanta 17, Carolina 13.

   The Panthers get a nice 21-yard run on a third-and-9 at the Atlanta 32 from DeAngelo Williams to reach the Atlanta 11. Yes, the draw play on third-and-long can work. But after a second down pass flies off the hands of Muhsin Muhammad and is almost intercepted, the Panthers decided to run it on third-and7 at the Atlanta 8. It doesn't work and they settle for 21-yard John Kasay field goal. I wasn't crazy about that call, but hey, it's hard to argue when that strategy worked well earlier in the drive. It's Atlanta 17, Carolina 13 with plenty of time left (5:21 in the third quarter).

   Man, has this place gone from loud to quiet in a hurry.

   Carolina's 80-yard touchdown to start the third quarter has silenced the crowd and given the momentum to the visitors.

   After a horrendous first half, the Panthers drive 80 yards in five plays with DeAngelo Williams scoring on a 5-yard touchdown run to close the gap to 17-10. Steve Smith set up the touchdown with receptions of 41 and 22 yards from Delhomme, who is back on the field after getting his upper forearm bandaged.

   The Panthers have the ball back at their own 42.

   1ST HALF: The Panthers trail the Falcons 17-3.

   The Falcons have outgained the Panthers 202-99. All 99 yards for the Panthers came in the second quarter.

   Carolina has committed a series of mental mistakes, including a false start by Jeff Otah on second-and-goal from the 1-yard line, a false start by Muhsin Muhammad on a third-and-6 at the Atlanta 35 taking the team out field goal range. Also, Jake Delhomme missed an open Steve Smith in the back of the end zone.

   Delhomme was taken to the locker room just before halftime. It appeared his elbow was bleeding and he probably had to get it bandaged up. We'll keep you updated.

   The Panthers, who came into the game 27th in third down conversions, are 1-for-7 in that category today.

   PREGAME: Dwayne Jarrett is active this week instead of fellow receiver D.J. Hackett.

   Along with Hackett, Carolina's other inactives includes guard Mackenzy Bernadeau, tackle Frank Omiyale, linebacker Landon Johnson, defensive back C.J. Wilson, wide receiver Kenneth Moore and defensive tackle Darwin Walker. Matt Moore is the third quarterback.

   Interesting that Johnson is on that list. The Panthers gave him a three-year, $10 million contract this off-season, but it's pretty safe to say that signing hasn't worked out as planned.

   We'll have Atlanta's inactives soon.

   Panthers middle linebacker Jon Beason was fined $5,000 for the league for a facemask on quarterback Daunte Culpepper during last week's game against the Detroit Lions. The play happened when Beason stopped Culpepper on a two-point conversion. He was not flagged for a penalty on the play.

   Well, it's officially Week 12 of the NFL season (yes, Week 11 for the Panthers) and they have no injuries to report. That's right, no injuries.

   Refreshing, huh?

   All 53 players on the roster practiced "full" on Wednesday, including center Ryan Kalil, linebacker Thomas Davis, defensive tackle Darwin Walker and offensive tackle Jeremy Bridges.

   Center Ryan Kalil returned to practice Monday on a limited basis.

   However, linebacker Thomas Davis (ankle) and offensive lineman Jeremy Bridges (heart) did not practice. Coach John Fox said Bridges should practice Wednesday. Some interesting news on Bridges -- he actually had to have an EKG on his heart after being put to sleep. Bridges has been told nicotine use had something to do with his heart fluttering. The good news is he's healthy now. But more on that scary incident later.  

   In other news, defensive tackle Darwin Walker participated in all of practice.

  

  

   How much do you think Julius Peppers is worth now?

   Peppers has nine sacks and five forced fumbles in 10 games this season, but the big question has been -- and continues to be -- what the Panthers will do with him after the season. There are three options, really. Sign him to a long-term contract, make him the franchise player (thus paying him nearly $17 million for one year) or let him walk in free agency and get nothing in return.

   I don't believe there's any way the Panthers let him walk. He's too good of a player.

   They've offered him a contract in the past, but Peppers has declined, preferring to wait until after the season to continue to talks, according to sources. CBS network analyst Charley Casserly said Sunday that the Panthers planned to use the franchise tag on Peppers if they were unable to reach a long-term deal with him before free agency.

   Geez, ya think?

   The Panthers have reiterated their stance they don't talk about ongoing contract talks and Peppers has no knowledge of the team's plans.

   According the league's CBA, franchise players have to be paid the average of the top five salaries at their position, or 120 percent of their previous year’s cap number. In Peppers' case, it would be the latter. Since he counts $14.13 million this year under the cap, his 2009 figure would be $16.965 million.

   The problem is that would make it tough for the Panthers to retain two other free agents -- offensive tackle Jordan Gross and cornerback Chris Gamble, both of whom are playing at a Pro Bowl level.    But the bottom line is this: You don't let a player like Peppers walk and get no compensation for him. And that means if you're forced to franchise him, then you do it. I don't think it will come to that.

   My guess is that at some point the Panthers reach a deal with Peppers that will make him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history.

   1ST QUARTER: Well, that's not the start the Panthers wanted. They allow Daunte Culpepper to drive the Lions 80 yards on 12 plays for a touchdown. Culpepper hits Calvin Johnson for a 29-yard touchdown pass on third-and-8. The Panthers challenge the ruling on the field, but the play is upheld. Lions 7, Panthers 0.

   And the Panthers go three-and-out, so the Lions will get the ball back.

   Carolina's defense gives the ball right back to Jake Delhomme as Na'il Diggs intercepts Culpepper on first down. The Panthers are in business at their own 40. It is Diggs' first interception since 2003 when he played for the Green Bay Packers.

   But the offense still looks like it's stuck in Oakland and can't move the chains as Delhomme badly overthrows Dante Rosario. It looked like Delhomme was expecting Rosario to run a different route.

   Did these teams change jerseys before the game?

   The Lions are kicking some tail today. On the final play of the first quarter Kevin Smith runs for 18 yards on third-and-19 and for the second time in the game the Lions will go for it on fourth-and-1. They made it the last time and went on to score a touchdown. The Panthers need a spark.

   2ND QUARTER: But they don't get it as Smith gains 20 more yards on fourth down. The Lions are in field goal range at the 17. The Panthers defense stiffens and Julius Peppers, who already has one sack, pressures Culpepper into an incompletion. Jason Hansen's 40-yard field goal gives the Lions a 10-point lead. Lions drive goes 13 plays and 65 yards.  Lions 10, Panthers 0.

   By the way, the Panthers were outgained 125-10 in the first quarter. The Panthers are still looking for their first first down.

   Now the Panthers seem to be waking up. Delhomme connects with Jeff King on a 15-yard touchdown strike, capping an eight-play, 76-yard touchdown drive. Delhomme completed a big third-down pass to Steve Smith on the drive and Smith picked up 16 on an end around. Jonathan Stewart also had a 21-yard run and DeAngelo Williams is running very hard again this week. Lions 10, Panthers 7.

    The Lions botch the kickoff return, but the Panthers can't come up with the loose ball. The Lions start at the 28. The Lions go back to the ground and continue to move the ball. This time, Hansen hits a 56-yard field goal to give Detroit a 13-7 lead. Perhaps Carolina's offense can pick up where it left off on the last drive.

   And the Panthers move right back down the field and take their first lead of the game as DeAngelo Williams scores on his second long run in as many weeks. Williams goes 56 yards for the score behind a strong block by fullback Brad Hoover. Williams had a 69-yard run last week against Oakland. The Panthers moved 80 yards on four plays for the score. The offense is clicking now. Less than three minutes left in the first half.  Panthers 14, Lions 13.

   Yep., they're the Lions.

   After a Michael Gaines fumble gives the Panthers the ball at the Detroit 42, the Panthers offense scores a touchdown on its third straight drive with Jonathan Stewart going off left tackle for a 22-yard touchdown run. The Panthers have now scored 21 points in the second quarter. Panthers 21, Lions 13.

   You sense the Lions might be about ready to give up, but Avieon Cason returns the ensuing kickoff 46 yards. But the Lions move 37 yards and get a 35-yard field goal by Hansen to trim the Carolina lead to 5 at the half. Panthers 21, Lions 16.

   Some other scores at halftime. Minnesota 13, Tampa Bay 6. Atlanta 13, Denver 7. New Orleans 13, Kansas City 10.

   The Panthers ran for 149 yards and two TDs in the second quarter.

   3rd QUARTER: Kasay's 29-yard field goal gives the Panthers an eight-point lead. Panthers 24, Lions 16.

   It's time for the Panthers defense to tighten up.

   Steve Smith commits a rare turnover, fumbling in the open field giving the Lions the ball at the Carolina 49 with about 5:45 left in the third quarter. But Carolina's defense holds, forcing a three-and-out and giving the ball right back to the offense. No, wait. A roughing the punter call on Gary Barnidge gives the Lions an automatic first down. A real questionable call there.

   The Panthers stop them again.

   At the end of the third quarter, the Panthers are about to have two 100-yard rushers. DeAngelo Williams has already gone over 100 yards with 117 yards on 11 carries. Stewart has 99 yards on 12 carries.

   The Lions score to cut the Carolina lead to 24-22, but Jon Beason stuffs Culpepper on a two-point conversion run on a draw play.

   The Panthers put the game away with a Charles Godfrey interception return to the Lions 4. From there, Williams scores on a 4-yard touchdown run. Panthers lead it 31-22 with 2:41 to go.

   Both Williams and Stewart are over 120 yards rushing.

   Panthers win it 31-22.

   Rain forced the Carolina Panthers to their "indoor facility" midway through Thursday's practice. Coach John Fox likes to refer to the first-floor concourse at Bank of America Stadium as the team's "indoor facility," although there is barely room to move and certainly no space to do things like, you know, throw a football.

   Anyway, the injury report remains the same. Center Ryan Kalil (ankle) did not practice. Defensive tackle Darwin Walker (neck) did, but on a limited basis. I highly doubt Kalil will play this week and Walker might still be a week away, as well.

  

   Some quick notes from Wednesday...

   1. Running back Jonathan Stewart practiced full on Wednesday and is expected to play Sunday against Detroit. Stewart missed most of last week's practice, but still played against Oakland and carried seven times for 21 yards.

   2. The only player who didn't practice was center Ryan Kalil (ankle).

   3. Defensive tackle Darwin Walker (neck) returned to practice on a limited basis.

   4. Defensive end Julius Peppers was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his effort on Sunday which included three sacks, two forced fumbles and seven tackles.

 

 

   As part of its flex scheduling option, the NFL has moved the kickoff time for the Atlanta Falcons’ home game against the Carolina Panthers on Nov. 23 to 4:15 p.m. so it can be nationally televised by FOX. It was originally was set for a 1 p.m. kickoff.

   Carolina is atop the NFC South division with a 7-2 record, while Atlanta and Tampa Bay at 6-3.

Panthers coach John Fox talked about Carolina's 17-6 win over the Oakland Raiders in his weekly press conference on Monday. Here is what he had to say:

On injuries from Sunday: Really, there's nothing to report on the injury front.  Just so you guys know, (center Ryan) Kalil did leave the game, and was replaced by Geoff Hangartner.  I believe it was around the end of the first quarter.  He just had a little bit of a problem pushing off.  No setbacks; but that did occur.

On whether it was a re-injury for Kalil: No.  It's just that until you get out there in a game, sometimes you don't totally know.   Not that he was real (bad), it's just that there was a problem pushing and they (the Raiders) were pretty big inside and we needed some push.

On whether Kalil might be sidelined another week or two: Again, we'll evaluate it Wednesday.  He'll be day-to-day.  That's not side-stepping it; I have no idea.

On whether Julius Peppers slightly injured his left arm in the third quarter: I didn't notice that, and there's been no report from our training room.

On winning when Jake Delhomme struggles: Being of a defensive background, I don't think there's anything ugly about a 17-6 win.  Again, would I have liked our offense to play better?  Yes.  But I thought we ran the ball very effectively.  I think DeAngelo Williams had arguably one of his best games here as a Panther.  He made a lot of runs on his own, a lot of runs where he made people miss.  To rush for that many yards -- I'm still happy with it.  There's no question that we could have played better in the pass game, but it wasn't just Jake.  There's a couple of drops, a couple of better routes (that could have been run), a couple of better protections.  Again, Jake's a stand-up guy, and he's going to take responsibility.  I think his teammates appreciate that about him.  I know that I do as a head coach.  But it's a scenario that we've got to work.  These games all have different personalities.  We had a pretty good idea what kind of game that was going to be.  They were going to challenge us to throw.  We've had games like that in the past here and we've gotten better for it.  I thought it was an outstanding job by our special teams and our defense, and when you win two out of three (phases), you usually win the game -- and we did.

On how much of the team's struggles were because of the Panthers or because of how the Raiders played: Well, I think it's a combination of both.  I don't want to take anything away from them (the Raiders).  I thought they covered us down pretty good.  I thought they made it tough for us to run, but we were still able to run, so I think that one of the real bright spots was that.  Most of that was against eight-man fronts -- and aggressive eight-man fronts.  I thought that was a real bright side.  We just needed to be able to take more advantage of it in the pass game, and we weren't able to -- and it was a combination of both them and us.

On whether anything physically was bothering Delhomme: No.

On whether Sunday's effort was just chalked up to a bad day for Delhomme: No.  I already said what I thought it was.  I thought it was a real good day in our run game, and a not-so-good day in our pass game, and it's not just Jake.

On if running back Jonathan Stewart has hit a rookie wall or if his heel injury is affecting his production: It's none of those things in my opinion. He did miss two days of practice this week. That never helps. He made some hard runs. Part of those (rushing) yards were his; there's not doubt the bulk was DeAngelo. It goes that way. Probably about a month people were wanting him to be the starter. It's a long season, and we're going to need him and he knows it and we know it. It's nothing he's done wrong.

On why Stewart has had so many runs for negative yards: I don't look at those statistics. He's made a lot of big runs for us, and we anticipate him making a lot of big runs for us moving forward. Statistically, you guys were talking about the other guy a month ago. We don't look at stats except for that W.

On if he is concerned about Stewart's decisiveness: I'm totally happy with Jonathan Stewart as well as DeAngelo Williams. That's not changed.

On kick/punt returner Mark Jones: I think any offensive play, and a punt return and kickoff return are exactly that, there is no question that Mark Jones did an outstanding job in both phases and has for the most part the whole season. I think he's just shown steady improvement. As much as it is the offensive line, fullback and tight end in the run game, it's the same way in the blocking element on punt return and kickoff return. There were definitely some good cuts by him but also some good blocking in both those phases.

On the improvement in special teams, especially the return game, this year: I think there is improvement. We've, knock on wood, stayed healthier. We've got a little bit more experience as a return. Early in the year a year ago we had a rookie. I thought he (Ryne Robinson) improved as the year went on. I think Rhys Lloyd kicking off, I know that's not the return game, but that affects your coverage. We've got guys that are coachable and are doing things right and are doing it under pressure. I think that's probably the biggest difference.

On how desperate he expects the Lions to be: Probably no more desperate than we are. We are all trying to win. Again, we don't look at records. We look at the tape. That will be what it's all about – who prepares and is the most ready to play Sunday.

On quarterback Jake Delhomme's ability to put a bad game behind him: He's done it before, and I don't anticipate any problems him doing it again. Those happen.

On if he has to talk to Delhomme because he is so emotional: Not really. Jake handles adversity and prosperity probably as well as any player I've ever been around. Of course we talk to him. I talk to just about everybody. But he doesn't need special counseling or anything.

   Here's a running game story from Oakland's McAfee Coliseum...

   1ST QUARTER: Well, you can't ask for a much better start than that if you're the Panthers.

   On the opening kickoff, Dante Wesley stripped Johnnie Lee Higgins of the football and Adam Seward recovered at the Oakland 16. Jake Delhomme converted a third-and-10 with a 13-yard toss to D.J. Hackett and then found Muhsin Muhammad for a 3-yard touchdown pass to put Carolina up 7-0 less than two minutes into the game.

   Julius Peppers came up with a big sack on third down to end Oakland's first drive, but the Raiders are back in business after Nnamdi Asomugha intercepts Delhomme on a deep pass intended for Steve Smith.

   The Raiders are moving the ball on the Panthers, but Richard Marshall ends their first scoring threat by intercepting Andrew Walter in the end zone.

   The Raiders are stuffing the box with eight men daring Delhomme to throw.

   Peppers, who had four sacks coming into the game, now has two in the first quarter. End of first quarter: Panthers 7, Raiders 0.  

2nd QUARTER:  Carolina center Ryan Kalil has re-injured his ankle and has left the game. Geoff Hangartner is back in. Kalil missed three games before the bye week with a high ankle sprain. Maybe he wasn't ready to come back quite yet. His return is questionable.

   The Panthers have really struggled running the ball so far against a very bad run defense. DeAngelo Williams was held to 5 yards on four carries in the first quarter.

   Carolina's defense looks great, but the offense simply can't move the ball and Delhomme appears to be getting frustrated. Delhomme just needs to stay smart and play his game because it doesn't appear the Raiders are going to be scoring too many points with Walter under center. They came into the game ranked last in the league in scoring, averaging just 13.4 points per game.

   As I say that, Delhomme gets picked off again down the right sidelines. The play is under review.

   With 7:16 left in the second quarter, the Panthers have just 51 yards of offense.

   Man, this is like watching soccer.

   The Panthers are still struggling to do anything. Williams has 22 yards on eight carries for Carolina and Smith has yet to catch a pass. Still, the defense has been stellar and the Panthers are holding to 7-0 lead. They're getting plenty of help from the Raiders, who continue to shoot themselves in the foot with penalties.

   Center Jake Grove has left the game for Oakland.

   Finally, the Panthers have struck. DeAngelo Williams breaks two tackles and races 69 yards for a touchdown to put the Panthers up 14-0 three minutes left in the first half. You have to think that might be the clincher because it doesn't seem possible for the Raiders to score 14 points. Halftime: Panthers 14, Raiders 0.

   THIRD QUARTER: Jake Delhomme throws his third interception of the game to start the third quarter. But the Raiders run the ball on third-and-10 at the Carolina and settle for a Sebastian Janikowski field goal. There goes the shutout. Panthers 14, Raiders 3.

   Delhomme's number so far? Not good. He's 7-of-21 for 72 yards with one touchdowns and three picks.

   And it gets worse... Delhomme has just thrown his fourth INT of the game, tying a career record. Once again, the defense has holds the Raiders to a field goal and the Panthers still lead. Wow, it might be Josh McCown time pretty soon. Panthers 14, Raiders 6.

   After the field goal, the Panthers get a huge return 59-yard return from Mark Jones and will set up shop at the Raiders 41. But Travelle Wharton gives up a sack on third-and-5 at the Raiders 36 taking the Panthers out of field goal range. Delhomme should have gotten rid of that ball.

   The Panthers are letting the Raiders hang around and that's not a good thing. There are still 21 minutes left in this game, so there is plenty of time for even the Raiders to score a touchdown. The crowd is starting to get into this, sensing a change in momentum.

   Wow. Delhomme misses another receiver. He's just off today.

   FOURTH QUARTER: Both teams look pathetic on offense.

   The Panthers have just knocked out quarterback Andrew Walter after a hit by Tyler Brayton. Marquis Tuiasosopo has replaced him with 10 minutes to go. Charles Johnson comes up with a big sack for Panthers ending yet another Oakland drive. You can't say enough about Carolina's defense, which has spent the majority of the game on the field.

   The Panthers will punt again.

   It will be interesting to see who's leg falls off first -- Jason Baker's or Shane Lechler's.  

   Peppers comes up with his third sack of the game and it's a big one, ending another Raiders drive. Mark Jones then returns a punt 55 yards to the Oakland 35. The Panthers are very close to putting the nail in the coffin and getting out of here with an UGLY win.

   PRE-GAME: Carolina running back Jonathan Stewart is active and will play today against the Oakland Raiders, although it's unclear exactly how much he'll play. The big news for Carolina is that D.J. Hackett is the team's No. 3 receiver  while Dwayne Jarrett is inactive.

   Also inactive for the Panthers are offensive linemen Mackenzy Bernadeau and Frank Omiyale, wide receiver Kenneth Moore, defensive tackle Darwin Walker, safety C.J. Wilson, linebacker James Anderson. Matt Moore is the third quarterback.

  For the Raiders, Andrew Walter will start at quarterback, Marques Tuiasosopo will be the backup and Jemarcus Russell (knee) is the third quarterback. Also inactive for Oakland are running back Darren McFadden, wide receiver Ronald Curry, defensive end Derrick Burgess, linebacker Ricky Brown, center John Wade and tackle James Marten.

    MESSAGE BOARD UPDATE: Hey everyone, once again I apologize for the snail-like pace of the message board. Please know that I have been in contact with our Internet Technology department at the Gaston Gazette and they're trying to resolve the issue. I know some people are upset at me about this, but please believe me, I haven't the first idea about how to fix a website. That said, I understand your frustration. I'm extremely frustrated with this as well. I will continue to press to get this fixed as soon as possible. If you would like to contact our IT department, please email John Hoffman at JHoffman@gastongazette.com. Hang in there folks, we will get this straight, I promise you. Thank you, Steve!

Running back Jonathan Stewart participated in Friday's practice and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Oakland.

That at least gives Stewart a fighting chance to play after missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday.

Stewart made the trip with the team to Oakland on Friday. His availability will largely depend on whether he can handle the pain that he's having pushing off the ankle. If Stewart can't go, DeAngelo Williams will likely get the bulk of carries with Nick Goings and Brad Hoover picking up the extras.

Darwin Walker (neck) did not make the trip and will not play.

Everyone else is expected to play.

For Oakland, DE Derrick Burgess (triceps) is doubtful, while QB Jamarcus Russell (knee), RB Darren McFadden (toe) and S Gibril Wilson (groin) are questionable.

   Panthers rookie running back Jonathan Stewart was held out of practice for the second straight day on Thursday with a heel injury, placing his status for Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders in serious doubt. Stewart was wearing a walking boot on his left foot Thursday.

   "The medical people said he wouldn't be able to go today," coach John Fox said. "It's day to day and we'll evaluate it tomorrow, but anytime you don't have a guy out there it's always concerning."

   Fox wouldn't rule out Stewart for Sunday's game, but he typically doesn't play players who've missed the entire week of practice. If Stewart can't play, Nick Goings would be Carolina's backup running back behind starter DeAngelo Williams. Also, fullback Brad Hoover might see additional carries.

   Fox said the Panthers had an idea of Stewart's injury heading into the bye week.

   "It something that happened in the last week of the last game, and he actually played in the last game," Fox said,. "I'm not sure when he did it. It just started hurting. He played in the game fine. Now we have to wait and see. It's not definite he won't play this week."

   Also, defensive tackle Darwin Walker (neck) did not practice.

   Right tackle Jeff Otah and center Ryan Kalil practiced for a second straight day and should start Sunday.

 

   Hanging in wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad's locker on Wednesday was a T-shirt supporting Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Muhammad said he's thrilled Obama won the presidency, although he suspects he's one of the few Democrats in the locker room.

   Muhammad reitereated what Jake Delhomme said last week -- that the election wasn’t a major topic in the locker room.

   “It’s not a real political atmosphere,” Muhammad said. “Guys discuss some issues and topics but not we’re not divided in the locker room because of politics.”

   Hey everyone.

   The Carolina Growl site is now back up and running. Sorry about the last 24 hours. Here's what happened -- the Gaston Gazette's website, including Carolina Growl, were "hacked" into and the site crashed. Our internet technology guys have been working to restore order. Finally, it appears we're up and running.

   Thanks for your patience and loyal support.

   Steve Reed

   The Carolina Panthers didn't practice on Monday, but it had nothing to do with just how bad their upcoming opponent, the Oakland Raiders, played on Sunday.

   Under coach John Fox's schedule, players were required to report to work on Monday after four days off but they didn't practice. They will have Tuesday off and return to practice on Wednesday, meaning it will be a full week between practices for the Panthers.

   "We ran and lifted real hard," said Fox, who spent part of his bye weekend playing golf. "When I say we, I mean them. We did take a short look at personnel and some of the things that we had gotten done as a coaching staff last week. We didn't get the Atlanta game until about 10 o'clock this morning, so that wasn't in the computer yet and broken down. But just a good initial look."