The run defense was one of the few bright spots for Carolina on Sunday. (Photo by John Clark)

Here are the grades from Sunday's game...

RUN OFFENSE: D
   Sure, the Panthers ran for 116 yards and averaged 4.6 yards per carry, but that's called underachieving against the league’s 32nd-ranked run defense. The Bills came in allowing 181.6 yards per game on the ground and allowed the Jets to run for 318 yards last week. DeAngelo Williams had 89 yards and one touchdown. And how do the Panthers not pick up two fourth-and-1 opportunities against that defense? Clearly, the Panthers missed fullback Brad Hoover in those situations.

PASS OFFENSE: F
   What more can be said about Jake Delhomme? If coach John Fox doesn’t make a change now, he'll lose this fan base – if he hasn’t already. Delhomme completed 27 of 44 for 325 yards, but he threw three picks, two of which were returned deep into Carolina territory and led to Buffalo touchdowns. Steve Smith got his numbers (6 catches, 99 yards), but the Panthers didn’t get a win. If there was a bright spot, tight end Gary Barnidge caught his first three catches for 77 yards, including a 52-yard reception which stands as Carolina's longest of the season.

RUN DEFENSE: A-
   The Panthers limited the Bills to 53 yards on 30 carries, a mere 1.8-yard average. Defensive tackle Hollis Thomas even tackled Fred Jackson in the end zone for a safety. The only downfall is they allowed Marshawn Lynch to score on a 7-yard touchdown run.

PASS DEFENSE: B
   The Panthers limited Ryan Fitzpatrick to 123 yards passing, 55 of those coming on a pass to Lee Evans. The Panthers entered the game ranked second in the league in pass defense and may move up to No. 1 this week. But they may lose Charles Godfrey (ankle) for awhile. He looked pretty uncomfortable limping to the locker room.

SPECIAL TEAMS: F
   Carolina’s special teams was atrocious yet again. John Kasay missed field goals of 43 and 39 yards and Kenny Moore blew a chance for a comeback when he botched a punt. Amazingly, the Panthers have been unable to find a returner who is capable of catching a football on a consistent basis. If nothing else, put Steve Smith back there to make a fair catch. Coach John Fox isn't one to fire coaches during the season, but Danny Crossman's job can't be real safe.

COACHING: F
   This coaching staff seems ill-equipped to handle the many problems facing this team, in particular on the offensive side of the ball where 11 starters return from last year. Why this team was unable to run the ball more effectively against the league’s worst run defense (which played most of the game without its starting defensive tackle Kyle Williams) is hard to comprehend. And watching the Panthers try to throw the ball is like watching a junior high team. You have to wonder if coach John Fox will have a job next year if this thing begins heading in the direction it appears to be heading. And guess what? The schedule is only going to get tougher.