1st Quarter:
RECAP: The Panthers started slow with their first three drives resulting in three-and-outs. Atlanta’s offense is using a strategy similar to that of the Houston Texans, using short passes underneath the coverage to move the chains.
BIG PLAY: Atlanta holder Michael Koenen botched a snap on a 35-yard field goal attempt and kicker Morten Andersen inexplicably kicked the loose ball into the line of scrimmage. That resulted in a penalty and the Panthers took over on downs.
BIG MISTAKE: After a 17-yard run, Falcons RB Warrick Dunn allowed Panthers SS Chris Harris to rip the football out of his hands at the Carolina 33.
COMMENT: OK, explain this play call to me. The Panthers open the game with two DeShaun Foster runs for 9 yards and then go to an empty backfield on third-and-a-foot. Jake Delhomme then fires incomplete… Panthers MLB Dan Morgan injured his shoulder while attempting to tackle Jerious Norwood late in the first quarter and left the game briefly. He did come back in the second quarter.
SCORE: Carolina 0, Atlanta 0
2nd Quarter:
RECAP: Carolina’s offense finally gets on track, picking up its initial first down of the game on a diving grab by Drew Carter for a 17-yard gain. That leads to a field goal. The Falcons and Panthers trade touchdowns an field goals.
BIG PLAY: The Falcons bounce right back with WR Roddy White breaking a tackle by CB Ken Lucas and racing 69 yards for a touchdown. For Carolina, Foster makes a nice over-the-shoulder grab for a 14-yard touchdown.
BIG MISTAKE: The dropsies have apparently caught up with WR Steve Smith, who mishandles the first two pass thrown his way.
COMMENT: White is killing the Panthers with five catches for a career-high 112 yards through two quarters. The Panthers are making QB Joey Harrington look like a star. He has completed 19 of 25 passes for 262 yards with one score… Foster seems to love playing the Falcons. He has 54 total yards and a touchdown in the first half. Carolina must get Smith more involved in the offense, especially now that he’s angry. He has no catches in the first half.
SCORE: Carolina 10, Atlanta 10