1st Quarter:

RECAP: The Bucs are resting seven starters including quarterback Jeff Garcia, running back Ernest Graham and receivers Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard, and yet they still take the opening kickoff and go 66 yards in seven plays for a touchdown. Luke McCown connects on a 3-yard touchdown pass to Jerramy Stevens to give Tampa Bay a 7-0 lead. The Panthers answer with a 2-yard pass from Matt Moore to Christian Fauria capping a very nice 14-play drive.

BIG PLAY: McCown connects with Chad Lucas, who was just called up from the practice squad earlier in the week, on a 51-yard completion. Deke Cooper bit on the run fake and Lucas raced deep into the secondary. Ken Lucas came from the other side of the field to save a touchdown.

BIG MISTAKE: Tampa Bay’s Derrick Brooks was flagged for a defensive holding penalty on a short John Kasay field goal. That gives the Panthers an automatic first down and two plays later the Panthers punch it in on Moore’s second touchdown pass of the season.

COMMENT: Moore is again looking sharp, although the Bucs are resting some defensive players.

SCORE: Tampa Bay 7, Carolina 7

2nd Quarter:

RECAP: The Panthers build a 14-10 lead behind a 20-yard touchdown pass from Moore to rookie tight end Dante Rosario. How about that, three rookies touched the ball on that play for Carolina – center Ryan Kalil, Moore and Rosario. The Bucs add two Matt Bryant field goals, but the Panthers tack on one from John Kasay to make it 17-13.

BIG PLAY: Bucs CB Phillip Buchanan impedes Steve Smith’s progress at the line of scrimmage and baits Moore into an interception at the Carolina 23. The Bucs cash in with a field goal to take a 10-7 lead.

BIG MISTAKE: Rookie returner Ryne Robinson, who has been playing well down the stretch, is stripped of the ball on a punt return. However, Robinson makes amends with a career-long 60-yard kickoff return leading to a Carolina field goal.

COMMENT: A fourth-and-1 at the Bucs 2-yard line with 20 seconds left in the half, Fox opts for the field goal instead of trying to punch it in. Hey, when you’re 6-9, what do you have to lose?

SCORE: Carolina 17, Tampa Bay 13

3rd Quarter:

RECAP: The Bucs drive a franchise-record 98 yards for a touchdown to regain the lead 20-17. McCown scampers for a 31-yard gain outrunning linebacker Thomas Davis. How did that happen? However, the Panthers bounce back to take the lead as Moore finds Drew Carter on a long pass setting up a DeAngelo Williams touchdown.

BIG PLAY: Carter hauls in a 47-yard completion from Moore and Williams cashes in. Moore actually underthrew Carter on the play, but Carter made a nice leaping grab between two defenders.

BIG MISTAKE: Kalil’s snap to Moore in the shotgun flies over his shoulder and Moore chases it down and recovers for a 24-yard loss. The Panthers are forced to punt the ball.

COMMENT: The Panthers play great in season finales against teams that rest the majority of their starters.

SCORE: Carolina 24, Tampa Bay 20

   Hello from Tampa.

   Today's inactives for the Panthers are safety Chris Harris, wide receiver Jason Carter, wide receiver Travis Taylor, cornerback Patrick Dendy, linebacker James Anderson, tackle Frank Omiyale and defensive tackle Gary Gibson. Quarterback Vinny Testaverde, who will retire after today's game, is the third quarterback.

   The Bucs are resting many of their starters including quarterback Jeff Garcia, running back Ernest Graham, wide receivers Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard, fullback B.J. Askew, guard Dan Buenning, linebacker Barrett Ruud, safety Jermaine Phillips. All but Buenning are starters.

   Having already clinched a playoff berth, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are likely to rest several of their starters on Sunday, similar to what New Orleans did in last year's season finale against Carolina. The Bucs will host a first-round game the following weekend at Raymond James Stadium.

   "We've been resting some of our starters, too -- and we have been for some time," Fox said in reference to his team's injury woes this season. "That's what I say to that."

   Fox later said of preparing for a lot of Bucs reserve players, "There is some personnel stuff involved, but most of it is scheme. They are going to do the same things they do no matter who is in there whether it's offense, defense or the kicking game."

    --Panthers safety Chris Harris and quarterback Vinny Testaverde did not practice on Thursday.

   While it hardly matters now, the Carolina Panthers have placed center Justin Hartwig on injured reserve with a sprained MCL. The good news here is Hartwig didn't damage his ACL and he should be ready for next season, providing, of course, he's still around.

   The Panthers are likely to give rookie Ryan Kalil a start on Sunday.

   "You look back at '04 and even last year to some degree, we've had our share of injury-plagued seasons, and one of the advantages of that is getting young guys much needed experience," coach John Fox said. "It's one thing to practice and prepare for it, but until you get out there and do it under pressure at game speed, you really don't know, whether you're a player or coach. That's been helpful. It'll be helpful for Ryan to get those game reps, although he's had a few so far but most of that was at guard. That will just help him and his development."

   The Panthers have yet to fill Hartwig's roster spot.

   If the Panthers are to upset the Dallas Cowboys tonight, they will have to do it without defensive end Julius Peppers, who is out with a knee sprain. Peppers did not practice all week.

   Along with Peppers, wide receiver Jason Carter, cornerback Patrick Dendy, linebacker James Anderson, guard Evan Mathis, tackle Frank Omiyale and defensive tackle Gary Gibson are also inactive. Quarterback Vinny Testaverde is the emergency quarterback.

   For Dallas, safeties Roy Williams and Patrick Watkins, running back Tyson Thompson, center Andre Gurude, tackles Doug Free and James Marten, wide receivers Terry Glenn and Isaiah Stanback will not play.

   Just received the official injury report from the Panthers and defensive end Julius Peppers is listed as doubtful for Saturday night's game with a sprained knee. If Peppers doesn't play, look for Stanley McClover or rookie Charles Johnson to start in his place.

   Also, wide receiver Keary Colbert (knee) is out, not that anyone would notice.

   Everyone else is probable, including safety Chris Harris, offensive linemen Justin Hartwig and Geoff Hangartner, quarterback Vinny Testaverde, wide receiver Steve Smith and defensive tackle Kindal Moorehead.

   This shouldn't surprise you, but for the first time since their inaugural season in 1995, no Carolina Panthers were selected to the Pro Bowl.

   Carolina’s best bets to make the team – linebacker Jon Beason and safety Chris Harris – did not make the squad.

   Defensive end Julius Peppers, who failed to make the

Wide receiver Steve Smith, clearly

   Meanwhile, this week’s opponent, the Dallas Cowboys, tied a team record by sending 11 players to annual all-star game in Honolulu.

   Working on a short week, the Carolina Panthers returned to practice on Tuesday and began preparing for Saturday night's game against Dallas.

   Six players did not practice due to injury or illness, including defensive end Julius Peppers (knee), wide receivers Steve Smith (illness) and Keary Colbert (knee), offensive linemen Geoff Hangartner (shoulder) and Justin Hartwig (ankle),  and defensive tackle Kindal Moorehead (ankle). Fullback Billy Latsko did not practice because of a death in the family.

    --The NFL will announce the Pro Bowl teams at 4 p.m. Tuesday.

   --Despite Minnesota's win over Chicago, the Panthers (6-8) are not yet eliminated from playoff contention, but their hopes of reaching the postseason went from bad to worse. Basically, they need nothing short of a miracle of It's-A-Wonderful-Life proportions to pull it off.

   But hey, it worked for George Bailey.

   Here's what would need to happen for the Panthers to still get in:

   1. The Panthers would have to win their final two games (vs. Dallas, at Tampa Bay).

   2. The Vikings (8-6) would have to lose their final two games (vs. Washington, at Denver)

   3. Washington (7-7) has to lose at home in Week 17 to Dallas.

   4. New Orleans (7-7) has to lose one of its final two games (vs. Philadelphia, at Chicago)

    If all that happens, the Panthers would get in at 8-8 over Minnesota, Washington and New Orleans because they have the best conference record of any of those teams.

GAME RUNNER:

1st Quarter:

RECAP: Matt Moore gets the start for the Panthers at quarterback over the ailing Vinny Testaverde. With the wind whipping, both teams are struggling early with the Panthers mounting the only scoring attack. However, the Panthers fail to cash in on a field goal opportunity as John Kasay.

BIG PLAY: The only big play of the first quarter comes when rookies Moore and Dante Rosario hook up on a 54-yard completion down the middle of the field.

BIG MISTAKE: Kasay’s sliced his 36-yard field goal into the wind wide right.

COMMENT: Carolina’s defense is playing outstanding as the Seahawks first three drives end in three-and-out.

SCORE: Carolina 0, Seattle 0

2^nd Quarter:

RECAP: The Seahawks have yet to test the Panthers secondary deep, largely because of the wind. Neither team can mount a threat, and the teams head into the locker room in a scoreless tie.

BIG PLAY: The Panthers seem to be moving the football until they’re flagged for two penalties and Moore botches two snaps and the drive stalls.

BIG MISTAKE: Moore underthrows Drew Carter on a flea-flicker that would have gone for a big gain.

COMMENT: Wow, this is a real snoozer. Carolina’s defense is playing exceptional and you get a sense it may take a defensive score to win this game.

SCORE: Carolina 0, Seattle 0

3rd Quarter:

RECAP: Time to grab some Mountain Dew to stay awake for this one as both teams continue to set offensive football back twenty years. Neither team can sustain a drive and the game remains scoreless. The Panthers seem to be mounting a drive late in the third quarter.

BIG PLAY: The Panthers went for it on fourth-and-1 from the Seattle 33 and linebacker Darryl Tapp stuffed DeShaun Foster for no gain.

BIG MISTAKE: Shaun Alexander, who looks like he’s been running in quicksand all day, rambled through the line for 20 yards and then fumbled. But both safety Deke Cooper and linebacker Thomas Davis missed an opportunity to come up with the loose ball.

COMMENT: The Panthers are getting rookie Ryne Robinson more involved in the offense with Keary Colbert out with a knee injury. Robinson has responded with his first two catches of his career.

SCORE: Carolina 0, Seattle 0

GAME RUNNER:

1st Quarter:

RECAP: Matt Moore gets the start for the Panthers at quarterback over the ailing Vinny Testaverde. With the wind whipping, both teams are struggling early with the Panthers mounting the only scoring attack. However, the Panthers fail to cash in on a field goal opportunity as John Kasay.

BIG PLAY: The only big play of the first quarter comes when rookies Moore and Dante Rosario hook up on a 54-yard completion down the middle of the field.

BIG MISTAKE: Kasay’s sliced his 36-yard field goal into the wind wide right.

COMMENT: Carolina’s defense is playing outstanding as the Seahawks first three drives end in three-and-out.

SCORE: Carolina 0, Seattle 0

2^nd Quarter:

RECAP: The Seahawks have yet to test the Panthers secondary deep, largely because of the wind. Neither team can mount a threat, and the teams head into the locker room in a scoreless tie.

BIG PLAY: The Panthers seem to be moving the football until they’re flagged for two penalties and Moore botches two snaps and the drive stalls.

BIG MISTAKE: Moore underthrows Drew Carter on a flea-flicker that would have gone for a big gain.

COMMENT: Wow, this is a real snoozer. Carolina’s defense is playing exceptional and you get a sense it may take a defensive score to win this game.

SCORE: Carolina 0, Seattle 0

   For the second straight day, Carolina Panthers quarterback Vinny Testaverde was held out of practice. Although the reason for him missing practice is listed as a team decision, basically the 44-year-old is simple sore from playing football at his age.

   Testaverde's absence raises the possibility the Panthers might start rookie Matt Moore on Sunday vs. Seattle.

   Coach John Fox said he will make a game-time decision as to who will start at quarterback.

   There's no chance the Panthers will go back to David Carr at this point in the season.

   The Carolina Panthers gave 44-year-old quarterback Vinny Testaverde the day off from practice on Wednesday as the team returned to the field to begin preparations for the Seattle Seahawks (9-4). Coach John Fox said Testaverde is not injured, but that the team simply wanted to give him some time to rest.

   Fox wouldn't say who will start this week at quarterback, but it seems if Testaverde can stay healthy he would get the start over rookie Matt Moore.

   In other injury news, wide receiver Keary Colbert (knee) and guard Jeremy Bridges (tooth) did not practice.

   Rookie wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett did return to practice.

   In other news, former Panthers quarterback Chris Weinke signed with the quarterback-depleted San Francisco 49ers.

1st Quarter:

RECAP: The Jaguars are moving the ball almost at will against the Panthers and get on the board first with a 22-yard TD strike from David Garrard to Reggie Williams. The Jaguars out-gain the Panthers 117-25 in the first quarter.

BIG PLAY: Jack Del Rio, who has gone for it on fourth down more than any coach in the league, goes for it on fourth-and-2 at the Carolina 35 and the gamble pays off. Garrard hits Maurice Jones-Drew with a 13-yard pass in the flat. That leads to the Jaguars first touchdown and a 7-0 lead.

BIG MISTAKE: On Williams’ touchdown catch, both Chris Gamble and Deke Cooper have a shot at tackling him at the 10 but they collide, allowing Williams to squeeze between for the score.

COMMENT: Where is all the creativity the Panthers displayed on offense last week? It seems to be back to the same old boring Panthers in this game.

SCORE: Jacksonville 7, Carolina 0

2nd Quarter:

RECAP: The Jaguars continue to dominate this game on both sides of the ball, but the Panthers are hanging around. Carolina has a chance to tie the game late in the first half, but Vinny Testaverde overthrows Jeff King down the middle of the field and the Panthers settle for a another field goal. The Panthers have just 67 total yards on offense in the first half.

BIG PLAY: With Jacksonville clearly in control, safety Chris Harris pops Fred Taylor in the backfield and the ball bounces high in the air – higher than most pooch punts, dare we say. Mike Rucker wisely jumps on the ball at the Jaguars 37-yard line instead of trying to pick it up and run with it. It is Taylor’s first fumble in 22 games.

BIG MISTAKE: This time Del Rio’s gamble doesn’t work. The Panthers stuff the Jaguars on a fourth-and-3 pass play at the Carolina 42. The Panthers offense responds with a 49-yard field goal by John Kasay.

COMMENT: How is it Kasay can kick the ball between the pipes on a field goal but he can’t kick it between the white lines on a kickoff? For the fifth time this season, Kasay boots one out of bounds, giving the Jaguars the ball at the 40. Luckily for the Panthers, the defense bails him out.

SCORE: Jacksonville 10, Carolina 6

3rd Quarter:

RECAP: The second half starts bad for the Panthers as DeShaun Foster fumbles on the first play and linebacker Daryl Smith recovers at the Carolina 21. Garrard capitalizes with a 6-yard touchdown toss to Matt Jones for a 17-6 lead. The Jags tack on a field goal to stretch the lead to 14.

BIG PLAY: Big plays? Big plays? The Panthers haven’t made a big play on offense all day. The Panthers have been out-gained 297-93 through three quarters. Carolina is 0-for-7 on third-down conversions to this point. Nothing is going right on offense and there is no flow at all.

BIG MISTAKE: Foster’s fumble ruined any momentum the Panthers had to begin the second half.

COMMENT: The Panthers have now been outscored 113-83 in the third quarter this season. The Jaguars are completely dominating the time of possession.

SCORE: Jacksonville 20, Carolina 6

4th Quarter:

RECAP: The Jaguars just put the game away on the first play of the fourth quarter as linebacker Clint Ingram steps in front of a Testaverde pass in the flat to fullback Brad Hoover and takes it 39 yards for a touchdown for a 27-6 lead. The Jaguars tack on 10 more for good measure. The Jags finish the game with an incredible 427-149 advantage in total yards and nearly an 18-minute edge in time of possession.

BIG PLAY: This wasn’t a big play, but how does Testaverde throw a pass in the flat on a fourth-and-11 at the Jaguars 20 when the team is down by 21 points? Gee whiz, at least take a shot at the end zone.

BIG MISTAKE: The Panthers allow Fred Taylor to run for an 80-yard touchdown midway through the fourth quarter. It’s the longest regular season rushing touchdown in Jaguars history.

COMMENT: Well, the Panthers will finish this season without a winning record – again. Amazing how the Panthers simply refuse to use DeAngelo Williams on a consistent basis. Carolina’s offense is abysmal.

FINAL SCORE: Jacksonville 34, Carolina 6

GAME RUNNER:

1^st Quarter:

RECAP: The Jaguars are moving the ball almost at will against the Panthers and get on the board first with a 22-yard TD strike from David Garrard to Reggie Williams. The Jaguars out-gain the Panthers 117-25 in the first quarter.

BIG PLAY: Jack Del Rio, who has gone for it on fourth down more than any coach in the league, goes for it on fourth-and-2 at the Carolina 35 and the gamble pays off as Garrard hit Maurice Jones-Drew with a 13-yard pass in the flat. That leads to the Jaguars first touchdown.

BIG MISTAKE: On Williams’ touchdown catch, both Chris Gamble and Deke Cooper have a shot at tackling him at the 10 but they collide, allowing Williams to squeeze between for the score.

COMMENT: Where is all the creativity the Panthers displayed on offense last week? It seems to be back to the same old boring Panthers in this game.

SCORE: Jacksonville 7, Carolina 0

2nd Quarter:

RECAP: The Jaguars continue to dominate this game on both sides of the ball, but the Panthers are hanging around. Carolina has a chance to tie the game late in the first half, but Vinny Testaverde overthrows Jeff King down the middle of the field and the Panthers settle for a another field goal. The Panthers have just 67 total yards on offense in the first half.

BIG PLAY: With Jacksonville clearly in control, safety Chris Harris pops Fred Taylor in the backfield and the ball bounces high in the air – higher than most pooch punts, dare we say. Mike Rucker wisely jumps on the ball at the Jaguars 37-yard line instead of trying to pick it up and run with it. It was Taylor’s first fumble in 22 games.

BIG MISTAKE: This time Del Rio’s gamble doesn’t work. The Panthers stuff the Jaguars on a fourth-and-3 pass play at the Carolina 42. The Panthers offense responds with a 49-yard field goal by John Kasay.

COMMENT: How is it Kasay can kick the ball between the pipes on a field goal but he can’t kick it between the white lines on a kickoff? For the fifth time this season, Kasay boots one out of bounds, giving the Jaguars the ball at the 40. Luckily for the Panthers, the defense bails him out.

SCORE: Jacksonville 10, Carolina 6

3rd Quarter:

RECAP: The second half starts bad for the Panthers as DeShaun Foster fumbles on the first play and linebacker Daryl Smith recovers at the Carolina 21. Garrard converts with a 6-yard touchdown toss to Matt Jones for a 17-6 lead. The Jags tack on a field goal to stretch the lead to 14.

BIG PLAY: Big plays? Big plays? The Panthers haven’t made a big play on offense all day. The Panthers have been out-gained by more than 200 yards to this point in the game. Nothing is going right on offense and there is no flow at all.

BIG MISTAKE: Foster’s fumble ruined any momentum the Panthers had coming out in the second half.

COMMENT: The Panthers have now been outscored 113-83 in the third quarter this season.

SCORE: Jacksonville 20, Carolina 6

GAME RUNNER:

1^st Quarter:

RECAP: The Jaguars are moving the ball almost at will against the Panthers and get on the board first with a 22-yard TD strike from David Garrard to Reggie Williams. The Jaguars out-gain the Panthers 117-25 in the first quarter.

BIG PLAY: Jack Del Rio, who has gone for it on fourth down more than any coach in the league, goes for it on fourth-and-2 at the Carolina 35 and the gamble pays off as Garrard hit Maurice Jones-Drew with a 13-yard pass in the flat. That leads to the Jaguars first touchdown.

BIG MISTAKE: On Williams’ touchdown catch, both Chris Gamble and Deke Cooper have a shot at tackling him at the 10 but they collide, allowing Williams to squeeze between for the score.

COMMENT: Where is all the creativity the Panthers displayed on offense last week? It seems to be back to the same old boring Panthers in this game.

SCORE: Jacksonville 7, Carolina 0

2nd Quarter:

RECAP: The Jaguars continue to dominate this game on both sides of the ball, but the Panthers are hanging around. Carolina has a chance to tie the game late in the first half, but Vinny Testaverde overthrows Jeff King down the middle of the field and the Panthers settle for a another field goal.

BIG PLAY: With Jacksonville clearly in control, safety Chris Harris pops Fred Taylor in the backfield and the ball bounces high in the air – higher than most pooch punts, dare we say. Mike Rucker wisely jumps on the ball at the Jaguars 37-yard line instead of trying to pick it up and run with it. It was Taylor’s first fumble in 22 games.

BIG MISTAKE: This time Del Rio’s gamble doesn’t work. The Panthers stuff the Jaguars on a fourth-and-3 pass play at the Carolina 42. The Panthers offense responds with a 49-yard field goal by John Kasay.

COMMENT: How is it Kasay can kick the ball between the pipes on a field goal but he can’t kick it between the white lines on a kickoff? For the fifth time this season, Kasay boots one out of bounds, giving the Jaguars the ball at the 40. Luckily for the Panthers, the defense bails him out.

SCORE: Jacksonville 10, Carolina 6

   JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Carolina Panthers have deactivated starting right guard Jeremy Bridges for today's game against Jacksonville because of an abscessed tooth.

   Geoff Hangartner will start in his place.

   Also inative for the Panthers receiver Dwayne Jarrett, tackle Frank Omiyale, defensive end Charles Johnson, defensive tackle Gary Gibson, safety C.J. Wilson and linebacker James Anderson.

   Oh, and David Carr is the third quarterback, which shoots a hole in John Fox's theory that he didn't want to "expose him" to playing at home now that the Panthers are on the road.

   When asked about the decision to demote Carr to the No. 3 quarterback, Fox said Monday, "I don't know if I wanted to expose him here at home. Definitely yesterday and we'll kind of weight that as we move forward. Antyime you don't have success it has an affect on you mentally. I still have confidence in David Carr."

   Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett, the team's second-round draft pick in April, said Thursday he was on his way to Carolinas Medical Center to have an MRI on his right knee. Jarrett has missed the last two games. He said the injury is to his medial collateral ligament (MCL).

   Because Jarrett has been slow to respond, the medical staff wants to make certain it's nothing more serious than a strain.

   "They said I sprained it a little bit," Jarrett said. "But they want to see what else is going on down there."

   --In other news, the Minnesota Vikings have signed defensive end Otis Grigsby off the practice squad. The Panthers have signed defensive end Willie Evans to the practice squad to take his place.

   I'm wondering if the Panthers entertain the idea of bringing Vinny Testaverde back for another season. Outside of Josh McCown, there aren't many attractive quarterbacks due to come available next spring in free agency (although that has a tendency to change after the season).

   Although Vinny said earlier in the year that this season would likely be his last (he's said that the last three years, by the way), he's starting to reconsider. I asked him on Wednesday if he'd entertain the idea of returning next season. His answer?

   "I’d have to look at that," Testaverde said. "It depends when and for how long. I’m always open to entertaining those kind of thoughts."

   Hey, the Panthers could do worse.

   Testaverde said he realizes it would be in a backup role with Jake Delhomme returning next year from elbow surgery and he has no problem with that.

   "I’ve done it before. I’d be 45, though. I’m just happy to get through one week now," he said with a laugh.

   If Testaverde does return it would give the Panthers a reliable backup and allow Brett Basanez and Matt Moore a chance to battle it out for the No. 3 quarterback spot. Also, it's probably safe to say that Testaverde would come back and play on the cheap -- certainly not at $3 million like David Carr.

   It is Monday morning and I bring you hope, Panther fans.

   A few weeks ago it looked as though Carolina's only chance at a postseason berth would be to win the NFC South, but it's pretty clear now that the wild card is the easier route. And, believe it not,  the Panthers are not in as bad of shape as you might think record-wise.

   As it stands right now, the Panthers are only one game out of the No. 2 wild card spot. Yeah, one game.

   OK, stop laughing and bear with me for a second.

   Right now it appears Dallas (11-2), Green Bay (10-2), Tampa Bay (8-4) and Seattle (8-4) will win their respective divisions. The wild card race looks like this: The New York Giants are 8-4 and, barring another late-season collapse under Tom Coughlin, will likely grab the first wild card spot.

   But the second wild card spot is up for grabs.

   Minnesota, Detroit and Arizona are all 6-6.

   Carolina, Chicago, New Orleans, Washington and Philadelphia are 5-7.

   Now here's the kicker, folks. Of those eight teams competing for the second wild card spot, the Panthers have the best conference record at 5-4. That has the potential to be huge because it's the first tiebreaker outside of head-to-head games. The Panthers are in good shape head-to-head. They split with New Orleans and beat Arizona. They won't play anyone else, which means things revert back to conference record.

   Now, before you get your hopes up too high, realize that Carolina's remaining schedule is more difficult than anyone's.

   Carolina's final four games are against teams with a combined 35-13 record -- Jacksonville (8-4), Seattle (8-4), Dallas (11-1) and Tampa Bay (8-4). So far this season the Panthers have not defeated a team with a winning record. In fact, they haven't even come close.

   Nonetheless, if the Panthers can somehow find a way to beat the Jaguars this Sunday, then they have a chance to catch Detroit and Arizona. The Lions play Dallas and the Cardinals play Seattle, so both could lose. The Vikings should skate by San Francisco. Even if Carolina loses this week, it's not necessarily a deadly blow since it's an AFC opponent. But they would then need to win two of their final three (Seattle and Tampa Bay would be the easier opponents) to have any shot at sneaking in at 8-8.

   Hey, it's not much, but if your a Panthers fan looking for hope, at least there is some. Now your team needs to go out and play like it did on Sunday and prove it can win a game against a good NFL team. 

  1^st quarter

Recap: The Panthers are digging deep into their bag of tricks on offense early. They ran a double reverse to DeAngelo Williams and also lined up Steve Smith at quarterback for a direct snap on the same drive. Both plays resulted in first downs. That crazy John Fox.

Big play: Defensive end Mike Rucker shows he still has a little something left, stripping 49ers receiver Arnez Battle of the ball on a reverse. Damione Lewis recovers, leading to a John Kasay field goal.

Big mistake: Jordan Gross was flagged for a late hit on the game's first drive costing the Panthers at least a field goal. Instead of a third-and-2 at San Francisco 31, the Panthers have third-and-17 at the 47. The next play results in an incompletion and the Panthers are forced to punt.

Comment: The Panthers get fancy earlier in the drive, but then with three cracks from the San Francisco 3-yard line they take Smith off the field for all three plays and run twice and throw a lob pass to Jeff King in traffic. Why isn't your best weapon on the field for those three plays? Explain that strategy to me.

Score: Carolina 3, San Francisco 0

2^nd quarter

Recap: The Panthers go up 17-0 after Richard Marshall returns a Trent Dilfer interception 73 yards for a touchdown. Earlier in the quarter, rookie tight end Dante Rosario catches his first career touchdown pass from Vinny Testaverde. Everything seems to be clicking on both sides of the ball for the Panthers, but the Panthers lose a golden chance to build on their lead when Nate Clements picks off Testaverde late in the first half on a deep ball to Drew Carter.

Big play: Smith’s 16-yard gain on a reverse set the Panthers up with a first-and-10 at the San Francisco 12 leading to Rosario’s touchdown.

Big mistake: Dilfer’s pass on the right side of the field was terrible, leading to an early pick and a score by Marshall.

Comment: The Panthers are doing a nice job of mixing things up on offense but there is still some confusion on some play calls, forcing Testaverde to take timeouts. Smith and Clements are starting to get into a war of words. That’s almost never good news for the opposing cornerback.

Score: Carolina 17, San Francisco 0

3rd quarter

Recap: The Panthers get conservative in the second half on offense and it leads to a Testaverde interception and a three-and-out. The Niners take advantage scoring on a pair of Trent Dilfer touchdown passes to cut the lead to 17-14. However, after the Panthers next drive ends in a three-and-out, Michael Lewis fumbles a punt and DeShaun Foster scores to make it 24-14.

Big play: Lewis’ muffed punt gives the Panthers the ball at the San Francisco 11, turning the momentum of the game in favor of Carolina.

Big mistake: Testaverde’s pick on the first drive of the second half allows the 49ers back in the game.

Comment: The Panthers must have been getting a little tight after their 17-point lead – their largest of the season – was cut to three early in the third quarter. I like that the Panthers are lining up Smith in the backfield. It shows a little creativity on the part of Jeff Davidson.

Score: Carolina 24, San Francisco 14.

4th quarter

Recap: The Panthers put the game away with an impressive 14-play, 83-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter that takes nearly nine minutes off the clock. Testaverde caps the drive with a touchdown pass to Jeff King in the back of the end zone.

Big play: With the Panthers basically playing for a field goal, DeAngelo Williams picks up 8 yards on a third-and-5 from the 49ers’ 10-yard line, setting the stage for King’s game-clinching touchdown.

Big mistake: You name it, Dilfer made it. The 49ers simply lack weapons on offense, which is why they’re one of the worst teams in the league.

Comment: Carolina’s defense was impressive today, recording six turnovers and six sacks and scoring once on a 73-yard interception return by Richard Marshall. Granted, it came against the 49ers, but Carolina's home losing streak is finally over. Next up: Four tough games against winning teams.

Final Score: Carolina 31, San Francisco 14

1^st quarter

Recap: The Panthers are digging deep into their bag of tricks on offense early. They ran a double reverse to DeAngelo Williams and also lined up Steve Smith at quarterback for a direct snap on the same drive. Both plays resulted in first downs. That crazy John Fox.

Big play: Defensive end Mike Rucker showed he still has a little something left, stripping 49ers receiver Arnez Battle of the ball on a reverse. Damione Lewis recovered, leading to a John Kasay field goal.

Big mistake: Jordan Gross was flagged for a late hit costing the Panthers at least a field goal. Instead of a third-and-2 at San Francisco 31, the Panthers had third-and-17 at the 47. The next play was incomplete and the Panthers were forced to punt.

Comment: So the Panthers get fancy earlier in the drive, but then with three cracks from the San Francisco 3-yard line they take Smith off the field for all three plays and run twice throw a lob pass to Jeff King. Explain that strategy to me.

Score: Carolina 3, San Francisco 0

2^nd quarter

Recap: The Panthers go up 17-0 after Richard Marshall returns a Trent Dilfer interception 73 yards for a touchdown. Earlier in the quarter, rookie tight end Dante Rosario catches his first career touchdown pass from Vinny Testaverde. Everything seems to be clicking on both sides of the ball for the Panthers, but the Panthers lose a golden chance to build on their lead when Nate Clements picks off Testaverde late in the first half on a deep pass to Drew Carter.

Big play: Smith’s 16-yard gain on a reverse set the Panthers up with a first-and-10 at the San Francisco 12 leading to Rosario’s touchdown.

Big mistake: Dilfer’s pass on the right side of the field was terrible, leading to an early pick and a score.

Comment: The Panthers are doing a nice job of mixing things up on offense but there is still some confusion on some play calls, forcing Testaverde to take timeouts. Smith and Clements are starting to get into a war of words. That’s almost never good for the opposing cornerback.

Score: Carolina 17, San Francisco 0

3rd quarter

Recap: The Panthers get conservative in the second half on offense and it leads to a Testaverde interception and a three-and-out. The Niners take advantage scoring on a pair of Trent Dilfer touchdown passes to cut the lead to 17-14. However, after the Panthers next drive ends in a three-and-out, Michael Lewis fumbles a punt and DeShaun Foster scores to make it 24-14.

Big play: Lewis’ muffed punt gives the Panthers the ball at the San Francisco 11, turning the momentum of the game in favor of Carolina.

Big mistake: Testaverde’s pick on the first drive of the second half allows the 49ers back in the game.

Comment: The Panthers must have been getting a little tight after their 17-point season – their largest of the season – was cut to three early in the third quarter.

Score: Carolina 24, San Francisco 14.

GAME RUNNER:

1^st quarter

Recap: The Panthers are digging deep into their bag of tricks on offense early. They ran a double reverse to DeAngelo Williams and also lined up Steve Smith at quarterback for a direct snap on the same drive. Both plays resulted in first downs. That crazy John Fox.

Big play: Defensive end Mike Rucker showed he still has a little something left, stripping 49ers receiver Arnez Battle of the ball on a reverse. Damione Lewis recovered, leading to a John Kasay field goal.

Big mistake: Jordan Gross was flagged for a late hit costing the Panthers at least a field goal. Instead of a third-and-2 at San Francisco 31, the Panthers had third-and-17 at the 47. The next play was incomplete and the Panthers were forced to punt.

Comment: So the Panthers get fancy earlier in the drive, but then with three cracks from the San Francisco 3-yard line they take Smith off the field for all three plays and run twice throw a lob pass to Jeff King. Explain that strategy to me.

Score: Carolina 3, San Francisco 0

2^nd quarter

Recap: The Panthers go up 17-0 after Richard Marshall returns a Trent Dilfer interception 73 yards for a touchdown. Earlier in the quarter, rookie tight end Dante Rosario catches his first career touchdown pass from Vinny Testaverde. Everything seems to be clicking on both sides of the ball for the Panthers, but the Panthers lose a golden chance to build on their lead when Nate Clements picks off Testaverde late in the first half on a deep pass to Drew Carter.

Big play: Smith’s 16-yard gain on a reverse set the Panthers up with a first-and-10 at the San Francisco 12 leading to Rosario’s touchdown.

Big mistake: Dilfer’s pass on the right side of the field was terrible, leading to an early pick and a score.

Comment: The Panthers are doing a nice job of mixing things up on offense but there is still some confusion on some play calls, forcing Testaverde to take timeouts. Smith and Clements are starting to get into a war of words. That’s almost never good for the opposing cornerback. The Panthers look like they're taking out a year's worth of frustration out on the 49ers.

Score: Carolina 17, San Francisco 0

GAME RUNNER:

1^st quarter

Recap: The Panthers are digging deep into the bag of tricks on offense early. They ran a double reverse to DeAngelo Williams and also lined up Steve Smith at quarterback for a direct snap. Both plays resulted in first downs.

Big play: Defensive end Mike Rucker showed he still has a little something left, stripping Arnez Battle of the ball on a reverse. Damione Lewis recovered, leading to a John Kasay field goal.

Big mistake: Jordan Gross was flagged for a late hit and cost the Panthers at least a field goal. Instead of a third-and-2 at San Francisco 31, the Panthers had third-and-17 at the 47. The next play was incomplete and the Panthers were forced to punt.

Comment: So the Panthers get fancy earlier in the drive, but then with three cracks from the San Francisco 3-yard line they take Smith off the field for all three plays. Explain that strategy to me.

Score: Carolina 3, San Francisco 0

   If there was any doubt about just how little confidence the Panthers have in David Carr it came Sunday when the team declared him their third quarterback. You have to figure Carr will be gone after the season. Vinny Testaverde will start and rookie Matt Moore is the No. 2 quarterback.

   Also inactive for the Panthers are receiver Dwayne Jarrett, safety C.J. Wilson, linebacker James Anderson, guard Evan Mathis, tackle Frank Omiyale, defensive tackle Gary Gibson and defensive end Charles Johnson.

   Inactive for San Francisco are receiver LeRon McCoy, cornerbacks Marcus Hudson and Shawntae Spencer, tackle Patrick Estes, defensive tackle Atiyyah Ellison, wide receiver Jason Hall and defensive end Ray McDonald. Quarterback Alex Smith is the No. 3 quarterback.

   Trent Dilfer will start at quarterback for the 49ers. Shaun Hill is his backup.