The Panthers exorcised any remaining demons from last season’s playoff loss to the Cardinals with a 34-21 victory.
Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams finished with 158 yards and became the franchise’s all-time leading rusher.
Rookie Panthers CB Sherrod Martin made his first NFL start and picked off two passes.
The Panthers lost both of their fullbacks -- Brad Hoover and Tony Fiammetta -- to injuries in the second half on Sunday.
Said Panthers QB Jake Delhomme, “That is the way we like to play. We have been turning it over and I have been the big culprit and we didn’t do that today. That was the big thing, and the defense got a ton of turnovers.”
Said Cardinals QB Kurt Warner, “It’s one of those games where it just seemed like every time the ball was bouncing somewhere it went into their hands. It’s to their credit. They were running all over the football field. They were making plays and we weren’t.”
Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin left the game after aggravating his ankle injury but not before setting the franchise career receptions record.
An ill-timed gamble by Cardinals CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie led to a 50-yard touchdown catch by Panthers WR Steve Smith.
The Cardinals continued their season-long struggle to throw the ball deep.
Cardinals DT Bryan Robinson said that the team played down to its competition in falling to 1-3 on their home field this season.
For more on the Panthers and Cardinals, Mike Florio has the full Morning Aftermath right here.
