The Carolina Panthers were out for blood in their first NFC South Division game of the year against their rivals the Atlanta Falcons. The Panthers started early when CB Richard Marshall intercepted a Matt Ryan pass and ran into the end zone. This TD was called back when DE Julius Peppers was flagged for a 15 yard personal foul with a helmet to helmet on QB Matt Ryan. Replays later revealed that Peppers hit Ryan with his shoulder first just as he released the ball. This would make a long game penalty wise for the Panthers as they combined for 11 penalties for 90 yards. Steve Smith's 56 yard TD reception with 2:31 in the quarter marked a great game for the Carolina receivers. After the play, Smith gave his TD ball to teammate Ken Lucas on the Panthers sideline. The Carolina defense set the tone for the game shutting down the #1 rusher in the NFL, Falcon's RB Michael Turner. Carolina lead the game 14-9 at the half.
Jake Delhomme went 20/29, 294 yards, 2 TDs, and 0 interceptions. Carolina had great success rushing the ball as DeAngelo Williams had 16 carries for 57 yards and Jonathan Stewart had 14 carries for 52 yards. The Carolina Receiving duo Muhsin Muhammad had 8 receptions for 147 yards and 1 TD while Steve Smith recorded 6 receptions for 96 yards and 1 TD. Muhsin Muhammad broke a Panther's Franchise record for All Time Leader in TD Catches passing former Carolina TE Wesley Walls.
When it was all said and done Carolina had a good game against an average Atlanta team. The Falcon's QB Matt Ryan was playing like a rookie being bullied by the Panther's defense all day. On the other side of the ball, Carolina's RB Jonathan Stewart was looking like a pro battling through the Falcons defenders.
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