Jake Delhomme had been so bad this season that I had forgotten why we all thought the Panthers could challenge for the playoffs this year.  They can really run the ball.

DeAngelo Williams (158 yards rushing) and Jonathan Stewart (87 yards rushing, two touchdowns) led the way for Carolina and reminded us that if Delhomme can protect the ball, they can win games.

Of course, it helps when the Panthers D can force turnovers themselves.  Despite coming into the game with three straight road wins, the defending NFC champion Cardinals, and Kurt Warner in particular, had struggled to protect the ball.  Julius Peppers’ interception return for a touchdown must have been a welcome sight for a team that had become accustomed to seeing its own QB so victimized.

It sounds simple, but eliminating turnovers generally leads to wins.  While Delhomme’s numbers look pedestrian at best, (seven for 14 with a touchdown), it’s exactly the kind of performance that, coupled with strong defense led by Peppers, can carry the team to victory.  For those of us who had trouble looking past the passing deficiencies, it’s nice to be reminded that Carolina boasts a unit so exceptional that it can dominate a game.   

--CHARLIE WIDDOES