Sunday, November 23, 2008

24-21 Atlanta -- Panthers are within a FG after Delhomme score

Jake Delhomme just made one of the best and most unlikely scrambles of his life, somehow running it in from 12 yards out (and actually faking out a defender!) as Carolina cut the Falcons lead to 24-19. It was Delhomme's version of the Steve Beuerlein draw at Green Bay a few years back -- totally surprising (although not on the final play of the game).

The Panthers then went for two points with 10:57 to go, trying to get within a field goal of the Falcons. After an Atlanta timeout, the Panthers came out in the same alignment, with three wide receivers and DeAngelo Williams by himself in the background.

Then Delhomme handed it to DeAngelo Williams, who got it over the goal line but also lost the ball. The ruling on the field was that the 2-point conversion was successful. Atlanta coach Mike Smith had the "challenge" red flag in his hand but didn't throw it, so now it's 24-21, Atlanta.
The Panthers went 83 yards on 8 plays on that drive -- they've now scored 18 of their 21 points in the second half as the offense has suddenly ignited.
Steve Smith is having a huge game, with over 160 yards receiving already.

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