Sunday, December 19, 2010

Carolina beats Arizona 19-12 for 2nd win of season

Carolina won its second game of the season Sunday in what should be John Fox's final home game as the Panthers' head coach, defeating Arizona 19-12 in the most complete game the Panthers have played all season.

Fox went out with a flourish as the Panthers won the game the way they long did under the coach -- with a strong running game, defense and special teams. That combo was spiced with a few good passing plays and a turnover-free effort from rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen, and that was enough to win even though Arizona (4-10) scored nine fourth-quarter points to make it interesting. Carolina broke a seven-game losing streak with the victory.

The Panthers (2-12) remain in the No.1 spot for the 2011 draft since Cincinnati (3-11) edged Cleveland, 19-17. So this was a true guilt-free win for Carolina.

Panther running back Jonathan Stewart keyed the offense with 137 yards rushing. Clausen had an error-free day, going 13-for-19 for 141 yards and one touchdown -- a 16-yarder to Jeff King.

The Panthers got four field goals from John Kasay for the rest of their points. Arizona scored on a fourth-quarter TD (missing the two-point conversion) and two field goals by Jay Feely.

Feely also missed on two onside-kick attempts during the game -- the second, with 0:54 left, was recovered by Carolina's Jordan Senn for the second straight time, cinched the Panthers' win. Senn then gave Fox a hug and also the ball he recovered as Fox smiled broadly.

2 comments:

Liz said...

Nice to see the Panthers finally win! Especially with the Bengals winning so we can still get Luck!

Anonymous said...

"Clausen had an error-free day" What's that supposed to mean? 1.He missed Goodson on a slant for a TD. 2. He needed to throw to 89's back shoulder in the right corner for a TD . 3. Jeff King made a great catch for a TD--the ball was way behind him. 4. He missed 89 down the left sideline--too much air under the ball--a good pass would have been a TD. They can't score TD's. Glad they won, but don't say Clausen had an error-free day.