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Carolina Wins First Home Game

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By MIKE CRANSTON, The Associated Press

Published: December 3, 2007

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - It had been so long since the Carolina Panthers last won at home, Vinny Testaverde was only 43.

Sunday, the Panthers turned to their ancient quarterback to end a home losing streak that lasted more than a year, opening up the playbook and taking advantage of a rejuvenated defense in a 31-14 win against San Francisco.

The key, apparently, was to quit worrying about the streaks: five straight losses overall, seven in a row at home dating to last season.

"Last night Coach John Fox mentioned to the team, 'Hey just go out and have fun,'" Testaverde said. "We've pressed too hard and we've made too many mistakes. Not that today was perfect, but it seemed like the guys were having fun and making plays."

Including Testaverde, who even lined up at receiver once during a day of razzle-dazzle for the Panthers (5-7) under the normally conservative Fox. Testaverde, who at 44 years, 19 days became the second-oldest starting quarterback in NFL history, threw two touchdown passes. Testaverde passed Warren Moon, who was 44 years, 8 days old when he started in 2000. Steve DeBerg, at 44 years, 279 days, holds the record for oldest QB from his 1998 start.

Testaverde also became the oldest starter to win, besting his own record set seven weeks ago in Arizona, Carolina's last victory.

"Any time you get on that kind of streak, it's tough to break," Fox said. "This wasn't just a monkey, it was King Kong."

The Panthers' defense stepped up, too, with six sacks and Richard Marshall's 67-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Car-FG Kasay 19, 1:29.

Second Quarter

Car-Rosario 5 pass from Testaverde (Kasay kick), 10:03.

Car-Marshall 73 interception return (Kasay kick), 6:32.

Third Quarter

SF-Battle 20 pass from Dilfer (Nedney kick), 11:19.

SF-Walker 21 pass from Dilfer (Nedney kick), 8:29.

Car-Foster 1 run (Kasay kick), 4:52.

Fourth Quarter

Car-King 1 pass from Testaverde (Kasay kick), 10:26.

A-73,191

RUSHING-San Francisco, Gore 12-58, Hicks 1-5, Dilfer 3-(minus 1), Battle 1-(minus 3). Carolina, D.Williams 17-82, Foster 21-58, Smith 2-21, Hoover 2-7, Testaverde 2-(minus 2).

PASSING-San Francisco, Dilfer 14-29-4-171. Carolina, Testaverde 17-26-2-169.

RECEIVING-San Francisco, Gore 5-53, Battle 4-51, Walker 1-21, Davis 1-19, Jackson 1-12, Lelie 1-8, Hicks 1-7. Carolina, Smith 8-64, Foster 3-35, Carter 2-15, King 2-4, D.Williams 1-46, Rosario 1-5.

MISSED FIELD GOALS-None.

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