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Testaverde Wins Battle Of Former Bucs QBs

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The Associated Press

Published: October 15, 2007

GLENDALE, Ariz. - Early last week, Vinny Testaverde turned down a job offer from Arizona, then accepted one from Carolina.

The Panthers are glad he signed with them - and do the Cardinals ever regret his decision.

The 43-year-old Testaverde hit Steve Smith for a 65-yard touchdown pass to lead Carolina past the Cardinals 25-10 on Sunday.

Arizona had to press Tim Rattay into service after losing starter Kurt Warner to a sprained left elbow in the first quarter, and Rattay threw three interceptions.

DeAngelo Williams ran for 121 yards and a touchdown for the Panthers (4-2), who are 4-0 on the road this year. John Kasay kicked four field goals for Carolina.

Testaverde, who played for the Bucs from 1987-92, became the oldest starting quarterback to win a game in NFL history, and the third-oldest to start one. His touchdown pass gives him at least one in 21 straight seasons, extending his own NFL record.

The Cardinals contacted Testaverde last week after learning starter Matt Leinart would miss the rest of the season with a broken collarbone. The plan was for Testaverde to back up Warner.

Testaverde said he was 'on my way' to Arizona before talking to his family and deciding the desert was too far away.

'I just couldn't do it,' Testaverde said. 'At this point in my career, I didn't want to go without seeing my family for as long as I thought I would be away from them. And that was really the reason why I did not come to the Cardinals.'

He completed 20 of 33 passes for 206 yards and a touchdown, and he did not throw an interception.

The Cardinals (3-3) could have used Testaverde when Warner, making his first start of the season, was knocked out in the first quarter with a sprained left elbow. The injury occurred on a sack by Julius Peppers, who forced a fumble on the play.

With Warner out, Arizona had to turn to Rattay, whom it signed after Testaverde snubbed them. Rattay, who played for the Bucs in 2006, makes his home in the Phoenix area.

Rattay was 12 of 24 for 159 yards with three interceptions.

Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt said the Cardinals had to drastically scale back their playbook when Rattay took over.

'Obviously, Tim wasn't comfortable with things, so we had to change our plans,' Whisenhunt said. 'That's what happens in this league.'

Warner said he didn't know if he would be available when the Cardinals visit Washington next week.

Car-FG Kasay 33, 3:48.

Second Quarter

Car-FG Kasay 43, 14:50.

Ari-James 23 run (Rackers kick), 7:16.

Third Quarter

Car-FG Kasay 24, 5:44.

Ari-FG Rackers 50, 3:20.

Fourth Quarter

Car-Smith 65 pass from Testaverde (pass from Testaverde failed), 5:40.

Car-FG Kasay 45, 4:26.

Car-D.Williams 13 run (Kasay kick), 2:07.

A-84,403.

RUSHING-Carolina, D.Williams 10-121, Foster 17-43, Smith 2-15, Haynes 1-2. Arizona, James 22-80, Breaston 1-10, Rattay 2-5, T.Smith 1-3.

PASSING-Carolina, Testaverde 20-33-0-206. Ariz., Rattay 12-24-3-159, Warner 2-2-0-21.

RECEIVING-Carolina, Smith 10-136, Colbert 3-29, Carter 2-17, King 2-12, Foster 2-6, Hoover 1-6. Arizona, Fitzgerald 6-97, Bry.Johnson 4-29, T.Smith 2-9, Urban 1-42, Pope 1-3.

MISSED FIELD GOALS-Carolina, Kasay 45 (WR).

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