Halftime Update: Panthers 21, Falcons 10

For the second straight week, the Panthers have an 11-point halftime lead. Unlike last week against New Orleans, they're hoping to hold onto it.

Carolina scored ealry in the second quarter on a 4-yard TD pass from Jake Delhomme to Steve Smith, finishing off a 12-play, 80-yard drive.

The Falcons answered with an 80-yard drive on their next possession. The TD came on a 1-yard run by Jason Snelling, cutting Carolina's lead to 14-10.

Safety Sherrod Martin intercepted an overthrown pass by Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan to set up the Panthers' final score of the half. Martin returned the interception 12 yards to the Atlanta 45.

Again, the TD came on a 4-yard Delhomme-to-Smith pass, upping the Panthers' lead to 21-10.

Delhomme completed 11 of 14 passes in the first half for 137 yards and two TDs. It was almost certainly his best opening half of the season.

It was a costly half for the Panthers, however. Left tackle Jordan Gross left the game with an ankle injury. The ankle was wrapped and he was carted offf the field.

Also, Smith suffered a rib injury on his second TD.

Gross won't return this game and his status going forward could be in question.

Smith's return to the game was reported by the team as questionable.

-- Charles Chandler