Panthers avenge playoff loss to Cards with 34-21 upset win

   GLENDALE, Ariz. – A regular-season victory could never fully eradicate a playoff loss, but the Carolina Panthers gained a measure of revenge Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals with arguably their best and most spirited performance of the season.

   Boosted by three second-quarter touchdowns, the Panthers beat the Cardinals 34-21 Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium.

   Revenge certainly seemed to be on the Panthers’ minds. Arizona was the team that crushed their Super Bowl hopes Jan. 10 in Charlotte with a 33-13 upset win.

   Sunday's win, and the virtuoso performance, came one week after the Panthers suffered a disappointing home loss to Buffalo.

   Carolina raised its record to 3-4 and dropped the Cardinals, who had been on a roll, to 4-3.

   Defensive end Julius Peppers had a dominating performance, returning an interception for a touchdown and getting a fourth-quarter sack to cause a fumble that essentially clinched the victory.

   Quarterback Jake Delhomme had a solid performance for the Panthers, including a 50-yard touchdown pass to Steve Smith, but he suffered a chest injury and had to leave the game. Matt Moore filled in to preserve the victory.

   The Panthers had an overpowering rushing performance against an Arizona defense that entered the game ranked No. 1 in the NFL vs. the run.

   DeAngelo Williams ran for 158 yards and became the franchise’s all-time rushing leader, surpassing Deshaun Foster. Jonathan Stewart scored two touchdowns and rushed for 87 yards on 17 carries.

   Carolina’s defense intercepted Warner five times, surpassing the three picks they’d had coming into the game. Two of the interceptions were made by rookie safety Sherrod Martin, a second-round draft pick making his first start of the season.

 

  -- Charles Chandler