Haltime update: Panthers 7, Patriots 7

Carolina had a 7-point lead and a nice drive going in Patriots' territory before Matt Moore's third-and-3 pass to Brad Hoover was low, creating fourth-and-3 from the New England 35.

Instead of punting, coach John Fox opted for a long field goal attempt by John Kasay, a difficult task on a cold, rainy day.

Kasay's 53-yard attempt was well short, giving New England possession at its 43-yard line with 3:29 remaining in the half.

Two penalties against the Panthers helped the Patriots -- a 30-yard pass interference call against linebacker James Anderson that moved the ball to the Carolina 21 and a 2-yard holding call against Captain Munnerlyn to the 3.

Backup running back Kevin Faulk ran it in from there on the next play, which combined with the extra point kick tied the score 7-7.

Carolina tried to score quickly at the end of a half and got a nifty 44-yard trick-play pass play to reach the New England 12, but time expired without the Panthers score.

On a play that began with 4 seconds remaining, Moore passed 16 yards downfield to Muhsin Muhammad, who lateraled the ball to Smith, who ran 28 more yards before he was forced out of bounds as the half ended.

-- Charles Chandler