After joining the Panthers on Wednesday, boarding a plane to Phoenix on Saturday, Vinny Testaverde takes the helm at QB on Sunday and leads the Cat’s to a victory against the Cardinals.

Vinny Testaverde is an ageless wonder. At 43, his NFL story is not totally written yet. Coming into the game he talked about hanging out with his wife and kids and working out at the local High School to stay in shape in the event a NFL team called.

David Carr’s back problems from the pervious game against the Saints continued to linger. Apparently they worsened on the flight out to Phoenix. Evidently he was sitting in coach and couldn’t get an upgrade.

Coach Fox, true to form made it a game time decision. Vinny was called Saturday before the flight and was told he was starting on Sunday.

Vinny looked confident in the pocket. He rolled out when he needed to and was able to find the second and third read when he had  to. You would expect nothing less from a veteran QB who’s been in the league for 20 years. At 6’ 5’ and 235, Vinny's still got it. He had an obvious advantage having worked with Jeff Davidson, the Offensive Coordinator in the past. At 43, he’s the oldest QB to start and win a game.

Hat’s off to you Vinny, you get this weeks game ball, congratulations.

For me, it’s a bit of a dilemma at times; when you see a QB and a receiver connect on an impressive pass and catch to say who made the better play. Would you say that Joe Montana made Jerry Rice a great WR or the other way around? No doubt it was a great throw and catch when Vinny found Super Steve on a 65 yard go route early in the fourth quarter  down 9 to 10.

 It was a thing of beauty and I’m sure the collective Panther Nation cheered their approval. The DC Panther fans at  the 18^th Amendment were all high fiving. Mark Mussman made the observation that the ball was caught in stride and with a defender on his heels was able to turn on the after burners and blast into the end zone putting the Cat’s ahead 15-10.

I’ve read in the past where Superman had not experienced the same from other QB’s since he’s been without the services of the Rajun Cajun.

With 20 years of professional experience at QB, Vinny has some football smarts. He knew who to hit on the right side line mid-way though the fourth quarter. 

A nod to Super Steve Smith with 10 receptions for 136 yards and a 65 yard touch down catch!

The icing on the case was a 75 yard break away run by DeAngleo Williams that set up his later scamper for a 13 yard touchdown. DeAngelo, tighten up those laces and next time you might out run the DB. 

The O-line impressive. The D-line more impressive. The D-backs most impressive. Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good. Such was the case  with our D Backfield Sunday. Deke Cooper with two picks and Ken Lucas with another. The tenacious  Panther D took four fumbles on the day.

Props to Peppers who carded one and a half sacks on the day along with six tackles and an assist.

With the bye week coming, we’ve got some time to rest the bones before hosting the might Peyton and The Colts. Sitting at 4-2 tied atop the NFC South feels pretty good right now. We’ll need to play our best game ever to have an opportunity to take down the undefeated Colts.

, contributor to dcpanthersfans.com