Panther ‘D’  set the tone early on Sunday as Richard Marshall picked off a Charlie Frye pass taking it  30 yards down the side line for the Panthers 1st score just seven minutes into the first quarter.  Marshall, the rookie from Fresno State, celebrated his 1st career TD on Frye’s eighth interception of the season.

The story Sunday was all about the defense. Julius Peppers, who was tied for the league lead with five sacks going into the game, set the pace continuing his exceptional play with three tackles an assist a sack and a forced fumble. Thomas Davis had his best game of the young season at  strong side linebacker leading the defense with nine tackles and two assists. Al Wallace, not to be denied his fun, pitched in with a Charlie Frye sack resulting in an eight-yard loss.

The Black and Blue Wrecking Crew held the Cleveland Browns two yards shy  of the 100 yard rushing mark.  Cleveland,  is that the land of the Cleves? What’s a Cleve anyway?

No mystery for the Panthers, they denied the Browns from even sniffing the Toma Turf at B of A Stadium. They settled with four field goals from Phil Dawson, the longest of which was 47 yards.

Charlie Frye was 26 of 43 with 173 yards, Mike Minter complimented Marshall’s pick with one of his own. That with about two minutes to go in the game, halting a Brown drive at the Cat’s  14, salting away the Panthers third consecutive win.

Peppers represents !  He get’s my game ball and highlights a Panthers defense that played inspired football on Sunday.

This has to be a game that leaves John Fox & Dan Henning smiling. The ball control run game, featured the surging DeShaun Foster with 106 rushing yards on 24 carrys. Jake Delhomme, The crafty Cajun QB, spread the ball well, completing 20 of 29 passes for 170 yards.  Keyshawn Johnson with 67 yards on five receptions and a receiving TD,  barely edged Superman of the South,  #89  provided balance to the passing attack with six catches and 62 yards.

Panther Nation will be holding their collective breath to hear the post-game injury report to learn the fate of #34 DeAngelo Williams who left the game late in the 2nd quarter with what appeared to be an ankle injury.

Every weapon will be needed next Sunday when the Cat’s go north of the Mason-Dixon and take on the Baltimore Ravens who boast an undefeated 4-0 record going in to their Monday night match-up with the Denver Broncos.


Jon Lastra: contributor to  www.dcpanthersfans.com