1995 Carolina Panthers season

The 1995 Carolina Panthers season was the franchise's inaugural season in the National Football League and the first under head coach Dom Capers. They went 7–9, the best debut year for any expansion franchise since the NFL's inception. The Panthers played their first season's home games at Clemson University because what would become Ericsson Stadium was still under construction after a deadline point in 1995 for scheduling Carolina's first set of NFL games.

1995 Carolina Panthers season
Owner	Jerry Richardson
General manager	Bill Polian
Head coach	Dom Capers
Home field	Memorial Stadium (Clemson, South Carolina)
Results
Record	7–9
Division place	4th NFC West
Playoff finish	Did not qualify
Pro Bowlers	None

Offseason

The Panthers were jokingly called "Buffalo Bills South" because of the large number of former Bills on the roster. Quarterback Frank Reich, wide receiver Don Beebe, tight end Pete Metzelaars and linebacker Carlton Bailey had played key roles in the Bills' run of four consecutive Super Bowls earlier in the 1990s and were on the Panthers' inaugural roster. Furthermore, the team's general manager was longtime Bills GM and executive Bill Polian. (See also the 2001 San Diego Chargers season, in which a similar situation arose when John Butler brought several former Bills with him to San Diego after being fired.)

Expansion draft

Main article: 1995 NFL expansion draft

1995 Carolina Panthers expansion draft

Round	Selection	Player	Position	Drafted from
1	2	Rod Smith^	CB	New England Patriots
2	4	Harry Boatswain	OT	San Francisco 49ers
3	6	Kurt Haws	TE	Washington Redskins
4	8	Tyrone Rodgers	DE	Seattle Seahawks
5	10	Mark Thomas^	DE	San Francisco 49ers
6	12	Tim McKyer^	CB	Pittsburgh Steelers
7	14	Curtis Whitley^	C	San Diego Chargers
8	16	Howard Griffith^	FB	Los Angeles Rams
9	18	Greg Kragen^	NT	Kansas City Chiefs
10	20	Cary Brabham	S	Los Angeles Raiders
11	22	Dave Garnett	LB	Minnesota Vikings
12	24	Andre Powell	LB	New York Giants
13	26	Dewell Brewer^	RB	Indianapolis Colts
14	28	Bob Christian^	FB	Chicago Bears
15	30	Fred Foggie	S	Pittsburgh Steelers
16	32	Mark Carrier^	WR	Cleveland Browns
17	34	Mark Rodenhauser^	C	Detroit Lions
18	36	Steve Hawkins	WR	New England Patriots
19	38	Brian O'Neal	RB	Philadelphia Eagles
20	40	Derrick Lassic	RB	Dallas Cowboys
21	42	Richard Buchanan	WR	Los Angeles Rams
22	44	Doug Pederson	QB	Miami Dolphins
23	46	Vince Marrow	TE	Buffalo Bills
24	48	Larry Ryans	WR	Detroit Lions
25	50	Baron Rollins	G	New Orleans Saints
26	52	Williams Sims	LB	Minnesota Vikings
27	54	Paul Butcher^	LB	Indianapolis Colts
28	56	Jack Trudeau^	QB	New York Jets
29	58	Charles Swann	WR	Denver Broncos
30	60	David Mims	WR	Atlanta Falcons
31	62	Shawn Price^	DE	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
32	63	Eric Guliford^	WR	Minnesota Vikings
33	64	Bill Goldberg	DT	Atlanta Falcons
34	65	Eric Ball	RB	Cincinnati Bengals
35	66	Mike Teeter^	DT	Houston Oilers

^ Made roster.

NFL Draft

Main article: 1995 NFL Draft

1995 Carolina Panthers draft
Round	Pick	Player	Position	College	Notes
1	5	Kerry Collins *	QB	Penn State	from Cincinnati
1	22	Tyrone Poole	CB	Fort Valley State	from Green Bay
1	29	Blake Brockermeyer	OT	Texas	from San Diego
2	36	Shawn King	DE	Louisiana–Monroe	from Cincinnati
4	132	Frank Garcia	C	Washington
5	135	Michael Senters	WR	Northwestern
5	171	Andrew Peterson	OT	Washington
6	188	Steve Strahan	DT	Baylor
6	191	Jerry Colquitt	QB	Tennessee	from Kansas City
7	209	Chad Cota	SS	Oregon
7	249	Michael Reed	SS	Boston College
Made roster    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Draft trades

Personnel

Staff

1995 Carolina Panthers staff

Front office Owner/founder – Jerry Richardson President – Mike McCormack General manager – Bill Polian Head coaches Head coach – Dom Capers Offensive coaches Offensive coordinator – Joe Pendry Running backs – Chick Harris Wide receivers – Richard Williamson Tight ends – Don Breaux Offensive line – Jim McNally Assistant offensive line – Blair Bush Offensive quality control – John Shoop

Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator – Vic Fangio Defensive line – Cary Godette Linebackers – Kevin Steele Outside linebackers – Billy Davis Defensive Backs (Secondary) – George Catavolos Defensive quality control – Greg Roman Special teams coaches Special teams – Brad Seely Strength and conditioning Strength and conditioning – Chip Morton

Roster

1995 Carolina Panthers final roster

	Quarterbacks 12 Kerry Collins 14 Frank Reich 10 Jack Trudeau Running backs 44 Bob Christian FB 30 Howard Griffith FB 23 Anthony Johnson 20 Derrick Moore 32 Dino Philyaw 31 Blair Thomas Wide receivers 82 Don Beebe KR 83 Mark Carrier 86 Willie Green 81 Reggie Jones 80 Dwight Stone KR 84 Brian Wiggins Tight ends 87 Matt Campbell 88 Pete Metzelaars 89 Walter Rasby		Offensive linemen 78 Blake Brockermeyer T 74 Mark Dennis T 52 Matt Elliott G 65 Frank Garcia G 74 Derrick Graham T 79 Sean Love G 60 Andrew Peterson G 63 Mark Rodenhauser C/LS 64 Curtis Whitley C Defensive linemen 93 Mike Fox DE 96 Shawn King DE 71 Greg Kragen NT 92 Shawn Price DE 98 Gerald Williams DE 90 Jeff Zgonina NT		Linebackers 54 Carlton Bailey ILB 53 Paul Butcher ILB 56 Darion Conner OLB 55 Brett Faryniarz OLB 50 Jamal Fountaine OLB 57 Lamar Lathon OLB 51 Sam Mills ILB 58 Andre Royal ILB 59 Phil Yeboah-Kodie OLB Defensive backs 33 Butler By'not'e CB/KR 37 Chad Cota FS 29 Steve Lofton CB 39 Brett Maxie SS 25 Bubba McDowell SS 22 Tim McKyer CB 38 Tyrone Poole CB 31 Rod Smith CB 40 Pat Terrell FS Special teams  6 Tommy Barnhardt P  4 John Kasay K		Reserve lists 26 Dewell Brewer RB (IRTooltip Injured reserve) 84 Eric Guliford WR (IRTooltip Injured reserve) 67 Brandon Hayes G (IRTooltip Injured reserve) 99 Jeremy Nunley DE (IRTooltip Injured reserve) 45 Michael Reed CB (IRTooltip Injured reserve) 47 Mike Senters CB (IRTooltip Injured reserve) 28 Tony Smith RB (IRTooltip Injured reserve) 91 Mike Teeter NT (IRTooltip Injured reserve) 95 Mark Thomas DE (IRTooltip Injured reserve) 85 Lawyer Tillman TE (IRTooltip Injured reserve) 32 Nate Turner FB (IRTooltip Injured reserve) Practice squad -- Paul Burke TE -- Kevin Farkas T -- Marvin Ham S -- Lorenzo Clark CB 53 active, 11 inactive, 4 practice squad Rookies in italics

Schedule

Preseason

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance
HOF	July 29	at Jacksonville Jaguars	W 20–14	1–0	Fawcett Stadium	24,625
1	August 4	at Chicago Bears	L 15–18	1–1	Soldier Field	50,300
2	August 12	Denver Broncos	W 19–10	2–1	Memorial Stadium	57,017
3	August 19	at San Francisco 49ers	L 10–17	2–2	3Com Park	51,185
4	August 26	New York Giants	W 6–3	3–2	Memorial Stadium	49,114

Regular season

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Recap
1	September 3	at Atlanta Falcons	L 20–23 (OT)	0–1	Georgia Dome	Recap
2	September 10	at Buffalo Bills	L 9–31	0–2	Rich Stadium	Recap
3	September 17	St. Louis Rams	L 10–31	0–3	Memorial Stadium	Recap
4	Bye
5	October 1	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	L 13–20	0–4	Memorial Stadium	Recap
6	October 8	at Chicago Bears	L 27–31	0–5	Soldier Field	Recap
7	October 15	New York Jets	W 26–15	1–5	Memorial Stadium	Recap
8	October 22	New Orleans Saints	W 20–3	2–5	Memorial Stadium	Recap
9	October 29	at New England Patriots	W 20–17 (OT)	3–5	Foxboro Stadium	Recap
10	November 5	at San Francisco 49ers	W 13–7	4–5	Candlestick Park	Recap
11	November 12	at St. Louis Rams	L 17–28	4–6	Trans World Dome	Recap
12	November 19	Arizona Cardinals	W 27–7	5–6	Memorial Stadium	Recap
13	November 26	at New Orleans Saints	L 26–34	5–7	Louisiana Superdome	Recap
14	December 3	Indianapolis Colts	W 13–10	6–7	Memorial Stadium	Recap
15	December 10	San Francisco 49ers	L 10–31	6–8	Memorial Stadium	Recap
16	December 17	Atlanta Falcons	W 21–17	7–8	Memorial Stadium	Recap
17	December 24	at Washington Redskins	L 17–20	7–9	Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium	Recap
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Season summary

Week 1: at Atlanta Falcons

Week One: Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons

Period	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Panthers	13	0	0	7	0	20
Falcons	3	10	7	0	3	23

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

• Date: September 3
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: None (played indoors)
• Game attendance: 58,808
• Box score

Game information

First quarter CAR – Pete Metzelaars 8-yard pass from Frank Reich (John Kasay kick). Panthers 7–0. CAR – John Kasay 39-yard field goal. Panthers 10–0. ATL – Morten Andersen 27-yard field goal. Panthers 10–3. CAR – John Kasay 41-yard field goal. Panthers 13–3. Second quarter ATL – J. J. Birden 12-yard pass from Jeff George (Morten Andersen kick). Panthers 13–10. ATL – Morten Andersen 51-yard field goal. Tied 13–13. Third quarter ATL – Bert Emanuel 5-yard pass from Jeff George (Morten Andersen kick). Falcons 20–13. Fourth quarter CAR – Willie Green 44-yard pass from Frank Reich (John Kasay kick). Tied 20–20. Overtime ATL – Morten Andersen 35-yard field goal. Falcons 23–20. Top passers CAR – Frank Reich – 23/44, 329 yards, 2 TD ATL – Jeff George – 27/45, 290 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers CAR – Randy Baldwin – 17 rushes, 43 yards ATL – Craig Heyward – 19 rushes, 61 yards Top receivers CAR – Willie Green – 7 receptions, 121 yards, TD ATL – Eric Metcalf – 9 receptions, 95 yards

Week 2: at Buffalo Bills

Week Two: Carolina Panthers at Buffalo Bills

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Panthers	0	6	3	0	9
Bills	0	0	28	3	31

at Rich Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

• Date: September 10
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 53 °F (12 °C)
• Game attendance: 79,190
• Box score

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays Second quarter CAR – John Kasay 34-yard field goal. Panthers 3–0. CAR – John Kasay 52-yard field goal. Panthers 6–0. Third quarter CAR – John Kasay 32-yard field goal. Panthers 9–0. BUF – Russell Copeland 77-yard pass from Jim Kelly (Steve Christie kick). Panthers 9–7. BUF – Thurman Thomas 4-yard run (Steve Christie kick). Bills 14–9. BUF – Darick Holmes 3-yard run (Steve Christie kick). Bills 21–9. BUF – Kurt Schulz 32-yard interception return (Steve Christie kick). Bills 28–9. Fourth quarter BUF – Steve Christie 39-yard field goal. Bills 31–9. Top passers CAR – Frank Reich – 6/21, 44 yards, INT BUF – Jim Kelly – 4/21, 176 yards, TD, 3 INT Top rushers CAR – Derrick Moore – 14 rushes, 53 yards BUF – Thurman Thomas – 22 rushes, 91 yards, TD Top receivers CAR – Mark Carrier – 2 receptions, 27 yards BUF – Russell Copeland – 2 receptions, 112 yards, TD

Week 3: vs. St. Louis Rams

Week Three: St. Louis Rams at Carolina Panthers

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Rams	0	14	10	7	31
Panthers	0	3	0	7	10

at Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina

• Date: September 17
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 73 °F (23 °C)
• Game attendance: 54,060
• Box score

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays Second quarter STL – Jerome Bettis 2-yard run (Steve McLaughlin kick). Rams 7–0. STL – Jessie Hester 23-yard pass from Chris Miller (Steve McLaughlin kick). Rams 14–0. CAR – John Kasay 45-yard field goal. Rams 14–3. Third quarter STL – Anthony Parker 28-yard fumble return (Steve McLaughlin kick). Rams 21–3. STL – Steve McLaughlin 34-yard field goal. Rams 24–3. Fourth quarter STL – Torin Dorn 24-yard interception return (Steve McLaughlin kick). Rams 31–3. CAR – Kerry Collins 1-yard run (John Kasay kick). Rams 31–10. Top passers STL – Chris Miller – 15/26, 225 yards, TD CAR – Frank Reich – 8/19, 68 yards, INT Top rushers STL – Jerome Bettis – 19 rushes, 67 yards, TD CAR – Vince Workman – 5 rushes, 48 yards Top receivers STL – Isaac Bruce – 5 receptions, 100 yards CAR – Eric Guliford – 4 receptions, 53 yards

Week 5: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week Five: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Buccaneers	7	6	0	7	20
Panthers	0	7	6	0	13

at Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina

• Date: October 1
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 70 °F (21 °C)
• Game attendance: 50,076
• Box score

Game information

First quarter TB – Errict Rhett 1-yard run (Michael Husted kick). Buccaneers 7–0. Second quarter CAR – Derrick Moore 53-yard run (John Kasay kick). Tied 7–7. TB – Michael Husted 25-yard field goal. Buccaneers 10–7. TB – Michael Husted 27-yard field goal. Buccaneers 13–7. Third quarter CAR – Pete Metzelaars 4-yard pass from Kerry Collins (kick failed). Tied 13–13. Fourth quarter TB – Casey Weldon 1-yard run (Michael Husted kick). Buccaneers 20–13. Top passers TB – Casey Weldon – 9/20, 156 yards CAR – Kerry Collins – 18/32, 234 yards, TD, INT Top rushers TB – Errict Rhett – 22 rushes, 50 yards, TD CAR – Derrick Moore – 21 rushes, 123 yards, TD Top receivers TB – Jackie Harris – 5 receptions, 108 yards CAR – Mark Carrier – 5 receptions, 90 yards

Week 6: at Chicago Bears

Week Six: Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Panthers	3	10	0	14	27
Bears	7	7	3	14	31

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

• Date: October 8
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: 53 °F (12 °C)
• Game attendance: 59,668
• Box score

Game information

First quarter CHI – Curtis Conway 41-yard pass from Erik Kramer (Kevin Butler kick). Bears 7–0. CAR – John Kasay 21-yard field goal. Bears 7–3. Second quarter CAR – Mark Carrier 66-yard pass from Kerry Collins (John Kasay kick). Panthers 10–7. CHI – Keith Jennings 1-yard pass from Erik Kramer (Kevin Butler kick). Bears 14–10. CAR – John Kasay 49-yard field goal. Bears 14–13. Third quarter CHI – Kevin Butler 23-yard field goal. Bears 17–13. Fourth quarter CAR – Greg Kragen 1-yard fumble return (John Kasay kick). Panthers 20–17. CHI – Ryan Wetnight 1-yard pass from Erik Kramer (Kevin Butler kick). Bears 24–20. CAR – Eric Guliford 62-yard punt return (John Kasay kick). Panthers 27–24. CHI – Robert Green 1-yard run (Kevin Butler kick). Bears 31–27. Top passers CAR – Kerry Collins – 14/28, 228 yards, TD, INT CHI – Erik Kramer – 23/41, 259 yards, 3 TD Top rushers CAR – Derrick Moore – 15 rushes, 47 yards CHI – Rashaan Salaam – 28 rushes, 105 yards Top receivers CAR – Mark Carrier – 4 receptions, 114 yards, TD CHI – Curtis Conway – 4 receptions, 77 yards, TD

Week 7: vs New York Jets

Week Seven: New York Jets at Carolina Panthers

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Jets	0	12	0	3	15
Panthers	3	10	7	6	26

at Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina

• Date: October 15
• Game time: 4:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 60 °F (16 °C)
• Game attendance: 52,613
• Referee: Mike Carey
• TV: NBC
• Box score

Game information

First quarter CAR – John Kasay 23-yard field goal. Panthers 3–0. Second quarter NYJ – Kerry Collins tackled in ens zone by Erik Howard. Panthers 3–2. NYJ – Nick Lowery 50-yard field goal. Jets 5–3. NYJ – Mo Lewis 13-yard interception return (Nick Lowery kick). Jets 12–3. CAR – John Kasay 39-yard field goal. Jets 12–6. CAR – Sam Mills 36-yard interception return (John Kasay kick). Panthers 13–12. Third quarter CAR – Vince Workman 5-yard run (John Kasay kick). Panthers 20–12. Fourth quarter CAR – John Kasay 40-yard field goal. Panthers 23–12. NYJ – Nick Lowery 39-yard field goal. Panthers 23–15. CAR – John Kasay 30-yard field goal. Panthers 26–15. Top passers NYJ – Bubby Brister – 17/41, 143 yards, 3 INT CAR – Kerry Collins – 14/26, 158 yards, 2 INT Top rushers NYJ – Adrian Murrell – 9 rushes, 26 yards CAR – Derrick Moore – 21 rushes, 93 yards Top receivers NYJ – Wayne Chrebet – 4 receptions, 56 yards CAR – Mark Carrier – 2 receptions, 42 yards

Players dumped Gatorade on Dom Capers after the win.

Week 8: vs. New Orleans Saints

Week Eight: New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Saints	0	3	0	0	3
Panthers	0	3	14	3	20

at Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina

• Date: October 22
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 58 °F (14 °C)
• Game attendance: 55,484
• Box score

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays Second quarter NO – Chip Lohmiller 29-yard field goal. Saints 3–0. CAR – John Kasay 45-yard field goal. Tied 3–3. Third quarter CAR – Howard Griffith 2-yard pass from Kerry Collins (John Kasay kick). Panthers 10–3. CAR – Howard Griffith 1-yard run (John Kasay kick). Panthers 17–3. Fourth quarter CAR – John Kasay 37-yard field goal. Panthers 20–3. Top passers NO – Jim Everett – 27/48, 241 yards, 4 INT CAR – Kerry Collins – 8/21, 48 yards, TD Top rushers NO – Mario Bates – 17 rushes, 43 yards CAR – Derrick Moore – 21 rushes, 88 yards Top receivers NO – Wesley Walls – 4 receptions, 56 yards CAR – Mark Carrier – 2 receptions, 18 yards

Week 9: at New England Patriots

Week Nine: Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots

Period	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Panthers	0	0	17	0	3	20
Patriots	0	3	0	14	0	17

at Foxboro Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

• Date: October 29
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: 54 °F (12 °C)
• Game attendance: 60,064
• Box score

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays Second quarter NE – Matt Bahr 19-yard field goal. Patriots 3–0. Third quarter CAR – John Kasay 27-yard field goal. Tied 3–3. CAR – Eric Guliford 24-yard pass from Kerry Collins (John Kasay kick). Panthers 10–3. CAR – Willie Green 33-yard pass from Kerry Collins (John Kasay kick). Panthers 17–3. Fourth quarter NE – Curtis Martin 3-yard run (Matt Bahr kick). Panthers 17–10. NE – Curtis Martin 2-yard run (Matt Bahr kick). Tied 17–17. Overtime CAR – John Kasay 29-yard field goal. Panthers 20–17. Top passers CAR – Kerry Collins – 25/45, 309 yards, 2 TD, INT NE – Drew Bledsoe – 22/44, 228 yards Top rushers CAR – Derrick Moore – 28 rushes, 119 yards NE – Curtis Martin – 24 rushes, 85 yards, 2 TD Top receivers CAR – Eric Guliford – 7 receptions, 94 yards, TD NE – Vincent Brisby – 5 receptions, 62 yards

Week 10: at San Francisco 49ers

Week Ten: Carolina Panthers at San Francisco 49ers

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Panthers	10	3	0	0	13
49ers	0	0	0	7	7

at 3Com Park, San Francisco, California

• Date: November 5
• Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST/1:00 PST
• Game weather: 55 °F (13 °C)
• Game attendance: 61,722
• Box score

Game information

First quarter CAR – John Kasay 39-yard field goal. Panthers 3–0. CAR – Tim McKyer 96-yard interception return (John Kasay kick). Panthers 10–0. Second quarter CAR – John Kasay 47-yard field goal. Panthers 13–0. Third quarter No scoring plays Fourth quarter SF – Derek Loville 1-yard run (Tony Zendejas kick). Panthers 13–7. Top passers CAR – Kerry Collins – 17/30, 150 yards, INT SF – Elvis Grbac – 26/37, 327 yards, 2 INT Top rushers CAR – Derrick Moore – 18 rushes, 42 yards SF – Derek Loville – 12 rushes, 40 yards, TD Top receivers CAR – Mark Carrier – 6 receptions, 59 yards SF – Jerry Rice – 8 receptions, 111 yards

Week 11: at St. Louis Rams

Week Eleven: Carolina Panthers at St. Louis Rams

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Panthers	0	7	3	7	17
Rams	0	14	0	14	28

at TWA Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

• Date: November 12
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (played indoors)
• Game attendance: 65,598
• Box score

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays Second quarter STL – Jerome Bettis 1-yard run (Dean Biasucci kick). Rams 7–0. STL – Isaac Bruce 12-yard pass from Chris Miller (Dean Biasucci kick). Rams 14–0. CAR – Don Beebe 21-yard pass from Kerry Collins (John Kasay kick). Rams 14–7. Third quarter CAR – John Kasay 23-yard field goal. Rams 14–10. Fourth quarter STL – Troy Drayton 2-yard pass from Chris Miller (Dean Biasucci kick). Rams 21–10. STL – Torin Dorn 26-yard fumble return (Dean Biasucci kick). Rams 28–10. CAR – Willie Green 17-yard pass from Kerry Collins (John Kasay kick). Rams 28–17. Top passers CAR – Kerry Collins – 16/35, 228 yards, 2 TD, 4 INT STL – Chris Miller – 19/32, 216 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers CAR – Howard Griffith – 13 rushes, 46 yards STL – Jerome Bettis – 26 rushes, 91 yards, TD Top receivers CAR – Willie Green – 6 receptions, 157 yards, TD STL – Isaac Bruce – 9 receptions, 110 yards, TD

Week 12: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Week Twelve: Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Cardinals	0	7	0	0	7
Panthers	0	14	6	7	27

at Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina

• Date: November 19
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 55 °F (13 °C)
• Game attendance: 49,582
• Box score

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays Second quarter CAR – Pete Metzelaars 7-yard pass from Kerry Collins (John Kasay kick). Panthers 7–0. CAR – Bob Christian 2-yard pass from Kerry Collins (John Kasay kick). Panthers 14–0. ARI – Aeneas Williams 72-yard blocked field goal return (Greg Davis kick). Panthers 14–7. Third quarter CAR – John Kasay 42-yard field goal. Panthers 17–7. CAR – John Kasay 30-yard field goal. Panthers 20–7. Fourth quarter CAR – Anthony Johnson 23-yard run (John Kasay kick). Panthers 27–7. Top passers ARI – Dave Krieg – 14/25, 106 yards CAR – Kerry Collins – 15/23, 201 yards, 2 TD Top rushers ARI – Garrison Hearst – 9 rushes, 32 yards CAR – Howard Griffith – 25 rushes, 88 yards Top receivers ARI – Frank Sanders – 3 receptions, 37 yards CAR – Mark Carrier – 5 receptions, 90 yards

Week 13: at New Orleans Saints

Week Thirteen: Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Panthers	3	8	8	7	26
Saints	7	10	10	7	34

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

• Date: November 26
• Game time: 8:00 p.m. EST/7:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: None (played indoors)
• Game attendance: 39,580
• TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Patrick, Joe Theismann and Mark Malone
• Box score

Game information

First quarter CAR – John Kasay 22-yard field goal. Panthers 3–0. NO – Mario Bates 4-yard run (Doug Brien kick). Saints 7–3. Second quarter NO – Quinn Early 27-yard pass from Jim Everett (Duog Brien kick). Saints 14–3. CAR – Willie Green 60-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Kerry Collins pass to Walter Rasby). Saints 14–11. NO – Doug Brien 45-yard field goal. Saints 17–11. Third quarter NO – Doug Brien 39-yard field goal. Saints 20–11. NO – Mario Bates 6-yard run (Doug Brien kick). Saints 27–11. CAR – Mark Carrier 3-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Kerry Collins pass to Bob Christian). Saints 27–19. Fourth quarter NO – Derek Brown 35-yard run (Doug Brien kick). Saints 34–19. CAR – Mark Carrier 60-yard pass from Kerry Collins (John Kasay kick). Saints 34–26. Top passers CAR – Kerry Collins – 17/46, 335 yards, 3 TD, 4 INT NO – Jim Everett – 15/29, 195 yards, TD, INT Top rushers CAR – Bob Christian – 6 rushes, 39 yards NO – Mario Bates – 19 rushes, 71 yards, 2 TD Top receivers CAR – Mark Carrier – 6 receptions, 132 yards, 2 TD NO – Quinn Early – 3 receptions, 60 yards, TD

Week 14: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Week Fourteen: Indianapolis Colts at Carolina Panthers

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Colts	10	0	0	0	10
Panthers	0	10	0	3	13

at Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina

• Date: December 3
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: 54 °F (12 °C)
• Game attendance: 49,841
• Referee: Ed Hochuli
• TV announcers (NBC): Jim Lampley and Bob Golic
• Box score

Game information

First quarter IND – Sean Dawkins 31-yard pass from Jim Harbaugh (Cary Blanchard kick). Colts 7–0. IND – Cary Blanchard 47-yard field goal. Colts 10–0. Second quarter CAR – Kerry Collins 2-yard run (John Kasay kick). Colts 10–7.. CAR – John Kasay 34-yard field goal. Tied 10–10. Thrd quarter No scoring plays Fourth quarter CAR – John Kasay 38-yard field goal. Panthers 13–10. Top passers IND – Jim Harbaugh – 7/12, 102 yards, TD, INT CAR – Kerry Collins – 14/34, 170 yards Top rushers IND – Marshall Faulk – 20 rushes, 53 yards CAR – Derrick Moore – 19 rushes, 58 yards Top receivers IND – Sean Dawkins – 6 receptions, 81 yards CAR – Willie Green – 1 reception, 33 yards

Week 15: vs. San Francisco 49ers

Week Fifteen: San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	7	14	7	3	31
Panthers	0	3	7	0	10

at Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina

• Date: December 10
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 33 °F (1 °C)
• Game attendance: 76,136
• Box score

Game information

First quarter SF – Derek Loville 4-yard pass from Steve Young (Jeff Wilkins kick). 49ers 7–0. Second quarter SF – Derek Loville 1-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick). 49ers 14–0. CAR – John Kasay 43-yard field goal. 49ers 14–3. SF – J. J. Stokes 20-yard pass from Steve Young (Jeff Wilkins kick). 49ers 21–3. Third quarter CAR – Derrick Moore 2-yard run (John Kasay kick). 49ers 21–10. SF – Steve Young 1-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick). 49ers 28–10. Fourth quarter SF – Jeff Wilkins 20-yard field goal. 49ers 31–10. Top passers SF – Steve Young – 31/45, 336 yards, 2 TD, INT CAR – Kerry Collins – 12/29, 127 yards, INT Top rushers SF – Derek Loville – 16 rushes, 34 yards, TD CAR – Derrick Moore – 9 rushes, 28 yards, TD Top receivers SF – Jerry Rice – 6 receptions, 121 yards CAR – Willie Green – 3 receptions, 46 yards

Week 16: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Week Sixteen: Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Falcons	14	3	0	0	17
Panthers	0	7	7	7	21

at Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina

• Date: December 17
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 50 °F (10 °C)
• Game attendance: 53,833
• Box score

Game information

First quarter ATL – Eric Metcalf 15-yard pass from Jeff George (Morten Andersen kick). Falcons 7–0. ATL – Craig Heyward 5-yard pass from Jeff George (Morten Andersen kick). Falcons 14–0. Second quarter CAR – Kerry Collins 1-yard run (John Kasay kick). Falcons 14–7. ATL – Morten Andersen 34-yard field goal. Falcons 17–7. Third quarter CAR – Derrick Moore 1-yard run (John Kasay kick). Falcons 17–14. Fourth quarter CAR – Willie Green 89-yard pass from Kerry Collins (John Kasay kick). Panthers 21–17. Top passers ATL – Jeff George – 29/53, 310 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT CAR – Kerry Collins – 18/28, 283 yards, TD, INT Top rushers ATL – Craig Heyward – 16 rushes, 81 yards CAR – Derrick Moore – 10 rushes, 31 yards, TD Top receivers ATL – Terance Mathis – 8 receptions, 102 yards CAR – Willie Green – 4 receptions, 147 yards, TD

Week 17: at Washington Redskins

Week Seventeen: Carolina Panthers at Washington Redskins

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Panthers	3	7	0	7	17
Redskins	7	3	7	3	20

at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Washington, D.C.

• Date: December 24
• Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 33 °F (1 °C)
• Game attendance: 42,903
• Box score

Game information

First quarter CAR – John Kasay 42-yard field goal. Panthers 3–0. WAS – Terry Allen 1-yard run (Eddie Murray kick). Redskins 7–3. Second quarter WAS – Eddie Murray 29-yard field goal. Redskins 10–3. CAR – Derrick Moore 1-yard run (John Kasay kick). Tied 10–10. Third quarter WAS – Terry Allen 1-yard run (Eddie Murray kick). Redskins 17–10. Fourth quarter WAS – Eddie Murray 32-yard field goal. Redskins 20–10. CAR – Willie Green 2-yard pass from Kerry Collins (John Kasay kick). Redskins 20–17. Top passers CAR – Kerry Collins – 19/43, 201 yards, TD, 2 INT WAS – Gus Frerotte – 10/24, 185 yards Top rushers CAR – Derrick Moore – 14 rushes, 47 yards, TD WAS – Terry Allen – 28 rushes, 92 yards, 2 TD Top receivers CAR – Mark Carrier – 7 receptions, 101 yards WAS – Henry Ellard – 3 receptions, 98 yards

Standings

NFC West
	W	L	T	PCT	PF	PA	STK
(2) San Francisco 49ers	11	5	0	.688	457	258	L1
(6) Atlanta Falcons	9	7	0	.563	362	349	W1
St. Louis Rams	7	9	0	.438	309	418	L3
Carolina Panthers	7	9	0	.438	289	325	L1
New Orleans Saints	7	9	0	.438	319	348	W1

Records

• Most victories by an expansion team (7)
• First expansion team to have a winning record at home (5–3)
• First expansion team to have a four-game winning streak (weeks 7–10)
• First expansion team to defeat a defending Super Bowl champion in its inaugural season (13–7 over the San Francisco 49ers in San Francisco)