• Print
  • Reprint or License
  • Share Share

Tom Talks | Chiefs-Panthers

By Tom Sorensen
tsorensen@charlotteobserver.com

Kansas City's Larry Johnson has now rushed for 200 yards in his past two games – 198 vs. Denver and two vs. Carolina.

The tone for this game was set on the first defensive series for Carolina. Kansas City started at the 18 and ended up with a fourth-and-25 from its own 3. And you know what? That wasn't even close to the worst offensive series the Chiefs had Sunday.

The Panthers picked up on film that the Chiefs had a tendency to snap the ball just after quarterback Damon Huard bobs his head. That knowledge helped Carolina defensive end Charles Johnson have what was certainly his best game as a Panther.

Muhsin Muhammad took a 47-yard slant pass to the end zone Sunday. It's easy to believe Steve Smith could do that. It's amazing the 35-year-old Muhammad did so. “I'm really not that fast,” Moose said. “I just had a whole lot of guys running after me, so I had to kick it in a little bit.”

When Kansas City tight end Tony Gonzalez says: “That was the worst (game) I have been involved with in my professional career,” as the 12-year veteran did Sunday, you know you've done something right if you're the Panthers defense.

Carolina, coming off the largest victory margin in franchise history with this 34-0 blanking, now will face a far tougher foe. The Panthers are alone in first in the NFC South at the moment, but Tampa Bay (3-2) can tie it up if the Bucs can beat Carolina at Tampa next Sunday. Too bad that 1p.m. game isn't on during prime time. It would be worthy.

Hide Comments

This affects comments on all stories.

Cancel OK

The Charlotte Observer welcomes your comments on news of the day. The more voices engaged in conversation, the better for us all, but do keep it civil. Please refrain from profanity, obscenity, spam, name-calling or attacking others for their views.   Read more

Disclaimer