Despite offensive struggles, Panthers’ defense comes through in win against Titans

Published: 29^th Aug 10 1:23 am

by Dan Parzych
Director of Content

1 Rant »

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The Carolina Panthers entered Saturday night’s game against the Tennessee Titans looking for their first offensive touchdown of the 2010 preseason. While the offense failed to find the end zone for the third-straight game, the Panthers found other ways to score and come through for the win.

Thanks to three field goals by John Kasay and a kick returned for a touchdown by Mike Goodson, the Panthers picked up their first win of the preseason after defeating the Titans 15-7. Quarterback Matt Moore completed 18 of 33 passes for 190 yards before rookie Jimmy Clausen replaced him in the fourth quarter.

While the offense struggled to put up points, Carolina managed to win this game thanks to a stellar performance from their defense. Not only did they hold Tennessee to just seven points, but the Panthers’ defense recorded two interceptions (both from Brian Witherspoon) and seven sacks.

Now that Jake Delhomme and Julius Peppers are no longer with the team, the Panthers enter 2010 looking to re-establish themselves as contenders in the NFC South. After finishing the 2008 season 12-4 (8-0 at home), the Panthers got off to a rough start last season, but ended the year on a positive note to finish 8-8. Unfortunately, Carolina still has a lot to prove if they plan on competing with the Saints and Falcons (sorry Bucs) for the division title.

There’s no denying the Panthers deserved to win this game, but there is still plenty of room for improvement before their season kicks off in less than two weeks—especially on offense. While they have faced three tough defenses in the Ravens, Jets, and Titans, the Panthers have no excuses for failing to score a touchdown on offense this preseason. Unfortunately, Carolina may have just as much trouble during their preseason finale on Thursday against a tough Steelers’ defense.

Dan Parzych is the Lead NFL Content Editor for RantSports.com/NFL, where he writes and edits NFL content for RantSports.com.

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