The Panthers second half near meltdown last week is more forgivable than many may think. They did not win against the tendency to play against the clock rather than their opponent. It was the proverbial playing not to lose rather than to win. Meanwhile, Carson Palmer showed he has a ways to go before he can be taken seriously as a big-game QB. On the final drive in regulation, he should have thrown two interceptions including on the lucky touchdown.

Carolina is the better team with QB has shown he has taken the step into the stratosphere.