USA TODAY International Edition
Defense carries Panthers to fifth consecutive victory
The way the Carolina Panthers look at it, if the rest of the NFL isn’t going to give them the respect they feel they deserve, they’re just going to have to take it for themselves.
It’s hard to blame anybody for doubting them.
The Panthers haven’t had a winning season since 2008, the last year they made the playoffs.
And their four- game winning streak going into Sunday came against teams with a combined 6- 17 record.
It won’t be so easy to overlook the Panthers now, though, after their 10- 9 comeback victory against the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers.
“I don’t think anyone gives us any respect,” Panthers free safety Mike Mitchell said.
“We know we’re a good football team, but nobody gives us any respect, so every game, every week we come out here and try to take respect by force.”
The Panthers ( 6- 3) forced the issue as they won their fifth consecutive game — the longest active streak behind the Kansas City Chiefs ( 9- 0).
A tough defense that has been the cornerstone of the Panthers’ turnaround gave ground in the first half before dropping the hammer when it counted most.
The Panthers allowed 41 yards of total offense in the second half, including 4 yards in the fourth quarter.
“We dominate,” Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy said, summing up the unit’s attitude. “We take what we want. We do what we want. That’s our style of defense.”
The Panthers defense cramped the style of 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, limiting him to 11- for- 22 passing for 91 yards with one interception and 16 rushing yards on four carries.
Drayton Florence’s interception of Kaepernick’s pass intended for Mario Manningham in the final minute with San Francisco out of timeouts sealed the victory for Carolina.
Frank Gore rushed for 82 yards on 16 carries to lead San Francisco ( 6- 3), which saw its five- game winning streak end.
San Francisco led 9- 0 on three field goals by Phil Dawson, including a 52- yarder on the opening drive.
After a dreadful start, Cam Newton engineered an eight- play, 80- yard drive that culminated with DeAngelo Williams’ 27- yard scoring run.
Before that drive, Newton was 2for- 11 for 13 yards with one interception.
He completed all three attempts on that drive for 41 yards, including a crucial 17- yarder to Brandon LaFell on a third- and- 7 from the Carolina 23.
“I know with us scoring right before the half it kind of shattered their momentum somewhat,” Newton said.
Sunday’s game marked 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith’s return for the first time since having treatment for substance abuse after a September arrest on suspicion of DUI.
Smith hadn’t played since a 27- 7 Week 3 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He was on the field for 11 plays but recorded no tackles.