CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Behind an ancient quarterback, a suddenly diverse playbook and a dominating defense, the Carolina Panthers finally tasted victory at home.Vinny Testaverde threw two touchdown passes and the Panthers snapped a five-game losing streak with a 31-14 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Carolina's first home win in more than a year.
Using razzle-dazzle rarely seen under conservative coach John Fox, the Panthers (5-7) snapped a seven-game home losing streak dating to last season with Testaverde, who at 44 years, 19 days became the second-oldest starting QB in NFL history.
Testaverde also became the oldest starter to win, besting his own record set seven weeks ago in Arizona -- Carolina's last victory.
The Panthers' defense stepped up, too, with six sack and Richard Marshall's 67-yard interception return for a touchdown, spoiling the 49ers' confidence a week after they snapped an eight-game losing streak.
Trent Dilfer threw for 171 yards and two touchdowns, but was intercepted four times and hit all day by Carolina's much-maligned defense. The 49ers (3-9) committed six turnovers.
The Panthers' defense stepped up, too, with six sack and Richard Marshall's 67-yard interception return for a touchdown, spoiling the 49ers' confidence a week after they snapped an eight-game losing streak.
Trent Dilfer threw for 171 yards and two touchdowns, but was intercepted four times and hit all day by Carolina's much-maligned defense. The 49ers (3-9) committed six turnovers.
The sloppy game was evidence of why both teams will be watching the playoffs on TV, but the Panthers will take it after going 377 days between home wins. The strong showing came a week after New Orleans hammered Carolina 31-6, with David Carr throwing two interceptions in place of Testaverde, who was out with a sore back.
Testaverde returned Sunday and Carr was demoted to third string. And while Testaverde threw for only 153 yards and had two interceptions, he directed an offense that took risks and snapped a streak of 12 straight quarters at home without an offensive touchdown.
Testaverde returned Sunday and Carr was demoted to third string. And while Testaverde threw for only 153 yards and had two interceptions, he directed an offense that took risks and snapped a streak of 12 straight quarters at home without an offensive touchdown.
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