Colts vs. Panthers: One Record Setting Drive

Yes, I realize how sad this is. All I have to talk about from the Colts game is the very first drive since it was a record setter for the Panthers as far as # of plays and time of possession. I have to admit I have no way of looking that up but I heard the announcers during the game say it so I’m going with that.

Here are the details of the drive. I’ve highlighted the 3rd down conversions.  

1-10-CAR 20 (15:00) D.Foster right tackle to CAR 22 for 2 yards (D.Freeney).
2-8-CAR 22 (14:21) D.Foster up the middle to CAR 20 for -2 yards (R.Mathis, R.Boiman).
3-10-CAR 20 (13:39) V.Testaverde pass short left to S.Smith to CAR 28 for 8 yards.
PENALTY on IND-T.Jennings, Defensive Holding, 5 yards, enforced at CAR 20 - No Play. X1
1-10-CAR 25 (13:09) V.Testaverde pass incomplete short left to S.Smith.
2-10-CAR 25 (13:05) D.Foster right tackle to CAR 30 for 5 yards (R.Boiman).
3-5-CAR 30 (12:22) V.Testaverde pass short left to S.Smith to CAR 42 for 12 yards (B.Sanders). P2
1-10-CAR 42 (11:39) V.Testaverde pass short left to J.King to CAR 48 for 6 yards (T.Hagler).
2-4-CAR 48 (10:54) D.Foster left guard to IND 49 for 3 yards (T.Hagler).
3-1-IND 49 (10:10) D.Foster left tackle to IND 44 for 5 yards (J.Thomas). R3
1-10-IND 44 (9:27) V.Testaverde pass incomplete short left to J.King.
2-10-IND 44 (9:23) V.Testaverde up the middle to IND 38 for 6 yards (R.Brock).
3-4-IND 38 (8:43) V.Testaverde pass short left to D.Foster pushed ob at IND 33 for 5 yards (G.Brackett). P4
1-10-IND 33 (8:13) V.Testaverde pass short left to K.Colbert pushed ob at IND 18 for 15 yards (B.Sanders). P5
1-10-IND 18 (7:43) D.Williams left guard to IND 14 for 4 yards (R.Mathis).
2-6-IND 14 (7:02) B.Hoover left guard to IND 12 for 2 yards (D.Freeney).
3-4-IND 12 (6:22) D.Williams right tackle to IND 8 for 4 yards (R.Brock). R6
Timeout #1 by CAR at 05:26.
1-8-IND 8 (5:26) B.Hoover right guard to IND 4 for 4 yards (G.Brackett).
2-4-IND 4 (4:45) D.Foster left guard to IND 3 for 1 yard (G.Brackett).
3-3-IND 3 (4:03) D.Foster right tackle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. R7
J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-J.Kyle, Holder-J.Baker.

In summary the 3rd down conversions were: defensive penalty, Smith pass, Foster run, Foster pass, Williams run. This is a nice mixture of plays until the last six. Once we got in the red zone we just ran it down their throat. That was the last time we were able to do that.

Another point, Vinny’s interception was a 3rd down play  at the Colts 9. This was the type of situation where we miss not having the big physical receiver...say like Keyshawn Johnson or Dwayne Jarrett. Someone to run the fade route to or back of the end zone. Hindsight is always 20/20 but a short throw to the middle doesn’t seem like a smart play here.

At least we were able to witness a little Panther history in what was an otherwise miserable game after the first record setting drive.