If there has been an uglier win in the NFL, I'd really hate to see that game. The Panthers passing offense did all they could to lose. Jake Delhomme threw four interceptions, completed only 7 passes for 72 yards, and was sacked twice. The offense only gain 5 first downs, with a couple more off of Oakland penalties. With that in mind it's no wonder we lost the time of possession game, Oakland had the ball for 37:02 to the Panthers 22:58.

With number like those, if we were playing a better offensive team, Carolina probably would have lost. However, our defense decided it was their time to shine, and DE Julius Peppers decided to have his season best day, 7 solo tackles, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 pass defended, not counting QB hurries or pressures. The way he played also opened the door for LB Thomas Davis and DE Charles Johnson to each record a sack as Oakland had to double team him frequently. Definitely have to give credit to the Coaches for moving Peppers around to take advantage of match-ups. Don't know how much this happens around the league but I think its a good strategy.

In addition, WR Mark Jones had a big day with his best punt and kickoff returns of his career. The last punt return of 55 yards setup our field goal drive to finally put the game away.

I, as many, were expecting the Panthers to blow through the Raiders. While I know any give Sunday is true, I did not expect it to happen this week. However, the Kool-aid had been poured and to be honest I probably would have taken that drink if we would have blown them out. I did approach the game with "guarded optimism" and while it was the right approach I never thought it would be that close.

I speak of skipping the kool-aid because this game is another indicator to the team that we have bad days. It will help the team not get high on their own abilities but also realize they can depend on each other. It also helps us as fans to realize we can lose and when it happens we have to realize our team can play better. Would we have taken a drink of the kool-aid if the game became one sided early? Possible, but I don't know. What I do know is that by playing the way we did and still getting the win was the best possible outcome.

Put the kool-aid away and we will live to see another day.