Panthers Pick Up Win No. 6

It’s getting so the Carolina Panthers can count on big performances from their defense. On Sunday, they got something they didn’t anticipate--an assist from Indianapolis defensive back Derwin Gray.

Gray’s facemask penalty set up a 38-yard field goal by John Kasay with eight seconds left, giving Carolina a 13-10 victory over the Colts and adding another chapter in the Panthers’ stunning first-year run.

Carolina (6-7) has doubled the record for victories by an expansion team. The 1961 Minnesota Vikings won three games, as did the 1966 Atlanta Falcons and the 1967 New Orleans Saints.

“If people want to continue to act surprised by us, then let them,” said linebacker Darion Conner, who led the Panthers with three sacks. “At some point, they’re going to learn that our defense isn’t ranked seventh in the NFL for nothing.”

The Colts played almost the entire second half without Jim Harbaugh, the NFL’s top-rated passer. Harbaugh was sacked six times before leaving in the third quarter with what was originally diagnosed as a sprained right knee. He was scheduled for further tests today.

His replacement, Paul Justin, also struggled, allowing the Panthers to win their fourth consecutive home game.

Indianapolis (7-6) had a hard time with the Carolina defense, which recorded a team-record seven sacks and held the Colts to 200 total yards.

“I’ve said all along there were going to be peaks and valleys, and the play today was certainly a valley,” Colt Coach Ted Marchibroda said.