Panthers Rest Assured of Win

The playoff-bound Carolina Panthers had to make a choice: Rest some of their ailing starters or play them in pursuit of a momentum-building victory.

The lowly Detroit Lions made it an easy decision.

Carolina rested five starters, but still managed one of its easiest victories this season, beating Detroit, 20-14, Sunday and sending the Lions into NFL infamy with their 24th consecutive road loss.

“You have to operate in the present,” Coach John Fox said. “The idea of building momentum going into the playoffs was critical, but I really don’t think any of the five guys would have been ready to play.”

Carolina’s fill-ins did just fine, holding Detroit in check. The Lions moved past the 1981-84 Houston Oilers for most successive road losses. The Lions have not won on the road since Dec. 17, 2000.

The Lions (4-11) had only eight first downs and 106 yards. Joey Harrington played until midway through the second half before Mike McMahon replaced him, but the two combined for seven completions in 19 attempts for 53 yards.

Jake Delhomme threw for two touchdowns, and John Kasay kicked two field goals to lead the Panthers (10-5).

Running back Stephen Davis, center Jeff Mitchell, defensive tackle Brentson Buckner, defensive end Mike Rucker and cornerback Terry Cousin watched in street clothes from the Carolina sidelines.

But their replacements did fine. DeShaun Foster ran for 76 yards and had six catches for 38 yards, including a 10-yard touchdown pass from Delhomme.

Reggie Swinton returned a punt 89 yards for a touchdown to cut Carolina’s lead to 20-7 with 12:02 left, and Boss Bailey returned a Foster fumble 62 yards for a touchdown.