Carolina Loses. Playoff Hopes Dead In Carolina

Pittsburgh 37, Carolina 3

December 17, 2006

AP - Dec 17, 4:57 pm EST


CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- It may be too late, but the Pittsburgh Steelers are finally playing like last season's Super Bowl team.

Willie Parker rushed for 132 yards and a touchdown and Ben Roethlisberger threw for a score and ran for another to lead Pittsburgh past the Carolina Panthers 37-3 on Sunday, delighting the thousands of their loyal fans who turned Bank of America Stadium into a virtual Steelers home game.

The Steelers (7-7) also blocked a punt and returned another for a touchdown as they won their third straight game and kept their faint playoff hopes alive. The Steelers, who started 2-6, have allowed 13 points in the past three games.

"We've been there before. We've played on the road in December and we've played on the road in January," Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher said. "This football team knows that mind-set you have to have to win."

It's still going to be difficult for the Steelers to make the playoffs, but Carolina's chances are virtually over after it turned in another stinker.

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If anybody asks, I will be away in mourning all week. Dressed in black and moaning a lot. You won't be able to miss us. A crowd of guys and gals all huddled over bellyaching about the Panthers loss to Pittsburgh. Btw, good luck to Pitt, they'll need it. Have a good week.

Jake Won't Start For Carolina. Weinke In

Chris Weinke #16 / Quarterback / Backup

Height: 6-4 Weight: 232
Born: Jul 31, 1972 - St. Paul, MN
College: Florida State
Draft: 2001 - 4th round (11th pick) by the Carolina Panthers
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Barring a significant recovery by Jake Delhomme, backup Chris Weinke is expected to start for Carolina on Sunday against the New York Giants.

Weinke took all the snaps in practice this week as Delhomme nursed an injured right thumb. Delhomme has also struggled this season, including an interception against Philadelphia on Monday night that ended the Panthers' hopes for a comeback win.

In anticipation of Delhomme not playing, the Panthers activated quarterback Brett Basanez from the practice squad. Basanez may open the game as the No. 2 quarterback
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Jake Delhomme suffered a really significant thumb injury against Philadelphia on Monday, so it looks as though Weinke is in. Carolina is holding it's collective breath, guys.
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Jake Delhomme #17 / Quarterback /First String

Height: 6-2 Weight: 215
Born: Jan 10, 1975 - Breaux Bridge, LA
College: Louisiana-Lafayette
Draft: None