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Carr helps Panthers turn back Giants

Aug 12, 2007 - 3:20 AM By Ralph Ventre PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) - Reuben Droughns didn't look overly comfortable with his new team, but backup quarterback David Carr sure did.

Carr, who came on for starter Jake Delhomme at the end of the first quarter, led the Carolina Panthers on two scoring drives in a 24-21 victory over the New York Giants in the preseason opener for both teams Saturday night.

Carr, a former No. 1 overall pick of the Houston Texans, threw for 83 yards and a touchdown on 6-for-8 passing in his Carolina debut.

Acquired to bolster the running game with the retirement of Tiki Barber, Droughns carried the ball five times for 17 yards. His lone catch of the night, a 32-yard screen pass from Jared Lorenzen, set up Derrick Ward's five-yard touchdown run.

Carolina starting running back DeShaun Foster was very effective during his limited playing time, rushing for 62 yards on five carries.

Brandon Jacobs, who will take over Barber's starting role, rushed for 15 yards on four carries.

Trailing, 14-10, after Ward's score, Carolina saw its new backup quarterback execute the two-minute drill to perfection. Carr needed only four plays and 47 seconds to drive the Panthers 73 yards for a touchdown.

Carr's 23-yard scoring strike to Taye Biddle gave the Panthers a 17-14 advantage with only seven ticks remaining before halftime.

Biddle found the end zone again in the third quarter when he and third-string signal caller Brett Basanez hooked up for an 85-yard score.

Both starting offensive units reached the end zone. Carolina did so first when Delhomme's five-yard touchdown strike to Steve Smith capped off an 81-yard drive.

Ward returned the ensuing kickoff 67 yards, giving Eli Manning and the Giants' offense a short field. Manning took advantage of the opportunity, completing two third-down passes - with the second one being a seven-yard touchdown hookup with tight end Jeremy Shockey.

Manning, who was playing without starting wideouts Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer, was 3-for-5 passing for 29 yards and one touchdown.

Delhomme connected on 5-of-8 passing attempts for 30 yards and one TD.