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Panthers look to end home struggles

Nov 25, 2007 - 11:29 AM New Orleans (4-6) at Carolina (4-6) 1:00 pm ESTCHARLOTTE, North Carolina (Ticker) -- It has been over a yearsince the Carolina Panthers won a home game.The reeling Panthers look to end their struggles at Bank ofAmerica Stadium on Sunday when they host the New Orleans Saintsin an NFC South matchup.Carolina is 0-4 at home this season and has lost six straighthere, dating to a 15-0 win over the St. Louis Rams on November19, 2006.Three of the Panthers' home losses have been by double-digits.Two weeks ago, they suffered 20-13 loss here to the AtlantaFalcons.Carolina has not only struggled at home, however, having droppedfour straight games overall. During that slide, the Panthershave scored more than 13 points only once.Part of the reason for Carolina's problems has been itsineffective passing game that 44-year-old quarterback VinnyTestaverde is now leading.Last week, Testaverde threw a pair of interceptions in s 31-17loss at Green Bay.Testaverde was without No. 1 wide receiver Steve Smith, whomissed the game with a shin injury. He is questionable for thiscontest.Despite all their problems, the Panthers are just two gamesbehind Tampa Bay (6-4) in the division.It also has been an inconsistent season for the Saints, whostarted 0-4, then won four straight games to reach .500. Butthe Saints have revertedto their early-season form, losing theirlast two contests.The Saints failed to establish their running game in last week's23-10 setback at Houston as Reggie Bush managed just 34 yardsrushing on 15 carries.Like Carolina, New Orleans trails Tampa Bay by two games.On October 7, John Kasay kicked a 52-yard field goal with threeseconds remaining, giving the Panthers a 16-13 win over theSaints in New Orleans.