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Panthers visit Falcons riding four-game streak

Nov 18, 2008 - 9:57 PM CAROLINA (8-2) AT ATLANTA (6-4), 4:15 pm EST

ATLANTA (Ticker) -- The Carolina Panthers have survived two straight poor outings by quarterback Jake Delhomme. They might not be able to afford another.

The Panthers put their four-game winning streak on the line whey they visit the Atlanta Falcons in an NFC South matchup on Sunday.

Division-leading Carolina hold a one-game edge over Tampa Bay and is two games in front of Atlanta, which lost the first meeting between the teams, 24-9.

The Panthers have maintained their grip on the top spot despite a pair of abysmal performances by Delhomme, who has thrown for 72 and 98 yards, respectively, in wins over Oakland and Detroit.

The running game, however, more than made up for Delhomme's pedestrian performance in the 31-22 victory over the winless Lions.

DeAngelo Williams and rookie Jonathan Stewart combined to run for 250 yards and three touchdowns, becoming the first running backs in franchise history to eclipse the 100-yard mark in the same game.

"That's the formula to win in this league," said Delhomme, who completed 10-of-19 passes for 98 yards and a TD one week after throwing a career-worst four interceptions in a 17-6 win over Oakland. "When you can run it, you give your team a chance."

Williams rushed for 120 yards on 14 carries, including scoring runs of 56 and 4 yards. Stewart, who had been hindered by a heel injury, rumbled for 130 yards on 15 carries as the Panthers rolled up a franchise-record 264 yards.

"I think we complement each other well," Stewart said. "We've just got to keep pounding the ball."

Atlanta suffered its first home loss of the season, dropping a 24-20 decision to the Denver Broncos last weekend.

Michael Turner rushed for 81 yards and two touchdowns and rookie quarterback Matt Ryan completed 20-of-33 passes for 250 yards with one interception for the Falcons, who had a chance to pull out a victory in the final seconds, only to see a pass glance off the fingertips of Roddy White in the end zone.

"I have to go out there and make those plays," White said. "I feel responsible for the loss today. I had an opportunity and I didn't take advantage of it."

In the first meeting between the teams, Atlanta failed to get in the end zone, managing just three field goals by Jason Elam.

The Falcons held Williams and Stewart to a combined 109 yards rushing, but Delhomme threw for 294 yards and two scoring passes.