Game Recap

Carolina Panthers at Green Bay Packers

Sunday, November 30, 2008

*Big day by Williams carries Panthers past Packers*

GREEN BAY, Wisconsin (Ticker) -- Steve Smith began the season serving a team-imposed two-game suspension for a fight in training camp. On Sunday, he helped the Carolina Panthers take a huge step toward securing a playoff spot.

Smith's 54-yard reception set up DeAngelo Williams' fourth touchdown of the game - a 1-yard run with 1:30 remaining that lifted the Panthers to a 35-31 victory over the Green Bay Packers.

The win, which came after Carolina squandered a 21-10 halftime deficit, kept the Panthers (9-3) tied with Tampa Bay atop the NFC South.

Smith finished with four receptions for 105 yards after being held without a catch in the first half.

The Packers erased their halftime deficit by scoring on their first four second-half possessions.

Green Bay took a 28-21 lead on Aaron Rodgers' 21-yard TD pass to Greg Jennings with 13:43 remaining before the Panthers tied it on Williams' third score, another 1-yard burst with 11:10 to play.

However, Green Bay (5-7) had to settle for Mason Crosby's 19-yard field goal with 1:57 remaining after a 16-play, 79-yard drive that consumed more than nine minutes.

The Packers had a 1st-and-goal at the 7, but failed to score on a pair of cracks from the 1-yard line, then opted for the go-ahead field goal.

Jones returned the ensuing kickoff to the Panthers' 45-yard line, and Delhomme went deep on the next play.

Smith took the ball away from cornerback Charles Woodson while making a leaping grab before being downed at the 1-yard line.

Williams, who rushed for 72 yards on 21 carries, plunged into the end zone on the next play, allowing the Panthers to rebound from last week's 45-28 loss at Atlanta.

Rodgers finished 29-of-45 for 298 yards and three touchdowns, setting career highs in completions and attempts.