Panthers win. No, really.

[Laetitia]

The Carolina Panthers did everything they could to stay winless.

But they were unsuccessful.

They finally broke through with a 23-20 win over San Francisco, despite a fourth quarter full of attempts to give it away.

The game-winner came on John Kasay's 37-yard field goal with 39 seconds remainuing, but turned around with a passing game that finally showed a pulse.

Matt Moore made plays when he had to, completing 28-of-41 passes for 308 yards and two touchdowns.

But his otherwise excellent day was nearly ruined when an attempt to throw the ball away instead landed in the gut of 49ers DT Ray McDonald, who returned it 31 yards for a comical touchdown and a 20-13 49ers lead.

The Panthers had other chances, but a fourth-down pass went off David Gettis' hands for a would-be tying score.

Going for it was a bit of a mystery, as the 49ers had no intention of letting backup QB David Carr throw.

But then, in another turn in the oddest game of the year, Gettis atoned, catching a 23-yard touchdown pass with 1:53 left to tie the game at 20.

Gettis had eight catches for 125 yards and two touchdowns, and a deep ball to Brandon LaFell set up Kasay's game-winner.

The Panthers improved to 1-5.

-- Darin Gantt

More...

[charlotte49er]

Congratulations to the Carolina Panthers and their fans! (You had to think that when Smith went out at 49ers QB, there it gave the Panthers their best chance at a win. :yesnod:)

Enjoy the win! :thumbsup: