Panthers rookie QB Jimmy Clausen played well in the first half in Seattle before self-destructing in the second half. He finally connected on a long pass with WR Steve Smith, a 39-yarder. It was Smith’s longest gain of the season. Smith has just seven receptions of 20 yards or more this year. He is on pace for 664 receiving yards, which would be his lowest output for a season in which he was healthy. Smith had 982 receiving yards last year and 5,152 yards between 2005-08. With Chris Gamble still slowed by a hamstring injury, Panthers CBs Richard Marshall and Captain Munnerlyn will have to slow down Falcons WR Roddy White, the league’s reception leader with 91. White is having a record-breaking season.
Fantasy Impact: