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September 23, 2002
MINNEAPOLIS -- It's hard to tell how good Carolina is this early, but the Panthers are not surprised with their successful start.
Lamar Smith carried 30 times for 154 yards and scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns in Carolina's 21-14 victory Sunday over the Minnesota Vikings.
The Panthers, 1-15 in 2001, are 3-0 for the first time since 1996.
"Nobody really expected it, except for the people in this locker room," said quarterback Rodney Peete, a surprise choice to be the starter over Chris Weinke.
Peete wasn't perfect, but he did his part, completing 20 of 30 for 221 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. The Vikings, 0-3 for the first time since 1967, turned the ball over four times.
"You guys keep using that word surprised," first-year coach John Fox said. "Nothing surprises me. Am I pleased? Am I happy? Am I proud of where our team is? Yes. But not surprised."
Daunte Culpepper was 19-for-30 for 191 yards, a touchdown and a career-high four interceptions.
Deon Grant had three interceptions, the last coming on a heave on the final play as boos resonated throughout the emptying Metrodome.
Smith burst up the middle for a 12-yard touchdown to give the Panthers a 14-7 lead with 13:28 left.
After Carolina recovered a Viking fumble, it scored in nine plays, the last a 24-yard run by Smith on third and 11.
A 4-yard touchdown from Culpepper to Chris Walsh cut it to 21-14 with 3:29 left, but on the next Viking drive Culpepper tried to run on fourth and 7 and was swarmed with 1:49 left.