"I do feel that way because our division is a strong division," Diggs said. "In my opinion, I think New Orleans is the type of team that can still be in it. With (five) games left, they could still be in the hunt. They're a very explosive football team and everybody in our division is playing strong good football right now."

Diggs said he noticed players a little more fired up than normal at practice following a 45-28 loss to Atlanta. He said he "personally" had a chip on his shoulder.

"Not only from getting my butt kicked the other day but we're to the point in the season where there are teams that are going to be packing it in and others that turn the heat up," Diggs said. "I want to be on the team that turns the heat up, and want to be one of the players that turns the heat up.

"I think everybody kind of stuck that on their backs going out there and we've got to use that to our advantage. Hopefully that was a little wakeup call the other day and opens everybody's eyes and we get back down to business like we're capable of doing."

--Green Bay head coach Mike McCarthy was the quarterbacks coach for the New Orleans Saints when Jake Delhomme was still struggling to find his way in the league back in the late '90s.

Both have moved on to better things, but McCarthy remains fond of Delhomme, both personally and professionally.

"I have a lot of admiration for what he has accomplished in his career," McCarthy said. "Having the opportunity to work with Jake in his younger years, he's a tremendous competitor, has great passion for everything that he1s involved in, whether it's horses, his family and particularly playing the quarterback position for the Carolina Panthers.

"I have enjoyed his success from afar. I can't say enough about his work ethic and everything he has done in the early years to create the foundation of what he has been able to succeed as he has moved on to Carolina."

McCarthy said he enjoys the passing Delhomme brings to the game.

"Jake never lacked for passion," McCarthy said. "He's clearly someone you can point to as an example for a young quarterback, and I have. As someone that has sat in the No. 3 chair and the No. 2 chair and still had the ability to say the things and motivate other players in the locker room. He was never shy to speak up when things needed to be said, and I always thought that was a unique part of his personality and it's definitely a big part of his leadership ability."

--A long, long time ago, Panthers coach John Fox was a Packers fan.

Yeah, he admitted it, although he later tried to backpedal.

"I think just the history," Fox said. "I go way back to 1966 when I was a Packers fan and some of the things that took place then. That was a long time ago, and I'm embarrassed to say I can remember that, but I do. But it does have great tradition and great history.

Among his favorite players were Bart Starr and Jim Taylor.

"Offensive guys believe it or not," joked Fox, whose background is on defense.

--There are some rumblings from fans about Jake Delhomme having some arm problems after struggling in recent weeks, but he dispelled that notion on Wednesday.

"It feels great," he said. "I can't tell you how great it is."

Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith also mentioned Thursday that Delhomme's arm seems stronger than ever.

"It's not a process for me to get warmed up for practice," Delhomme said. "I think that's the biggest thing. That is what I look forward to. You still have to have soreness (from playing)."

BY THE NUMBERS: 117 - Rushing yards needed by DeAngelo Williams to become only the third running back in franchise history to reach 1,000 yards in a season.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I feel like we have enough character on this team to make the best out of this situation. It's not always bad to lose. Sometimes it helps you out. It could be a good loss. If we go out and run the table it will be a damn good loss. But, you know, our future is in our hands. We still hold the key. So go out and get it done." -- Panthers DT Damione Lewis on losing to Atlanta