Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme stood at the podium Sunday, wearing a look of relief on his face and the fruits of his team's season-long labor on his back and head.
After eight seasons and several knee surgeries, Saints running back Deuce McAllister was able to start what might have been his final game with the only NFL team he has known.
CarolinaPanthers coach John Fox has spent much of this week trying to play down the importance of his team getting the NFC playoffs' second seed and an accompanying first-round bye.