Packers 24, Panthers 14

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Everything went right for the Carolina Panthers last season, from lucky bounces to staying injury free.

One game into the new season, all that has changed.

The Panthers became the sixth consecutive team to lose the Super Bowl and then drop their ensuing season opener with a 24-14 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Monday night.

Everything went wrong, from a pair of turnovers that led to 14 Green Bay points, to losing star receiver Steve Smith to a broken leg late in the fourth quarter.

”I might cry a little,” Smith said. ”But what are you going to do? Last year we didn't have hardly any injuries and this year I am the first victim.”

Ahman Green ran all over the defending NFC champions, scoring three touchdowns and running for 119 yards for the Packers. He never expected to be so successful against a defense that only gave up four individual 100-yard rushing games last season.

”Whatever is called, we just run it and keep pounding away until it works,” Green said.

But his effort was draining: He needed intravenous fluids for more than 45 minutes after the game to treat dehydration.

Green scored on touchdown runs of 3 and 6 yards, and caught a 3-yard scoring pass from Brett Favre to pile on the Panthers.

”I was surprised at how well we ran the ball,” Favre said. ”Our philosophy is we'll wear you down before you wear us down.”

The Packers could have had that chance in January, if not for Favre's errant final pass on his first snap in overtime of the divisional playoffs. The pass was intercepted and set up Philadelphia's winning field goal.

Carolina then beat the Eagles to advance to the first Super Bowl in team history.

But the Panthers looked nothing like that team Monday night.

Unable to stop the run or run the ball — the two main principles that carried them all last season — the Panthers were out of sync from start to finish.

”We didn't get in a groove, and when we did get the opportunities, we didn't make the plays,” said Stephen Davis, who ran for just 26 yards. ”It's all of us. We've got to get better.”

The Panthers also showed just how bad their patchwork offensive line really is. With three starters from last season gone, a rotating group of aging veterans has gamely tried to fill the holes.

They weren't very effective, struggling to open holes or protect Jake Delhomme.

Carolina managed just 38 yards on the ground, and Delhomme often threw his hands up in disgust after hurrying a pass.

”One game doesn't define a season, and I really think we're better than we showed,” center Jeff Mitchell said.

The lone bright spot came on Delhomme's 30-yard touchdown pass to Muhsin Muhammad that cut the score to 24-14 with 4:46 to play.

But that came one play after Smith was injured.

”It's sad that we lost Smitty,” Delhomme said. ”I would love to have him out there, but we're going to go on.”

Carolina was also done in by its own mistakes.

Delhomme fumbled at the start of the second half, giving Green Bay the ball at the Carolina 31. Although Robert Ferguson's touchdown catch was negated by offensive pass interference, the Packers still converted the turnover into seven points when Green ran nearly untouched into the end zone for a 17-7 lead.

The Panthers then put together their own drive, only to turn the ball over again just as they got into scoring position. Delhomme threw a pass to Smith, who bobbled it twice before it squirted up and into Nick Barnett's hands.

Green Bay took possession and handed off to Green, who steadily pounded away at Carolina's defense. Running through gaping holes late in the third quarter, he gained 46 yards in the period then scored his third touchdown of the game on a 3-yard catch at the edge of the end zone to give the Packers a 24-7 lead. Notes: Green Bay defensive tackle Grady Jackson dislocated his left knee and running back Najeh Davenport strained his hamstring. … Favre moved into third place on the career list with 126 victories, passing Fran Tarkenton. Favre also passed Tarkenton for fourth in career passing attempts with 6,486. … Carolina linebacker Dan Morgan had a game-high 13 tackles.