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Panthers Send Testaverde Out With a Win

In Houston, Texans finish at .500 for first time in franchise history

By Mike Buss,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 30, 2007 9:44 PM CST

(Newser) – Vinny Testaverde ended his pro football career where it began—in Tampa—taking the final snap of Carolina's 31-23 meaningless win over the Buccaneers. The Panthers took advantage of Tampa resting seven starters in preparation for next week's playoff game against the New York Giants. Leaving the field, Testaverde hugged his wife and said "That's it. It's all over." In other action:

Jacksonville also rested many regulars, including quarterback David Garrard, and it showed as the Houston Texans scored a franchise-record 42 points against a normally stingy Jaguars defense. Ron Dayne scored twice for Houston and set a career high in rushing yards with 773 while Andre Davis electrified Reliant Stadium with two kickoff returns for touchdowns. The Texans finished 8-8.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Vinny Testaverde hugs his wife, Mitzi, after the Panthers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-23 on Sunday Dec. 30, 2007 in Tampa, Fla. Testaverde says he is retiring. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Vinny Testaverde hugs his wife, Mitzi, after the Panthers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-23 on Sunday Dec. 30, 2007 in Tampa, Fla. Testaverde says he is retiring. (AP...   (Associated Press)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Vinny Testaverde (16) hugs former teammate Ronde Barber before the start of an NFL football game Sunday Dec. 30, 2007, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Vinny Testaverde (16) hugs former teammate Ronde Barber before the start of an NFL football game Sunday Dec. 30, 2007, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)   (Associated Press)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Michael Bennett, left, jumps to elude a tackle by Carolina Panthers' Deke Cooper, right, to score during the second half on Sunday Dec. 30, 2007, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Michael Bennett, left, jumps to elude a tackle by Carolina Panthers' Deke Cooper, right, to score during the second half on Sunday Dec. 30, 2007, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)   (Associated Press)
Houston Texans' Ron Dayne (36) celebrates his touchdown run with teammate Vonta Leach (44) during the first quarter of their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007, in Houston. The Texans beat the Jaguars, 42-28. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
Houston Texans' Ron Dayne (36) celebrates his touchdown run with teammate Vonta Leach (44) during the first quarter of their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007, in Houston. The...   (Associated Press)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard (9) watches from the sideline during the fourth quarter of a football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007, in Houston. Garrard did not play in the Jaguars' loss to the Texans. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard (9) watches from the sideline during the fourth quarter of a football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007, in Houston. Garrard did not...   (Associated Press)
Houston Texans' Darius Walker (37) dives for the goal line as Jacksonville Jaguars' Brian Iwuh (59) tackles him during the fourth quarter Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007 in Houston. Walker was ruled down just short of the goal line. The Texans beat the Jaguars, 42-28. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans' Darius Walker (37) dives for the goal line as Jacksonville Jaguars' Brian Iwuh (59) tackles him during the fourth quarter Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007 in Houston. Walker was ruled down just short...   (Associated Press)
Houston Texans' Andre' Davis (11) celebrates his 104-yard kickoff return for a touchdown as Jacksonville Jaguars' Lamont Thompson (34) defends during the third quarter Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007, in Houston. The return for a touchdown was Davis' second of the game. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans' Andre' Davis (11) celebrates his 104-yard kickoff return for a touchdown as Jacksonville Jaguars' Lamont Thompson (34) defends during the third quarter Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007, in Houston....   (Associated Press)
Jacksonville Jaguars' Greg Jones (33) rushes for a gain as Houston Texans' DeMeco Ryans (59) tackles him during the second quarter Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Jacksonville Jaguars' Greg Jones (33) rushes for a gain as Houston Texans' DeMeco Ryans (59) tackles him during the second quarter Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)   (Associated Press)
Houston Texans' Andre Johnson (80) reaches for the end zone as Jacksonville Jaguars' Sammy Knight (26) defends during the second quarter on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007, in Houston. Johnson was ruled down at the one-yard line. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans' Andre Johnson (80) reaches for the end zone as Jacksonville Jaguars' Sammy Knight (26) defends during the second quarter on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007, in Houston. Johnson was ruled down at...   (Associated Press)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore (3) eludes Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Chris Hovan (95) during the Panthers' 31-23 win in an NFL football game Sunday Dec. 30, 2007 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore (3) eludes Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Chris Hovan (95) during the Panthers' 31-23 win in an NFL football game Sunday Dec. 30, 2007 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)   (Associated Press)
Carolina Panthers' DeAngelo Williams follows blockers to score during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Carolina Panthers' DeAngelo Williams follows blockers to score during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)   (Associated Press)
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NFL • Houston Texans • Ron Dayne • Jacksonville Jaguars • Carolina Panthers • football • Tampa Bay Buccaneers • Vinny Testaverde

 
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