Panthers scalp Chiefs

The Carolina Panthers are off to their best start since 2003 following a 34-0 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday at Bank of America Stadium. It was one of their most dominating victories in the John Fox era, as they limited their visitors to 127 yards of total offense.

Kansas City running back Larry Johnson, who had rushed for 319 yards in his previous two games, managed just two yards on seven carries.

"It's been awhile since we've had a game like this," said Fox.

It was actually Carolina's most lopsided win in team history, edging out a 44-11 victory at Atlanta to close out the 2005 season. That same season, the Panthers defeated the Jets, 30-3. Just like these Chiefs, those Jets were coached by Herm Edwards.

"I didn't see that coming at all," said Edwards. "We were a confident team after last week's game. (Kansas City had defeated Denver the week before to end a franchise-record 12-game losing streak.) Then we come in here and we acted like we've never played before."

The star of the multi-star show was DeAngelo Williams, who rushed for 123 yards and had three touchdowns, two rushing and one receiving.

Touchback kickoffs by Rhys Lloyd have become a huge weapon for the Panthers opportunistic defense, which registered three sacks and two interceptions.

Steve Smith caught six passes for 96 yards. Muhsin Muhammad continued his Carolina comeback season with a 47-yard touchdown catch-and-run. This is clearly a team that enjoys playing together.

"We had talent last year, but I don't think the chemistry was there," said safety Chris Harris. "We've got great chemistry. Guys like each other, and that's huge."

Johnson became the latest star running back to get stuffed by the Panthers defense, joining LaDainlian Tomlinson, Adrian Peterson and Michael Turner.

The lone concern for the Panthers was an ankle injury to starting center Ryan Kalil. Starting tackles Jordan Gross and Jeff Otah missed the Kansas City game with injuries, and the Panthers face division rival Tampa Bay next Sunday.