Testaverde leads Panthers over Cards

Early last week, Vinny Testaverde turned down a job offer from Arizona, then accepted one from Carolina.

The Panthers are glad he signed with them – and do the Cardinals ever regret his decision.

The 43-year-old Testaverde hit Steve Smith for a 65-yard touchdown pass to lead Carolina past the Cardinals 25-10 at Glendale, Ariz., on Sunday.

Arizona had to press Tim Rattay into service after losing starter Kurt Warner to a sprained left elbow in the first quarter, and Rattay threw three interceptions.

DeAngelo Williams ran for 121 yards and a touchdown for the Panthers (4-2), who are 4-0 on the road this year. John Kasay kicked four field goals for Carolina.

Testaverde became the oldest starting quarterback to win a game in NFL history, and the third-oldest to start one. His touchdown pass gives him at least one in 21 straight seasons, extending his own NFL record.

Testaverde completed 20 of 33 passes for 206 yards and a touchdown, and he did not throw an interception.

The Cardinals could have used Testaverde when Warner, making his first start of the season, was knocked out in the first quarter with a sprained left elbow. The injury occurred on a sack by Julius Peppers, who forced a fumble on the play.

With Warner out, Arizona had to turn to Rattay, whom it signed after Testaverde snubbed them. Rattay makes his home in the Phoenix area.

Rattay was 12 of 24 for 159 yards with three interceptions.