Panthers Send Testaverde Out With a Win

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.