Crumpler's late TD leads Falcons over Panthers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Joey Harrington was briefly knocked out of the game, completed a pass to himself and was face down on the winning score. Vinny Testaverde limped around, unable to will his soon-to-be 44-year-old body to a touchdown drive.

In an ugly day of football in the weak NFC South, Harrington's will to stay in the pocket was the difference.

Just before he was drilled to the turf, Harrington found Alge Crumpler over the middle for a 30- yard touchdown with 20 seconds left to give the Atlanta Falcons a 20-13 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday in a game filled with little offense, mistakes and old-man jokes.

It may have lacked esthetics, but Harrington and the Falcons (3-6) will take it. After losing six of seven to start the season under the cloud of Michael Vick's suspension, the Falcons won their second straight game and may still have a chance in their struggling division.

''I felt better than I felt all year, knowing that we put the drive together to win that game,'' said Harrington, who has recovered from being benched earlier in the season.

Harrington, who missed one play in the first half when he was shaken up after being hit by linebacker Thomas Davis, was drilled by Davis again just as he released the ball in the final minute. Crumpler, who returned after missing the previous two games with ankle and knee injuries, caught the short pass and sliced between safeties Chris Harris and Quinton Teal for the score.

Harris claimed the official got in the way on the play. Harrington, trying to pick himself up, never saw Crumpler reach the end zone.

''I listened to the crowd,'' Harrington said.

The crowd watched another home game slip away for the Panthers (4- 5), who have lost three straight and six in a row at home dating to last season.

With Tampa Bay (5-4) idle and New Orleans (4-5) losing Sunday, everybody still has a chance in this division.