The Carolina Panthers have won two football games in a row despite starting the worst NFL quarterback between here and Oakland, Calif.

Carolina kept Tampa Bay winless (0-6) after abandoning the passing game on the final drive of a 28-21 win on Sunday.

The Panthers (2-3) ran the ball 15 times out of 16 times on the game-winning drive. Quarterback Jake Delhomme’s only completion was to Steve Smith at the line of scrimmage. Smith plowed ahead for a four-yard gain on his only catch of the day.

Delhomme finished with 65 passing yards and did throw two touchdown passes, but one was to the other team. Delhomme has four touchdown passes in five games and three interceptions returned for TDs.

Delhomme’s 10 interceptions continue to lead the NFL. Mark Sanchez, the Jets’ rookie QB, threw five picks in one game Sunday and also has 10 on the year, but in one more game than Delhomme.

Carolina was wise to keep it on the ground Sunday. Tampa Bay couldn’t stop the run, and the Panthers finally lost confidence in Delhomme’s decision-making.

Delhomme is on pace to throw 32 interceptions this season, twice as many as any other year in his career.

But don’t feel bad for the guy. He won the lottery earlier this year when he suckered the Panthers into guaranteeing $20 million even if they cut him today.

Davis a Pro Bowler?

When the Panthers drafted Thomas Davis five years ago, they struggled to find a position for the first-rounder.

But the college safety is turning into a stud outside linebacker, and could make his first Pro Bowl this season.

Davis had eight tackles and a critical interception that resulted in a touchdown during the win over Tampa Bay.

Davis (6-foot, 240 pounds) has 48 tackles and 1.5 sacks on the season. His 9.6 tackles per game rank fifth in the NFL.

No creativity

Carolina’s Steve Smith is one of the most dynamic football players in the world — but only when he has the football.

Obviously Smith is suffering from playing with one of the worst quarterbacks in the league, but how about a reverse once in a while?

All the top receivers in the NFL get double-teamed, but good offensive coordinators come up with ways to get guys like Andre Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald the ball anyway.

Carolina has a Hall of Fame talent in Smith — he’s a four-time Pro Bowler — but right now he’s not even the best Steve Smith in the league.

Don’t blame Pep

Speaking of four-time Pro Bowlers with Hall of Fame talent, Panthers end Julius Peppers has his motor running again.

Peppers, who was franchised in the offseason despite publicly stating he wants out of Carolina, has a combined four sacks in his last two games.

Peppers is now averaging a sack per game and also has two forced fumbles and a safety.