"As Julius Peppers jogged off the field at Bank of America Stadium for the first time as the enemy, he casually tossed a glove into the stands then embraced former Panthers teammate Steve Smith inside the tunnel.

"I still have a lot of respect for him and these guys," Peppers said of the injured Smith and the Panthers. "Just because it didn't work out upstairs, I still have a lot of respect for the coaches and all the players.

"I think you can see that by everybody coming up to me. I found (Panthers) coach John Fox before the game and shook his hand and had a few words with him. It was a good time."

Peppers might be a little bitter toward the Panthers' front office — he still hasn't spoken to Panthers owner Jerry Richardson or general manager Marty Hurney since leaving town — but he didn't let past differences spoil the moment.

The defensive end appreciated the cheers and welcomed the jeers Sunday.

"I loved it,'' he said. "I am over here now. See my shirt? I'm not the home team, so that is what is expected.

"I think when I first came out, I heard cheers. But I didn't expect to hear the cheers the whole game.''

Peppers didn't record a sack, but fans couldn't help but applaud the tone-setting play he made midway through the first quarter. He fought off a cut block attempted by ex-teammate Geoff Schwartz, tipped a pass by rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen, fell to his knees and still managed to corral the ball before it hit the ground."