Article: ON THE NFL; Vikings defense humbles Smith in season debut; The Panthers' best player wasn't the only one who had a terrible time. Quarterback Jake Delhomme said the beating Minnesota gave him was his worst since 2005.(SPORTS)

Byline: MARK CRAIG; STAFF WRITER

Steve Smith mocked the Love Boat-era Vikings in 2005 by dropping to his backside and pretending to row when one of his 11 catches went for a touchdown. Sunday's game at the Metrodome had the potential for a repeat performance early, but Smith ultimately found himself up a creek without his imaginary paddle as his Carolina Panthers lost 20-10 in Smith's season debut.

"It was an emotional day for me, and you always want the nice story to be the story," Smith said. "But today wasn't the day."

In his first action since serving a two-game team-imposed suspension for punching teammate Ken Lucas, Smith started by ...

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