(My Sportsbook) - If it wasn't bad enough that the Carolina Panthers have lost seven in a row heading into this week's contest against Atlanta, now they have controversy to deal with.

Top wideout Steve Smith got into a fight with Anthony Bright in a team meeting and has been suspended for the contest. Smith released an apologetic statement on Wednesday.

"First and foremost, I would like to apologize to Anthony Bright," said. "I regret the actions that led to my suspension and want to apologize to my teammates, coaches, the organization, and fans of the Carolina Panthers. Being away and watching this week will be difficult, but I take full responsibility for my absence and actions."

The Panthers have struggled nearly all year throwing the ball, as they rank 15th in the NFC and 29th in the NFL in pass offense (180.1 ypg). Carolina must find a way to get the ball to talented wideout Muhsin Muhammad with Smith on the sidelines.

The Panthers' offense is coming off one of its least impressive performances of the year with veteran Rodney Peete under center. Peete turned the ball over four times, including three interceptions and a fumble. The signal-caller was struggling with a sprained tendon on his right middle finger.

"It wasn't 100 percent. I'll leave it at that," Peete said. "But if I'm going to go out and play, I've got to make the throws and be accurate. I wasn't doing that Sunday on certain occasions and it hurt us with the turnovers. We can't turn the ball over like that on the road against Tampa and expect to come out on top."

Despite Peete's lingering injury and his struggles, Fox has decided to keep him as his starter for this week's game.

"At this point I still think we're going to do what gives us the best chance to win and Rodney Peete will be our starting quarterback against Atlanta," Fox said.

It's not like he has that great of options off the bench in Chris Weinke and Randy Fasani. Weinke and Fasani have combined for no touchdown passes and four picks in their playing time this season when Peete has been injured.

It will also be very important for the Panthers to establish a running game with Lamar Smith against the Falcons. Lamar Smith was bottled up by the Bucs last week, managing just 46 yards on 15 carries. The Panthers must get Smith going early so that they can control the clock and keep Vick on the sidelines.

Carolina hasn't been prolific in the running game either, posting only 106.5 yards per contest. The Panthers' offensive line must take this as a challenge to clear room for Lamar Smith to run through in this game.

APPEALING PEPPERS

The defense has been the lone thing keeping the Panthers in games during the losing streak. Fox, the former defensive coordinator of the New York Giants, has his defense ranked third in the NFC (286.0 ypg).

A big reason for the success of the Panthers' defense has been the play of rookie defensive end Julius Peppers. The first round pick out of North Carolina has posted a league-high 11 sacks and 31 tackles on the year.

Peppers is currently fighting to stay on the field after testing positive for performance enhancing drugs. Fortunately for the Panthers, Peppers will be able to play this week thanks to his ongoing appeal. If the appeal fails, he will miss four games.

COMING UP: The Panthers hit the road to take on the Cleveland Browns this week.