Game Grades – Panthers at Eagles

Hear that sound?

It’s reality knocking.

Offense

The Panthers starting offense had a lackluster if not awful performance in Philadelphia. The good news is that both Deangelo Williams and Deshaun Foster looked good in their individual efforts. Jeff King also looked good, catching a clutch third down conversion in the second quarter, the first out of 6 attempts to convert. David Carr is more mobile than I expected, his impromptu TD run is something no other Panthers QB could do for the last few seasons.

Jake Delhomme did not fair as well. True fans of the Panthers recognized that Jake Delhomme last night. The Jake Delhomme that occasionally implode and look completely different than his reliable self. It happens every season. After throwing 3 near interceptions, Delhomme finally threw one that was picked off for a touchdown. The pass was about at poor as you will ever see in the NFL. I wish we could see Jeff Davidson’s face the moment it was thrown. Jake ws not the only one with a poor showing last night.
Drew Carter had a very bad drop on a ball that should have been caught, his hands were all over it. This has always been the knock against Carter. Great speed, poor hands. Lets hope it was a one game occurrence this season.  The offensive line did not play at an acceptable level in pass protection. If they cannot pull together, its going to be a long season.

Offensive Grade – D

 Defense

On the second play of the game our best safety was out of position and allowed a large chunk of yardage to be given up over the middle of the field. This will be a common theme all season long. The Panthers have a long history of giving up big plays between the hash marks. The lack of quality play makers at Safety this season will not improve on that unfortunate fact.

It is hard to grade a defense overall that does not feature Julius Peppers or Dan Morgan in the starting lineup. Add those two players to just about any squad in the NFL, and there would be a dramatic upgrade in play. Stanley McClover showed he may not be only a pass rushing specialist. His run support and tackling indicates he may have an every down future ahead of him.

Defensive Grade – C**
**unable to grade fairly with two play makers not on the field.

 Special Teams

Ironically the worst aspect of the team a week ago was the best this week. Such is preseason.

I for one would not mind seeing Nick Goings handle every kickoff the entire season. He may not break one for a touchdown, but he will get the Panthers past the 20 on nearly every kickoff. Jason Baker had a solid performance, punting five times for large numbers. The defense should buy him a box of donuts this morning.

Special teams Grade – B 

Coaching 

Again, I cannot really grade the game for the coaches on anything other than individual performances and how well the fundamentals of the game were executed. That said, overall it was a poor performance.

The players may have to sweat it out in Spartanburg another week.

Coaching Grade – C