Game Grades – Falcons at Panthers
September 29, 2008
Extremely bad news for the rest of the NFL: Carolina can stop the run.
Offense: Carolina fans are finally seeing what a legitimate second option reciever will get you. Steve and Muhsin are the premier recieving duo in the NFL. Can you think off any better? Delhomme looked as solid as ever, and even with two starting tackles out of the game no sacks were allowed.
Hats off to Wharton and Hangartner, no drop off was noticeable while filling in. Offensive line depth is a wonderful thing.
Offensive Grade: B+
Defense:
The biggest stat of the game: No touchdowns allowed. While Matt Ryan actually competent, the Atlanta recievers were bullied all day by the Carolina DB’s. Didn’t Atlanta invest a couple of first round picks into wide outs recently? I couldn’t tell. Carolina once again shut down a very taleneted, but probably overrated, running game. Overall a solid performance, that if given every Sunday, would easily land the Panthers deep into the playoffs.
Defensive Grade: B+
Special Teams:
The worst performace of any unit on the day. Another blocked punt? Was one not enough this season? Add in too many players on the field during a key return, and you have one stinker of a coaching job, yet again.
Special Teams Grade: D
Brandon’s Positively Pointless Power Rankings..
September 24, 2008
1. Cowboys
Playing some of the best football in the NFL at the moment but questions on defense are still there. While the points weren’t put up on the board like they were last week, the secondary needs to improve.
2. Eagles
The Eagles played incredible defense and exploited a vulnerable Steelers offensive line to pummel Roethlisberger into submission. The injuries on offense are worrisome, none more so than the injury of Brian Westbrook.
3. Giants
The Giants can’t allow bad teams to keep games close and especially can’t allow them to force OT if they want to repeat. However, they still put the W on the board. With such a tough division it remains to be seen how they’ll stack up against the other two top dogs.
4. Steelers
The game is won and lost in the trenches and the Steelers offensive line seems to have been replaced with a set of turnstiles. If they want to play Steeler football, run and play action pass, they need to fix the problems up front. It won’t get any easier against the Ravens defense either.
5. Titans
The Titans defense has been smothering so far this year but the quality of their opponents has been lacking to say the least. However, in a division in which every other team is plagued with injuries and inconsistency, the Titans may be in a good position to grab a division title.
6. Bills
The Bills were the worst team on the field for 3.5 quarters of football, but somehow managed to remember they were a good team and not the Bills of old. Trent Edwards is having a breakout year, and their defense is playing well. However, they still need more production out of the running game.
7. Chargers
It doesn’t matter that the Jets scored on them the way they did, they annihilated the Jets defense and started getting things back on track. LT’s foot injury may still be troublesome but with Rivers having a career year it may not be as important to have him healthy as in years past.
8. Broncos
The Broncos are 3-0 despite what seems to be a complete and utter lack of defense. Allowing a team to gain over 500yds of offense is not going to win you championships and the luck is going to run out eventually. The arm of Cutler however may still be their saving grace.
9. Panthers
Mistakes for a second week in a row stifled the Panthers offense, and unfortunately that’s not acceptable against good defenses. However, the Panthers defense has been playing well to this point in the season only allowing 15 points per game against opposing offenses. The offense needs to find a rhythm soon.
10. Packers
Despite good production the Packers offense was unable to find the endzone most of the game. In their first test they came up short, allowing too many yards on defense and this week they weren’t able to just outscore their opponent.
Game Grades – Panthers at Vikings
September 22, 2008
From the fan reaction alone I was shocked to find out that the Panthers are still 2-1 having won their home game and one of their early road games. Turns out it only takes one loss after two solid wins for for the head of Fox to be called for. Ah yes, Carolina football is back.
Offense:
To me you can sum up the failure of this game with one stat. No running back averaged more than 2.7 yards per carry. Thats not going to cut it folks, not on the road, not against a very good defense. I have seen a lot of blame placed at the feet of Jake Delhomme. While his fumbles were costly, I think the O-Line is more deserving of criticism. No run game, no pass protection, no chance.
Offensive Grade: D
Defense:
Holding a team to 20 points should be enough to win a game. Adding turnovers to give the offense a higher chance of scoring is bonus. While it was not a perfect performance, it was acceptable.
Defensive Grade: C+
Coaching
Despite calls for John Fox to be fired by some temporarily mentally disabled fans, Fox will continue to lead this team into the playoffs this season. Wake me up when “icing the kickergate” is over.
Coaching Grade: C
Panthers to face toughest test yet
September 20, 2008
by Steven Burton
On paper the 2-0 Panthers should be able to steamroll the struggling Minnesota Vikings. The return of Steve Smith should provide renewed vigor to an otherwise unexciting offense, Julius Peppers should have a field day with a back up left tackle and the quarterback whomever it may be; Jackson, Ferotte, Booty, should send a few turnovers into Carolina’s waiting arms. However, despite the above benefits and the last few weeks, the Vikings remain the toughest opponent the Panthers will face in the coming weeks and may well be the toughest test so far this season.
Brad Childress knows a few things, first, that Zygi Wilf won’t tolerate another losing season and desperately wants to see the Vikings return to a position of dominance in the NFC North. He [Childress] also knows that another losing seasons is likely to be the final nail in his head coaching coffin. To put it simply, he has to win more games. An 0-2 hole is generally considered difficult to get out of in today’s NFL, but considering the first two losses came against Green bay and Indianapolis a team could be excused for faltering to a difficult start.
The Panthers will come into Sunday’s match up one of two ways. We’ll see the team that showed up after half time last week against Chicago. A team that wants a victory, a defense that swarms to the ball and jars the ball loose supported by an offense that runs over teams rather than around them, inspired by the return of Steve Smith who makes his presence felt where it’s needed (on third downs and in the red zone). Or, the Panthers will show up like they did in the first half, experiencing a minor hangover from the previous weeks, blocking poorly and generally playing like they were satiated rather than hungry.
If the Panthers wish to be the team that fans and prognosticators know it can be, by looking at the lineup and schedule, this game will provide an excellent measuring stick for just how well the team is coached. John Fox is considered a master motivator and it is no secret that his job is well and truly on the line in Carolina this season. If the Carolina Panthers are to be a team in the playoffs, a team capable of running with the likes of the Giants and the Cowboys, then more than a victory is necessary this week, but a strong, motivated hard fought result.
In the age of Statistics and free agency the most difficult attribute to quantify of all, heart is what needs to be on display this Sunday. The team has to want it, because if Brad Childress has his way, the Minnesota Vikings certainly will.
Brandon’s Positively Pointless Power Rankings
September 16, 2008
And as always, if you don’t agree with me, you’re wrong.
1. Cowboys
Their offense is playing well but their pass defense is questionable and Romo’s mistakes lead to 14 points. For now they’ll remain at the top of the rankings but if they can’t short up their defense it could be disastrous later in the year. Going into Green Bay against what seems to be a very good offense may prove troubling, but a win would put them over the top.
2. Steelers
A tough win on the road against their divisional rivals in terrible conditions will definitely give this team additional momentum. Unfortunately their offensive line proved to be a liability in pass protection for a second week, and with Roethlisberger’s shoulder injury this could be a concern in future games. As usual, however, the Steelers defense was stellar. They face a tough Eagles team in week 3 which will be a true test.
3. Giants
A blowout win over any team inspires confidence, even if it is the lowly Rams. Every part of the offense was firing on all cylinders, and the aggressive Giants defense was very impressive. Their week 1 effort looked rusty to say the least but they took every advantage of going up against the Rams to shake it off. Their next opponent, Cincinnati, should prove little resistance allowing them to sail into the bye week with loads of confidence.
4. Eagles
For another week McNabb looked back in a huge way and rookie DeSean Jackson put up nice numbers, but their defense and lack of a ground game was their undoing. Getting back some or any of their injured receivers will be a big aid but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Jackson remaining in the starting lineup. Pittsburgh coming to town should be worrying if their defense can’t get back on track, as their offense won’t be effective as it was against Dallas.
5. Panthers
A very sloppy game of football over the first 38 minutes almost lead to a decisive victory for the Bears, but after rallying around Delhomme was able to move the ball on a tough Bears defense. Another great defensive effort from Chris Harris, who forced yet another fumble to turn the tide of the game. They have yet to allow a 100yd rusher, which bodes well for their upcoming game against Minn.
6. Chargers
Another tough loss against a good team, but unfortunately for them this should never have been a loss to begin with. Despite falling behind 31-17, they came back to take the lead late in the game. With LT nursing an injury, Rivers stepped up yet again with impressive numbers. Unfortunately the loss of Merriman really showed this week. Someone will have to step up this week in his absence if they want to stop their slide and take down Brett Favre and the Jets.
7. Packers
Another questionable pass defense and another huge outing for Aaron Rodgers. They averted a potential comeback against the Lions. They need to be more consistent running the ball. Like many of the 2-0 teams they’ve had the luxury of beating up on bottom feeders, but next week’s game against Dallas will show the world what the young Packers are made of.
8. Bills
The Bills might be the best story noone will hear about, despite blowing out Seattle and a good win against the Jags. Trent Edwards is turning into a quailty NFL QB, and their defense has been instrumental in both games so far. Next week may prove to be a trap game but there is a good possibility they could coast into the bye week without a number in the loss column.
9. Broncos
Call it luck, call it bad officiating, call it whatever you want the Broncos will take a win however they come. Cutler and the offense has been impressive to this point but their defense is porous and that may prove troublesome against the Saints’s potentially explosive offense.
10. Bears
A heartbreaking loss in the 4th quarter may be what is needed to wake up the Bears. Their defense is at the top of their game and they have seen a huge improvement in the running game as well. Unfortunately the passing game needs to improve, because you can’t rely solely on defense anymore if you want to be a competitor. Having Tampa come to town will be almost a mirror matchup, and would be the best possible time for their offense to get moving.
Vote Jonathan Stewart for Rookie of the Week
September 16, 2008
Carolina Panthers rookie running back is listed among the nominees…
Representing Clemson – Paige!
September 16, 2008
In honor of this week’s victory against the Chicago Bears, I give you something orange worth looking at. Paige is a die hard Clemson fan, I think you will agree she shows the colors well….
Game Grades – Bears at Panthers
September 15, 2008
The Panthers won a home opener.
That deserves repeating.
The Panthers won a home opener.
I will wait for you to wipe away the joyful tears….
Chris Harris is hyped
Offense:
Like every home opener in 4 years, the game began with the offense being sloppy and showing little discipline. Unlike previous seasons the Panthers were able to work through it and ultimately prevail. All of this without the best reciever in the league, Steve Smith. This single fact alone should give all Panthers fans not only hope for the playoffs, but possibly the Superbowl itself. As long as Jake Delhomme stays healthy, these Panthers are in the hunt.
The offensive line did show a few breakdowns yesterday, but thankfully they do not play the Chicago Bears every weekend.
Offensive Grade: B-
Jake Delhomme
Defense:
You have to take your hats off to these guys. They saw there QB take a questionable hit, and they responded. From that moment on the intensity was turned up to 11, shutting out the Bears in the second half. The most overlooked player of the game? Naill Diggs. Diggs showed veteran leadership when things got intense, looking the Bears offense in the face between plays and telling them exactly how they were about to be dominated.
Chris Harris is becoming one of the best free agent aquisitions in Carolina Panthers history.
Defensive Grade: B
Special Teams:
A job well done. No big plays allowed. Kicks made. Touchbacks given.
Special Teams Grade: A
FOr more images of today’s game, visit our WCNC slide show…
Brandon’s Positively Pointless Power Rankings
September 11, 2008
1. Dallas Cowboys
They have depth issues, haven’t won a playoff game in going on 13 years
and have a lot of questionable personalities on one team. But those
things don’t matters as they’ve got a very talented crew of starters
and played well against the Browns.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
They have a solid argument for the #1 position but there are still
question marks with the offensive line and how it will perform this
year. This year marks a major change in balance between this and
previous Steelers teams, as the offense seems more talented than
defense. They are carrying the torch for the wounded AFC.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
If it were almost any team other than the pathetic Rams, they would
have taken the #1 spot in place of the Cowboys. McNabb, who looked
better than he had in many years, and his crew of nobody receivers made
a big mark on Sunday. If this turns out to be more than a flash in the
pan their NFC East rivals will be in for a long season.
4. San Diego Chargers
It was a big blow to lose at home in the opener but they can bounce
back. An extraordinarily weak division and talented team means they’ll
be able to sail into the playoffs. Losing Merriman may have hurt their
already thin linebacking corps but they have more than enough talent on
defense to make up for it.
5. Carolina Panthers
What a difference a year makes. A healthy Delhomme, revamped offensive
line and a revitalized Peppers contributed heavily to the upset on
Sunday. Barring the typical injury plagued season they should do well
but a potential lack of depth in the receiving corps and defensive line
remains a concern.
6. New York Giants
They should have done better against a struggling Redskins, but they
have the talent to do well. Winning the SB may have taken a lot of
pressure off of Coughlin, but it still remains to be seen how the
defense will look minus key players Strahan (retired) Umenyiora (knee)
7. Indianapolis Colts
A beleaguered offensive line and shaky Peyton Manning lead to a
stunning Colts defeat but don’t expect them to stay down once the line
starts coming back and Manning gets into a rhythm. Going up against a
weak Minnesota secondary should be the cure for what ails him, but they
if they want to win games they can’t forget about Addai like they did
in Sunday’s defeat.
8. Green Bay Packers
Rodgers may benefit from a couple easy games but it will be a trial by
fire after that and into November. While youth may be considered one of
their strong points, it is just as easily one of their weak points, as
a lack of definitive leadership may hurt them down the road.
9. Buffalo Bills
While this may possibly come back to bite me, the Bills are poised to
take advantage of a neutered Patriots team and finally dethrone them as
AFC East champs. With a defense and special teams that can score
points, it will take pressure off of their young offense.
10. Chicago Bears
Nobody expected the Bears. While they may still have loads of offensive
inadequacies and dangerous lack of depth on both sides of the ball, if
their defense remains healthy they will be a force to be reckoned with.
Kyle Orton finally proved he was the answer, giving some much needed
stability to the wavering Bears offense, and the emergence of young
running back Matt Forte may prove to reverse their trend of ineptitude
in drafting offensive players.
Representing Wake Forest – Gina!
September 10, 2008
Ladies and Gentlemen, well, mainly Gentlemen,
In the spirit of College Athletics, the Huddle this season will be featuring lovely ladies showing their school spirit in addition to fans of the Panthers.
Gina is a die hard Deacs fan. We decided to shoot on Lake Norman. You are welcome, fellas.
