Carolina STILL better than Dallas
October 28, 2008
by Greg Bailey
Alright, Dallas fans. Fire away. I’ll pretend like I deserve it. Tell me your ‘Boys showed heart and toughness and grit in the thrilling win over the Bucs. Tell me leaders stepped up. Tell me you could just tell from the sofa how much they wanted it. Tell me Jerry Jones wore the exact same sideline ensemble that he was going to wear to the Super Bowl last year.
And in 30 seconds I’ll tell you exactly why the Panthers are still light years ahead of the Cowboys:
1) Good teams beat the Cardinals. Always have. Always will. It was true when Jim Hart played quarterback for the Cards and its true now.
2) Brett Basanez is better than Brad Johnson. The Panthers practice squad quarterback is familiar with the term “forward pass.” That’s more than we can say for Johnson. The 40 year old back up took a picture with his family after “throwing” for 122 yards in the win over Tampa. We assume the caption in Johnson’s trophy room will read:”10/26/08 The day I defied mathematics.”
3) Is this Irving, Texas or is this Philly, circa 1972? (I tried to pick an angry year in Philadelphia.) Cowboys’ fans rallied behind their back up quarterback by booing him all day. (I know. I know. Most Dallas fans watched in bars and you can’t really hear the sound from the TV anyway.) If you’re struggling to scrounge up a prom date do you boo your last chance to save face? In Dallas the answer is a loud, lusty, booing “yes.”
4) Steve Smith is MUCH BETTER than T.O. Last year with My Cousin Vinny, rookie Matt Moore, and white glove service from David Carr, Smitty churned out another 1,000 yard season. Stunningly remarkable. In 2 games with the back up QB in Dallas, T.O. has averaged 3 1/2 catches for 32 yards. The true greats don’t always need rhythm or reps or that “he knows what I’m gonna do before I do it” connection. They just make plays. Smith does that. T.O.? Apparently not.
5) DeAngelo Williams is better than Brad Johnson as a quarterback. Williams lined up in the Wildcat formation Sunday the Panthers offense moved the ball crisply. Johnson and the Dallas offense staggered around, staying upright just long enough to watch the defense escape late. And don’t give me the “Brad Johnson played mistake free football that allowed us to win” deal. When DeAngelo took over the offense as the desperation quarterback against Atlanta back in 2006, Carolina ran for 183 yards in a convincing 10-3 win.
Calm and Confident at 6 and 2
October 27, 2008
by Ira Cronin
The Panthers 27 – 23 win over the Cardinals was certainly felt like a rollercoaster ride on Sunday. The first half was mostly filled with downs, as was the first Arizona drive in the 3rd quarter but then the Panthers roared to life. The first spark was courtesy DeAngelo Williams 15 yard touchdown run. A few plays later, Maake Kemoeatu knocked the ball lose from Edgerrin James, and Thomas Davis recovered. Next play of the game was to Steve Smith, an 18 yard touchdown and you could feel the momentum swing and the Panthers seemed destined to win.
The two plays that really impressed me the most in this game, were two 3rd down conversions late in the 4th quarter to seal the win for the Panthers. Not converting on either of these two plays puts the ball back in the hands of Kurt Warner and that explosive offense just in time for them to strike a potential dagger in what would have been a heart breaker of a loss. But convert the Panthers did. First Dwayne Jarrett caught a pass over the middle for a 17 yard gain, and he took a big shot in the ribs in the process. Ever since training camp I have been impressed with the maturity the Jarrett has shown this year. After a very disappointing rookie season he could have sulked and felt sorry for himself coming into training camp. He didn’t, he worked hard in the off season. Early this year, once Steve Smith was back Jarrett was left off the game day 53 man roster a few times and again, could have sulked and felt sorry for himself, but he didn’t. He worked hard, practiced hard and has remained ready until called on, and he was called on today to help ice this game and put it away. The other big play came inside the last two minutes of the game, on 3rd and 13 the Panthers handed the ball to DeAngelo Williams, who broke through for 15 yards putting the game in the bag. Steve Smith said in the locker room that he challenged DeAngelo to pick up the first down. And DeAngelo told me that he and Smith always challenge each other to get things done and it’s something they expect of one another.
Overall in the locker room Sunday after the game was a sense of short term accomplishment. Thanks to the Cowboys beating Tampa the Panthers head into the bye week as the leaders in the NFC South. It’s something they take pride in, but only to the point of knowing that it means nothing once they get back to work at Oakland. To a man most guys I talked to are looking forward to getting some time off, getting some rest, healing up those who are banged up, and getting back guys like Jeff Otah, Ryan Kalil, and D.J. Hackett who have been injured.
Game Grades – Cardinals at Panthers
October 27, 2008
A tale of two halves.
Sunday marked the second time this season the Panthers were able to rally from a deficit and win the game. Last year, the Panthers had no prayer of doing so. This year, more than any other, their ability to win games win things look dreary is the reason the Carolina Panthers remain a Superbowl contender.
Offense:
Steve Smith continues to show why he deserves a lookas the league MVP. No other player can take control of a game and change its outcome more then he. His touchdown reception after tiptoeing to stay in bounds displays this as well as any other. What should have been a 10 yard gain and a first down, became 6 points out of sheer determination.
Deangelo Williams has improved immensly from the beginning of the year. Its funny what giving a guy a chance will do. Deshaun who?
Offensive Grade: B-
Defense:
Against one of the better passing attacks in the NFL, the Panthers defense was up to the task. Their strategy mainly was to keep pressure on Kurt Warner, and take their chances with a receiver being open for a big play. Warner was harassed all afternoon, through relentless blitzes and stunts. Warner had a solid day regardless, but not good enough for the W.
Charles Godfrey is the steal of the draft. There, I said it. He may be the best defensive back on the Panthers roster within the next two years.
Defensive Grade: B
Special Teams:
All kicks made. No blocked punts (which is not taken for granted these days). Would be nice to see a turnover or two go the Panthers way on special teams, to make up for past giveaways.
Special Teams Grade: B
Power Rankings
October 23, 2008
Brandon’s Positively Pointless Power Rankings Week 7
1. Titans
Yet another victory over a struggling team, cruising on their way to 6-0. Unfortunately the level of competition just hasn’t been there so far this year and their opponents have only combined for a 12-26 record. Depending on which Colts team shows up this weekend, it may prove a good test to see if the Titans are for real.
2. Steelers
As Big Ben continues his unbeaten streak in Ohio, Mewelde Moore continues to impress. Even more impressive however is the manner in which this team is winning in the face of adversity and look to become even stronger as more players start getting healthy.
3. Giants
The same criticism of the Titans can be made against the Giants. It’s hard to tell how good this team is, based on the level of teams they’ve faced so far this year. However, their greatest test will be going up against a tough Steelers defense which may prove troubling for Eli and company.
4. Bills
The Bills are a different team with Trent Edwards at QB, as evidenced by their win against the Chargers. With quite possibly the easiest remaining schedule in the NFL (26-35 opp avg record), the Bills are now looking to coast into a great record. However, the NFL has a strange way of taking unpredictable turns halfway through the season.
5. Buccaneers
The lack of consistency on offense is concerning, as they struggled to score against an absolutely obliterated Seahawks team. With the absolute domination in yardage statistics, they only managed a 10 point edge. The defense, however, continued playing at a very high level and shouldn’t have a hard time this week against a neutered Cowboys team.
6. Panthers
After coming out with no emotion at all last week, the Panthers were the exact opposite this week. Despite allowing some early success for the Saints, the Panthers tightened up and only allowed Brees to get some yardage in the 4th quarter. This defense is scary at times and it will need to continue it’s success against the pass going up against the Cards.
7. Redskins
Another mediocre performance this week and more reason for worry. Jason Campbell struggled again this week, despite the incredible performance by Clinton Portis. Fortunately they won’t need much production out of Campbell going up against the Lions, and that game may help him find his rhythm again.
8. Falcons
The Falcons have been enjoying an impressive season so far, putting up a 4-2 record when most thought they’d struggle to win that many games all season. Finding success on the road will be a key point for Mike Smith, with two consecutive road games coming up before an extended home stretch again.
9. Cardinals
In a season full of surprises noone pegged the Falcons, Redskins, or Cardinals to be doing so well at this point in the season. Part of that success is due to the re-emergence of Kurt Warner, who is making the most of one of the best receiving corps in the NFL. Going into Carolina may be tough as they’ve struggled away from home this year.
10 Bears
Things are changing in Chicago. The passing game is performing better than their running game, the offense is doing better than the defense and for some reason they managed to put 48 points on the board against the Vikings. They’re finding ways to win games, albeit in unconventional ways. Heading into the bye week they may be able to figure out the defense.
Panthers Crush Cowboys
October 21, 2008
by Greg Bailey
That’s the headline that Panthers fans love more than any other. Sure, there are Steelers fans and Redskins fans in Charlotte, but Cowboys fans outnumber all the others in numbers and in all the annoying ways that count.
Covered in blue and silver, with stars in places they don’t belong, America’s fans showed up on Jerry Jones’ bandwagon last December at Bank of America Stadium. We should have known then that Carolina’s future prospects would dominate the fortunes of the paper Cowboys.
This is slow and steady vs. instant gratification. Blue collar vs. Hollywood (not old Hollywood like Paul Newman, but new Hollywood like Paris Hilton. Famous for being pathetic or crazy or something.) Work ethic vs. work release program. And the Panthers lead by five or six touchdowns.
It all starts with the men who fashioned the franchises. Panthers owner Jerry Richardson worries about Jake Delhomme’s elbow surgery. Jerry Jones is already planning his next round of plastic surgery. Richardson challenges his players to lead (that looks a whole lot better with Julius Peppers this year than it did last year) while Jones tries to lead in loafers. If that means crowding the sidelines on game day, then great. If that means rolling into the locker room to address your team after Sunday’s embarrassment in St. Louis then all the better. I’ll take Richardson and his millions versus Jones and his billions.
Panthers fans love to gripe about John Fox a little bit too much. Anybody want to trade for Cowboys interim coach, Wade Phillips, now? Anybody want to trade Steve Smith for Terrell Owens tonight? The difference there is that Smith hit rock bottom at training camp and his teammates stood up to let him know how they felt about it. The next time someone stands up to T.O. in Dallas will be the first time.
Carolina has a team. Dallas has a soap opera cast. Maybe it all starts because Jerry is simply too good as the aging leader of the family empire. Maybe T.O. likes life as a diva more than he likes catching passes. Or maybe they’re all just spoiled enough to turn on each other starting as soon as everyone is looking. As long as they’re acting like children, why not see who can throw the best tantrum?
Best leader? Jake Delhomme over Tony Romo in a landslide. Best offensive line? Carolina, even with a couple of backups nobody really knows. Best safety? Chris Harris over Roy Williams even before Williams broke his arm twice this year. Best defensive player? The Julius Peppers who smiles a lot this year is better than almost everybody else in the league.
Go ahead and tell me that it’s a long season. Anything can happen. And I’ll tell you to call me after the Panthers play their next three games against Arizona, Oakland and Detroit. Dallas has to line up against Tampa, the Giants and the Redskins. I grew up 20 miles from Texas Stadium rooting for Roger Staubach. The star he wore looks nothing like that silver piece of scrap metal Dallas wears now.
Game Grades – Saints at Panthers
October 20, 2008
Last week I predicted a 27-10 Panthers victory. It seems I gave the Saints too much credit.
On with the grades…
Offense:
Jake Delhomme did what he always does, he rebounded from a poor showing last week. It his Jake’s ability to keep looking forward and not let individual games shake his confidence that makes him a threat every week. It helps when you have a guys like Steve Smith, who brought in 6 receptions for 122 yards and a TD. The rushing game also saw some improvement, clipping off almost 4 yards a carry. This is most impressive for a squad that was missing their starting center and tackle. All in all, hope has again filled the air in Charlotte, after a week of dissapointment.
Offensive Grade: B+
Defense:
The defense won this game, hands down. New Orleans came into Sunday’s game as arguably the best offense in the entire NFL. The defense was not only able to contain the Saints all day long, but was able to cause key turnovers that gave the offense the opportunity to score. Once the Panthers were up by two scores, New Orleans turned into a predictable one trick offensive pony. The front four of Carolina was able to get pressure in most cases, allowing seven defenders to worry about New Orleans’ WR corps, a mediocre group in the NFL. Drew Brees makes them special, but not in Charlotte.
Defensive Grade: A
Special Teams:
I did not hear one fan call for the head of Danny Crossman. That means it was a good day for special teams. No major mistakes, all field goals made. Good stuff.
Special Teams Grade: B
Here are a few images from the games…
Sir Purr
Jake Delhomme predicts a win
Reggie Bush looks concerned.
Deangelo Williams stretches for the touch down
Steve Smith pulls in a TD
Drew Brees was handcuffed all day
What a Difference a Week Makes
October 20, 2008
By Ira Cronin
Often it seems to me that Panther fans are critical of John Fox because he is so bland and vanilla in what he says to us. In my mind it all gets back to the fact that he practices what he preaches.
After that horrible loss Tampa he didn’t act like the sky was falling because of one really bad game. I think the performance by the team against New Orleans is a product of his vanilla talking points week in and week out. I have to imagine that what he gives us in the media, is only a watered down version of what he tells his team in private. John Fox is a guy who doesn’t get too high after a win, and doesn’t get too low after a loss.
It’s something I need to buy into a little more in my personal life. I was thinking before kick off this was going to be a dog fight of a game, and it didn’t help me feel any better that an hour before kick off I was trying to put in my contact lenses at my seat, and I lost a contact. Luckily I didn’t have to try and watch the game with one eye, I just had to put my glasses back on.
From my seat in the press box the Panthers were dominant. It was great to see the defensive line getting pressure on Drew Brees. It was the difference in the game.
It was even better to be back in a locker room where the guys were feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment at what they had just did.
Sunday, on my walk into the stadium, owner Jerry Richardson and his wife passed me on their way in. They were kind enough to stop and say hello. The Richardson’s said they would try and give us something good to report on, and boy did they ever come through!
Finally I think it’s important to sit back and take a look at where this team has come. Seven games in, the Panthers have only lost twice, and while you can never count the wins before they come, Arizona is a team the Panthers should beat next week, especially the way they have been playing at home, which means they could enter the bye week with a six and two record. That would put them among the best teams in the NFL with a great chance at making some magic.
New Orleans is On Notice!
October 16, 2008
I am Zod the Black, I come to you now at the turn of the tide.
I know. It’s all wrong. By rights we shouldn’t even be here. But we are. It’s like in the great stories, Panthers fans. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and spilled beer the Bucs game was. And sometimes you didn’t want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could Carolina go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass.
A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Panthers Fans, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn’t. They kept going, because they were holding on to something.
The power of the enemy is growing. Peyton will use his puppet Drew Brees to destroy the hopes of us all. Reggie Bush has been unleashed. Peyton now turns to Carolina, the last free kingdom of men. His war on this team will come swiftly. He senses the Ring is close. The strength Delhomme is failing. In his heart, Jake begins to understand. The quest will claim his life. You know this. You have foreseen it. It is the risk we all took. In the gathering dark, the will of the Ring grows strong. It works hard now to find its way into the hands of Carolina. Men, who are so easily seduced by its power. The young captain of New Orleans has but to extend his arm, take the Ring for his own and the NFL will fall.
It is close now, so close to achieving its goal. For Peyton will have dominion over all teams in this conference, even unto the ending of the season. The time of the 3rd down completion is over. Do we leave Carolina to its fate? Do we let them stand alone?
Each day brings it closer to the bratwurst of the huddle tailgate. We must trust now in Delhomme. Everything depends now upon speed and upon the accuracy of his arm. Do not regret your decision to believe in him.
Delhomme must finish this task alone.
Panthers – 24
Saints – 10
Power Rankings
October 15, 2008
by Brandon
1. Tennessee Titans
No better time for a bye week than this. With almost every good team losing this week the TItans regain their spot on the top, in no small part due to their outstanding defense. While the lineup of teams faced may not blow anyone away, they’ve managed to win them all so far.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
While resting up and getting healthy, the Steelers were able to watch just about every other team around them lose. With the return of FWP on the horizon and the possible emergence of Mewelde Moore, they may have some running game to help out Ben’s magic shoulder. At this point in the season however, they can’t afford any more injuries as the schedule gets very tough from here on.
3. NY Giants
This was an extremely sloppy game for the Giants, in every aspect. Giants fans should be worried as this is not the way you want to lose to a team that has been struggling all year to get any sort of offense going. Even worse was Eli Manning coughing up 3 picks, one for a TD. They never managed to force the Browns to punt, an extremely disturbing statistic.
4. Buffalo Bills
Along with the Titans and Steelers, they were helped by a bye week and one where many teams fell to lesser competition much as they did the week prior. They will be depending on the return of Trent Edwards, as Losman just seemed unable to keep the same spark going on offense, and it will be especially important against San Diego this week.
5. Tampa Bay Buccanneers
Do not sleep on this team. With Garcia seemingly back at the helm good things will happen. His generally mistake free play will aid their terrific defense and their offensive production benefited for it. After dominating a Panthers team that never showed up for the game, they should roll over the Seahawks.
6. Carolina Panthers
Never has a team come out so flat as the Panthers did this past weekend. More errors on special teams and the inability to run the ball seemingly echoed their poor performance against the VIkings on week 3. This team will have to collect itself and prepare to face the Saints and Cardinals who are both coming off convincing wins.
7. Washington Redskins
While some fans may cry parody in response to this game, a contender like Washington can’t afford to give up winnable games in a tough division like the NFC East. With statistics seemingly in the favor of the Skins, there is no excuse for giving it away. The lone bright spot was a very good performance again from Portis, but it wasn’t enough in the end.
8. Atlanta Falcons
What a difference a year makes. With a new head coach and QB at the helm this team seems poised to prove to everyone the Michael VIck era is well behind them. Matt Ryan had another great performance against a very good defense. Things are looking up heading into their bye week giving them a breather before heading to Philadelphia.
9. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are back to playing Colts football, and most importantly any rumor of their new stadium being curse has vanished. While the losses of Addai and Hart may be concerning, Peyton is back throwing the ball on target and scoring at will. The defense had an even better performance, completely shutting down Baltimore’s strong run game.
10. St Louis Cardinals
This may finally be the Cardinals team many were hoping to see years and years ago. When faced with a tough situation against a talented team, they held firm and pulled out the win despite some questionable calls. With an extremely weak division surrounding them, the Cardinals fans may be looking forward to their first playoff birth in years.
Panthers vs Saints – Pressure is the Key
October 14, 2008
If there is one absolute key to a Carolina Panthers victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, it is this: Drew Brees must feel pressured.
Brees currently leads the NFL in passing yards with 1993. He currently has a 105 passer rating overall. Now consider on Sunday he gets two real weapons in Marques Colston and Jeremy Shockey back in to the starting lineup. For anyone that watched the Panthers defense get dismantled by a mediocre passing attack in Tampa Bay last Sunday, this is an extremely concerning situation to be in.
If Panthers defensive coordinator Mike Trgovac thinks rushing his front four (who have been anemic all season) and dropping back into a soft zone is a solid game plan, Carolina fans are in for a long disappointing Sunday.
The only chance the Panthers have in stopping the New Orleans Saints attack? Blitz, blitz, and blitz again. And just when you think you have blitzed too many times…. Blitz.
Thomas Davis used to spy Michael Vick with success. Let him do the same here with Reggie Bush. Carolina will see plenty of screen passed to Bush, as he is more receiver than running back. Thomas Davis spying him step for step will minimize the damage done by Bush.
The New Orleans receivers are nothing special. Ken Lucas and Chris Gamble both have the size and speed to cover man up, only if Brees has no more than three seconds to throw the ball. Force the Panthers defensive backfield to cover for more than three seconds , and Brees has the ability to find the open receiver the majority of the time.
Lets hope the defensive game plan this week is different than last.
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