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
