Panthers Undefeated at Home
December 15, 2008
by Ira Cronin
For just the second time in franchise history, the Carolina Panthers finished their home schedule with perfect record of 8-0. The first time was in the team’s second year back in 1996, way before my days covering the Cats.
My first year covering the Panthers was in 2001, the infamous 1 -15 season. So I can appreciate what it’s like to go into the locker room, game after game, and try to find a new way to ask the guys how they lost a close game they should have won. Let me tell you it’s not fun.
I have been on both sides of this deal, 0-8 at home, and now 8-0 at home. And I can tell you 8-0 at home is a much better deal.
The last time the Panthers were 8-0 at home in 1996. They went all the way to the NFC Championship game. Let’s hope this year’s edition of 8-0 at home can go just as far, and then take it all the way.
Carolina Huddle Bike Drive
December 15, 2008
On Sunday Carolina Huddle donated 142 bicycles to the Toys for Tots program. The bicycles were dropped off to the Marines at Bank of America stadium. Thank you to everyone that donated to our cause.
Game Grades – Broncos at Panthers…
December 15, 2008
On Sunday the Carolina Panthers played the most complete football game they have played all season, and in the process, took a two game lead in the NFC South.
It sure is nice to peak in December.
Offense:
Jeff Otah isn’t mentioned in any rookie of the year conversations, but he should be. Otah is as good at his position as any rookie out there. Deangelo Williams can attribute a good chunk of his success to Otah, who is ofter seen sweeping to the right and bulldozing multiple defenders. A man that big has no business being that quick.
With the Broncos concentrating on stopping the two headed monster of Williams and Stewart, they seemed to have forgotten the most dangerous wide receiver in the game was on the Field. Steve Smith made their entire defense look like a practice squad, effortlessly finding huge openings in their zone schemes.
This will present a most difficult decision in the upcoming game against the NY Giants (a team that is definitely not peaking in December). Stop the run, or stop Steve Smith. Pick your poison New York, because you can’t do both.
Offensive Grade: A
Defense:
One of the most dynamic passing offenses in the league was held to 170 yards and only 1 touchdown. Personally, I don’t buy into the hype surrounding Broncos QB Cutler. Why? Look at their division. Denver is the only team with a winning record. If Denver was a college team, they would not be looking at a decent bowl game, due to strength of schedule. Cutler proved to be a paper QB, folding over once pressure surrounded him.
Busch League.
Defensive Grade: A
Special Teams:
John Kasay keeps on being Mr. Reliable. His field goals kept the momentum up, an important factor. No big plays allowed on kick and punt returns.
Special Teams grade: A
