I've dished out my fair share of hate, but..

[Mesmer]

There is just something to be said about a team that's still hanging around after all the Panthers have been through.

Obviously, there are still problems with the team, and I don't think anyone can pretend that those all went away forever after the win this past Sunday. To completely flip-flop, and be 100% optimistic about this team's chances down the stretch would be foolish of me.

BUT...

The Panthers played a very good game at Arizona. They shouldn't have even had a chance. Jake was starting, we were playing the NFL's top rushing defense, and we were against the team that sent us packing in the playoffs. But the running game got clicking, the defense was lights out, Jake did just enough, and they managed to pull it off.

If anything is clear at this point, it's that the Panthers, despite their shortcomings, deserve a lot of respect. John Fox, in the face of much criticism, has not lost this team. Delhomme, who most, including myself, predicted to throw 46 interceptions, had 0 turnovers. Peppers, who had been terrible, has absolutely not quit battling and came up huge. This completely "overrated" secondary did a great job all day, and stood up to the big task against a passing offense that ranks near the top.

I knew this game was going to be a blowout. I just didn't know the Panthers were going to be handing it out. Tons of respect goes out to the Panthers this week.

There's still a long way to go, but this kind of win, in this kind of situation... it says a lot about a team's heart and character and I for one am impressed. Kudos.

[stopncrank]

I have to agree, count me as one the Jake bashers, but i have to give him props for sticking it to the team that started his decline. I hope that he can regain his confidence after this win, i just hope Fox and Co. dont let this one win cloud the fact that Jake is NOT gonna be around forever. At best Jake has 1-2 good years left and thats being generous. Gotta give the D tremendous credit for shutting down a very good passing team, i think this Defense is starting to gel. Kinda weird have a pass stopping D instead of a run stopping D. Maybe this is what Jake needed.