Thoughts on the game/season - reason for optimism?

[hepcat]

Brian Billick made a very insightful comment about the Panthers QB situation today - and that is that Delhomme buys into what the coaches want to do in Carolina, and that is run the ball. After a draw play on third and long, Delhomme wasn't screaming and whining at the coaches about the play call, he just handed the ball off and kept his mouth shut. So...where does that leave the Panthers? In the loss column.

After watching today's game, I am both optimistic and worried about the state of the Panthers. They definently showed they could hang with the Saints, regarded as arguably the best team in the league. The first half was the best the Panthers have played all season. Deangelo Williams might very well be the best back in the game, and the defense has the talent to create turnovers and stop any offense.

Then came the meltdown. Suddenly, the pass defense dissapeared. Brees basically had his run of the field, scoring two TDs on big plays in the passing game. The Panthers had what was considered one of the best pass defenses coming in today, but Brees just carved it up.

So where does this leave the Panthers? At 3-5, in a division lead by an 8-0 team followed by a 5-3 team, it seems that barring a miracle, the season is over. Julius Peppers, making a cool million a game, was silent today. Steve Smith however, wasn't. But not in a good way. He is obviously frustrated and isn't used to losing. I would be worried that these two players, at one time considered the best at their positions in the NFL, might be on their way out of Carolina at seasons end. If a change of regime were to occur, this might be a way to get back some early draft picks. Jake Delhomme has no buisness starting in the NFL anymore. He didn't lose the game for the Panthers, but he sure didn't do anything to help. I don't need to stress it anymore because we are all aware of it, but we have no other option at QB, and that falls on the GM and coach. This would be a Superbowl caliber team with a better QB.

So is there any reason for optimism? I would say yes. The defense is very young, fast, and talented. There is a need for more depth up front, but overall it is a solid group. With time, it will definently improve and become one of the top defenses in the NFL, I have no doubt. On offense, Deangelo Williams is straight nasty. J-Stewart didn't have the best game today, but he has had his moments. For years, the O-Line was considered a weakness for the Panthers, but now it is definently a strength. And for the most part (outside of Keydrick Vincent) is still young. There is a lot of young talent developing on this team.

So here's what I think - Fox does not need to be fired. The team is still competetive and will likely finish 7-9. At the end of the season, trade Peppers for whatever we can get for him, and draft or sign a QB. That's the only thing holding this team back. Delhomme needs his contract reduced to backup salary. I would say keep him around to mentor the QB brought in. But for a team as talented as this one, blowing it all up would not be a wise move.

Go Panthers.

[solidkjames]

If Fox stays then next year Jake will start. It's gonna take a whole new scheme and regime to get this team to the top. Fox will never change and Jake is done. I have no expectations and as long as Jake Delhomme starts for the Panthers I will not attend a home game. I have sold my season tickets to a coworker and I am done.

[Fox007]

One thing that is lost in all of this is that our RB's are taking a pounding.

Stewart is always hurt or not 100%, and lately Williams has taken some good shots.

Our passing game, or lack of, is hurting this team in more ways than one.

[Sloth]

As said before, if Fox stays:

Delhomme stays and starts. We'll just have to tone our pass attempts down to about 7 or 8 a game and run the wishbone. It's ok though, because Jake gives us our only shot at winning.

That worthless sack of crap Davidson stays.

No looks at WR, Moose is probably done. Smith/LOL will be our starting set. Smith murders Davidson by game 7.

DeAngelo's wheels fall off.

[replive]

i thought gross sucked today from what i saw. he gave up a sack to will smith and was mostly ineffective

i don't know how effective you can be with 1826-man fronts, though.

[Baschski]

We won't be trading Peppers. No one will pick up his price tag. I'd rather just release him and use the cap space to pick up a couple good FA's (One being a WR).

[Jangler]

I will not be optimistic until Fox, Hurney, Jake and Peppers are gone.

[Pantherman]

Brian Billick made a very insightful comment about the Panthers QB situation today - and that is that Delhomme buys into what the coaches want to do in Carolina, and that is run the ball. After a draw play on third and long, Delhomme wasn't screaming and whining at the coaches about the play call, he just handed the ball off and kept his mouth shut. So...where does that leave the Panthers? In the loss column.

After watching today's game, I am both optimistic and worried about the state of the Panthers. They definently showed they could hang with the Saints, regarded as arguably the best team in the league. The first half was the best the Panthers have played all season. Deangelo Williams might very well be the best back in the game, and the defense has the talent to create turnovers and stop any offense.

Then came the meltdown. Suddenly, the pass defense dissapeared. Brees basically had his run of the field, scoring two TDs on big plays in the passing game. The Panthers had what was considered one of the best pass defenses coming in today, but Brees just carved it up.

So where does this leave the Panthers? At 3-5, in a division lead by an 8-0 team followed by a 5-3 team, it seems that barring a miracle, the season is over. Julius Peppers, making a cool million a game, was silent today. Steve Smith however, wasn't. But not in a good way. He is obviously frustrated and isn't used to losing. I would be worried that these two players, at one time considered the best at their positions in the NFL, might be on their way out of Carolina at seasons end. If a change of regime were to occur, this might be a way to get back some early draft picks. Jake Delhomme has no buisness starting in the NFL anymore. He didn't lose the game for the Panthers, but he sure didn't do anything to help. I don't need to stress it anymore because we are all aware of it, but we have no other option at QB, and that falls on the GM and coach. This would be a Superbowl caliber team with a better QB.

So is there any reason for optimism? I would say yes. The defense is very young, fast, and talented. There is a need for more depth up front, but overall it is a solid group. With time, it will definently improve and become one of the top defenses in the NFL, I have no doubt. On offense, Deangelo Williams is straight nasty. J-Stewart didn't have the best game today, but he has had his moments. For years, the O-Line was considered a weakness for the Panthers, but now it is definently a strength. And for the most part (outside of Keydrick Vincent) is still young. There is a lot of young talent developing on this team.

So here's what I think - Fox does not need to be fired. The team is still competetive and will likely finish 7-9. At the end of the season, trade Peppers for whatever we can get for him, and draft or sign a QB. That's the only thing holding this team back. Delhomme needs his contract reduced to backup salary. I would say keep him around to mentor the QB brought in. But for a team as talented as this one, blowing it all up would not be a wise move.

Go Panthers.

:eek: No other option at QB. BS giv emoore a ****** chance before you say we have no option. More might be the answer. GD do not Judge until Moore has played a few games. If he ever gets the chance to play.:nopity:

[Snake]

I went into this game seeing it as a win/win. I think this game sealed Foxes fate today. IMO there is no way we make the playoffs. We needed this win badly.

[Pantherman]

We won't be trading Peppers. No one will pick up his price tag. I'd rather just release him and use the cap space to pick up a couple good FA's (One being a WR).

You are talking as peppers has a long term contract are something. He signed a one year deal this pass offseason. We just don't need to resign his old ass. He is 32 next year and ain't worth it anymore. time to go with our with our number 2/1st rder pick in everrt brown and let him start. The only option for next year. peppers is just not worth paying him 20 plus million next year.

[capfolly]

You are talking as peppers has a long term contract are something. He signed a one year deal this pass offseason. We just don't need to resign his old ass. He is 32 next year and ain't worth it anymore. time to go with our with our number 2/1st rder pick in everrt brown and let him start. The only option for next year. peppers is just not worth paying him 20 plus million next year.

Peppers is 29.

[bleys]

Brian Billick made a very insightful comment about the Panthers QB situation today - and that is that Delhomme buys into what the coaches want to do in Carolina, and that is run the ball. After a draw play on third and long, Delhomme wasn't screaming and whining at the coaches about the play call, he just handed the ball off and kept his mouth shut. So...where does that leave the Panthers? In the loss column.

Go Panthers.

actually, Delhomme was getting on them at one point about this very thing.. I can't read lips, but I believe Billick even responded about Jake trying to get them to let him throw the ball....

As for optimism.. Our defense holds up well when our offense does their job. Jake isn't horrible all the time. Our Run game is going strong.

but one thing that will keep us from winning big games, such as this one, is play calling. Davidson is frustrating as hell to watch, minus the lack of discipline (false starts), he was our biggest drive killer.

also, the false starts and lack of discipline have to be fixed if we want to win any big games..