The Colts are a warning to the Panthers

[Jangler]

Jim Plunkett was a good QB.

[frash.exe]

really?

Trent Dilfer

Brad Johnson

Jeff Hostetler

Jim Plunkett

forget making it TO the SB, these 4 jokers won the SB. your point is invalid in every way its possible to be invalid.

please provide more >10 year old examples

[CatMan72]

You do get into a cap situation at some point, I think that's a big part of what has happened to the Colts, they had to skimp in other places so they could continue to afford Manning.

Having a QB like Manning play at a high level for as long as he has is both a blessing and a curse in the era of the salary cap. It's a blessing until he gets hurt and then all you have left is the watered-down roster you had to maintain in order to afford him.

I do fault them for not drafting a QB that they were grooming to take over the starting job for Manning, it's obvious they had very little confidence in Painter.

[Gabeking]

I haven't read the whole thread so idk if this was mentioned or not but anyone remember Matt cassell and the patriots? Hes definitely no Brady (I really don't think he's all that good, either..) but he lead the team to 11 wins with no Brady in sight.. Just shows what a good coach and TEAM can do without their best player, which shows the colts obviously have neither... But IMO if we have a few more good drafts and play up to our potential without too many injuries(most importantly with cam, obviously) we'll be a force to be reckoned with unlike we've ever seen.. [keyword "IF"]

[The NFL Shield At Midfield]

please provide more >10 year old examples

Ancient history and two complete anomalies from the last decade backed by two of the best defenses of all time. I'm convinced.

Seriously why not throw Rex Grossman in there too.

[PantherBrew]

I think Dennis Dixon would be a good back up for Cam.

They have somewhat similar skill sets, and we wouldnt have to change the offense too much.

I think he is a FA next season too.

hm.

[beckersteen]

hey how many people ITT are using logic?

[panthers55]

Teams with great defenses can suffer injuries on the offensive side and still survive. Teams with a great offense but questionable defense fall apart when the QB goes down. Defenses may suffer some but rarely fall apart when they miss a great player, because one player doesn't control every play on defense. On offensee the team goes as the QB goes.

The moral is that a great defense is the key to winning consistently. Look at Baltimore.their offense is so hot and cold that usually the defense keeps them in games not the offense.

[PantherBrew]

Teams with great defenses can suffer injuries on the offensive side and still survive. Teams with a great offense but questionable defense fall apart when the QB goes down. Defenses may suffer some but rarely fall apart when they miss a great player, because one player doesn't control every play on defense. On offensee the team goes as the QB goes.

The moral is that a great defense is the key to winning consistently. Look at Baltimore.their offense is so hot and cold that usually the defense keeps them in games not the offense.

Yup, and the Steelers.

On the other hand, the Lions.

[Hairless Cat]

I dont think any team can be a perennial powerhouse without having viable back ups at every position, not just qb.

It also helps with your special teams which we seem to always suck at.

[Davidson Deac II]

This thread has a very valid point. As of now our close games are because of one player.

You are basically saying that Steve Smith, the offensive line, Olsen, Shockey etc... have nothing to do with our close games. IMO, without those guys, Cam Newton wouldn't look as good as he has. An offense needs a quarterback and they need to surround that quarterback with some playmakers. Last year, we had playmakers, but no quarterback to throw it to them. Now we have both, and it shows.

Fwiw,in football there is never, ever a time in which one single player makes a team.

The Colts slide from superbowl contender actually started last year. In 09, their defense was top ten in the league in fewest points allowed, last year they dropped to the 20's, and their record suffered accordingly, 10-6 in a weak division, and an early exit from the playoffs. IMO, even with Manning they would have at best three wins this year. They need to upgradein several areas, not just at quarterback.

[L-TownCat]

Two years ago they were in the Superbowl. Now they can't win... You can't build a team around one person. I hope the Panthers don't get into this mindset and think they will be able to plug anybody in at any position and as long as we have Cam we will be fine.

ummm I'll take the ring then worry about the rest later.

[panthers55]

Yup, and the Steelers.

On the other hand, the Lions.

Detroit is not a great defense and the last 2 weeks have shown their vulnerabilities. They have a great defensive line but are pretty poor against the run, they are so aggressive they are very vulnerable to draws, screens, and misdirection.

Tampa in their defensive hey day under Kiffin was another team that never had a great offense but seemed to always be in games. If you think about it, it was our defense many years that kept us in games as well.

[PantherBrew]

Detroit is not a great defense and the last 2 weeks have shown their vulnerabilities. They have a great defensive line but are pretty poor against the run, they are so aggressive they are very vulnerable to draws, screens, and misdirection.

Tampa in their defensive hey day under Kiffin was another team that never had a great offense but seemed to always be in games. If you think about it, it was our defense many years that kept us in games as well.

That was the point I was making about Detroit. Thats why I said "On the other hand". ;)

They have not had a dominant Defense, and their QB has gotten injured and they completely fell of the map.

The Vikings have had very solid Defenses over the years, and competed even when they had avg QB play. Thats why the addition of Favre made them contenders.