Sunday, September 13, 2009

A pathetic opening day: Panthers lose by 28

OK, now that was ridiculous.

So ridiculous, in fact, that John Fox finally gave up the ghost and has taken Jake Delhomme out of the game. Josh McCown entered to loud cheers -- down 38-10 midway through the third quarter. But he didn't last long, getting sacked and hurting his left knee early in the fourth quarter. Then Matt Moore came in -- the Panthers' third QB. He played the fourth quarter for Carolina and got the team to the 1 on its last drive, but DeAngelo Williams was stopped short of the goal line, so it ended 38-10.

McCown has a sprained knee -- it's unclear how long he will be out. Coach John Fox said after the game when asked who his quarterback would be next week at Atlanta: "I think we start back with Jake. We've got to go back and evaluate what happened to us.... I don't think that it was all Jake's fault."

Delhomme's last two passes were intercepted, giving him 5 turnovers for the game (and only 7 completions). One of those third-quarter picks came on a screen pass -- with Delhomme under huge pressure, but still. Philadelphia ran that one back to the 10 and scored.

That score may have come at a price, however. Donovan McNabb scrambled for the TD but was tackled hard and stayed on the field for about 5 minutes on his back. He had a rib injury -- some outlets are reporting he will be out 2-4 weeks, although Eagles coach Andy Reid did not say anything that strong and implied McNabb might even play next week.

The Eagles brought in backup QB Kevin Kolb (Michael Vick was in Charlotte too, but in streetclothes, watching from a skybox). Kolb finished the game but couldn't score against the Panthers, so the game's last 21 minutes were scoreless and Carolina STILL lost by 28.

After that screen-pass pick the Panthers sent Delhomme back in -- to a torrent of boos -- and had him throw deep. Delhomme threw a 40-yard jump ball toward Steve Smith, who had one-on-one coverage. But the coverage was really good and that one got intercepted, too. I was surprised Smith didn't knock it down at least.

So that was four interceptions for Delhomme as well as his fumble that got taken back for a TD. The similarities to the Arizona playoff game were uncanny -- and painful.

Smith expressed confidence in Delhomme after the game, as well as compassion for his friend. But it's clear that the Panthers are going nowhere until the QB situation gets sorted out. All in all, it was a pathetic opening day for the Panthers.

Follow Scott on Twitter at Twitter.com/scott_fowler

90 comments:

Anonymous said...

The Eagles don't need McNabb back. You can put this one in the books. Coach Reid would be insane to bring McNabb back into the game, injured or not.

Anonymous said...

i am not surprised by the production, so far. jake is a bum and hasn't shaken the Arizona game (as reflected in much of the pre-season). the 09/10 season could be really long and painful. oh the humanity.

Anonymous said...

Looks like McClown isn't exactly an upgrade either...

Anonymous said...

24 points! 24 points off Jake's turnovers. And this city didn't want to take a chance on Mike Vick? No more Panther's games for me. I just hope the NFL keeps letting CBS show alternate games at 1:00PM like they showed Atlanta Miami today.

Anonymous said...

Haha, wow. Now McCown's hurt. Moore?

Anonymous said...

Omen....Finally Matt Moore!

Anonymous said...

what a joke!!!!!!!!!!!!!! glad i saved my money. the team all around sucked. and next week atlanta 0-2.

Anonymous said...

Delhomme needs to go NOW. Not just for this game for for ALL games. When is Fox going to learn, this guy can't get it done. The rest of the team has talent WITHOUT Delhomme. We are tired of watching this foolishness.

Anonymous said...

Boom Moore! Looks good even with penalty

Jennifer said...

After you pocket that million today, SMILE Pep...I would want that much to be franchised to play under Delsucky again to.

I just cant wait to hear the excuses Fox and crew, including Jake himself for another f"ded up game!!

Who they gonna blame now....Pep again I'm sure.....

Sadly all these people still hate Peppers for wanting to get out of this embarrassing crap!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Rosario. The one good throw anyone makes today and it gets taken back. But that throw was sharp. Moore for starter next week.

Anonymous said...

Whats up with the Offensive Line?

Anonymous said...

Jake sucks Period!...Defence needs to improve....

Anonymous said...

Here comes da chin ! see ya Fox and Delhomme . lol

Anonymous said...

New chant: MOORE STARTER NEXT WEEK!

Anonymous said...

The Offensive Line has played well today, the times when Jake was supposedly hurried it was because he didn't get the ball out quick enough which is usually the case with him. We need a QB who can either throw it away without getting sacked or one who can turn up field and run.

Anonymous said...

Said it before 0-3 to start the season Jake is gone either by injury or benched by game 3. This isn't pathetic, it's excatly what Richardson wants, so when he moves the team he can say lack of fan support did it. A well thought out move. Panther fans are so gullible. Keep buying merchandise, gonna be a oddity some day soon.

Anonymous said...

Yeah Peppers is playin good.Give him his million.

Anonymous said...

when we have a running based attack for offense, pass protection is not going to be our strength.

Matt Moore, even with the penalty, looked great on that throw.

Jennifer said...

GO PEP!!!

All the Pepper haters are eating Jake crow ....

Mike said...

I can't believe the comment the O-line has played well today... oh really? How in the world do you say that when Philly defensive players were in the backfield within a second of the snap??? Please take off the rose colored glasses and look at this team as it is...all phases of this team failed today. Offense, defense, special teams, and coaching.

Anonymous said...

Sickening Still want Moore to start next week...He has more guts, speed and Brains than Jake

Anonymous said...

Jake -terrible

Pep-soso

Smith-step slow today,old?

get rid of them

Travis said...

Coaches should be gone too....Fox is too loyal and does not have a winning instinct

Anonymous said...

Fox and Delhommes needs to go....just get rid of the Panthers, tear down the overpriced BofA Stadium and put in a MLB basball team. Even the Washington Nationals are more entertaining than the Panthers

Anonymous said...

watching ind-jax game and announcer said. ron meeks d doesn't blitz at all last year, Great wish trgovac was still here. Just don't bring in Cowher, he sucks.

Anonymous said...

Game ball to Peppers.

Anonymous said...

Delhomme had 5 turnovers today, true. But the O-Line has been terrible. The running game hasn't done anything. Goodson just fumbled it away. The defense has actually played alright. The offense has just been awful in every aspect.

Unknown said...

Even the Nationals are more exciting?? Major League Baseball?? Really?!! What is wrong with you damn people?! The panthers might not have a good team this year but we have the market cornered on the worst fan base, most idiotic fan...Its 1 game & 1 season...Im not embarassed to be a Panther fan but im almost embarassed to be a Charlottean...you people are stupid...As long as you & your family are in good health & you have a job theres no need to job off the BoA building chill out!!

Anonymous said...

Somebody get Jeff Garcia on the phone.

Anonymous said...

Fox and Delhomme both have to go. This is not 2003 anymore!!! Teams have to move foward and as soon as the owners realize that,the better off this team will be! This is horrible.

Mike said...

That light training camp Fox gave the players is really paying off now isn't it?? turnover #7!

Jennifer said...

And people still wonder and blame why Pep for wanting to get the he!! out of Carolina...

As if the Cardinal game didnt give you the answer, this one sure the crap did...

Wonder what excuses will be made for Jakey today...

Anonymous said...

And where is Chris Leak? The Panthers sure can use him.

Anonymous said...

Good throw to Moose, but ouch, hope he's okay. He's been the best WR on the field for the Panthers today.

Mike said...

Granted the defense was on the field a lot today due to turnovers... but none of those turnovers resulted in a run back and a score... ALL the Eagles points were scored on the Panther defense... The defense never picked up the offense or special teams, by either holding the Eagles or limiting them to a field goal... That is why I say all phases failed today...INCLUDING the coaching staff.

Anonymous said...

Matt Moore gets my vote!

Anonymous said...

Matt Moore for starter

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
And this city didn't want to take a chance on Mike Vick? 3:35 PM


Yeah, too bad Vick's not with the Panthers, huh? He could watch the game from a sky box wearing street clothes for us, too, like he's doing today. He's really earning his salary, isn't he? Don't make me laugh.

Anonymous said...

I love my panthers, thats more than I can say for the coach and the Quarterback!

Anonymous said...

Cowher or Shannahan? THat is the question

oh and Hurney should be fired and laughed out of the NFL for resigning Jake to $20 Million Guaranteed

AND

Trading our First Round Pick, very possibly top 10 for Everette Brown!

Anonymous said...

one more day closer to the day the Richardsons pack this team up and move away.Then football will return to the Carolinas.

Anonymous said...

NOW can we panic?

Anonymous said...

WE MUST PROTECT THIS HOUSE!!!!

Anonymous said...

My Premonition for this season 4-12 the Patriots will get a great pick since we traded this years first rounder for Everette Brown.

John Fox and Marty Hurney will be gone, and maybe both coordinators. Jake should be released.

Anonymous said...

Can't use the stadium for baseball then get rid of it. Charlotte has tore down more than 1 perfectly good tax funded building so the stadium should be a no brainer to get a baseball team here

Anonymous said...

Mark it down. This will be the worse Panther season since Siefert's 1-15 debacle.

Anonymous said...

Question for the conspiracy theorists saying Jerry Richardson is moving the team, where is he moving it to? I don't think the NFL would allow him to move. Anyways even if the stadium is empty all the PSL owners paid for those empty seats.

Anonymous said...

Fire Fox Fire "Joke",,ehh Jake!

Matt Moore for starter!

Your Mom said...

Please someone call Jeff Garcia! Can anyone blame Peppers for wanting to leave now?

Anonymous said...

Bench Jake!
Have a Long talk/Sitdown with Fox!


Matt Moore for starter

Anonymous said...

no wonder peppers wanted out. he could see how bad this team is. Jake is pathetic. Fox has got to go. Panthers are lucky to win 7 this year.

Ghoul said...

Can McClown, bring in Jeff Garcia!

Kris said...

Jeff Garica.

Kris said...

Or GarCIa even. That game drove me to drink far too much.

Unknown said...

Jake is the weakest starting QB in the NFL. Fox is proving to be the same as a coach with his decision making. Giving Jake a new contract before the season started is beyond stupid. There should be an investigation for kickbacks.

Anonymous said...

Richardson is the problem. Obviously the old man does not care about winning any more, and let the pig head coach Fox do whatever he wants. I predict Jack will still start next game and Fox will still be the HC next season.

Anonymous said...

Fox is MORE STUPID than I thought if he doesn't bench Jake

Anonymous said...

It had a lot more to do with the O-line being unprepared for the Eagles def schemes than who was at QB. Likely more of a coaching problem than a personel problem. Kudos to the new Eagles Def Coord for coming out and whipping our buts.

Anonymous said...

Fool

It was both offensive line and Jake

Jake still fumbled. On him. On the line for not giving him time

But the interceptions was all on Jake. Especially his last one. Dude is old and doesn't see the whole field like how he used to. Time to move on

Fox and the coaching staff dont even trust him

StartTheWaterboy said...

But....but...but...The Jake worshipers proclaimed Delhomme was the second coming. Keep believing the Panthers are a high caliber team with the joke we have for a QB.

As I said three weeks ago, look for a 5-11 season.

Anonymous said...

he NFL like all major sports entities want to make money. there isn't on NFL team in Canada, Mexico or London. Are people so naive to think an owner like Richardson has any loyalty to Charlotte? The money talks in the world. Since the job market here is so bad doesn't it make sense to go where you would be the only game in town. PSL's? Come on there isn' a contract written or signed today that can't be broken. Richardson isn't the only owner looking for hugh money. Don't you think the first NFL team in Europe won't be flooded with money. Think outside your box people, the is no loyalty to anything anymore. The Panthers suck, do they need to ....no. There are quaterbacks, coaches by the truckload out there. Richardson isn't keeping Jake and Fox cause he's a loyal guy. Yea black helicopters exist. Call me a nut but I am not be suckered by another suited barker at a carnival.

Anonymous said...

You know, I have been watching the Panthers from day one. Every weekend my frat brothers and I would get together,grill, have a few beers. This is the most horrible team I have ever seen. I feel more sorry for the PSL owners and people who spend their hard earned money to watch these jokers. I wish I got paid millions of bucks to go out and make a fool out of myself. I honestly do not think I could do any worse than Jake. At least I could run like hell from the big guys when I saw them approaching me! Probably be better at throwing it away as well. So after all of these years of support, hope, and cheers, I am actually hoping they will get their butts handed to them every game. That way, something will have to be done about Foxy and the QB. Why did we not want vick again?

Anonymous said...

Please stop talking about stuff Jake did over 3 years ago. It's over for Jake. When will you idiots realize this? I say let Rip Scherer decide. He has no loyalty to Jake, as he is new to the team. Fox will start Jake just because he's been his starter for years.

Jennifer said...

Haha sorry Mr.Scott....but if ANYONE questions again why Pep wanted to leave, then they need to pull on ole Jakeys scrotum a little harder and pray it helps his game the rest of the year...

Its worth a million a game just to be associated with this embarrassing crap....

Promise you after all the Pepper haters.... he WILL get the last laugh...

RUN PEP RUN!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

You could have let Peppers and Gayhome go and signed Cutler and a few other good players. But Noooo.

This is the same team that played Biakabatuku for years in front of Deangelo Williams.

And started Gayhomme with McClown as number 2. Matt More is a good back up and sgould be the only QB on the roster. Bring in two other QB's.

In the history of this franchise we HAVE NEVER HAD AN ABOVE AVERAGE QB.

Talent is not something this organization recognizes.recognixwe

Anonymous said...

This is the same team that played Biakabatuku for years in front of Deangelo Williams ?????? WTF...

where have you been? On Mars ?

Noreen said...

ok Scott, a few days ago I expressed that you needed to be more positive. I soooo wanted to believe we'd win today. You were right.

It was painful to watch. I think we had more booo's in the stands today than last year's sorry game vs. AZ.

I'll still cheer for my team.
Hats off to Beason, Davis, Diggs for playing with heart.

The O-line needs to analyze tape tomorrow. And QTRback situation...we need help, bad.

Let's not throw the baby out with the bath water, people. We do have talented players that can pull off a win.

Jake Delhomme said...

Sorry Carolina fans but I'm here to stay. I just signed a fat five-year $42.5 million extension with $20 million guaranteed and I have every intention of playing it out. I will be your starting QB all the way until 2014. Go Panthers!

Sincerely Jake Delhomme

Anonymous said...

Ya..Talented players to pull off "a" win...Yaaa... Plus ....
"Please stop talking about stuff Jake did over 3 years ago. It's over for Jake."

`It is what it is....

Anonymous said...

"Sorry Carolina fans but I'm here to stay. I just signed a fat five-year $42.5 million extension with $20 million guaranteed and I have every intention of playing it out. I will be your starting QB all the way until 2014. Go Panthers!" J.D."

Ya "jakeie" boy all comphi and stuff...Plenty of money and all...But what about us Fans?

Anonymous said...

~"The one good throw anyone makes today and it gets taken back. But that throw was sharp. Moore for starter next week."~ Yes!

Just bench Jake...Maybe he will man up feeling Guilty of robing the Fans... and **give some money back and Leave..

Anonymous said...

Steve Smith, J. Peppers and Kenneth Moore have been the best ones. Jake "needs a break"! We need Michael Vick as our next quarter back.

Anonymous

Anonymous said...

I just want to make sure all the people are here that called me an idiot when I said it was going to be a long year and the preseason screamed that.I will admit even I didn't think it would be this bad. Jake has a probem on top of his obvious physical shortcomings. He is choking, nervous and panics on every quick decision. He truly needs to see a sports shrink and I truly mean this with no malice. We are obviously stuck with him, the morale of this team is in the toliet and it has very little to do with the fans. John Fox is loyal to a fault.

Anonymous said...

The Richardsons ain't George Shinn, but the Wine and Cheese Club fans definitely are a detriment. If Jerry would quit trying to satisfy that fan base and let the true fans have a good time like the other NFL owners do, things could probably improve for the team with a new found spirit.

Anonymous said...

Jerry cares very, very little about the fan base.

Anonymous said...

I am so sick and tired of hearing how crappy carolina fans are. Do you want us to believe that other teams with great fan bases would put up with this @*$!. Really, our team is not just losing games to better teams. We are expected to pay and support people that are noy even trying to do their jobs. If I am a pilot and have a fear of flying I would not have a job. If I was a doctor and was afraid of blood I would not have a job. If I am a quarterback and physically can't throw the football to my teammate I should not have a job, let alone get a raise.

Anonymous said...

Foxie's loyalty will get him canned. The big cat fired his sons ok....He won't blink about Mr. "It is what it is". I just don't see Fox starting Moore or shopping for a QB.

Anonymous said...

Jake never has been a good quaterback. But he is actualy getting worse. Richardson is the one who should be criticized because, face it we could have had a pro bowl quaterback to fall back on for about a million dollars. The Eagles knew this was too good a deal to pass up.

Anonymous said...

At least we will get a good pick from next year's draft.

Anonymous said...

As a Panther fan I have to say the idiot who posted the comment about D WiLL being stuck behind Tim Biakabatuku @ running back has to be even more laughable than anything JAKE has done the last two games. That poster must have been on Mars or maybe just from Gaston Co.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said, "I just hope the NFL keeps letting CBS show alternate games at 1:00PM like they showed Atlanta Miami today.

September 13, 2009 3:35 PM"

Ain't gonna happen. The NFL has a hard rule that no other game can be airing locally while the local team is playing at home. The only reason we got the Atlanta-Miami game is because CBS had no 4 PM games due to their US Open tennis coverage.

Speaking of TV, I think we can now expect the Panthers to return to broadcast version of Siberia - getting the networks' worst announcers. That would be Ron Pitts & John Lynch on Fox and Ian Eagle & Rich Gannon on CBS. All Pitts & Lynch do every week is exchange stories that start with, "Hey, I used to play in the NFL! Here's a story from my playing days that relates to a play that just happened in front of us!" Ugh.

Back to Panthers - it's time for Jake to go. Hide McCown on IR, sign Jeff Garcia and start him.

Anonymous said...

"This is the same team that played Biakabatuku for years in front of Deangelo Williams"

Wow, you really aren't paying attention. This is Williams' 4th year in the league. I can't remember exactly, but it has been at least 8 or 9 years since Biakabatuka has been on an NFL roster. Perhaps you were thinking of DeShaun Foster, who played ahead of Williams for 2 years.

In any case, "think before you speak" would be wise advice for you to follow.

Anonymous said...

Disapointed? Yes. Think the team may lose more then it wins this year? Yes. Its football people. The Packers were the best of the 60s. Steeles the best of the 70s. Their fans keep comeing to games even when the down years came. Very few if any came with the other teams colors on. You are either a Panther fan or not. Win or lose. You pick, it is your right. Me, I pick Panthers all the time all the way.

Anonymous said...

To many so called fans from a city other then a North Carolina city. If your not from around here and want to pick some other team to be a fan for, it is your right. Part of the fun of sports is how "fans" react to the teams. It is fun to see how stupid some of the "other" teams fans that live here act when the Panthers play as bad as they did Sunday. But if the Panthers win..humm...you would be such big Panther fan..wouldn't you. Go back home....they sell airline tickets everyday.

Anonymous said...

Well Panther fan you pick the Panthers and you will have plenty of seats to PICK from because the majority will be empty. I haven't seen this kind of loyalty since rec ball when little Johnny's dad (who of course is the coach)says if Johnny gets just one more chance he can get the job done so he will stay at shortstop.

Anonymous said...

The lousy play has to start with the offensive line. They left more holes for the defense to blitz than a swiss cheese sandwich (hold the bread). And in part I blame that on the Panther defense (which does not know how to blitz, so the offense can't practice against it). Further, special teams were not very special, allowing an 85 yard punt return. The defense needs to learn how to tackle, blitz, and tackle (yes, I said it twice). The offense needs to learn how to protect its QB, and the Coaching staff needs to know when to put in the second and third string players (after all, they had more reps in the preseason and actually had more production in the preseason).

Anonymous said...

i think there is a conspiracy going on here....i mean jake is only getting worse and then he get rewarded with a hefty contract , i bet you john fox is getting some money on the side from our beloved jake...

Anonymous said...

Hey guys, look up the word "schadenfreude".I think I'm going to start a new blog with the express purpose of giving all of these losers that post another outlet to post their insane ramblings. They really seem to take more joy in bashing Delhomme, Fox, etc. than they do winning. I don't really think they're at all interested in the team winning. They just see the team as an outlet for their own pathetic gripes about their worthless lives.

Anonymous said...

IT'S CLEAR TO ME AND SHOULD BE EVIDENT TO OTHERS OUT THERE, WE WILL LOSE 2 OF OR BEST PLAYERS /MAYBE BEST PANTHERS EVER AND ANY OPPORTUNITIES TO THE PLAY OFF PROMISE LAND.
STEVE SMITH...HE WANTS TO WIN AND DESERVES TO, HE CAN SET RECORDS WITH THE RIGHT QUARTERBACK.
PEPPERS...HE IS THE BEST LINEMEN WE EVER HAD AND KNOWS THAT THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL IS VERY DIM...IT'S TYM TO LEAVE.
......ICEMAN