A few notes prior to Carolina's season opener against Philadelphia, with my prediction at the bottom...
** Big key for Carolina: cornerback Chris Gamble. The Panthers are paying him shutdown corner money. Time to earn it.
** The matchup I’ll watch most closely today is Carolina’s offense vs. Philadelphia’s defense. The Eagles were excellent on D in 2008 – a Top 5 defense in every significant category. But Carolina probably needs to score at least 20 points to win this one. With DeAngelo Williams and Steve Smith, they’ll at least have a chance.
** The Eagles have their own injury problems, and the big question mark is running back Brian Westbrook. He’s a great threat when healthy. But – after trying to fight through both knee and ankle injuries -- is he healthy?
** If you’re watching the game on TV Sunday (1 p.m. on Fox), you get the pleasure of Dick Stockton on play-by-play. He’s such a reliable voice and one of my favorites. You will likely not be familiar, however, with analyst Charles Davis. He’s broadcast college sports almost exclusively in his career – it will be interesting to see how Davis performs on this big stage.
** The Panthers’ 0-4 preseason vanishes in everyone’s mind today if Carolina can win its opener. I can see it happening if Carolina rushes for 150 yards as a team. But I don’t think that will happen. My prediction: Philadelphia 20, Carolina 16.
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9 years ago
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Prediction....Eagles get the ball first on their own 20. March it right down the field and score a touchdown.
Carolina's secondary will give up quick slants/routes so that the dline will not even have a chance to get to McNabb.
I'm hoping that the Eagles, who are without 3 starters on the OL, including their right tackle, can't keep our DE's from killing McNabb.
I don't think it will be as close a 20 - 16... If the Panthers are going to win, I think they need to score at least 30 points cause their defense showed me nothing in the preseason. I do not think they can flip a switch and all of a sudden be a good defense. They are the same group who could not stop short passes last year, and now are questionable against stopping the run. Philly is going to score at least 28 points...
when the panthers start winning all u band wagon jumpers need not try to hope on again....true fans stick with ur team no matter what. carolina 24 philly 17
now that most all of our D is healthy and ready to play our linebackers can stop the run and the short passes im just more worried about the deep balls and hope our offense can play good and get some things going unlike the preseason
I think you nay sayers will be surprised by our denfense tomorrow. When the D Line puts pressure on ole #5, the secondary will look much better. We will stop the run. Teh O-Line will match-up well to the Eagles D Line - althuogh it will be a strugle at times, D Williams will make it happen. We have the best RB and WR in the NFL. Soon, everyone else will see. BE A FAN and support the Panthers. Eagles 20 Panthers 31
everyone is focusing way too much on the Panthers. the real concern should be on the Eagles, heres why: Westbrook is 30 this year and hasnt practiced all camp. The O-line hanst played a snap together and is a piecemeal unit. The D is nothing up the middle where the running attack will focus after losing their starting MLB to injury as well as Pro-Bowler Dawkins to free agency. This game sets up great for what the Panthers want to do, get after the passer and run up the middle.
staying positive here -something to consider, Scott ;-)
Panthers will win tomorrow, 31-17
Amazing what a healthy team can do!
Philly is overrated! Panthers 31, Eagles 17. Our OL leads the way for DeAngelo's 150 yds. Every year people pick the eagles to do well, how have they upgraded their team year, with rookies? Get a clue Fowler.
Glad to see youre a supporter of the team Scott, a true loyal fan.
THERE IS A DIFFERENCE IN PLAYING FOOTBALL AND PLAYING AT FOOTBALL..SCOTT DOSNT KNOW WHAT THE HEART IS DOING TO A PLAYER AFTER A HORRIBLE PRE-SEASON AND FINALLY GETTING ALL YOUR PLAYERS BACK FOR THE SEASON OPENER...PANTHERS BY 8...MARK IT DOWN..
The Eagles defense is REALLY overrated heading into this season.
Their offense will be good, but I more than like our chances in this one.
Keep in mind people, the Preseason is MEANINGLESS.
My prediction?
26-20 Panthers Win.
Don't be putting this on GAMBLE Mr Fowler. If the defensive line can't pressure McNabb then we can have Ronnie Lott and Deion Sanders in the secondary and it wouldn't matter. You give a QB too much time to throw the ball and he will pick any team apart.
I think if the Panthers can protect Jake and open holes up the middle for double-trouble-plus-one to take advantage of their weak/injured LBs and safties, then we can win. If we can't/don't run, they will kill us. I don't think we can stop their run either tho, so its gonna be a foot race. Hopefully Fox will be ready for a great Philly team.
Panthers...defense...secondary in particular...give me a reason to hope...please??!!
JOHN KAYSE will score field goals
to make it 24-21 Panthers...
JOHN will once bring us victory..
give the dog Vick....
Prediction from Cajunland...Jake will lead the Panthers down the field for a last minute score. Panthers Win 27-24
Eagles 34 Panthers 16.
Does the Panthers have a QB they have confidence in? If Jake gives the Panthers the best opportunity to win than they are in serious trouble. But he isn't the only problem. The defense is terrible and play with no heart. Peppers is laughing all the way to the bank on each Monday. Fox will never be more than an average coach at the best. Surely Jerry Richardson can't be happy with this organization. I have given up on the Panthers and started pulling for the NY Giants. They have been my favorite team for the past 40 years anyway.
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