Here are the 5 things I liked most in Carolina’s 23-10 season-closing win over New Orleans. The game ended the Panthers’ 2009 season at 8-8 but only began a very interesting offseason.
No.1 issue? Getting John Fox’s situation resolved – the coach has a year left on his deal but was very non-committal Sunday (and sounded annoyed) in his postgame press conference about whether he wanted to return to coach the Panthers in 2010. Here's my column about that.
Now, onto the 5 things I liked most Sunday:
1. Fans. For the coldest-weather home game in Panther history – and one that had absolutely no playoff implications – they still came out and cheered lustily. Impressive. I thought there would be far more no-shows.
2. Jonathan Stewart. He ran for 100-plus – again. He scored from 67 yards out. He ended up outgaining DeAngelo Williams for the season (1,133 to 1,117) and scoring at least four more TDs than every other Panther in 2009 (Stewart had 11).
3. Defense. Helped by the fact there was no Drew Brees to worry about, the Panthers made the ancient Mark Brunell look like he had quarterbacked in the first game Carolina ever played in 1995 (which, in fact, he had). Richard Marshall, Julius Peppers and Jon Beason all had particularly good games, I thought.
4. Matt Moore. Ho-hum. Another win. Another 95-plus passer rating. Another win. Moore is now 6-2 as a starter at Carolina, and he’s got to be the favorite (or at least co-favorite) to win the job again for 2010.
5. Dwayne Jarrett. Finally, a breakout game. Jarrett caught all five passes thrown at him, scored his first-ever NFL touchdown and looked, for once, like the second-round pick he was in 2007.
We're moving!
9 years ago
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25 comments:
" Matt Moore. Ho-hum. Another win. Another 95-plus passer rating. Another win. Moore is now 6-2 as a starter at Carolina, and he’s got to be the favorite (or at least co-favorite) to win the job again for 2010."
For now, until he makes a few mistakes and the Carolina so-called fans decide someone else could do better.
I don't know what we need more, a better QB, or better fans... it's a toss-up.
An interesting off season for sure...
Enjoyed the blogs this year Mr. Scott...
I'm sure there will be many in between Panther things to talk about...
Until...all of you stay safe and have a great 2010..
GO PANTHERS!!!!!
Ps...Still think Beason should have made the probowl...just saying lol
Both Moose and Jarrett were effective today because of Matt Moore. Neither of them are the kind or receivers that gain much separation from defenders. However, Moore hit them with some passes that they had no choice but to catch because the passes hit them right on the numbers.
Man, I actually feel good about this team despite not making the playoffs. Before this run that we've gone on with Matt Moore I was miserable. Now I am upbeat. We are fortunate to have some of the best offensive linemen in the league. It didn't even seem like we missed Jordan Gross thanks to Travelle Wharton. The young guys like Jeff Schwartz and Mackenzie Bernardo did tremendous jobs and gained much needed experience. And let's face it we probably have two of the top 5 running backs in the NFL. With some of the things that the coaching staff hasn't done that well it's easy to see that they've done a great job with the running back situation. Our offense will be pretty good next year with a new #2 wideout and NO JAKE!
I second that Jennifer!
Our defense has been good all year under Ron Meeks. After loosing Kemo, his replacement, and his replacement's replacement finally Hollis Thomas did a good job. The linebackers were great after loosing Thomas Davis. And there is maybe the best depth in the secondary that we have ever had. Julius Peppers is a monster. I think he had another great year. It's beginning to look like he really was ill that season when he only had 3 sacks. He has played with energy all year. I think he wants to be here, and hopefully he'll sign a long term deal. Finishing 8-8 should mean an easier schedule. I can't wait until next year
What does Matt Moore have to do to get some serious respect from the reporters? Buy you nice watches?
Date your daughters? Mow your lawns? Throw 4 picks a game?
Most consistent QB we have ever had and every week it's "ho-hum another pro bowl performance with no turnovers." Wake the F up!
If not here he will be starting somewheere else next year.
Put down the Fox Koolaide and use your own eyes to judge this guy.
Did anyone at the game notice this today? We usually get in the gates early and watch warm-ups, and today was no different. However, when the team began stretching, Fox walked down EVERY line and hugged and shook hands with ALL the players. It was odd...we've never seen him do that before...usually he is standing somewhere else during that time....could this be a fore-telling of things to come from him...that he knew it was his last game in Carolina??? Any thoughts?
Scott, this column format you have developed is lame. Just because they win doesnt mean there aren't things not liked, or vice versa win they lose. Try a balanced approach, like...
Things I liked today: Matt Moore, Jarret (amazing how motivated one gets when you know you've lost your job), DEFENSE and the Win.
Things I didn't like: Smitty being out, knowing it was the last game of the season and the ambiquity on Fox and Moose for next year.
Oh well, 2010 will be our year!
Sportsdon said...
What does Matt Moore have to do to get some serious respect from the reporters? Buy you nice watches?
Date your daughters? Mow your lawns? Throw 4 picks a game?
Most consistent QB we have ever had and every week it's "ho-hum another pro bowl performance with no turnovers." Wake the F up!
If not here he will be starting somewheere else next year.
Put down the Fox Koolaide and use your own eyes to judge this guy.
Exactly, its like you don't want to upset Fox in your column (which I doubt he has ever read) by stating the obvious: He is an idiot for not pulling Delhomme earlier in the season. Its not like Fox has EVER said anything to you that was breaking news anyway.
We, the fans, don't get to watch the practices like you do, it should have been obvious that Jake was not our best chance to win. If the backups were no better than Jake's performance this season, why were they even on the team, why were they even in football?
But, this was not true, Moore did have enough skills to lead this team, probably to the playoffs if he was in earlier. Another playoff run would have gotten Fox the extension he is looking for, so if he is not happy about the situation he placed himself in, I suggest he head to the bathroom and look in the mirror and ask himself why he screwed up.
i think you guys are not taking the Moore comment in the way it was intended. It appears to me that Scott is saying, that Matt Moore is a winner and deserves to be the QB for this team, that Matt Moore is doing things Jake didnt do... like 95+ QB rating and win. Don't just look at what you are reading, actually comprehend it and you will be much more enlightened.
For all the posters jumping on the "Matt Moore. Ho-hum. Another win. Another 95-plus passer rating. Another win" comment...
Clearly, sarcasm is lost on you.
Watching the game on TV, Jake Delhomme looked pitiful on the sideline. He was chomping and rolling something in his mouth and spitting out something brown. Please tell me he does not chew tobacco.
Anyway, why would a millionaire spit so much in front of a stadium audience and a TV audience? My mommy taught me better.
Curtis said...
For all the posters jumping on the "Matt Moore. Ho-hum. Another win. Another 95-plus passer rating. Another win" comment...
Clearly, sarcasm is lost on you
See I was gonna say something, but didnt want the Anon's to think I was cheating on Pep, by defending Mr. Scott's sarcasm...so thank you for reading that like I did Curtis..
Ps... I'm sure my sarcasm will get lost on them as well ....
Smiles
Curtis and Jennifer,
It's actually called irony, not sarcasm -- a writer's subtle skill, not a body slam. Most sportswriters don't use it, knowing that often their readers are too unsubtle to recognize it. I rest my case here.
GreggF
PS You can have sarcastic irony, but it's tricky to pull off. Ironic sarcasm? That I'd have to pass on.
GreggF
Ironcy, sarcasm, sarcastic irony, ironic sarcasm either or, if you have been coming to Mr. Scott's blogs long enough it isnt hard to read between his lines...
Most poster just dont take the time, they are far to anxious to jump the messenger...
To this post, I still dont know why some dont get that he post dates some of his blogs, meaning he writes them as if it were game day etc on a Fri, or Sat...
Personally his opinion, like myself is his own and people are still gonna perceive it however they want to, so sarcasm, irony, bs, its all in how you read it I guess...
But thank you!!!!
I hear you GreggF...and I appreciate the thought. But, I have to be nitpicky on this one and say that actually, it is sarcasm - and irony.
The manner in which it is read indicates a clear sarcastic tone...while the content (i.e. Fox did not express confidence Moore could win, Moore only turns out some great ratings/TDs/no turnovers) is quite ironic.
Sarcasm defined is: harsh or bitter derision or irony; a sharply ironical taunt; sneering or cutting remark: a review full of sarcasms.
So, we're all right ;)
It was nice to end this season on such a high note. I really enjoyed these columns this year. I hope next year we build on this and are back in the Super Bowl hunt!
You deserve better, Scott. Thanks for your insight. Your article on Fox's postgame press conference was excellent. And revealing.
Good job, Scott.
Guys: The comment on Matt Moore was sarcastic. And ironic. Or something like that. I'm not saying a passer rating of 95.0 is truly ho-hum -- what I mean is that Moore has been so good lately that this seems normal now. And for those who aren't close readers, I first called for Fox to bench Delhomme in favor of Matt Moore on Sept.29 (after the 0-3 start), and did so repeatedly after that.
See, I knew we were right about that whole sarcastic thing.
Scott, make sure you get this blog going for ACC Basketball. I mean, really, I only care about the Heels...but, I guess you can't just focus on them. Besides, I'd like to talk some smack with the Dookie fans anyway. But we definitely need a spot to do it so I nominate 'Scott Says...'
See, I knew we were right about that whole sarcastic thing.
Scott, make sure you get this blog going for ACC Basketball. I mean, really, I only care about the Heels...but, I guess you can't just focus on them. Besides, I'd like to talk some smack with the Dookie fans anyway. But we definitely need a spot to do it so I nominate 'Scott Says...
I second that lol....
As for Mr. Scott with his sarcasm, irony etc, all it takes is to come here more than just a few times every year and read not only his blogs but his articles as well....
Then it wouldnt be so hard to figure out...
The whole game was another easy win and a joke plus another throw away by the opposing team headed for the 'offs who didnt want to injure their starters or didnt halfway make an effort. And they say the NFL is not rigged? The NFL is very upset though at Colts HC Caldwell for the rigged loss to NY last week and he is on the carpet espec in Coltland.
Moore has yet to be really tested and besides Smith was out so he had a tall WR.
Delhomne is being railroaded out of town and now the Panthers throw away wins at the end have given them a 42 number draft pick.
Fox is already talking to other teams and will take JD with him when he leaves. JD problem the whole yr has been Smith and not using Jarrett more who is 6ft 4" and 2 time All American from USC.
Big changes coming.
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