There are a lot more than five after Carolina’s third straight 13-point loss – 20-7 to Cincinnati Sunday at home – so list some more in the comments if you wish.
One note: I’m writing my column about rookie QB Jimmy Clausen for Monday’s newspaper and online, but I’ll state right here that despite his horrid first half, I think he should start at New Orleans over Matt Moore.
1) Turnovers. Carolina had four, which was right on their average (now 12 in three games). If you’re counting, that’s a dozen turnovers by the offense and three touchdowns in three games.
2) Rushing yardage. I said before this game I thought Carolina would need 150 yards rushing and to win the turnover war to win the game. Neither happened – Carolina had only 87 yards rushing.
3) The center snap. It shouldn’t be that hard, should it? Among Jimmy Clausen’s worst miscues on a mistake-prone day were two quarterback snaps he fumbled. One was recovered by Carolina; the other lost almost sure points, as Cincinnati recovered at its own 30. Clausen took the blame for both of them.
4) Fourth-quarter points. Carolina had pulled to within 10-7 midway through the third quarter, but was outscored 10-0 in the fourth. In three games this season, Carolina has been outscored 20-2 in the NFL’s money quarter.
5) Steve Smith’s absence from the offense. His first catch didn’t come until the fourth quarter. He’s obviously frustrated. He ended up with three catches for 22 yards. He and Clausen don’t look like they are on the same page – and they better get on it, fast. And c'mon, offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson. A reverse to Smith? The old reliable flanker screen. Putting him in motion more... Something?! Anything?
We're moving!
9 years ago
Posts
59 comments:
Scott, if I could go back over the years I'd love to know how many times it's been said that they don't use Smith enough like you said...... It's obviously a recurring theme. It's very problematic......
He only had 5 first half passes, Scott. Can't say that's horrid.
He was smart with the ball.
A definite improvement over Bad Moore and Bad Jake over the past year. Then he had a good second half.
I think you should've pegged him down as your first "Like" of the year.
I think his play earned it.
Good point Lee - it all falls back to not finding a second WR for the past few seasons. Think about the "swing and a miss" receivers we have had here (besides Dwayne J., who is just an all out bust)...DJ Hackett, Meshawn Johnson, Moose round 2, Keary Colbert...for whatever reason this front office just hasn't been able to partner up anyone with 89 over the past few years. And it has been painful.
Scott - I bought tix back in the summer to go to the game in NO next week. I knew it would be a tough match up but good grief I didn't realize we'd be in this much trouble. So, I'll be there - but I'm definitely looking forward to the gumbo more than the game.
We look like we're on pace to be 0 - 5 at the bye. It's going to be a long season boys and girls.
Don't ask Davidson for anything. There are some good plays from previous seasons that have been torn out of the playbook for some reason this year. The fake dive - pitchout play, and the Steve Smith smoke screen being two of them.
Clausen was horrid and patheic. A po warner football player is better than him. Im sorry but he should have never been drafted and it will show more and more each week.
Question for you Scott - what do you think the likelihood is that JR called for Clausen, not Fox? Think about it - that is something Foxy has NEVER been prone to do (especially so early). From a team owner's point of view, between Moore and Clausen you have two young guys but only one with any real potential for a giant up side. In that situation, you give Moore a shot but if he doesn't pan out right away why try and let him learn? If I was the owner, and I have to sit through a painful learning process, it might as well be with the guy who has the best upside potential which is Clausen. Fox doesn't strike me as a guy who thinks that way but perhaps JR does?
Zero, Curtis. If your suggestion is that Fox would not want to start Clausen because he's not as good, what has Moore done to show that to be true?
I didn't particularly care for Fox's decision-making... challenge forward progress and not the obvious fumble? Calling a time-out with :40 seconds left after letting them take a knee twice?
We also found out that our secondary can't catch any better than our receivers...
Drives me nuts. When we need a new O-coordinator, where do we turn? The Cleveland Browns. Why should we be surprised that this offense is stale and predictable? With a new QB, we should rely on the run and the TEs. That being said, Clausen showed some balls under a LOT of pressure Sunday. Well done kid, keep getting better...
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interested? call 704-488-9668
That's not my suggestion at all Procton. My point is, pulling the starter this early in the season is not really Fox's style unless you go all the way back to Rodney Peete. But Rodney was never Fox's guy. So either we have to assume that a) Moore was never Fox's guy either, in which case you have to question the decision to let Delhomme go or that b) Fox suddenly is a different guy which seems unlikely. Neither makes sense to me. So, that leaves me to think it was JR pulling the strings on the decision to put in Clausen as JR is thinking long term.
Fox is not thinking long term, BTW.
FWIW, I think Clausen is the long term answer. But my point had nothing to do with Moore being better or vice versa.
The coach for Matthews Pop Warner football should be the Panthers new O coordinator, a deep pass down the middle to the TE off play action. A half back pass, roll outs. If a 10 year old can do these things, why can't a pro do it?
Love the Panthers, and the ownershp of them, however that (in my opinion) is where the problem lies this year. we might finsh 2-14, but it is probably JR's fault due to the fact HE KNOWS we won't be wathching the NFL next year. So he didnt spend any money. He will keep john fox and fire Marty, which is fine. Then in 2012 we will continue rebuilding and be a super bowl caliber team when the lord comes back.
It's no longer coaching, it's no longer the QB, it's no longer the lack of a second receiving threat.
It's now the fact that nobody believes that this team can win.
This George Seifert all over again and the only hope to fix it is to dump the entire coaching staff and GM and start over from scratch.
As for Anonymous 5:31... keep whistling through the grave yard. Yeah, Clausen only had 5 first half passes but one of them was an INT and he also lost a fumble! This guy is even struggling to take a snap from center!
"Definate improvement over bad Moore and Bad Jake? What in the #@! are you smoking?
Wow, I know Jake Delhomme was not that great last season, but boy do I wish we had him this season. We would at least be able to score a few more points.
This is a very bad 0-3
The PANTHERS are rebuilding...
The PANTHERS need to draft OL next year...
Higher ticket prices for this garbage???? I'm starting to seriously doubt Jerry Richardson ever received a new heart afterall.
Another stellar performance by the Panthers! Tell me PSL owners - is it the rain and cooler temps - or paying $25 for parking only to leave after the first half you find more exhilarating?
Stand and cheer for the Panthers
Stand and cheer for the team
The pride of both Carolinas
And city of the queen
Carolina!
Stand and cheer for the Panthers
In our grand ol' name
Nothin' could be finer
Than to be in Carolina
For a Panther football game!
Hoping that at least one bright spot in the season will be watching Clausen develop.
Jeff Davidson should be the first person fired at seasons end. Keep Fox.
Please, all of you who want to defend the Panther team and coaching staff, defend three touchdowns in six games. They are a total flop.
It's called rebuilding ...
What do many expect with a subpar Moore at QB and a rookie QB?
Who did many think was the QB?
Aikman? Or Montana?
Same thing yet again. We can neither open holes for the run, or protect for the pass. We are one demensional at best. Our inept coaching staff can't find a way to get the players motivated. Long season, but cheap tickets!!! How is that moronic prediction of 12 wins looking now Bernz???
Rout.
did you see steve smith yelling at clausen? i am glad he has changed his ways, i guess somebody is gonna get a fist or two in the film room tomorrow.
My five things I did not like:
1) Offense
2) Defense
3) Special Teams
4) Front Office
5) Coaching Staff
For those with Facebook....FireCoachJohnFox
http://www.facebook.com/pages/FireCoachJohnFox/121122494607528?v=wall#!/pages/FireCoachJohnFox/121122494607528
Hey Anonymous 6:56-Rebuilding? Sports Illustrated had this awful team going to the playoffs. They have been rebuilding for 6 years. This is a bad,bad team 3 TD's and 12 turnovers in three games. Fox and Hurney are morons and Steve Smith is the bigest PUNK in the league. I can't wait for the Panther-San Francisco game that should be a good one.
Let's see Anquan Boldin or Dawayne Jarrett, and Brandon Lafell. We'll go with Jarett, Lafell, and give up a very high draft pick because Armanti Edwards may become a #3 wideout one day. You have got to be kidding me. Next, at quarterback do we want a disgruntled Donovan McNabb, Michael Vick or Matt Moore and Clausen. That's laughable. Both of these elite, pro bowl level signal callers could have been had in the offseason. While Moore and Clausen may never become as good as either of these guys are today. This is the pink elephant in all Panthers fan's chat rooms. Nobody here will mention this but me. None of our stellar Observer columnists have touched on this. But the fact is this may turn out to be the worst decision in franchise history. Having an elite level quarterback determines where teams go in the NFL today. We could have had one dirt cheap. Vick wanted to come here. Just imagine what our running game would be like if defenses were afraid of Vick running outside.
It's a lost cause. For 8 years, the fans have witnessed a predictable and unimaginative offensive scheme that causes the defense to stay on the field too long and eventually get worn down. Not to mention, this offensive system doesn't utilize the talent it does have. We do have talented players although this coaching staff doesn't know how to take advantage of them.
I can't watch this team anymore. Fox and Davidson must go, NOW!
Hold on the Fox train is gone. 3-4 wins if the wind blows the Cats way !
The saddest part of the entire debacle known as Panthers football -- are the majority of fans still hoodwinked into thinking coaching is the reason for the demise of a once promising franchise. When a corporation is failing, investors do not waste time questioning the sames reps, vice presidents, or managers. They hold the top level person accountable. For if the sales reps, vice presidents, and managers are failing, the top level persona remains responsibile for allowing the same. Jerry Richardson is nothing more than George Shinn reivented. Hailed a hero for bringing a team to town, build it's popularity, survive on a few flashes of brillance, then let your true colors shine brightly. Arrogance, greed, erosion of the family, indifference towards paying fans. The only thing Jerry Richardson has yet to do is threaten to move the team. But mark my word and mark this date ... it is just a matter of time - especially when a disgruntled fan base refuses paying for a new stadium. George Shinn and Jerry Richardson -- birds of a feather.
Chad Ochocinco buys dinner and drinks for 85 strangers IN Charlotte - Jerry Richardson raises tickets prices during the worst economy in 80 years. Enough said!
Hey Kenneth, good point about the impact of having a quarterback like Vick would have. A QB that defenses would actually have to fear because of his running abilities...oh wait, we have that guy on our team....ARMANTI EDWARDS! And bonus...Armanti is a much better passer than Vick. Why not try? At least it would have a chance of being an exciting brand of football instead of the bland, boring vanilla stuff(not to mention losing) we are getting now!
Fox and Davidson should be fired tonight and let Meeks run the team the rest of the season.
It isn't going to happen, and I am in agreement....outside of getting sexual favors from a patient at a drug rehab clinic, Richardson is a carbon copy of Shinn. What a fake fraud.
It's obvious that every opponent will double or in reality triple-team Steve Smith, and force someone else on the Panthers to beat them. Until someone else produces, Steve Smith will only get short slot-receiver catches. So far, that strategy has worked to perfection.
Clausen can't be P Manning in his first 10 games. Forget it. He actually looked OK today. He didn't get flustered and he seems pretty decisive. He made mistakes and that is going to happen, but same thing with Matt Moore.
Anonymous 8:43 pm,
You sound like a reasonable person. You sound like someone who is willing to look at situations objectively. But let me tell you because I think you simply aren't aware. Armanti Edwards will never ever be as good as Michael Vick. Coming out of college Vick ran about a 4.2 40 yard dash. Now he's probably not that fast today but he is somewhere between the 4.3 and 4.4 range after losing some weight from last year. I think Armanti ran something like a 4.56 in the 40.
And then the next thing is a myth. People have incorrectly labeled Vick as a bad passer. He has always had a cannon for an arm. And where he might not have been as accurate as Tom Brady or Peyton Manning he has always has had the ability to be on target with his passes. Part of the reason why he ran so much in Atlanta and missed some throws is because he had horrible wide receivers there. But look at his passing through 2 games with better receivers in Philly. This guy really is special and Andy Reid knew it. There is no comparison running or passing between Armanti and Vick.
The head coach for the pee-wee team that played at half time should take over as offensive coordinator.
I really don't get it. Everybody thinks Clausen walks on water for some reason. What the hell has he done yet to show that he can do anything? To the guy who said they only threw the ball five times in the first half - THAT"S BECAUSE HE TURNED THE BALL OVER ON WITHIN SECONDS OF GETTING POSSESION TWICE! That's two possessions down the toilet, drives that never were and pass attempts that could have been just pissed away. Then how he played pretty well in the second half - when was that exactly? On the multiple three yard dumps? Until late in the fourth when the game was over he had exactly ONE drive that was worth anything. Let's crown the guy because he completed three passes in a row on that one scoring drive. Unbelievable. Plus, if his windup gets any longer he'll get called for delay of game during the play. All of this with a playbook that he supposedly knows inside and out because of his history with Weiss. Oh yeah - he showed me SO MUCH today. I can see why they benched Moore. At least Matt has proven he can be successful against real NFL teams when he gets some time and isn't faced with 3rd and forever because of the crappy play calling. For all of you who are begging for Davidson to go, think on this. As crappy as he is, Jimmy boy is going to have it REAL tough when he has to learn an offense he hasn't been in for 5 years already. I dare anyone to point me to one play today where he made a throw that convinced anyone he has what it takes. I just hope he gets held to the same standard as Moore when he still isn't getting it done after 2 starts and gets yanked.
But what about Marty Hurney's statements this week on WFNZ that all the Panther's decisions have been made with winning this year in mind?
seen enough of Clown from Notre Dame..... Tony Pike...you are up
time to start tony pike. hey, he can't be any worse.
tony pike was a winner in college. clausen was not. try tony!
Anonymous said...
Clausen was horrid and patheic. A po warner football player is better than him. Im sorry but he should have never been drafted and it will show more and more each week.
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Do some of you people know 1 damn thing about football. What do you expect him to do? come in his first year and make the probowl. Aikman was 1-15 his first year and won a few superbowls after that!!!
Kenneth, thanks for at least trying to give some rational for your thoughts on Armanti and VIkc, but I respectfuly disagree and here's why. The fact is Armanti ran a 4.43..he's been clocked faster, but that's the official read and puts him on par with what you(we) think Vick runs today. Only 6 guys clocked in the 2010 combine had faster times than Armanti...and most were very close to his. If you look back in combine history, his time would be on avg in the top 6-8 overall every year. Yes, Vick did once run a 4.25 which is super fast, but he's absolutely known to not be the most accurate of passers. Armanti has shown that he was extremely accurate thru his college career. He also has surprisingly good arm strength. In a televised playoff game, Sam Wyche(former NFL coach) was the commentator. Armanit flicked a pass on the run 65 yards in the air, dead on the money. Wyche, known as a QB's head coach, was so impressed with Armanti's throw and overall play he said this guy is a ligit NFL QB...I'd draft him as a QB on my team. Not that this is a reason to play him, but it is a real comment by a guy that knows his stuff. Look, I've watched football all my life and know a great player when I see one. I watched Armanti his whole career just do some un-be-leiv-a-ble things. I may be wrong, but I dont think you or many of his detractors have really watched the kid play, so you just go by what you've heard. His college stats are fantastic, he's explosive and exciting to watch, he's as tough as they come and most importantly...he's a proven winner! Just consider giving him a chance to do the same in Carolina. I think you would be surprised just how "Vick-like" he could be!
I accepted the fact that this year is a rebuilding year for the Panthers once it was announced Clausen would start. I was REALLY disappointed when Carolina passed on getting proven QB depth on the team (Mcnabb & Vick), especially since Vick wanted to come play. I'm glad neither did though, cause it would be a waste of career time for both. Panthers will be my number one team always (unless they leave, which I doubt), but they have deep rooted issues with their staff. The most obvious, Fox, peaked LONG ago, they have an OC that can't figure out how to use the talent he does have. Hopefully both won't be around next year. The best thing for me is that I don't have to sit through the pain watching them lose each week, being that I'm in Cleveland now... Then again, Delhomme is here with the Browns, and I guess he'll start again when healthy. Go Steelers!!
WELCOME TO THE NEW DETROIT! High taxes, crime, wasteful spending, 2 absolute jokes for pro sports teams, and a greedy owner who cares less about anything / anyone, other than himself. Oh yeah ... and fans foolish enough to continue showing up and supporting it all.
Shhhhh! We're still waiting for the perfect moment.....sometime!
I'm going to run on the field without clothes on, next home game!
Let be real. John Fix recruited Jeff Davidson as the offensive coordinator from Cleveland! When was the last time Clveland had a prolific offense? Bernie Kosar? Business leaders and sports executives in Charlotte surround themselves with people who will be yes men and who don't have other attractive job offers. Everybody thought Dan Henning was really conservative until he went to Miami and foung the wildcat formation. Trust me it is john Fox whispering in the coordinators ear " Let's be careful our defense can win it for us". What a joke since when. You trade a second round draft choice to pick Armarni Edwards who does not even dress for games. That second round pick will end up the 36-39 pick of next year's draft next year the way the panthers are playing. Was it worth it? Bad decision. Everette Brown for a 1st round pick? cmon. Time for change.
The Panthers QB woes are a joke. Maybe its the horrible system they run. Did you see what Charlie Batch did today. I don't beleive CHRISTIAN LEMAY is playing football this year-let him PLAY. HA HA
CHEER UP Charlotte sports fans!!! The Checkers open camp Monday as members of the AHL. Looking for the BEST sports value in town? This is it!
NextHeadCoach... if you do it ill do it at the following home game
Next Head Coach -
If you do decide to run out on the filed naked - it will be the first set of balls seen in that stadium in a long, long time!
Al thank you.
Everyone talking about Jeff Davidson. Honestly is Johnnie not wearing a headset????
Disgusting. The fake punt.... John Fox is an idiot.
Everyone loving Clausen what exactly did you see. If Moore would have been allowed to throw on first down as Clausen in SECOND half, wonder what we would have seen, but we will never know.
Amazing watched this same crap for 9 seasons of Fox trying to run it every first down, until he gets behind and realizes "oh!" we better Crack that playbook a tiny bit! This is why our defense suffers from the same conservative junk!
as usual, Fowler misses.
The #1 thing he should "not like" is the dropped INTS that cost us 14 points.
Chris Gamble had an easy TD and he dropped it.
Does the Observer staff is terrible at analyzing the core of what went wrong.
It is abundantly clear that Fox and the coaching staff dont care a tinker's wit about this team anymore. If it was at all feasible to do so, JR should fire these clowns now rather than waiting until the end of the season.
Fox getting das boot cannot come soon enough in my book. Pathetic.
"Horrible line play, lack of consistent running game, no open receivers. Yeah, I'm the problem; how's that taste B!T(#E$".
Respectfully,
Matt Moore
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