Sunday, October 10, 2010

5 things I didn't like about Panthers' loss to Bears

Well, so much for my prediction of a Panthers' upset in this game. That'll teach me to pick this 2010 team to win anything this season -- Chicago dominated the Panthers, 23-6, despite getting some of the worst play by the Bears' starting QB that you'll ever see.

There are dozens of bad things to choose from today, but let's narrow the field to the traditional "5 things I didn't like":

1. Jimmy Clausen. The rookie took one step forward against New Orleans a week ago and at least two back on Sunday. He was so bad that he had thrown an interception and fumbled twice against the Bears before he completed one pass. He was so bad that he got yanked out of the game late in the fourth quarter after misfiring (or mis-communicating with his receivers) on three straight passes. He was so bad... OK, fill in your punchline there. He was just plain bad.

2. Panthers' run defense. The Panthers' pass defense was excellent (intercepting Todd Collins four times). The run defense? Matt Forte had a 68-yard TD run that basically put the game out of reach in the first quarter (Jon Beason and Charles Godfrey both took bad angles or got caught up in the wash on the play). Forte had a career-high 166 rushing yards.

3. Brandon LaFell. He did get open for one deep ball (that Clausen threw way short), but he also committed a crucial penalty, had a couple of drops and caught only one of the eight passes thrown to him. A nasty day for the rookie wideout.

4. Offensive play-calling. As John Fox pointed out after the game, throwing a quick screen to Julius Peppers' side is not a good idea. Peppers got cut-blocked, jumped up, blocked Clausen's first pass and intercepted it. Clausen seemed shot for the rest of the afternoon. So why even tempt fate by throwing that pass -- or calling it? -- in the first place?

5. Special team errors. The Bears had a 50-yard punt return and a 62-yard kickoff return as a Panthers' unit that had made a lot of progress from 2009 went backwards.

I'll leave the final word here to one of the more well-known Panther fans -- former Davidson basketball star Stephen Curry. Panther fans everywhere are getting frustrated. This tweet came from Curry's Twitter account during the game: "Dang...shoulda waited to check the score before I shot out my panthers. Just not our year I guess...RIP John Fox"

59 comments:

Sportsdon said...

When you start a rookie you do have to accept that you won't have a winning season most likely. But you expect to see them improve over the course of the season. Clausen has no great skills as a QB and I'm not seeing any improvement. Manning was not the reason his team lost as a rookie.

1)He's short, so he has trouble finding throwing lanes in the pocket or throwing over D-linemen.

2)He has little hands and can't get the snap clean, hand off, or hold the ball when hit. No fixing that issue!

3)He does a very poor fake handoff, the most important task in running this boring old school play-action offense.

4) He's not a fast runner.

5) Throws the ball away or short on every bootleg play. Glad to see him not throw a pick, but on 3rd down it's not much better.

6) He doesn't have the charisma of a leader, there is no presence.

7) Answers all interview questions with the Fox approved answers. My wife listened only to his postgame interview and said "That's our QB? He looks and sounds like a little kid."

This is more like when we started Weinke, went 1-15, and he not only didn't improve but got worse every game.

If we are going to try the Wildcat, why run a reverse first play with a slow WR (Gettis)and act like it won't work and abandon it the rest of the game.

The Fox idea that we can get a team to jump offside on 4 and 1 only works in high school and Division III football. He is not a smart guy is he? Very overated coach, look forward to his departure at the end of the season.

Lynne Stevenson said...

The only thing I didn't like about the entire scene was the fact that they lost another one...This entire Panther season reminds me of when Eddie Murphy's "Buckwheat" character was shot on Saturday Night Live and they kept replaying it ad nauseum...Stop replaying the losses ad nauseum...

Anonymous said...

The Lions win, scoring 44 points, the Raiders win, beating the Chargers, scoring 35 points. The Cardinals score 30 points and defeat the defending Superbowl Champions. and although the Bills lost again, they produced 26 points.

The Panthers - 6. PSL owners should PRAY the lockout comes early

Anonymous said...

Fire FOX --NOW -He's alame DUCK --Not respected by the fans, the press his peersor the players --how much more proof do you need Jerry -Everyone know syou cant stand him

So step up Jerry and fire him now --There are no playoffs this yera --your franchise is a joke and between Herney and Fox they have mnaged to run it in the ground as Obama has done with the economy
- If you cant Jerry for wahtever lame excuse you havet han step aside - because it means you are obviously clueless and interested only in your bank account--15% price increase this year Jerry for what?
Panther Fans -this is not about loyalty it's about being fleeced by an owner who has no inerest in providing this city with a quality team and coaching staff . He has had so many opportuntise and continues to line his pockets -- We are a joke in the NFL --Remember the paperbags from the Siefert days get them out again --we will be no better than 1-15

Anonymous said...

First to my fellow PSL owners. They got us where they want us. How to get even. Park for free and take the lynx to the game. Don't spend a penny at the stadium. Bring your two bottles of water from home. Don't buy any jerseys because if the new head coach is any good at all he will be replacing a majority of the football impersonators with real players.
Second, remember when we were all Washington fans? It's never too late to go home.

Five Guys said...

Just Fire Marty Hurney and Don Gregory for putting this Junior Varsity team togeter. The Panthers' are a JOKE!

Anonymous said...

For the love of the game - PLEASE STOP BUYING SINGLE GAME TICKETS to Panthers games. I'd like to at least be able to watch a REAL NFL team play on television in this market. THANK GOD the Panthers are off next weekend!!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Curtis Watkins said...

Sorry Sportsdon...but your reasons are just wrong. First of all, your stated "facts" are completely off.

1) Short? The guy is 6'3". Drew Brees and Vick are 6' even. Tom Brad, Eli Manning, Alex Smith, etc. are all 6'4". Your boy Peyton is 6'5".

2) Hand size too small? His measure at the combine was 9". Guess what...Alex Smith, Aaron Rodgers, Manning...all are around 9 1/4 to 9 3/8. Vick is 8 1/2. So, I wouldn't go around saying he has some sort of freakishly small hand for a NFL QB. Fact is at 6'3" his hand size is pretty much what you expect it to be. There are exceptions like Favre, but that is pretty rare.

3) Slow? The guy runs a 4.7 40. Not bad for a QB. Kevin Kolb, known to have good ability to escape, ran a 4.9. Another guy that ran a 4.7 - again, your boy Manning.

My point is, don't cite irrelevant or inaccurate facts about the guy to try and diminish him. It invalidates your argument.

Now, in my point of view, I'm not sure what else to expect. Yes, he's a rookie. And to say he showed no improvement is to unfairly dismiss what he did right last week (where as this week he did nothing right). That is to be expected. But if anything, the guy isn't getting much help from his teammates. All rookie WRs, awful play calls, etc. The guy shouldn't be expected to come in and lose games, but he shouldn't be expected to win them all on his own either. He needs some help - he ain't getting any. You can't bury Clausen yet because after 3 games into his rookie season because this team isn't any better and Clausen isn't NFC offensive player of the week...people are dreaming if they think otherwise.

All your arguments make it sound like time can't make him better because there aren't things there he can't correct. But you are wrong. He has the physical attributes. He can fix things like his awful play fakes. But, it requires time.

Be realistic.

Curtis Watkins said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
yo daddy said...

Let's look at this situation through the eye's of Jerry Richardson. Let's begin with some very simple math principles. Bank of America stadium holds let's say 73,000 fans. If you made 1 dollar from each fan that gives you$73,000.00 dollars. Let's say you made 100 dollars from each fan, that would give you $7,300,000.00. Now multiply that number by 10 the same number of home games and that number explodes to $73,000,000.00 dollars. That's right 73 million dollars. This doesn't include the 100 million Directv contract, the cost of the PSL's, the luxury boxes, the concessions, alcohol, parking, or any panther gear you or your kids want to buy (shirts, hats, etc...you name it they have something with a Panther logo on it). These NFL owners are making some real serious money and they will never, never open their books up to the Player's Association. Would you? I know I wouldn't. Now listen to me very closely, the only way to get the attention of these owners is to stop going to the games and stop spending your hard earned money on the Panthers'. The empty seats will have a nice impact on their bottom line. Let's get out and support some high school football and make a real difference with our hard earned cash instead of supporting these million dollar players and the mega miliion dollar owners.

davidw762B said...

HTYS14A, i can't expect that everyone posting a public comment to an article about an organization as hapless as the Panthers have an education better than Phoenix U, but please, please save us the brain cell expenditure by invoking the economy and Obama's role in it. There's got to be an article on hot dogs or finger painting somewhere on this site. Save your mouthbreathing.

Anonymous said...

Oh will the complete ignorance EVER end??? Blaming Fox is a waste of time! Fox is coaching what RICHARDSON gave him and more importantly, what RICHARDSON took away. In the end, I blame those still buying tickets and attending games, buying concessions, etc. These people are enabling RICHARDSON to continue being the dictator he has been since day one. If RICHARDSON begin feeling a financial pinch, impacting HIS lifestyle - perhaps the opinions, complaints, and frustrations of the average fan would matter. Until then, shut the heck up Panther fans. YOU have exactly what YOU continue paying for.

Panthers4Life said...

I don't know what everyone expected. We have a rookie QB & rookie receivers. Did you expect them to have a 500 yd offensive day??? It is not going to happen. Also, you whiny fans who are saying don't buy tickets to the games or don't buy Panthers merchandise. Please stay at home and keep your mouths shut. When this team does start winning, and they will, Keep you mouths shut. I don't want to hear from fair weathered fans. You can go back to what ever state you moved here from. This team is going to have aweful days. That is the way it is with a young team. They are getting valuable p[laying time. They will improve. They are still learning the game at the NFL level. Be patient. If you can't then leave and don't let the door hit you on the way out. These guys will be good for years to come in the near future. They don't need a whiny fan base calling for their heads when they don't play like veterans.
As for Jerry putting a crappy team on the field. Do you think if he hadn't cut all the fat that we will be able to sign Williams, Beason, Kalil and all the other talent next year when they are set to become ufa???? He does have a plan. Just because he doesn't share that plan with everyone is not a reason to call for his head too. And the comment about it being too bad he didn't die from his heart attack is WAY out of line.

Curtis Watkins said...

And where are some of my regular posters from last season like Jenn & Kenneth? We had mucho fun talking smack on here...don't tell me they've bailed on this team. I mean, I know we are awful and all but come on!

Jennifer said...

Bail on you Curtis? Never!!

I posted several times, just reading and like last year weeding through all the bs...

Fun stuff!!

Hope all is well my dear!!

Sportsdon said...

Curtis,

I never claimed I was stating "facts", just opinion. I was pretty clear about that. An opinion that was tempered with the frustration of suffering thru another lame performance from your boy Casey.

I didn't say his exact height, but he plays like a small guy with little hands and I don't see any sign of improvement. I left out the part were he has yet to hit a deep throw due to his week looking arms. No weigth training at ND I guess. I'm sure you'll give me some bicep measurements now.

I didn't get in the shower with him and verify his measurements like you did.

James said...

Life will go on without Jerry Richardson! Trust me on this one!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

There's a reason 120 Division I schools passed on Armanti Edwards. He's a 1AA player. The reason he put up those godly numbers in college was the mere fact that is a superior athlete playing on the Division 1AA level. He wouldn't be able to produce those kind of numbers over a four year career if he played on the division one level. 99% of the NFL is made up of superior athletes from the major college football programs. Once again Marty Hurney is an IDIOT for giving up high picks to get this flop.

Kim said...

11 more lack luster games to follow!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Armanti Edwards ought to be successful then -- considering the Panthers are a division II team and organization.

Anonymous said...

Jennifer -- please post some more comments! I like looking at your pic :)

Anonymous said...

Jerry Richardson - as much of a joke as an owner as he was a player. Career stats -22 games, 171 yards, and fumbled twice. No wonder the Panthers drafted the likes of Edwards, Jarrett, and Clausen. And no wonder Hurney and Davidson have jobs.

Anonymous said...

People defending this poor excuse for a professional organization and/or the owner (who is happy taking your money but refuses addressing any of the issues publicly), are entitled to their opinions and certainly entitled to exercise their continued support. But those who do not - despite your claims, are NOT fair weathered fans. Fair weather fans tend to cry, moan, and bail whenever a team loses - no matter the effort put forth. What the Panthers are doing and more importantly, what Richardson has done, sends the message losing is acceptable, almost expected. Lack of effort, lack of preparation, lack of discipline ... all okay.

Knowing the result of stripping this team to the bare bone would be loss after loss -- obviously was and remains, of no importance to Jerry Richardson. Those defending and continuing to support the organization - are in part, defending and supporting the same message.

When the fans of Charlotte's pro sports teams realize the ONLY voice we truly have is our wallets - perhaps the message AND the product will change.

Until then - those supporting the care less attitudes of owners motivated by dollars and not victories - deserve experiencing the end result ... time after time after time.

Anonymous said...

Lay off Jerry Richardson. He is a business man and is only taking what PSL owners continue giving him. Like P.T. Barnum said, “There's a sucker born every minute”

Welcome to the circus, clowns!

dcboy60 said...

The Panthers have been building through the draft for years. That has been their motto. They have done a pretty good job at every position except two - quarterback and wide receiver. Now the lack of development at those two positions is killing the Panthers. This team is done in by the lack of a passing game. I have never seen two NFL teams so inept at the passing game as this last game between the Panthers and the Bears. The Panthers had four interceptions and got three points out of it.

I believe Jerry Richardson was trying to set up the Panthers for a very high draft pick next year. Or is he punishing the Panthers management, i.e., Hurney and Fox for the extension they signed Jake too that cost the Panthers about 12 million dollars.

Unlike most of the commentaters so far I believe Richardson wants to have a consistently successful team. I believe he thinks the Panthers have to go through this losing faze to set up winning in the future. I believe he is also gearing up for a messy collective bargaining agreement negotiation that will lead to a lock out at some point.

Curtis Watkins said...

Jenn! Good to see you on here...finally we may get a few more common sense posts on these blogs. How have you been?

Curious, but what were your thoughts on Pep's antics yesterday? The sushing and taunting of the crowd...I don't remember Pep being that kind of guy before. Seemed kind of out of line for his personality. I mean, our team certainly didn't put us in a position to have much to say. Still, Pep is a Carolina guy from high school to college to most of his pro career...seems a little odd to act that way, in my opinion.

Anonymous said...

I have said it before and I will say it again, Fox has been washed up for years and our failure to get rid of him has resulted in a team that isn't watchable any more. That was the worst game I have ever seen in this stadium.

Mr. Richardson thanks for going Wal Mart on the team to save yoursself some money, how aboutb caring for us paying faans for a change you jerk.

Curtis Watkins said...

Riiiiight, Sportsdon...never let the facts get in the way of a good argument, right?

Give me a break. Don't be upset that I called you out on your lame arguments that you now come back and call your "opinion" (you said you very clearly made the point these weren't facts but opinions - show me again where you did that?). I see, in your "opinion" he is too short to be a QB...so, by your same "opinion" so must all those other QBs I mentioned like Drew Brees. And in your "opinion" his hands are too small, so by that logic in your "opinion" so must 80% of all starting QBs in the league. Wow, with all those valuable "opinions" I'm surprised someone from the Panthers front office hasn't snapped you up to come scout talent. Maybe you could help them find a 7'2" giant with hands large enough to wrap around the entire football (kind of like when a grown up holds a toy football)...would that qualify for a good sized QB in your "opinion"?

Clausen (not Casey as you called him) is not "my boy". I'm not even saying he is going to be a good QB. My point to you was, don't cite erroneous facts when trying to argue he isn't a good QB. He has all the physical attributes you look for in a NFL QB, but he played bloody awful yesterday. So what?

And please, resorting to childish shower jokes? Come on man - stick to your wits and come with something clever. If you want to act like a scout and make statements about a guy's hand size, don't sniker like a little child when someone actually gives you some facts on it. Weak.

Happy2ride said...

I'm confused. I have read Clausen has had a personal QB trainer his entire life and this is the only position he has ever played, right? Then why does he always stare down his intended receiver and why doesn't he look for a throwing lane instead of hitting a defensive lineman in the chest? And when he runs, why doesn't he ever TRY to get a first down? Is he fearful of getting hit?

Happy2ride said...

I'm confused. I have read Clausen has had a personal QB trainer his entire life and this is the only position he has ever played, right? Then why does he always stare down his intended receiver and why doesn't he look for a throwing lane instead of hitting a defensive lineman in the chest? And when he runs, why doesn't he ever TRY to get a first down? Is he fearful of getting hit?

Onsitecom said...

There where no NFL receivers on the playing field yesterday for the Panthers. You could leave them alone and they still would have problems catching the ball.The proof is well, yesterday. It's not their fault. They're rookies. You have some projects tha will payoff somewhere down the line. Problem is we're not down the line yet. We're just starting with them.
Please name me one productive receiver that the Panthers have chosen under Hurley. Name me one rookie QB that Fox has helped become a NFL QB. You can't. They don't pick good QB's nor develop them. they don't know how. So why do you expect a rookie Qb to be successful throwing to rookie receivers under a head coach who doesn't know how to coach them? These are expected results. Get rid of Fox now before he destroys Claussen and any other rookie.

Anonymous said...

I will tell you what is worse, we will be lucky to win 2 games this year.

We will have a top 3 draft pick and Hurney and co will pass on Luck or Mallet because they have their QB of the future in Clausen.

Matt said...

You are exactly right in saying the Panthers' will now pass on Andrew Luck from Stanford because they have their future QB in Clausen.

Joe said...

Jimmy Clausen makes David Carr look like a Hall of Famer!

Anonymous said...

FIRE FOX NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Play Armanti Edwards.

We do not have any other options. Moore is bad. Clausen is worse, and Pike isn't the answer.
Armanti Edwards is the answer.

Gary S. said...

Some teams are run by wizards. You can barely hear the fight song for all the computer beeps.

Some teams are run by geniuses, some by generals, some by gurus. Some are operated by masterminds and philosophers. Some are run by cool, efficient businessmen. Some are guided by the ego-driven and some by the power-mad.

The Carolina Panthers are run by a former sports writer.

Does God have a sense of humor or what?

Now, I know what you're thinking. If an NFL team is going to be run by a sports writer, then why, in heaven's name, isn't there a chicken wing on the helmet?

Despite the oversight, it is clear the Panthers are onto something. Coaches don't like to admit it, but secretly, they love sports writers. They appreciate the advice, they admire the analysis and they learn from the second-guessing because, heck, they know we care.

Just ask Jon Gruden. You know why he gets up at 3:17 a.m.? Because he just can't wait for the paperboy to bring him the day's suggestions. On behalf of the guys in the press trailer, Jon, you're welcome.

The Panthers, however, have cut out the middleman. They have their very own newspaperman, Marty Hurney, right there in the big office. On his business card it should say Marty Hurney, General Manager. And in small type, right underneath, it should say, "Really, I Am."

In another life, on the other side of the byline, Hurney was an honest-to-goodness, quote-seeking, receipt-snatching, Marriott-staying, deadline-fighting sports writer for the Washington Star and the Washington Times. It's not that different a job, really, except that he has a better seat and his salary cap is slightly larger than most writers' expense forms.

(Talk about reasons to hate the press. Hurney spent years being paid as a member.)

In 1988, he accepted an offer from Bobby Beathard to join the Redskins' media relations department. Two years later, when Beathard went to San Diego, Hurney joined him as an assistant general manager, later specializing in salary-cap work. Hurney went to Carolina in '98, then became general manager in 2001.


"No one could script it," Hurney said. "It's hard to imagine."

Jeff said...

Terry Bradshaw didn't mince words when asked about Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen, the former Notre Dame star.

The FOX broadcaster and former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback was highly critical of Clausen during an interview with WNDU-TV.

"I didn't like him in college and I don't like him now," Bradshaw said. "I hear great things about him, but he's not my kind of guy."

When asked to elaborate, Bradshaw said it comes back to mechanics.

"I don't like his motion," Bradshaw said. "I think he's too slow. He played for such a big institution, I just thought he was way too slow with his delivery, way too much shoulder action.

"Physically, in the way he threw a football, I just didn't like him. Doesn't look to me to be a difference-making. Just another guy as far as I'm concerned."

Time will tell if Bradshaw is correct or not about Clausen.

Marty said...

Fox is done and everyone knows it. Jerry Richardson, who's been the owner leading the charge of "taking our league back" from the players, wasn't going to fire Fox and pay him the last year of his contract. Fox and GM Marty Hurney have been said to be a package deal, but it wouldn't surprise me if Hurney sells Fox out to save his own hide. A poo poo season will prob get both canned anyway.

The Panthers are such a weird case. They have lots of pieces, but never seem to put them all together on a regular basis. They've got two great backs, an ok O-line when everyone's healthy, a heck of a LB in Jon Beason (why he went outside to replace Thomas Davis I don't know). They've never found WR stability and the franchise has never had a great QB. Delhomme was average at best, that's the ceiling for Moore as well. Clausen has "NO" potential to be a franchise QB.

I think the Panthers really do need a new regime. Hurney's never been a fantastic drafter; trading a 2010 2nd rounder to move up and pick Armanti Edwards is a retarded move, and I imagine he would have traded next year's #1 for the third straight year if Richardson didn't tell him not to (can't prove that one, heard it through the grapevine). I know people are hoping for Cowher, but he's got no real connection to the area. Raleigh and Charlotte are three hours apart, so it's not like he'd be commuting from home. If Cowher does come back, I think he goes to Cleveland. Fox goes to the Giants, and I think Gruden comes in for the Panthers. If it is Jeff Davidson and his playbook of draw plays in charge, I'm switching teams.

Anonymous said...

Time to flip the cart and start over. The season is lost. Trade DeAngelo to the Packers for draft picks while can get some value. He is a free agent next year anyway and we don't need J Stewart AND D Will when there are so many other areas of need!

Matt G. said...

Let’s go down the list of problems the Panthers currently face.

1. League-worst 10.4 points per game.

2. League-worst 236 yards per game.

3. RB Jonathan Stewart surpassed 100 yards for the season today.

4. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart have combined for two rushing touchdowns this season.

5. Jeff Otah, the team’s best and biggest run blocker, is still rehabilitating his knee injury and will probably be headed to IR.

6. Gamble is afraid to challenge ball-carriers. He appears to be as skittish as Antonio Cromartie without the talent, ability, or size.

7. Matt Moore. He is not smart enough to be an NFL quarterback, and his vision is limited to the right-hand side of the field. He is not much better than Jake Delhomme, he is just cheaper.

8. Jimmy Clausen is AWFUL!

A) None of the receivers ever get open.

B) The offensive line doesn’t even give him time to get the snap before the pass rush is on top of him.

C) He has disturbing ball security issues. Already this year he has botched a few snaps and let a simple hand-off slip out of his hands for a loss.

9. Steve Smith. He is clearly frustrated with the incompetency of the rest of the organization, but is powerless to change anything.

The Panthers'organization is clearly playing for the post-lockout future.

10. Center Ryan Kalil has struggled all year.

11. Too much inexperience. The majority of the Panthers’ starters have startlingly little experience. The offense obviously has no cohesiveness.


12. The secondary. The defensive backs are almost always over-matched by their match-ups or dropping interceptions. If they could catch the ball half of the time they get chances to pick the ball off, Carolina would lead the league in interceptions.

13. The defensive line. Powerless to stop the run, and opposing quarterbacks have all day to throw.

14. Jerry Richardson is a bad team owner. Make no mistake about it, he is running a business. Making money is his only priority.

The reason the Panthers are almost always good enough to win seven or eight games but rarely good enough to win more, is because of Richardson's spending habbits. He is willing to spend enough to make the team exciting, in order keep fans paying, but never enough to push the team over the top.

I am devoid of any emotional attachment to the Panthers. I don’t care if they lose. They are not my favorite team anymore. I cannot root for the Panthers anymore because I don’t feel anything for them.

Matt G. said...

Let’s go down the list of problems the Panthers currently face.

1. League-worst 10.4 points per game.

2. League-worst 236 yards per game.

3. RB Jonathan Stewart surpassed 100 yards for the season today.

4. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart have combined for two rushing touchdowns this season.

5. Jeff Otah, the team’s best and biggest run blocker, is still rehabilitating his knee injury and will probably be headed to IR.

6. Gamble is afraid to challenge ball-carriers. He appears to be as skittish as Antonio Cromartie without the talent, ability, or size.

7. Matt Moore. He is not smart enough to be an NFL quarterback, and his vision is limited to the right-hand side of the field. He is not much better than Jake Delhomme, he is just cheaper.

8. Jimmy Clausen is AWFUL!

A) None of the receivers ever get open.

B) The offensive line doesn’t even give him time to get the snap before the pass rush is on top of him.

C) He has disturbing ball security issues. Already this year he has botched a few snaps and let a simple hand-off slip out of his hands for a loss.

9. Steve Smith. He is clearly frustrated with the incompetency of the rest of the organization, but is powerless to change anything.

The Panthers'organization is clearly playing for the post-lockout future.

10. Center Ryan Kalil has struggled all year.

11. Too much inexperience. The majority of the Panthers’ starters have startlingly little experience. The offense obviously has no cohesiveness.


12. The secondary. The defensive backs are almost always over-matched by their match-ups or dropping interceptions. If they could catch the ball half of the time they get chances to pick the ball off, Carolina would lead the league in interceptions.

13. The defensive line. Powerless to stop the run, and opposing quarterbacks have all day to throw.

14. Jerry Richardson is a bad team owner. Make no mistake about it, he is running a business. Making money is his only priority.

The reason the Panthers are almost always good enough to win seven or eight games but rarely good enough to win more, is because of Richardson's spending habbits. He is willing to spend enough to make the team exciting, in order keep fans paying, but never enough to push the team over the top.

I am devoid of any emotional attachment to the Panthers. I don’t care if they lose. They are not my favorite team anymore. I cannot root for the Panthers anymore because I don’t feel anything for them.

Unknown said...

I think Mike & Mike said it best this morning when looking at the winless teams in the NFL.

Greeny: "I think Carolina is the worst team in the NFL."
Goldberg: "I agree."

This is harder to watch than 2001, going 1-15. I'd prefer Weinke over any of these guys.

Anonymous said...

For all you haters check out Armanti's numbers. Ok 5 11 got it. He has a 37 inch sleeve. Huge hands. Bigger than king Tebo's. Releases the ball MUCH higher and faster than Claisen or Moore. Oh yeah. Runs a 4.4. Just throwin that out there.

Jerrykids said...

Don't blame the players, don't blame the coaching. From what I understand Jerry Richardson is leading the lock out cause for the owners.Thus not picking up any marque players this off season (free agency). So now all the PSL owners and Panther fans will suffer thru one of the worst season's the Panthes will have. So Jerry when you send me my bill for PSL's tickets this off seaon maybe I or 69,000 other Panther fans want send in any money.It want just be bad this season, but probably for 3 more years to come.Why don't you sell the team. Your pockets are not deep enough for me.Where is the emphasis on winning the superbowl Jerry?

Anonymous said...

Clausen certainly took a step back…not sure what happened but it was almost like he had no confidence in what he was doing.

Curtis Watkins said...

Lol @ anon, 2:37...yeah, I hear you. You got me all figured out. Yes, clearly, my entire existence is built around the Panthers because I participate in this particular forum from time to time.

You do realize this is a sports blog. About the Panthers. Where people post comments about, oh I don't know, THE PANTHERS.

By the way, you find one - and I mean ONE - post that is a "whine" about this team (and I mean the dictionary definition of a whine, not what you probably think it means in your simple mind)and I'll send you check for a yard.

And speaking of having a life - if the "ultimate rule" in your life is that you don't stake your existence on sports...well, that pretty much speaks for itself. I mean, who needs things like being a good provider for his family or successful in your career or any real goals - because I mean, you have the "ultimate rule" of not staking your existence on sports. Well done son, well done. Your parents must be proud.

Anonymous said...

The best quarterback on the Panthers team right now is Armanti Edwards, and the coaches are wasting his time and our time playing him at receiver.

Why? They (like many of the fans) have in their heads that you have to be be 6'3" and weigh at least 230 pounds to play the position. But we have three quarterbacks with the right size requirements, and not only are they mediocre passers at best but none of them can seem to get their right feet out of the way of their left ones.

Maybe some day Clausen and/or Pike will be major league QBs but right now none has the firepower to either scare the other team or to rouse the emotions of either their teammates or the fans.

Edwards did play at a I-AA team, but it was one of the best ones ever. In college, he led that team to victories over current NFL starters Chad Henne of Michigan and Joe Flacco of Delaware. I would call him a I-A player in a I-AA conference, and I agree that his numbers would not have been as extravagant in some 1A conferences.
But those numbers do show several qualities that the Panthers need now.

First, Edwards--at QUARTERBACK--is a winner--big time. He has a winner's confidence that he can find a way to score no matter how bad things look. I don't see this is the other QBs on the team. So far, they walk out there like they are about to face a firing squad. But remember when Edwards brought the offense out for two (whole) plays Sunday. For one thing the crowd noise jumped noticeably.

More importantly, he followed a predictable & unsuccessful run attempt by David Gettis, with an unpredictable and dazzling QB rush of his own for 7 yards into the heart of a startled Chicago defense. It was classic Edwards. If one thing doesn't work, you hit them (fast) with another. This was the absolutely the wrong time to take Edwards out, but this is what the coaches did.

Why? Either they are still trapped in the cookie cutter "image" of the NFL QB, or they just haven't developed enough plays out of he shotgun to make a full offense out of it yet. If the first is true, then multiple defeats may be the only cure. If the second is the reason, let's hope that they use their bye week wisely.

Here is what the Panthers have in Edwards--a Michael Vick minus 30 pounds and a lot of character baggage. He can pass like a classic shotgun QB, run like a tail back, and invent on the fly ways of turning busted plays into winning ones. He has multiple weapons, and he's fearless using them.

Finally, if the Panther staff actually devise an offense that will utilize Edwards's full skill set, they will free the rest of the offense to break loose of the timidity and boredom of the current offense.

And free the fans as well. Who wouldn't love that?

Anonymous said...

The best quarterback on the Panthers team right now is Armanti Edwards, and the coaches are wasting his time and our time playing him at receiver.

Why? They (like many of the fans) have in their heads that you have to be be 6'3" and weigh at least 230 pounds to play the position. But we have three quarterbacks with the right size requirements, and not only are they mediocre passers at best but none of them can seem to get their right feet out of the way of their left ones.

Maybe some day Clausen and/or Pike will be major league QBs but right now none has the firepower to either scare the other team or to rouse the emotions of either their teammates or the fans.

Edwards did play at a I-AA team, but it was one of the best ones ever. In college, he led that team to victories over current NFL starters Chad Henne of Michigan and Joe Flacco of Delaware. I would call him a I-A player in a I-AA conference, and I agree that his numbers would not have been as extravagant in some 1A conferences.
But those numbers do show several qualities that the Panthers need now.

First, Edwards--at QUARTERBACK--is a winner--big time. He has a winner's confidence that he can find a way to score no matter how bad things look. I don't see this is the other QBs on the team. So far, they walk out there like they are about to face a firing squad. But remember when Edwards brought the offense out for two (whole) plays Sunday. For one thing the crowd noise jumped noticeably.

More importantly, he followed a predictable & unsuccessful run attempt by David Gettis, with an unpredictable and dazzling QB rush of his own for 7 yards into the heart of a startled Chicago defense. It was classic Edwards. If one thing doesn't work, you hit them (fast) with another. This was the absolutely the wrong time to take Edwards out, but this is what the coaches did.

Why? Either they are still trapped in the cookie cutter "image" of the NFL QB, or they just haven't developed enough plays out of he shotgun to make a full offense out of it yet. If the first is true, then multiple defeats may be the only cure. If the second is the reason, let's hope that they use their bye week wisely.

Here is what the Panthers have in Edwards--a Michael Vick minus 30 pounds and a lot of character baggage. He can pass like a classic shotgun QB, run like a tail back, and invent on the fly ways of turning busted plays into winning ones. He has multiple weapons, and he's fearless using them.

Finally, if the Panther staff actually devise an offense that will utilize Edwards's full skill set, they will free the rest of the offense to break loose of the timidity and boredom of the current offense.

And free the fans as well. Who wouldn't love that?

Anonymous said...

The best quarterback on the Panthers team right now is Armanti Edwards, and the coaches are wasting his time and our time playing him at receiver.

Why? They (like many of the fans) have in their heads that you have to be be 6'3" and weigh at least 230 pounds to play the position. But we have three quarterbacks with the right size requirements, and not only are they mediocre passers at best but none of them can seem to get their right feet out of the way of their left ones.

Maybe some day Clausen and/or Pike will be major league QBs but right now none has the firepower to either scare the other team or to rouse the emotions of either their teammates or the fans.

Edwards did play at a I-AA team, but it was one of the best ones ever. In college, he led that team to victories over current NFL starters Chad Henne of Michigan and Joe Flacco of Delaware. I would call him a I-A player in a I-AA conference, and I agree that his numbers would not have been as extravagant in some 1A conferences.
But those numbers do show several qualities that the Panthers need now.

First, Edwards--at QUARTERBACK--is a winner--big time. He has a winner's confidence that he can find a way to score no matter how bad things look. I don't see this is the other QBs on the team. So far, they walk out there like they are about to face a firing squad. But remember when Edwards brought the offense out for two (whole) plays Sunday. For one thing the crowd noise jumped noticeably.

More importantly, he followed a predictable & unsuccessful run attempt by David Gettis, with an unpredictable and dazzling QB rush of his own for 7 yards into the heart of a startled Chicago defense. It was classic Edwards. If one thing doesn't work, you hit them (fast) with another. This was the absolutely the wrong time to take Edwards out, but this is what the coaches did.

Why? Either they are still trapped in the cookie cutter "image" of the NFL QB, or they just haven't developed enough plays out of he shotgun to make a full offense out of it yet. If the first is true, then multiple defeats may be the only cure. If the second is the reason, let's hope that they use their bye week wisely.

Here is what the Panthers have in Edwards--a Michael Vick minus 30 pounds and a lot of character baggage. He can pass like a classic shotgun QB, run like a tail back, and invent on the fly ways of turning busted plays into winning ones. He has multiple weapons, and he's fearless using them.

Finally, if the Panther staff actually devise an offense that will utilize Edwards's full skill set, they will free the rest of the offense to break loose of the timidity and boredom of the current offense.

And free the fans as well. Who wouldn't love that?

Anonymous said...

Really -- who gives a flying f anymore? There are so many other thingsmore important to worry about than the going ons of greedy people

Anonymous said...

Nothing but a bunch of typical crybaby whiners as usual. Worst fans not only in the NFL but in the history of the NFL. They did the same whines for the Hornets who happened to be winning but they still whined about Shinn and then got Johnson to take them to the cleaners. One day Richardson will up and move to Los Angeles and he wont have to deal with these long winded know nothing crybaby punks.

The world is coming to an end because a stupid suck NFL team is 0-5 and fans self worth is challenged to the brink. Obsession is putting it mildly when you are the cause running off Jake and the rest.

Unknown said...

Dear Jerry (aka Mr Burns) please sell the team to the people of Charlotte. We actually care about the product we would put on the field.

Anonymous said...

"Either they are still trapped in the cookie cutter "image" of the NFL QB,.."

Huh? Idiot comment. Say what you mean. You mean white QBs? Do you want the NFL to go bankrupt like the NBA? Except for a few only, NBA teams are used as tax writeoffs by owners who lose tens of millions annually even those owned by blacks. Ask Bob Johnson. Jordan will learn too. NFL teams still make money because they have white QBs and white kicker and a few offensieve linemen. Take them away and its over for the NFL.

Jennifer said...

Curtis I love your Panther Pride....you make me smile reading your post.
I guess what most on here forget is, none of us have to like another's post, but as adults you would think we would all respect it...Name calling and throwing rocks at glass houses, seems a bit immature to me..But hey I'm just a girl..

Now to answer your question, couldnt tell you, why Pep responded the way he did. I'm sure welcome home Judas, may have played a factor, or getting booed every time his name was mentioned, kinda like back atcha...I'm sure a lot of emotions played a factor.

To each their own...However that was a bad a@@ play he made. So I would have sent a message to the crowd to, only created more drama and in reading all the post here, we have PLENTY of that ( again) this season!!

Lets take a poll on who gets most the blame this year? Peppers relinquished his title <:-)

Smiles......

Curtis Watkins said...

Hi Jenn...well, as you know many of the posters on here don't have anything intelligent to say so they simply resort to the low level attempts at humor. I think we're used to it on here. But they quickly get put in their place!!

I agree on Pep...I imagine a lot of that was based on emotion of being booed and all. Still, I expect that of fans (many of the same posters on here)...I was just surprised to see it from the usually quiet Pep. It was a heck of a play though. I miss having that level of talent in our DE spot.

Interestingly enough, all the venom this year (reserved for JP last year) seems to be for Richardson. I find that somewhat odd...I mean, on the one hand you have these guys saying we are only fair weather fans who aren't as "great" as the fans in other cities supporting our team when down. On the other, you have the guys saying JR is just bilking PSL holders and we are all suckers, etc. etc. I don't know - I can't blame JR for blowing things up...face it, the window with the players we had was past. There needed to be a new direction. You can try and bring in a bunch of free agents or try rebuilding, not many other options.

In the end, Fox will end up taking most of the blame. Can't say that is right or wrong, but perhaps it is just time. All head coaches run their course eventually...

Funny, but I recall at the end of last season saying we'd have a party for all the regular posters to celebrate our playoff run. Seems like we ought to change that goal to commiserating and striving not to reach 0 - 16!