Friday, October 22, 2010

My Panthers-49ers prediction

A few pregame notes about the 0-5 Panthers and the 1-5 49ers in advance of their 1 p.m. game Sunday in Charlotte:

-- What a great time of year to see a bad football game. Congrats to Phil Youtsey and his Panther ticket staff for somehow managing to sell this one out and avoiding a local TV blackout – it couldn’t have been easy.

-- These teams have several interesting similarities. They both have great young linebackers (Patrick Willis and Jon Beason) and at least one superb running back (Frank Gore, DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart). Their head coaches are on hot seats, their quarterback situation is iffy and they each lost their first five games in a row. The 49ers beat Oakland last Sunday.

-- Watch Gore coming out of the backfield Sunday. The unique thing about him is how often he is utilized as a receiver – he’s very versatile. Gore is also fumble-prone. His three fumbles in 2010 is tied for the league lead among running backs.

-- Remember about 15 years ago when the Panthers and 49ers were developing a significant rivalry before all the divisions got changed? One of my fondest Panther memories was watching the 1996 team win at San Francisco, 30-24, when Eric Davis had a game-clinching interception of Steve Young. “We came unglued,” 49ers coach George Seifert (and future Panthers coach) said after that game, in which San Francisco had more than 100 yards worth of penalties. As a 49ers coach, Seifert won two Super Bowls but only went 1-3 against the Panthers.

-- The Panthers badly need a return or defensive score Sunday, or at least some great field position generated by turnovers. Even with Steve Smith returning, I don’t see Matt Moore taking this offense on any 80-yard drives.

-- As I wrote earlier this week, I’m fine with John Fox flip-flopping back to Moore as the starting quarterback. Jimmy Clausen just didn’t look NFL-ready. Moore forces more balls into coverage, but he also has a stronger arm and at least handles snaps cleanly. Clausen’s time will come here, but you don’t want to turn him into David Carr (who is now the 49ers’ backup).

-- My 2010 Panther prediction record suffered a blow two weeks ago when I inexplicably picked Carolina to upset Chicago. That dropped me to 3-2 for the season.
So take everything I say with a grain of salt. But I think the fact that the Panthers are coming off a bye week and San Francisco doesn’t usually play that well in 1 p.m. East Coast games translates into a 14-10 Carolina victory.

42 comments:

Anonymous said...

ouch scott about to slip to 3-3!!!! with that pick. I think we might be the browns and thats it. Andrew Luck here we COME!!!!!!!1

Anonymous said...

Who cares!

Anonymous said...

I want Andrew Luck too, but I think we win this game and none the rest of the year. Andrew Luck is our future.

Anonymous said...

i'd love to have mike singletary if the 49ers let him go

Anonymous said...

Why would Carolina spend another pick on a QB after they drafted Clausen and Pike? Thats dumb, might as well stick with Clausen as the "future".

If Luck was to have a bad game, mostly everybody will throw him under the bus. Asking for another QB to come in the game or draft another one.

It won't never end, a new coaching staff will coach here and use all the talent on offense. Runningbacks and TEnd alot more in the passing game.

Anonymous said...

I want George Seifert back if we could convince him to move here again.

Anonymous said...

Clausen doesn't look like a franchise qb. Pike don't make me laugh this guy is a 5 year project. So when do you think the panthers will be this bad again. 1-15 bad you aren't usually that bad two years in a row. I say since we are this bad that is where you usually find franchise qbs. You gotta roll the die and take LUCK. Worst thing that happens is clausen and luck turn out good and we trade who ever we think has less upside for another 2nd or 1st rd pick. I would like AJ green but you don't get a top 2 pick every year. So you start with your franchise qb.

Anonymous said...

I would say that this game is the most likely win remaining on the schedule. If the Panthers don't win this one, it's looking good for paper bag sales in the stands.

Anonymous said...

I hope we go cheaper next year. I think this is a great way of running a team bottomline is ATCF not winning. I go to the games not to watch the game but, to watch a well run company squeeze every dime out they can. Screw Wall Street we got bank of america stadium to watch every sunday. This is truly a spectacular well oiled money machine and I applaud them!!!!

Anonymous said...

The Bills will take Andrew Luck before Carolina does. Carolina needs a DT or Wr( wouldn't matter with this elementary school scheme) for their 1st pick.

It would be stupid to select another QB, who is another unproven player. Having to start him early when he isn't ready, fans booing him and he isn't no longer the starter.

Having him to lose confidence withing the players/coaching staff.

Anonymous said...

This game is a dream for those who love turnovers, false start penalties and 2-yard passes.

Here's the X factor - Vernon Davis. We have never contained an elite TE in the Fox era. I have bad visions of him catching 8 balls for 140 yards and a score. But I think that's all they get. We get one TD after a turnover. Panthers, 10-7.

Anonymous said...

It makes NO sense to draft Luck or any other QB. This is an angry and mean fan base. Throwing a rook out there next year at QB would not be pretty.
As for this game, no way do we beat SF. My prediction: Kasay gets 3 FG; Gore is contained to only 250 yards and 3 TDs; John Fox chews his gum real hard. Panther 9 49ers 37

Anonymous said...

Hey HOMER, stop picking the panthers every week! They will lost their 6th straight! 49ers are a little better then every makes them out to be! Matt Moore will throw picks all day long.

Anonymous said...

Alex Smith as well will throw picks, hell it will be an int show fest between the 2 QB's.

But hey I guess Jimmy "check down" Clausen should start? Throwing passes that doesn't pass the 1st down mark.

Anonymous said...

Great to see matt Moore starting.I don't believe Jimmy Clausen will ever be anything but an NFL backup.
Can you say,"another wasted # 2 draft choice?
I would like for the Panthers to draft Andrew Luck if he comes out this year and Buffalo doesn't take him but that would make touch sense.
Look for a DL to be taken with our # 1 pick.Not a great way to build a NFL playoff contender.

Anonymous said...

I hope you are right Scott, but how are we going to score 14 points? Maybe Moore comes back and the offense comes to life, but until they give me a reason to beleive I just can't.

Anonymous said...

"Look for a DL to be taken with our # 1 pick. Not a great way to build a NFL playoff contender".


It might not be a great way to build a playoff contender, but it sure does help rebuild the Dline that was once the strong point on defense.

A DT is needed more than another DLine. Who can command a double to triple team majority of the plays.

By far I have seen the Dline demanding double to triple teams than the DT's.

Anonymous said...

Why would the Panthers draft another QB with their first pick? If he loses 3 games as a rookie, you guys would throw him under the bus too and say he's garbage. Oh wait, you're already doing that.

Anonymous said...

@ October 22, 2010 3:35 PM

By far the best post of the day, it wouldn't matter who they drafted.

He will be thrown under the bus if he doesn't win games or live up to the hype coming out of college.

Like Clausen said you can't expect a rookie to become a All Pro overnight, it takes time.

Knowing this fanbase, they lack patience and is ready to see AE or Pike play. Then if they were to have a bad game, they will get thrown under the bus.

Anonymous said...

Forget Andrew Luck. Panthers need to go all out to get Georgia wideout AJ Green, who likely will be a top 3 pick. Great hands,ballet in the sky, fast and 6-4. Answer to a qb prayer.
Hungry Panther

Anonymous said...

It personally wouldn't matter who they draft or have at WR, with this elementary school offense, they will look "average" at best.

Besides, David Gettis has potential, just needs to run better routes.

David Thomas has potential, but his work ethic is the major question.

I say draft a Dt and sign a FA WR in 2011, since that FA class is full with "proven" talent.

Well that if they are willing to sign a FA.

Scott said...

Hey why don't you guys just ask Don Gregory, the Panther's Director of College Scouting, who he likes in the draft? My wife and I met him at the Capitol Grill sitting at the bar one evening and said that he would he be in town when the Panthers play San Francisco this weekend. He usually comes in and sits at the bar for dinner. He told me he was the one responsible for drafting Jon Beason and that nobody else liked him.

Anonymous said...

everything starts with the OL... don't forget that. We need to turn our top 3 pick into 2 or 3 high picks by trading down. Then take the best available OL and DL players available. We are rebuilding.

Anonymous said...

"He usually comes in and sits at the bar for dinner. He told me he was the one responsible for drafting Jon Beason and that nobody else liked him".

Maybe Don G should be the GM if he told you that? I wonder did he draft Dwyane J and every bust USC/Ohio State Wr as well?

Anonymous said...

Blind playing the blind. Loser vs loser. Suck vs suck.

Look you idiots. This game will be for the #1 NFL draft pick next year and winning is totally meaningless.

The object in life is looking toward the future not the past. There is no future in 2010 for the Panthers. They are 0-9 counting the preseason. Duh!! Deal with it. Its reality.

Fox needs to throw this one in the ame way they let Moore win a few at the end last year. This will allow the #1 draft pick in 2011 to go to perfect 0-16 team.

So dont not blow it. For 2010 there nowhere to go but down. Its for the future.

Anonymous said...

With a top 5 pick in next year's draft...the Panthers should select WR AJ Green from UGA. That should answer any questions at the wideout position.

Anonymous said...

We have the worst passing game in the NFL. We need AJ Green!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

It wouldn't matter which WR they draft or sign in FA, they will look average with this offense.

AJ Green won't make a difference, the fans will say he's garbage. Especially if he doesn't make a impact from the start.

Anonymous said...

Top lucky 7 D1A 2011 QB #1 draft picks in America (total excellence)

1)Jake Locker UWash 6'4" 230
2)Andrew Luck Stanford 6'5" 240
3)John Brantley UFlor 6"4" 225
4)Nick Foles U AZ 6"6" 240
5)Christian Ponder FSU 6"4" 230
6)Ryan Mallet UArk 6"8" 245
7)Blaine Gabbart Missouri 6"6" 240

Anonymous said...

Until Bill Cower is anounced as the new head coach of the Panthers, it doesn't matter who is starting at QB or who we take #1 next year! The Panthers have two possible wins this year: the 49'ers and the Browns.

Anonymous said...

"Until Bill Cower is anounced as the new head coach of the Panthers, it doesn't matter who is starting at QB or who we take #1 next year!"

Bill Cowher? Come on man bringing in Bill Cowher would be just like retaining John Fox, they both have the same philosophy, run the ball and play good defense. Cowher wasn't even responsible for the great Steeler defenses while he was in Pittsburgh, that would be Dick LeBeau's doing, Cowher left and the defense actually got better.

Anonymous said...

Bill C offense was mediocre at best before Bill R was drafted. He wouldn't bring excitement to this team.

Knowing this fanbase if he lose 3 to 4 straight games in a row, they will call for his head. Wanting him to be fired and wanting a new coach.

Holmes said...

Panther fans, lend me your ears. Through the incompetence of Marty Hurney and Don Gregory, the energy has been sucked out of this franchise. The 2010 season will be the most embarrassing since the 1-15 run we have had in the past. The decision to trade away next year's second-round pick for a unproven projection, the decision to give quarterback coming off the worst postseason performance in league history for a quarterback a $20 million extension and then cut him after one season, the decision to not add a SINGLE free agent to shore up any position on the team, Hurney has GUTTED this franchise.

Their time has come and gone. John Fox and Marty Hurney have been joined at the hip since 2002 when Fox became head coach and Hurney became general manager. Yes, under their guidance, this team has had some success. But their time has past.

The quarterback position is a wreck. There STILL isn't a receiver they've found that can play besides 89. Offensive line depth is non-existent.
It has gotten back to that ugly point in 2001 where you're mocked if you wear Panthers memorabilia out in public in the CITY OF CHARLOTTE HOME OF THE TEAM.

Questionable decisions have been made in the GM and coaching spots for years. Not resigning Will Witherspoon. Not drafting Joe Flacco and numerous other quarterbacks that are better than Jake Delhomme. The mostly laughable draft history since 2002. The signing of David Carr. The numerous fantastic free agents they've passed on throughout the years. The lack of halftime adjustments. Not letting players tip their hand as to what an offensive play is going to be before the snap. The same old, vanilla and conservative play-style that has driven Panther fans insane for years. To top it off, we've never had back-to-back winning seasons much less back-to-back playoff appearances and it appears like that will continue this year.

The Richardson brothers were dismissed to have a clean start in the front office. We, the good people of the Carolina Huddle, are in agreement that there should be a clean start at the GM, scouting department, and coaching positions.

PLEASE FIRE MARTY HURNEY AND DON GREGORY! TODAY, PLEASE!

Holmes said...

Panther fans, lend me your ears. Through the incompetence of Marty Hurney and Don Gregory, the energy has been sucked out of this franchise.

The 2010 season will be the most embarrassing since the 1-15 run we have had in the past. The decision to trade away next year's second-round pick for a unproven projection, the decision to give quarterback coming off the worst postseason performance in league history for a quarterback a $20 million extension and then cut him after one season, the decision to not add a SINGLE free agent to shore up any position on the team, Hurney has GUTTED this franchise.

The quarterback position is a wreck. There STILL isn't a receiver they've found that can play besides 89. Offensive line depth is non-existent.

It has gotten back to that ugly point in 2001 where you're mocked if you wear Panthers memorabilia out in public in the CITY OF CHARLOTTE HOME OF THE TEAM.

Questionable decisions have been made in the GM and coaching spots for years. Not resigning Will Witherspoon. Not drafting Joe Flacco and numerous other quarterbacks that are better than Jake Delhomme. The mostly laughable draft history since 2002. The signing of David Carr. The numerous fantastic free agents they've passed on throughout the years.

The lack of halftime adjustments. Not letting players tip their hand as to what an offensive play is going to be before the snap. The same old, vanilla and conservative play-style that has driven Panther fans insane for years. To top it off, we've never had back-to-back winning seasons much less back-to-back playoff appearances and it appears like that will continue this year.

The Richardson brothers were dismissed to have a clean start in the front office. We, the good people of the Carolina Huddle, are in agreement that there should be a clean start at the GM, scouting department, and coaching positions.

PLEASE FIRE MARTY HURNEY AND DON GREGORY! TODAY, PLEASE!

Anonymous said...

It has gotten back to that ugly point in 2001 where you're mocked if you wear Panthers memorabilia out in public in the CITY OF CHARLOTTE HOME OF THE TEAM.


Please ... Thats a load of BS. Nobody givez a ratz azz. Mocked? Such pathetic weak mindedness. The home of the team is only located in a Carolina City straddling the border midway between the 2 states it was named for.

Anonymous said...

Marty Hurney should be gone for trading away high draft picks for project players like E. Brown and Armanti Edwards. Those decisions had nothing to do with Don Greogry. For the most part he has done a good job.

Anonymous said...

"Not drafting Joe Flacco and numerous other quarterbacks that are better than Jake Delhomme"?

Joe F is a game manager at best. I have heard rumors how Hurney wanted Matt R with the 3rd overall pick from the Falcons, willing to trade the 13th and next year 1st rounder for him. The Falcons didn't accept the trade.

Lmfao at fans crying about Will W being let go. Witherspoon has be bouncing from team to team ever since.

How many All Pros and pro bowls did Witherspoon make? None.

JR has the final say so of paying Jake D that horrible amount of money, he writes the checks.

Also Hurney didn't just trade Everrette B for the 1st round pick. The pick also included a 4th rounder in which they drafted Mike Goodson.

So getting 2 picks for the price of 1 is a bad ideal? Having to overpay an unproven rookie in the 1st round?

Even if they would have kept the 1st round pick, they probably would have drafted Clausen with it anyway.

Anonymous said...

Will W was overpaid by the Rams, 3 or 4 years later he was release.

Now the Titans, signed him to a 1 year contract. Will probably be let go after this season since he will turn 31 years old.

The decision to not add a SINGLE free agent to shore up any position on the team, Hurney has GUTTED this franchise.

Besides them missing on Drew B( who Dr. Andrew was in shock how he came back even better) which FA did they miss on?


JR going cheap has gutted this franchise, having to go in a salary dump/youth movement.

Not willing to resign Peppers( even though he wanted to leave for years). Tried to trade him, but waited until July to sign his tender.

Trading Chris H, in which Fox and Hurney didn't want to do. All of these issues were JR ideal, not Hurney.

Hurney has done good things for this franchise. Especially since they idiot George S couldn't built a team.

Every GM makes questionable or boneheaded moves. Nobody is perfect, but Hurney is the Main reason why Fox can't have back to back winning seasons/consective playoffs appearances?

Hurney doesn't coached the fukcing team, he brings in the talent. Which was pretty good to compete in a up and down South division for many years until now.

Anonymous said...

"The decision to trade away next year's second-round pick for a unproven projection"?

Don't you think you and the whiny fans should see who Bill B will select with the pick before crying? Especially how the whine and cheese were complaining about trading a 2010 1st rounder for Brown and Goodson to see the 49ers select a LG? Something they didn't need.

"The decision to give quarterback coming off the worst postseason performance in league history for a quarterback a $20 million extension and then cut him after one season"?

Don't JR have the final say so of who he is willing to pay the players at the end of the day? Hurney listen to contract proposals, but he doesn't lend out the money, JR does.


"The decision to not add a SINGLE free agent to shore up any position on the team, Hurney has GUTTED this franchise"?

Are you talking about now or overall throughout his tenure? If throughout his tenure, didn't he overpaid Ken L and Mike W to only see mediocre performances? Along Landon J, DJ Hackett, Keyshawn J, and many more?

Also which good FA's was out this year that they could have sign? T.O? He wouldn't have made a difference with this elemetary school offense.

Drew B( who nobody belived he would overcome his shoulder injury). Jake D did have a good season in 2005.

The rest were overpaid with being overage, injury issues, or mediocre performances from previous teams.

Without Hurney, they wouldn't have been competitve from 2002-2009 until now. Until JR wanted to go in a salary dump and youth movement.

Fox conservative approach is the reason this team has underachieve, not Hurney.

But hey I wish Hunrey does get fired, it won't be long before the whine and chesse crowd call for the nest person head.

Darin is an idiot said...

Its irrelevent who the 49ers picked with our 1st round pick last year or who the pats take with our 2nd. The fact is Goodson and Brown were not worthy of the 16th overall pick in the draft and Armanti Edwards is certainly not worth the 33rd pick in next years draft.

Anonymous said...

Brown may not be worth the 16th overall pick, but Goodson( if used the proper way has big play potential in the return, receiving, and run game).

Getting 2 picks picks for the price of 1 is a good deal. Just have to invest in the right pick to be worth it.

Anonymous said...

How do we truely know if Brown or Goodson was worth the 16th overall pick? With this vanilla offense and defense of scheme, anybody don't look worth a pick

No aggressive on the offense and defensive. Carolina could use a 3-4scheme at times to see how Brown does standing up. As well blitzing instead of relying on the front 4.

Goodson at the slot, since he barely carries the ball. Instead of trading a 2nd round pick for AE.

Hopefully with a new coaching staff with creativity and aggressive play on both ends of the fiel. Nobdy wouldn't be whining about the picks.