OK, here's a pop quiz. After which 2009 Panther game did Jake Delhomme say, “I should get the blame. It’s inexcusable. It’s disappointing.”
You’ve got a lot of choices there, don’t you? The correct answer is after the Arizona playoff game – the 33-13 loss that started all the mess around here. Delhomme had six turnovers in that one and never has completely recovered.
Now he will play Arizona again, in Phoenix this time. The bad news for Delhomme is that the Cardinal defense may actually be better right now than the one from last year’s Super Bowl team.
-- You may know that Delhomme and Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner were teammates on the 1998 Amsterdam Admirals. Warner beat Delhomme out for the starting job and started almost all season. (They were each paid about $1,600 per game back then – a total of $16,000 for the 10-game season). What you may not know is that the field where the Admirals played had a moat surrounding it to keep unruly fans off the field.
-- It will be really interesting to see how the Panthers cover – or don’t cover – Larry Fitzgerald. Because Warner’s release is so quick, the Panthers’ defensive line won’t have many chances to get to him unless the secondary plays really well.
Putting Chris Gamble on Fitzgerald most of the time is the best way to go, but he better get a lot of safety help, too. Fitzgerald is particularly dangerous near the goal line because of his size – he’s scored five times already this season and absolutely killed the Panthers in the playoff rout.
-- I’ve called for Delhomme’s benching for much of the past month, but coach John Fox hasn’t listened (no surprise there). Fox has wedded himself to Delhomme, and it would be a fine storybook finish for Delhomme today if he could exorcise some Arizona demons.
Could it happen? Yes, but only if the Panthers’ running game and defense dominates. Delhomme has a chance to be effective then.
Still, the Cardinals are hot -- did you see that impressive win over the New York Giants last week? -- and they have too many weapons.
My prediction: Arizona 27, Carolina 17.
We're moving!
9 years ago
Posts
65 comments:
30-10 cards win, jake throws atleast 40 times. the team goes down in a blaze of glory.
Wish I could argue with you on this one Scott...
I just can't wait to see what "going down swinging" looks like on a football field.
jake 2 turnovers, moore gets in by end 3rd with no chance to win. Jake and fox out at end of season. jake signs to be southwest airlines new sponser "What to get away".
OK Heres the REAL DEAL.
Reasons to be happy with 2009 with the worst ever NFL teams ever.
1. 1976 Buccaneers (0-14)
2. 1990 Patriots (1-15)
3. 1973 Oilers (1-13)
4. 1971 Bills (1-13)
5. 1981 Colts (2-14)
6. 1991 Colts (1-15)
7. 1952 Texans (1-11)
8. 1980 Saints (1-15)
10. 1934 Cincinnati Reds (0-8)
Also honorable mention for worse alltime teams:
1960 Cowboys (0-11-1)
1996 Jets (1-15)
1992 Seahawks (2-14)
1989 Cowboys (1-15)
1949 New York Bulldogs (1-10-1)
1982 Colts (0-8-1) (strike)
2000 Chargers (1-15)
1942 Lions (0-11)
1943 Cardinals (0-10)
1944 Chicago Steelers (0-10) Note: After one game, three players were fined for "inept playing."
Maybe the NFL could resume its fines for "inept playing". We nominate Smith, Beason, Peppers, Delomne to be fined 10k per sorry game and forfeit all their paychecks for that game.
#9 2001 Carolina Panthers (1-15)
Hey Scott ....Hurney was a newspaper man....please take his spot on the panthers....please panthers....stop killing this city!
Scott is pretty right on here...Delhomme will not be pulled, he will finish the game, with at least 2 picks. This game will just be the start of a stretch of losing. Buffalo was their last chance in awhile...
Hahahaha..Panther's win....
Did I just read right...Panthers WIN?! THIS Sunday?! No chance...love the team, but they put the "offense" in offensive.
I can't say that I'm thrilled with the decision to start Delhomme again, but wouldn't it be nice to see the man come out and get back into the swing of things against the team that exposed him the most last year? If you look at the way the team has gradually come together this season, you have to wonder if the Panthers have a realistic shot at somehow turning it around, even with the schedule.
The defense hasn't looked terrible all season, but has looked like a top notch defense for the past few weeks. The running game has started to look good again, and somehow that interception throwing Jake had a 300 yard game (with 0 TD's) last week. They even got Smitty involved. The worst performance of that game to me was the special teams (2 missed field goals and a muffed punt) followed closely by Jake with those turnovers. IF Jake could somehow protect the ball better and IF the special teams could simply limit mistakes, this team really could be in there.
So is the sky falling? Maybe it is, but I'd like to think (and hope) that there's still a chance they can turn it around. A fan can dream right? Here's to dreaming:
Carolina 31, Arizona 24
no way we score 17 pts
Scott, I would love to have some of what you must be drinking. This offense will not score 17 points. Our only hope is for Arizona to be over confident and not play well. Every team we play now knows how to beat us because we are so predictable. We will have at least 3 turnovers and this shell shocked team will give up. We'll hear the usual excuses during the postgame interviews.
I personally can't even believe that Jake is getting any press coverage. I believe this next game is the "make or break" game precisely because of the recent history of us playing the Cards and because of how pitiful our QB staff looks right now (err...I mean the opposing teams' best defensive weapons against us). If we can play them and beat them soundly on their home turf then I will have some hope that the season is salvageable (heck, we only have a few losses so far:-). Otherwise I'll put this season in the books. I will continue to cheer them on and argue for some staff change though as we and our team deserve both. Go Cats!
This season is getting depressing...can we please have another cheerleader scandal to lighten things up a bit?
This season is pretty much over for the panthers....the only chance we have is to win the rest of the games, and i think we all know thats pretty much a strech by anyones imagination. So.....why not start matt now to see if he really is our qb of the future.
i believe in being loyal to your employees being a former business owner, especially people who have helped you organization grow. i wish more bosses were that way. but there comes a time with certain employees have to be set back and give another employee or applicant a chance for better results than you were getting. that doesn't mean you do not keep the other employee around for his knowledge and experience. Such is the case with Jake. He has done a lot for the Panthers and is a standup guy. But it is time for him to step aside for a while for the betterment of the team. Fox needs to let the reins go on him, and move on. Again, Jake thanks for what you have done and might do with the organization in the future but for now give someone else a chance.
I agree that we will more than likely lose big in this game. However one thing we all may be forgetting is revenge starts early in the week. No doubt in my mind that every single player practiced with extra intensity this week. Plus don't forget they (the players) will rally around Delhomme. It will be interesting
How ARROGANT can a beat writer/columnist get??? "I’ve called for Delhomme’s benching for much of the past month, but coach John Fox hasn’t listened." Since when to profession coaches take advice from writers?
I'm not happy that Fox is sticking with Delhomme but it shouldn't surprise anyone. Fox has shown to be a creature of habit and doesn't seem to like a lot of change. I'd like to get on the "Start Matt Moore" bandwagon, but is he really the answer? He did play a quarter in the Eagles game and didn't really fare any better than the other two qb's. I do wonder if Fox will wait until the Panthers are pretty much mathematically eliminated from playoff contention (7 losses or so) before deciding to go ahead and throw Matt Moore out there. That being said, I don't know how much of the game I'll be able to watch. I think Scott's being pretty generous on how close the Panthers keep this game.
Right on Scott! Another loss for the Panthers. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Jake and Fox ARE married to each other. It is past time for a change at both positions.
Jake is Human, and he is competitive. Nobody wants to defeat the Cardinals more than Jake. As it stands now we've the same total losses as last year. If we reach 7 losses soon, it is then when we'll see a different QB. Relax everybody, I agree with the linemen. A QB carosel isn't the answer now. The season isn't over until we have 9 losses. It is difficult for anybody to rebound at home after an mistake and the crowd starts boo-ing. We must Defend Jake's ego on gameday because he could respond the same way as in the SuperBowl. You remember the flamboyant passes for TD's after some rough series? Lets back him because the coach's still back him! Don't Boo unless you're at a Halloween Party!
Guys: I am enjoying your comments on this and all my blog posts, but please keep it civil. I just had to remove 3 separate comments on this blog alone. And for the 98 percent of folks who don't use anonymity here as a cloak for saying the worst thing they can think of, THANK YOU! Please help me by clicking on "report abuse" when you see a comment that deserves removal. Many thanks, Scott Fowler
Also, for the Panther fans who actually think they can win, some key injuries just hurt any chance that was minimally possible..I personally think Independence could beat the Panthers, Haha! But seriously I always wanted the NFL to do an exhibition game say at the end of the season. I want to see the worst NFL team take on the NCAA team that won the BCS, like Florida this year again..I would pay to see it. Florida vs. Tampa Bay, they wouldn't even have to travel far...
If we run the ball 44 times instead of passing it 44 times, we will WIN! Let's get back to Panther ball. Run the ball and Play D. Panthers Win!
Yes, the Panthers will win because the Cardinals can't stop the ball...right...
There he goes again. Little man ex-Panther Terry Cousins needs to shut his punk mouth on a local tv sports show pumping his boy SS but trashing JD for 30 mins ... Yocal Cousins from weakling USC sucked as a Cat and was cut after a short stay ... Its bad enuff for active players like Beason to diss each other but discarded bums need to stuff it unless they offer something constructive ...
what about the 2008 0-16 Lions
42-3 Cardinals
Here we go...let's see what Fox must know about Jake that the rest of the Carolina's simply can't see.
GO CATS!
WHAT AN "IMPRESSIVE" FIRST DRIVE BY THE PANTHERS!!!!
Two big TDs by Stewart...a HUGE run by D'Lo.
This is our game plan.
Don't know about you Jen, but I'm liking the offensive game plan we're showing so far. Let's see the D step up though.
Agreed, smiling at least for the moment....DT is on a roll...huge run by Williams...and nice scores by Stewart...
Wheres the new blogs....least let us enjoy this for a little bit lol...
NOOOOO...NOT MY BOY PEP!!!!!
Good to see Pep get up and jog off the field...and to hear it was just the wind knocked out of him.
Defense is playing good...need to keep it up.
And Stewart...running like a man possessed! Love it!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Big.
Play.
To.
Smitty!!!!!!!1
SCREAMING HER HEAD OFF....WORTH A TRILLION BUCKS ON THAT PLAY....GO PANTHERS !!!!!
Curtis this FEELS GOOD.....
WOOT WOOT.....
Jen, it sure does...the fans needed this. The team needed this. I know you and I sure as heck did...
I mean, Pep scoring a TD? Awesome. Just freaking awesome.
Now, all of that being said...there is a lot of time left. Boys need to keep bringing it.
If Im dreaming this first half....PLEASE dont wake me up lol..
5 things I liked about the first half (taking a cue from Fowler)...
1) The running game.
2) The running game.
3) A little creativity on offense with Smitty. The stop and go for the big TD. The toss-sweep-reverse to pick up a nice gain on the ground. Find a way to get your best player in the game, without putting the game at risk (i.e. risky throws) is something we did well in the first half.
4) Peppers continuing his dominating play. The guy is all over the place. That Pick Six reminded me of the play I saw when I went to ATL a few years ago when he snatched the ball from Vick's hands and ran it for a TD...his football awareness in the past few games has been superb.
5) Turnovers. Finally.
yeah hes not posting today, he must be in shock...lol
Was a GREAT first half....but I never underestimate Kurt Warner..
Lets hope they play, the next two quarters like the first, was a JOY to watch...
I wouldnt get celebrating until the end Panthers fans..
I didnt say we were celebrating a Win already....BUT...I will celebrate those first two quarters....Well done Panthers....
Exactly...no one said we have this wrapped up, done deal, put a W in the books. In fact, if you actually read the comments, we said things like "lots of time left", "have to keep bringing it", "don't count out Warner".
Nice try though.
I personally think if anyone could screw it up, Delhomme will. My team already won and in first in the NFC East, so I am good...
so that being the case, why even come to the panthers blog and try to take the air out of our sails Crohn?
What is will be, but I again will give them credit for how they played the first half of this game...
NFC East, eh? Looks like you're on the wrong blog then buddy.
End of the 3rd...held the Cards to one score. That's pretty good.
Started a nice long drive to take it into the fourth quarter, with a strong emphasis by Stewart by carrying 4 Card defenders down the field to pick up a crucial first down.
Not happy about Hoover getting hurt. The rookie FB is going to have to have to step up, although I think he's played decent in the games he's been a sub for Hoover.
Still, going into the fourth quarter, I like our chances.
I just happen to live in the Carolinas..for now....Dont worry, I wont go around slamming your team anymore than you "fans" do...The last time I checked it still is a free world and I can read and respond to the blogs where i live...
Whatever Crohn...you lost all credibility when you a) posted the bright "idea" to match a NCAA team against a NFL team at the end of the season and b) wore a Gamecocks shirt for your profile pic.
P.S. Mr. "Panthers would get beat by Independence", the Panthers just intercepted another Warner pass in the fourth quarter, still up by 14.
No one said you couldnt say whatever you feel needs to be said...I just find it very Humbling that you would come to a Panther blog, living in the Carolinas and at least not give them credit for playing as well as they have today...
I am sure, you dont appreciate it much, when someone goes to whatever team youre rooting fors page and runs off at the mouth...
As a TRUE Panther fan, I have that right....Ive had to take the good, bad, and the ugly...
So hater blockers on for sure to some of these post...
I never said anything about the way they were playing..I just said it was still early and if anyone could screw it up, Jake Delhomme would...Also that isn't a Gmaecocks shirt southern brilliance..It is USC, the one and only. It is a shirt I have, I am a true Penn State fan...OK..They look like they will win this one, it doesn't make the team reconciled..They will still miss the playoffs, though I wish they make it. The Eagles need someone to beat up on..and Curt, you look like a Peter with ears..
Uh-huh Crohn...and in true classless Eagles fashion, you resort to 1st grade name calling when you are called out for the simple minded individual that you are.
You are nothing more than the prototypical Yankee sports "fan" who again can't come up with any good ideas (again, I refer to your brilliant idea to pit a NFL team against a college team - I mean, seriously?) nor can you come up with anything truly witty. I expect your comments to continue to be off base and witless, because frankly, that is all you've posted so far.
Hey, maybe you ought to pitch that idea to the NFL about getting the worst NFL team versus the best NCAA team...let me know how that goes, would you? I bet you'll get a lot of support for that.
Simple ideas and simple comments from a simple man.
Oh, and yes, the Panthers won the game. It's over. Us Panthers FANS will celebrate this small victory and move on to next week.
Now go back to your NFC East blogs and type out some really "neat" spellings like e-a-g-l-e-s. We will be more than happy when you decide to carry your yankee tail back to from where you came.
JENNIFER IS DOING THE HAPPY DANCE..
WOOT WOOT....
WAY TO GO PANTHERS!!!!
Psst..I am from Philadelphia, not NY...and my idea I stated came from a neighbor who is born and raised from Charlotte...DUH...I am enjoying my time in your cheap place down here. Weird, I sold my house in PA FOR A LOT and bought a $300,000 house here in Fort Mill in cash, so I am enjoying myself while here. BUT, I live near a whole lot of people from NY, PA and Ohio. They keep me feeling like I am at home...Also, America was made in the north...
Kudos to The Real James who posted on Oct. 30th that the Panthers had a chance to win and even called a pretty close score at 31 - 24. I think you were the only one who called it close and gave the Panthers a shot. Well done sir.
Sigh, I don't even know why I waste me time with this but I just can't leave your last comments alone.
For clarification, if you are from the north, you are a Yankee. We don't care if you are from PA or NY or Maine...you are still a Yankee. I suppose you think it has something to do with baseball, but it actually has deeper historical roots than that. Look it up.
You then wrote..."MY idea I posted came from a neighbor". Oh, I see...sure, that explains it. YOUR idea actually came from a neighbor, eh? So I guess when you wrote on Oct. 31st at 8:08, and I quote, "I always wanted the NFL to do an exhibition game say at the end of the season. I want to see the worst NFL team take on the NCAA team that won the BCS", you didn't really mean that YOU always wanted that, right? You are so right with your witty "DUH". How could I have been mistaken?
And, lastly, "America was made in the north". Good grief...I don't even know where to begin with that baseless commment (which is after all what you do best). But please, professor yankee, do explain how you can make such a bold statement and what you even mean by it? Perhaps you could enlighten us "un-edumacated rednecks" with your fascinating historical perspective?
Face it Crohn, you are outmatched on here buddy. Stick to the spelling of Eagles if you can handle it.
High five Jen...that was a good win.
As the coach always says, enjoy it for a day...then it is on to the next game. We have some serious business against the Saints - that team looks just about unstoppable right about now. We definitely have our work cut out for us.
Back at ya Curtis...However I have 7 days to savour this win...so again wtg Panthers..
Great game by Jake, he must have hexed his loss against them last year on Warner.
The defense played great today....wonder if the haters are gonna start rolling in here as ANON's whining that Peppers was on the sidelines smiling <:-)
WOW.......
Fox analyst are going to Afghanistan next week...How awesome is that for the troops...With that said I agree...thank you all for serving!!
The name "yank" came from the song Yankee Doodle Dandy from the Rev War in 1776 and was used as a dumb nickname for Americans by the British who also called them rebels. The orig 13 colonies were in the south and north but America was founded in the south. The whole world calls Americans yank. The dictionary def of yank is jerk.
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