What an unbelievable win today. Going into San Diego against the darlings of the NFL this year, a Charger team that many have picked to go to the Super Bowl, and beating them at their place. Oh, yeah, and Carolina did it without their best offensive player in Steve Smith. It's wasn't always pretty (Carolina's Red Zone offense was awful today), but a win's a win in the NFL.
One of the things that I hate, and love, about this team is that they always make a game out of it...even when they are controlling the game. Up 19-10, San Diego all too easily drove it down Carolina's throats to make it 19-17. Then, WR DJ Hackett coughs it up, giving it right back to the Chargers who scored another TD, putting them up 24-19. Thoughts of "here goes 2006 all over again" were ringing in my head. But, Jake Delhomme quickly dispelled any ill thought for the Panthers that I might have had. Driving it right down the field and ending it with a dramatic "thread the needle" throw to TE Dante "Who the heck are you" Rosario, who led the Panthers today with 95 yards, for a 26-24 win.
Now, before getting overly zealous about this 1 win, no matter how incredible, it's important to note that the Panthers should have blown out the Chargers...the Panthers simply controlled the game for about 80% of the game before allowing San Diego to get back into it. I don't know, maybe this team just thrives with their backs against the wall, which can be exciting but it's also frustrating that this game had to end so dramatically when the Panthers should have won big. But, like I said, a win is a win and I haven't been this pumped about the Panthers is over 3 years. Bring on the Bears!
No comments:
Post a Comment