The Carolina Panthers are 2-0. Let me say that again, because even I, a never say die fan, still am having a hard time believeing it: The Panthers are now 2-0. When word first got out of training camp that Smith had punched a teammate, that got himself suspended for the 1st two games this season, I was hoping for at the very best a 1-1 start, but feared another slow 0-2. But, the Panthers have proven me, and everyone else in America, wrong by starting out the year 2-0...winning in a fashion that we haven't seen since their magical 2003 season. This was a Carolina team went ahead to lose so many times in 06, then had a comical offense for most of last year. For them to come together as a team following an event that very easily could have torn this team apart before the season ever started makes me proud to be a Panthers fan, more so than usual. This is a character football team full of character guys, so while the ESPN's of the world are kissing Dallas' behind at the moment, these Cardiac Cats are flying right under the radar...if the Bears had won this game, we'd never hear the end of it.
Back to the game, it wasn't pretty, but a win is a win is a win in the National Football League, so I'll take them anyway we can get them. I stand by my statement last week...Jake Delhomme is a badass and proved it by taking a vicious (and late) hit from LB Lance Briggs, only to pop right back up and pound his chest as if to say "hit me harder". It's that grit, heart, leadership and energy that has been missing from this football team. Yeah, the Panthers looked ugly in the 1st half, trailing by as much as 17-3, but this team never gave up. Last year, under David Carr or Vinny Testaverde, the Panthers fold their tents and get rocked the rest of the game. It was GREAT to see Jonathan Stewart's arrival, carrying the ball 14 times for 76 yards and a pair of TD's in the 2nd half, taking over for DeAngelo Williams. Jake had an off game statistically, but he made the throws when we needed them which is what Jake is all about. He won't win you any fantasy championships, but there are few quarterbacks who are better at putting his team on his back late in games.
Now, we are 2-0, and guess who's back next week? You got it, Pro Bowl WR Steve Smith, the team's most talented offensive player. With Smith back, the sky is the limit for this team. They've proven that they can beat quality teams (don't forget that Chicago owned Indy last week) shorthanded. Now, with the offense back at full strength, I feel very bad for the Minnesota DB's next week. Smith will be back...with a vengeance. Can't wait till next week! Go Panthers!
No comments:
Post a Comment