Just what in the hell is wrong with Carolina's once sound defensive unit?
This team didn't earn the nickname "Cardiac Cats" for no reason in 2003, and they've earned that nickname once again. Leading by 20 points twice throughout the game (23-3 and 30-10) the Carolina Panthers did their very best to lose this game, giving Drew Brees and Co. more than enough chances to pull off the upset. With nothing but pride (and a certain passing record) to play for, the Saints nearly threw the Panthers Super Bowl aspirations right down the toilet. Let's face it, the Panthers (who finish the season 8-0 at home and a mediocre 4-4 on the road) would not have won 3 consecutive road games in the Playoffs. They've just been way too inconsistent away from Mint St. However, they did themselves a huge favor by coming back and slamming the door on New Orleans' 9-7 aspirations. The Panthers also became the first NFC South team to win on the road within the division.
What more can you say about Carolina's offense. Often the joke of the league in 2006 and 2007 (averaging a pedestrian 16 a game those 2 years) the Panthers have become an offensive force the last 7 games of the year, scoring 224 points throughout that span (an average of 32 points per). To put this in perspective, the Panthers scored just 270 points in 2006, and only 267 in 07.
When was the last time you could say that, scoring wise, the Panthers are among the elite offenses in the NFL? Probably never. Jake Delhomme, despite being the most criticized player on the roster, was once again clutch. Leading the Panthers down the field in the final minutes, giving him his 19th career game winning, come from behind drive. Say what you want about his "slinging" the rock around with almost reckless abandon. There are few QBs as clutch as this guy when everything is on the line.
And, how about our boy DeAngelo Williams? His 178 yards rushing today gave him 1,515 rushing yards for 2008, surpassing Stephen Davis for most rushing yards in a season in franchise history, and proved once again why the Pro Bowl is nothing but a popularity contest. He's, for my money, the best RB in 2008 and I'll debate anybody all day on this.
But, as I opened up this thing, where in the hell was the defense in the 4th. They held the Saints vaunted offense to 10 points going into the final 15, then give up 21, nearly rendering the Panthers big day offesively meaningless (thank God we've got Capt. Clutch himself behind Center!). Look, I realize that the Saints have been the best offense in the league from a statistical standpoint, but these blown leads by the defense is concerning heading into the Playoffs. However, this bye week could do wonders as it gives Ma'ake Kemoeatu and Damione Lewis time to heal up.
So, where will this journey end for the Panthers? They've proven that they can run over and score points against anybody (including the NY Giants tough defense). The Panthers will score enough points in the Postseason to win the Super Bowl, they've just got so many ways to move the ball downfield. The problem with the Panthers, and I almost can't believe I'm saying this about a John Fox coached team, is the defense. Will they be able to make the key stops and hold onto the leads that the Panthers offense will build? If they can, I can safely say that the Panthers will be Super Bowl champs. With the way that the D has been playing, though, that's a huge "if".
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