So, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have an untouchable defense, right? So, the Panthers are "not legit", right? The Panthers proved all the talking heads wrong, dominanting the unstoppable Bucs (if you listen to the media). This was a huge game, that had a huge game atmosphere to it. Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams were dominant, rushing for a combined 300 yards and 4 TDs. I can't remember the last time I saw a 4 play, 90 yard drive which consisted of 4 runs like I saw tonight. Remember that Washington Pre-Season game? This was much like that.
Steve Smith was also dominant, catching all 9 passes thrown his way for 117 yards and a TD. Delhomme had a mediocre performance, but the 2 picks he threw were the result of outstanding plays by Barber and Phillips, so you have to give credit where credit is due. The first pick probably shouldn't have been thrown, Barber just made a great break on the ball. The 2nd pick, just an outstanding effort by Phillips. So, it's hard to harp too badly on Jake, though a lot of Carolina fans and media folks will. Calling Delhomme the weakest link on this team is ludicrous. Please tell me the Panthers are 10-3 with Josh McCown under center. Delhomme is the undisputed leader of this team, which makes up for his lacking in superior talent.
The Defense was hit or miss tonight, with the secondary once again getting lit up for a few big plays. However, that long TD by Antonio Bryant was the result of Bryant stiff arming Lucas to the ground, yet somehow Lucas getting called for the penalty. B.S.! Our pass rush did something that they haven't done against Garcia, they put a licking on him to the tune of 5 sacks. Also, our run defense was stellar tonight, holding the Caddy and Dunn in check. Also, that goal line stand in the 1st quarter was huge.
All in all, an impressive performance by boys tonight. It doesn't get much better than that. Has anyone else noticed that the Panthers have scored 132 points in their last 4 games? That's 33 points per game. The Defense carried the Panthers the first half of the year, and now the offense is returning the favor. If the Defense can get back to their dominant ways, and the offense keeps putting up points...watch out! The Panthers should now be on everybody's radar, and it's up to the Panthers to live up the hype they'll receive. With their destiny fully in their hands, the Panthers have a chance to go 13-3 and control home field advantage. It won't be easy, as the Broncos and Giants are playoff teams (and the Saints always tough at home) but the Panthers don't have to sit back and hope other teams lose.
As a side note: In my Fantasy Football keeper league, I was down 76-25 in the 1st round of the playoffs going into tonight's game. But DeAngelo Williams, Steve Smith, Jon Beason, and the Carolina Defense/Special Teams carried me to a 78-76 win!
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