Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Panthers Lose Ugly, Despite Return of Smitty


Despite the return of Steve Smith, who finished with 70 yards on 4 catches, the Panthers (2-1) lose a tough one to the desperate Vikings (1-2) on the road. It was an ugly game all around, but it didn't start out that way. Carolina jumped on Minnesota early as they built a 10-0 2nd Quarter lead. But, a Jake Delhomme fumble (1 of 3 on the day) Antoine Winfield took it the distance and tied the game at 10 going into the locker room, giving Minnesota all the momentum they would need. The Panthers defense was solid all game long..except for the 3rd quarter. After giving up a quick TD to start the half, giving Minny a 17-10 lead, the Vikings absolutely wore out the defense on 19 play, 12 minute drive which only ended in a FG, but gave the Vikings Defense a huge rest. The Panthers were simply not able tomove the ball against the fresh, pass rushing defense of Minnesota. Equally disturbing were all of the penalties on Carolina. False starts, holdings, you name it, the Panthers offense did it.


Now, it's no time to panic. The Panthers are still in a 3 way tie for 1st with Tampa Bay and Atlanta. But, it's clear that the Panthers have a lot of work to do. It doesn't get any easier as the upstart Falcons come to town this week. The Falcons, laughing stocks last year, are now 2-1 so far. After facing LT and Adrian Peterson, the Panthers now get to face off against Michael Turner, who is off to a hot start. It will be a tough test in an early divisional game, to be sure.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Smitty's Back, Which Can't Be Good for Minnesota



The Panthers, who are off to an unbelievable 2-0 start w/out Smith, will look for a 3-0 start as they face the reeling 0-2 Vikings. The Vikings are so desperate at the QB spot that they benched the young, struggling Tavaris Jackson for Gus Ferrote. Frerotte, who started 3 games last year for St. Louis, is a dinosaur. I remember him playing for the Redskins when I was 12 (I'm 24 now). So, needless to say, I'm not too worried about their passing attack. What worries me is Adrian Peterson, who has emerged as one of the best backs in the NFL. The Panthers were able to hold Ladainian Tomlinson and Matt Forte to less than 100 yards, but with the outstanding offensive line that Minnesota has and the talent of Peterson, I can't see the Panthers having similar success against Peterson. However, if the Panthers can not allow the big game changing run, they should be alright, because unless Frerotte has some hidden talent left in the tank, they won't be able to move the ball effectively through the air.

On offense, the Panthers get their best playmaker back in Steve Smith. Without Smith, the Panthers scored 46 points the first 2 games, a clip of 23 per game. Just imagine what this offense can do with Smith. Smith will have the usual chip on his shoulder, to prove everybody wrong and to go out and dominate. Smith has also had very good success against Minnesota. In his rookie year, he scored a touchdown on the opening kickoff of the 2001 season, the very first time he ever touched an NFL football. Then, at the expense of trash talking party boater Fred Smoot, had a career game with over 200 yards recieving. Also, the emergence of Jonathan Stewart, the change of pace ability of DeAngelo Williams, and the veteran presense of Moose, I like this offense and think it will only get better.

Look out Minnesota. Adrian Peterson will keep you in the game for a while, but Carolina is just too much. They are full of confidence, you are full of desperation, and the Panthers will prevail. I was only 1 point off last week (had Carolina winning 20-16) so let's see how close I am this week.

Carolina Panthers 27, Minnesota Vikings 17

Monday, September 15, 2008

This Is Why I Love the 2008 Panthers



In case you can't read it, that sign being held by SS Chris Harris reads "Steve Smith That Was 4 U!" I have always loved my Panthers, but the way that this year has played out so far, this team has really grown on me and gained my affection. The way they have responded to the "Steve Smith Incident" has been great. They have grown as a football team and they are playing together. Right before the last play defensive play, in which the Panthers stuffed the Bears on a 4th and 1, MLB Jon Beason yelled: "Look into my eyes! I'm going to give it my all for you, do it for me!" This team is about as selfless as they come, and they are only going to be more dangerous once Steve Smith returns. They may not be the most glamorious or talented team in the NFC (that would be Tony Romeo, 2, and the rest of of the Cowboys), but you'd be hard pressed to find a team with more heart, character, and a true "team first" attitude. This is going to be a dangerous team come January if they stay realtively healthy.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Cardiac Cats Strike Again, Start 2-0 W/Out Smith


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!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

After Huge Opening Day Wins, Panthers and Bears Face-off in Week 2


Let me get this out of my system early...Jake Delhomme is a badass.

Okay, now onto this week's game. The Panthers will face the dreaded home opener as the 1-0 Chicago Bears come into town. Why is it such a bad thing that the Panthers are playing in their home opener, you ask. Let me tell you: all time the Panthers are an embarrasing 3-10 in home openers since their existence. 3 wins...in 13 home openers. In fact, the Panthers haven't won their home opener since their 2003 Super Bowl year. Crazy. But, with everybody traveling down memory lane to that year following Carolina's ridiculous 26-24 last second (literally) win over heavily favored San Diego (w/out the services of Steve Smith), maybe the Panthers can rekindle some of that magic at home this week?

The Panthers will get a stern test for a Chicago team that owned the Colts last week as the Colts opened up Lucas Oil Stadium. The Bears did whatever they wanted offensively and defensively pretty much the entire game last week. The defense looks to be rejuvinated following a very disappointing year last year. Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs will challenge a Carolina running game with gained 142 yards against San Diego last week. Luckily for the Panthers, however, is the presense of K Rhys Lloyd, who boots kicks deep into the endzone with regularity, effectively eliminating the dangerous and exciting Devin Hester. It will come down to if the Panthers can stop Matt Forte and the Chicago offense.

Offensively, the Panthers will be looking for more magic from sorely missed and aforementioned badass Jake Delhomme. Delhomme completed 21 passes last week for 247 yards and unforgetable TD throw to TE Dante Rosario, who despite a foot injury, should play a big role in Carolina's offense. If the Panthers can run with the effectiveness they did last week with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, they should be tough to stop once again. But, Carolina needs to figure out a way to score once they get inside the red zone, especially playing a tough defense in Chicago where those chances could be limited.

How do I see it? I have to admit I'm nervous about the Bears. I thought they would be a 5-7 win team this year but following last week's ownage of the Colts, and Carolina's dismal showings at home the past 2 seasons, I'm worried. But, we've got Jake Delhomme and a running game once again. I like the Panthers to win by 4 in a close, hard fought game.

Carolina Panthers 20, Chicago Bears 16

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Cardiac Cats: The Sequel?



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!