Believe: Cardiac Cats Avoid Disaster, Win NFC South

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".

No Time for Sulking, Panthers Must Win Today

The Panthers suffered one of their toughest loses in recent memory, losing to the New York Giants 34-28 in an OT thriller this past Sunday. In a game which the Panthers blew a 21-10 lead, then had a John Kasay 50 yarder at the end of regulation get pushed by the gust from Hell, then a muffed Giants punt that was just barely missed by Richard Marshall, then an 84 yard run by Derrick Ward to set up the game winning touchdown. To say this was a tough, demoralizing loss is to put it mildly.

However, the Panthers need to get their shizz together today as the travel to New Orleans to face the 8-7 Saints. The Saints, minus Reggie Bush, will have plenty of incentive to knock off the Panthers, so they will be no pushovers. Not only can they screw over the Panthers, but they would also have a winning season at 9-7 with the win. Not to mention that Drew Brees is like 400 something yards away from Dan Marino's single season passing yards record. Though unlikely, the Saints will probably be launching the ball down the field all game long and if Brees gets hot, it's going to be trouble for the Panthers because number 9 has been dominant at home this year. Oh yeah, and no NFC South team has won a game on the road against each other this year.

That trend will end today, my friends. Why? Because the Panthers have been unstoppable on offense for the most part over the past several weeks. They've scored at least 28 points in every game since their 17-6 win over the Raiders. DeAngelo Williams has been a straight beast, and has been the best running back in the league since the midway point this season. One of the things that goes unsaid about Mr. Williams is that he hasn't fumbled this season. Not once. With guys like Adrian Peterson fumbling the ball like it's his job, D-Will has protected the rock like it's his baby. Not to mention that he's scored 4 touchdowns in 2 of the last 4 games and leads the league in that all important category with 20 overall touchdowns (18 rushing, 2 receiving). Add Jonathan Stewart and, of course, Steve Smith to the mix and the Panthers should make mince meat out of New Orleans' soft defense.

Panthers 31, Aints 24

Get Ready for the Snubs

The NFL will announce the Pro Bowl selections in about an hour on NFL Network. Now, I could really care less about the Pro Bowl because I feel that it's too big a risk for a serious injury. I'll never forget the highly overrated Roy Williams' cheap shot on Marvin Harrison (I think it was Marvin, anyway) a couple of years ago, which is why dirty players like him shouldn't been in the Pro Bowl (thank the Lord Williams isn't in the Pro Bowl this year).

However, on the other hand, I like to see my Panthers get some respect and make it to the All-Star Exhibition. But, unfortunately, the Pro Bowl vote is placed too highly on the fan voting. It's nice to reward fans for buying tickets, increasing ratings, buying jerseys and other memorabilia. But, fans, for the most part, are just biased and want to see their favorites in the game. Again, it's honorable for the NFL to this for their fans, but when the Washington Redskins who have tanked late in the year have the most players voted in with the fan vote, you realize that it's a bunch of bull.

Take DeAngelo Williams for example. He's been a scoring machine this year, leading the NFL in total touchdowns and as been a key part of Carolina's 11-3 run so far this year. He'll likely get snubbed for Clinton Portis. Williams is averaging a ridiculous 5.5 yards per carry on his way to 1229 yards, 14 rushing TDs, and even added 2 more through the air to give him 16 total TDs on the year. Let's compare that to Clinton Portis, who's a Redskin and subject to the unreal Washington voter turnout. He's had a pretty good year, truth be told. But, he has less than half the TDs (7) that Williams has and the only real advantage for him is yards (1337), but you don't win football games on yards, you win by scoring which Williams has significantly scored more than Portis. He's also averaging a whole yard less than Williams per carry (4.6). If Williams isn't in the Pro Bowl alongside Adrian Peterson and Michael Turner...something is seriously wrong.

About the only 2 locks for the Panthers (and they could still miss out) are WR Steve Smith and DE Julius Peppers. Smith, despite missing the first 2 games, has over 1200 receiving yards, but he hasn't found the endzone that much this year (6). But, Smith has been instrumental in setting up short yardage TDs for Williams and Stewart, just see the Green Bay game again to know what I mean. Peppers is having a bounce back year and has been a tear with 12.5 sacks and and 5 forced fumbles.

Some players that will get snubbed for sure later on today are as follows: MLB Jon Beason, the heart and soul of the defense and among the league leaders with 122 tackles and has added 3 INTs as well. CB Chris Gamble, who has been a shut down corner this year despite the Panthers giving up big yards in the passing game of late. He's had several dropped INTs, so he'd be a lock if he could hold on to the ball more (which is surprising, as he played WR a lot in college). I also think that John Kasay will get snubbed, his only miss this year was a 54 yard attempt.

So, there you have it. It's entirely possible that the 11-3 Carolina Panthers could have as few as 1 or not send anybody to the Pro Bowl all together. Let's hope that the Players and Coaches can help the Panthers along and next year, let's hope that the Redskins homers aren't anywhere near computers!

Panthers Dominant, In Control of their Own Destiny

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!