I told you so.
(Note: This article is a response to the last one that I wrote. You can read that one here.)
The Carolina Panthers faced off against the Oakland Raiders this last Sunday in an offensively disgusting game. The quarterbacks for both teams (excluding Marques Tuiasosopo, who replaced Andrew Walter for only a few downs and ended up completing one of two passes for four yards) combined to complete 21 of 59 passes for 215 yards, one touchdown, and six interceptions.
Jake Delhomme was the worst of the two. He completed only seven of 27 passes (his receivers were at fault for only one or two incomplete passes) and threw four interceptions in the worst game of his career. He played so poorly that he actually became the second quarterback since 1970 to win a game after throwing four interceptions and completing less than 30% of his passes.
Seemingly the only offense that showed up on the field was that of DeAngelo Williams and Justin Fargas. Williams literally had the game of his career, racking up 140 yards and one touchdown on just 19 rushes (7.4 yards a rush), while Fargas had 89 yards on 22 rushes (four yards a rush). And other than that, this game was run by the defense—the Panthers' defense, that is.
Carolina's defense had another amazing Sunday this week, and proved once again why they are one of the top defenses in the NFL. Julius Peppers alone had seven tackles, and sacked the quarterback three times for a total loss of 20 yards. The Panthers' defense intercepted two passes which, when not compared to the Raiders' four, is a pretty decent statistic.
The most amazing thing Carolina's defense did on Sunday was overcome four interceptions thrown by their quarterback. If you take a look at the above statistic in a different light, the Panthers' defense became the first defense since 1970 to lead their team to a victory despite a horrible performance by their quarterback. This defense works together seamlessly and, as I've said before, they are not to be taken lightly.
Sunday's game was another perfect example of the Panthers' inconsistency. The Panthers got lucky again this week - they were playing the Raiders. But, as I said last week, Carolina can't expect to have an off day like this in the playoffs and come out with a win. If they want a realistic chance at making it to the playoffs this year, they need to figure out how to be consistent. And if they want a chance at winning a playoff game...let's just say they have some work to do.
The Panthers are currently the number three team in the NFL (behind the Titans and the Giants) with a 7-2 rating. As a Panthers fan, I am incredibly excited about my team this year, and I hope they are able to pull together and start playing consistently from week to week. If they do, I think they have a very high chance of making the playoffs, if not the Super Bowl.
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about 1 month ago
That's the problem.
Teams seem to have either career days against the Raiders, or when they play they're absolute worst, it's still enough to come away with a win.
The team is at it's lowest point that I can ever remember.
in the past people only wondered if Al had lost it. Players weren't totally sure. coaching candidates just knew the raiders as a possible place to coach, not sure.
now players know that a total fool is running the organization. that changes will be made that make no sense. coaches now know it's a very very unstable place to coach at.
look what just happened. a PC that was so embarrassing that it will be referred to for years as proof of Al's losing it.
we lose a HC to have him replaced with a guy who looks completely clueless?
now Knapp has his duties taken away? this is from the guy (cable) who went on and on that he was very happy to have Knapp by his side, that they had worked great together in Atl? and now he's stripped of his responsibilities?
it's disgusting knowing players will only come here if they are given a massive bonus/contract and equally disgusting knowing coaches will only come here if they're washed up, retreads, or completely inexperienced.
going to be tough to sell out any more games.
about 1 month ago
Yes, we have been inconsistent this season. We've played crap games against Minnesota, Tampa Bay, and Oakland. We lost two of those games. But at the same time, we've shown a great ability to rebound—we followed our two losses up with two big wins. And we are actually one of the more consistent teams in the league this year.
from about 1 month ago
I completely agree with you Matt. They've proven this a number of times this season - first with the Chargers and the Bears, then with the Cardinals, and then again today against the Lions. However, they need to make sure they're playing like they did against the Chargers, Bears, and Cardinals (not so much against the Lions) in every game - especially when it gets to be playoff season. They can't play like they did against the Bucs, the Vikings, and the Raiders and expect a win in the playoffs.
about 1 month ago
I have been a Raiders fan since 1979 I was 5 years old. Al Davis should retire and let someone else run the team who really wants to win. Al Davis does not want a coach to come in and run things and have the team win and get the credit. Everyone seen that when he got rid of Gruden. I will be a Raiders fan still because I am a true fan and not someone who plays musical chairs because their team is going thru tough times but Al is not good for the team. Hopefully he will realize this and do the right thing for the team because Al sucks. An owner should be a owner and let the coach coach the team. The NFL should be able to step in and not let owners act the way Al Davis does.
Earl
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