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October 2009
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Short answer to the headline question, "Maybe, but probably not." John Fox tells us that Jake is still his starting quarterback. Fox also says mental errors and turnovers can and will be corrected. The schedule will help with the Redskins, Bucs and Bills next up. For now, we'll overlook the brutal, closing stretch to the schedule and focus on the issues at hand. The Panthers must take a hard look at the selection of playmakers they have on the roster. It's a short list, and it just doesn't offer the explosive options that other contenders have. John Fox and his staff might resign themselves to slugging it out, game after game when opponents use an extra defender to shut down Steve Smith. From my perspective that's Carolina's biggest issue, and I think that it led to Jake's interceptions against Dallas. Take away Smith and the Panthers offense shuts down. Jake might start to force a throw here and there and presto -- big problems. It doesn't take long for that secret to get out in the NFL. Everybody knows it and everybody will copy it until the Panthers come up with a counter. Is that Moose? Maybe not at this point in his career. Jeff King? Not more than a couple catches a game. What about Dwayne Jarrett? Not unless he's played opossum for the last two seasons and will jump out of the cake with the NFL's greatest surprise since Kurt Warner left the grocery store to win a Super Bowl. Imagine for a second if Jarrett lived up to his billing as a 2nd round pick? It would change so much for Carolina, but it's just not realistic. Carolina's paying a painful price for that miss in the draft. Defensively, the Panthers played a lot better against Dallas. It's hard to remember that they only gave up 13 points (the other 8 came from Newman's late interception return). But when you're vulnerable against the run, you'll get gashed play after play and game after game. 212 yards rushing from the Cowboys is UGLY. As the old NFL saying goes, "you have to earn the right to defend the pass." That means until you stop the run, you'll get it again and again. Right now Carolina just doesn't have answers at defensive tackle. I also think they miss Chris Harris at safety much more than they let on. If you're not strong up the middle, you're done. Could all of this have been avoided? Sure, if Carolina would have traded away Julius Peppers and gotten cheaper, effective players and draft picks in return. That's hindsight right now, but the way Peppers is playing with no impact on games, keeping him at more than a million dollars a game looks like an awful bargain. Special teams are awful with miserable work covering kicks. That's usually a scheme/effort thing in the NFL, so maybe there's hope. But if the Panthers want that "small ball" option with low-scoring games, you MUST win special teams and right now the 0-3 Panthers are losing that battle, too. 3 CommentsLeave a comment |
First of all there does'nt seem to be any team unity! I think at this point Jake has had plenty of chances to redeem him self, time for a break Jake you need to reflect. Matt Moore probably would be a quick fix for a game or two but not long term..This leaves Aj Feeley, He has my vote! He has proved him self in the NFL that he can come in and perform, when Donovan went down he kept the Eagles flying on the right track!! We need some positive leadership on the Panthers and some one that can rally the troops again!! Let's do the right thing Coach Fox, Times a waisting!!
Peter/Charlotte, NC
I disagree with John Fox this teams problems are more then just mental errors. This team needs a major overall. Our special teams are horrible and offensivley we cant do anything. Our offensive line hasnt been producing which is causing us to pass more and there is no protection for whoever the quarterback is. We need changes and that starts with the coach and GM. We have made poor decisions and spent money on an overrated qb and a player who doesnt want to be here. We could have spent that money on guys who are still talented and who want to be here. I say this offseason after we finish with 4 or 5 wins to clean house. We need to stop being so nice as an organization. If you look at teams like the patriots and steelers they use while you are good and then dispose of you when the times right. They have won superbowls and we have won none, I think this is calls for the time to change our mentality or we will continue to be a mediocore franchise until we decide to do so.
I agree with you Greg about the high price being paid to keep Peppers, he is costing the Panthers dearly in other key areas. Regardless of what happens this season, the Panthers should release Peppers at the end of the season, after all, no one is worth a million dollars a game, and Peppers is not living up to his billing. Signing Jake to over 40 million dollars for 5 years in the off season was a big mistake. He is not worth that kind of money. At best, Jake is a mediocre quarterback. All things considered, the Panthers are a mediocre team, and they will end up this season with a losing record since they just cannot hang with the better teams in the league.