SB Nation User Blog: Jaxon

Delhomme Still Sidelined; Moore to get 3rd Straight Start

Jaxon — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:06:26 -0000

Delhomme Still Sidelined; Moore to get 3rd Straight Start

Panthers QB Jake Delhomme looks doubtful to return this week, according to a league source.

Delhomme, who has missed the past two games with a finger injury, is not expected back for practice Wednesday and is still experiencing swelling and discomfort, according to the source. He will be re-evaluated at the end of the week, but a return for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings is not expected at this point.

Panther Paw Prints: Patriots Edition

Jaxon — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:17:20 -0000

More photos » by Charles Krupa - AP

5 days ago: New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss (81) loses control of the ball as he is pressured by Carolina Panthers cornerback Chris Gamble (20) and Panthers linebacker Jon Beason (52) in the first half of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

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So was everyone else could off guard with the sudden brew ha ha involving the Panthers? I mean, a Panther players actually said something in a post-game interview that was slightly controversial. We aren't used to this type of controversy are we? I found Tom brady's rebuttal more ahrd hitting than that by Bilichick:

Tom Brady defends Randy Moss, deflects criticism of effort - ESPN Boston

"Everyone takes liberty to say whatever they want to say in a situation like [Sunday]," Brady told WEEI. "I've seen plenty of plays made on Chris Gamble, too, over the course of the season."

From the same link, Gamble was just stating the obvious:

"Some of his body language let me know it was a run, and that's how I got a feel on when to help out on the run," he told ESPNBoston.com. "I think if he came off the ball and had a little Wes Welker in him, you wouldn't know what was coming. That's what I think Moss needs to do -- be like Wes and go hard every play. I'm going to respect him, and every other [defensive back] is going to respect him if he comes off the ball hard."

And some people say Moss is a sure-fire HoFer? He isn't even the best WR on his team at the moment:

Ron Borges’ Patriots Report Card - BostonHerald.com
Welker is the polar opposite, taking more hits than Manny Pacquiao’s sparring partners. He had 10 catches for 105 yards, mostly in the middle of the field, including five for 64 on the go-ahead 96-yard TD drive. Welker was flattened by safety Charles Godfrey to start the drive but held on to the ball. After getting up slowly he had a 13-yard catch the next play to convert on third down and kept finding open spaces in Carolina’s secondary the rest of the half.

Geez did we miss the boat on Welker. I agree with those saying we should run Smith from the slot running Welker type drags and crossing patterns. Seems to make sense but it couldn't be that easy.

John Fox press conferences are about as insightful as a Delta SkyMall magazine, but I still found myself curious as to what Fox might say this time out given the latest blow to a sour season. As usual Fox gave few real insight into what he is thinking but I have a question. In his journey to avoid blaming any one aspect of the Panthers offense isn't he indicting the coaching staff?

Foxhole: Searching for more offense
Contrary to popular belief I'd like to be able to throw the ball better. The reality is we haven't. There is a lot of moving parts. I don't think it's just the quarterback. That's easy to sit and be critical of. Sometimes I think it's been protection; sometimes I think it's been routes; sometimes I think it's been the throw. That's kind of where it is, and all we can do is try to improve it.

If that many aspects of your offense are misfiring maybe its time for some significant 'firing'! Want some more ammunition, he gives DE Julius Peppers a passing grade for the goose egg (0 tackles) he put up against the Patriots.

Injuries continue piling up after latest defeat | The Herald - Rock Hill, SC
"I thought Julius rushed the passer well," Fox said. "(The Patriots') passing game gets rid of the ball fast. I thought, all in all, our pass defense was pretty good. We could have done a little better. I thought we were outstanding on third down; they only converted three of (11). I was a little disappointed in our run defense, but if you go back through the record books, I'm not sure how many games they've been held to 20 and won, but I guarantee you there's not too many times where someone scored 10 and beat them."

I've tried to be patient with Peppers and understand he sees double teams every week but that doesn;t stop the other top DEs int he league.The Patriots were certainly happy with their rookie LT that lined up on Peppers at times:

Patriots journal: Vollmer makes a name for himself with solid play | New England Patriots | projo.com | The Providence Journal
Patriots coach Bill Belichick said he liked what he saw out of Vollmer, who handled Carolina Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers very well when he was in the game. Peppers had only one quarterback hurry and that was against Kaczur. "Sebastian has done a nice job for us this year," Belichick said. "He hasn’t had a great football background compared to some of our other players, but he’s a very smart guy that works hard. He’s got very good talent and he’s a hard worker. He’s picked up a lot of other things that we’ve asked him to do — which are different than what he’s done in the past — pretty quickly. He’s got a good sense of humor. I think he fits in well with the team.

Here's something that did surprise me about Peppers this week, he spoke:

Minutes: Not playing the blame game
"Of course there's disappointment and frustration. I feel like we're a better football team than what our record shows," defensive end Julius Peppers said. "But that doesn't mean anything. The record is what we go by. What I think and how I think the makeup of this team is doesn't really matter. But it's frustrating to know that we could have won a couple of (more) games."

Just a couple more wins? If the season had gone well we'd be what? 7-6? I boatload of inspiration he is not.

If you were wondering about which two players were in motion at the same time it is finally explained, its was where the o-lineman had not settled before the WR went in motion:

Patriots, penalties rain down on Panthers
"A couple of times I'm not sure we were set with our offensive line before motion, and that's what they were getting us on," Fox said. "On one of them, we kind of rushed it, but on one drive, we had a couple of them," added left tackle Travelle Wharton. "I still don't have any idea what was going on. I just know that we were going in a different direction than we needed to go in."

Isn't that some really basic stuff? You can't blame the young QB on that....speaking of young QBs I'm thinking we need a couple more of them.

Darin Gantt's Panthers Blog | The Herald - Rock Hill, SC
At the moment, here are the Panthers' personnel priorities entering the offseason: WR/DE (to replace Peppers when they move him out)/another WR/young QB/DT/OL/CB.

I would think we are set at DT but firmly agree we need help at WR. My top 3: QB, WR, OT. Here's one young QB that won't wear Panther blue next year:

Quarterback Jake Locker to return to Washington for senior season - ESPN
"After a great deal of careful thought and deliberation, I have decided to return to Washington and play my senior year," Locker said in a statement. "I am very excited about this team's opportunities and potential for the upcoming season and I am looking forward to being a part of it."

That is one less QB taken between us and Tony Pike (if you think Pike is the guy the Panthers need).

Don't forget this weeks game is the Sunday Night Special against the Vikings. The line opened at +7 for the Panthers and the over/under at 42.5. They must be expecting the Vikings to put up 35 on us.

Minnesota Vikings versus Carolina Panthers NBC TV Sunday Night Pro Football Odds Sports Betting Pick Preview | TonysPicks.com
The LVSC NFL odds makers have set the opening point spread in this game and the Minnesota Vikings opened as a 7 point road favorite with the over under coming in at 42 ½.

Blogger Q&A: Panthers Edition

Jaxon — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:54:44 -0000

Hello there Viking Fans and members of the Daily Norseman. Jaxon here with Cat Scratch Reader to answer your questions about the Panthers leading up to our match-up this weekend. I wish I could be a little more excited about this match-up but the 2009 season has soured for us and we have all but been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.

The Vikings should have little problem with the Panthers this weekend:

Several key starters on IR: LT, LB (2), DT (3)
Back-up QB Matt Moore likely to start and he hasn't been overly impressive
Panthers run defense has been getting ripped by non-Top 10 rushing teams
The offense is anemic at best

It just isn't pretty right now for Panther fans. On the bright side the defense has overall been playing better. The running game still shows flashes of brilliance and we still have Steve Smith.

So fire away with any questions you may have. Also, you can check out Gonzo's answers to my readers' questions here.

Panthers Fold Against Patriots 20-10

Jaxon — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:34:18 -0000

More photos » by Elise Amendola - AP

5 days ago: Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore (3) is sacked by New England Patriots defensive end Derrick Burgess (53) during the second half of an NFL football game in the rain in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

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If you are searching for answers as to why the Panthers lost to the Patriots today you can't blame the defense. They held a potent Patriots offense to 20 points while creating 3 turnovers and denying 8 of 11 3rd down conversions. No, if you are looking for answers look at the offense

Back-up QB Matt Moore didn't have a bad day statistically speaking: 15 for 30 197 yards and a TD. But outside of a bomb to Steve Smith he misfired repeatedly throughout the day. In many cases he had a receiver wide open yet overthrew the player, sometimes badly. I'm not pinning this loss on Moore I'm just saying if he could have hit some of those passes he missed in the first half the Panthers might have made this more of a game. As it was the Panthers stayed close but it was only a matter of time before the Patriot offense got untracked.

The running game seemed to be effective at times but was mostly shackled by a lack of touches with only 20 carries between Williams and Stewart. Combine that with the 30 passes for Matt Moore and you have a team that lost in TOP. So if you want to throw a dart at the Panthers defense it has to be the run defense. They got gashed for 180+ yards that allowed the Patriots to control the ball.

The notable Panther performances are after the jump...

LB Dan Conner has 5 tackles and three assists and recovered a fumble in his first start at SLB.
LB Jon Beason led the team with 9 tackles
WR Steve Smith put up 83 yards and a TD on only two receptions. How did Smith not get more catches?
FS Chalres Godfrey chipped in 5 tackles, 3 assists and a FF
RB DeAngelo Williams had 82 yards on 13 carries (6+ yards per carry)
DE Everette Brown had a critical roughing the kicker call that prevented a possible Panthers game tying scoring drive. What were the chances of that really happening given how the offense was playing? One in ten at best.

Let's hear it Panther fans. Should Moore continue to start? What if Jake can start next week, put him back in? The Panthers are still not mathematically eliminated from the playoffs believe it or not.

Panthers vs. Patriots Game Day Open Thread

Jaxon — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 14:30:52 -0000

Warning: If you are reading this it is less than one hour until kick off. Run! Hurry! Get your favorite beverage, some football grub, your lucky hat. Put on that Panther jersey and get ready for some classic cold weather football. It's sunny at the moment but still freezing in Foxboro.

Both teams need to guard against missed tackles and dropped passes. Me? I'll be guarding against soggy shoes as it rainy here (but a comfortable 65 degrees).

I can't help myself...This now an Open Thread!

Panthers vs. Patriots: Sunday Morning Musings

Jaxon — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 13:04:45 -0000

So I'm sitting here with my kids watching a cartoon movie and hoping the next four hours goes quickly. I've been waiting for this game for about six months. Though the Panthers face a 7-5 Patriots team a shade less than the dominant teams of the past decade this game is still huge for the Panthers.

One obvious impact it on the Panthers dismal playoff hopes. A win not only avoids elimination but it might bring much needed confidence to our young QB.

I win would be a big shot in the arm for HC John Fox. We've speculated since the 0-3 start whether HC John Fox would survive a sub.500 season. We should have our answer this offseason. The Panthers have never went into a season with a HC in the final year of his contract. If Fox is going to stay then Richardson would typically offer an extension this winter. But why should he?

Will the Panthers, Fox make a deal? - CharlotteObserver.com
After eight years together, Richardson must decide whether he wants to move forward with Fox as his coach and, if so, whether he's comfortable with Fox going into next season in what could be perceived as a "lameduck" position.

Would it really be such a bad thing. Maybe it would motivate the players to kick ass for their 'lame duck' coach, or does that only happen in college?

So does Fox really have much to be worried about? After all the conventional wisdom is that Fox would be unemployed about as long as it takes to hop on a plane. There is that pesky 5-7 record at the three-quarter mark which might have the Big Cat ruffled.

I'm not going to delve into too many stats but the 22nd ranked offense is hard to overlook even with the 3rd ranked rushing attack. A 13th ranked defense is improving but still needs a signature win for 2009...

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FS Charles Godfrey returned to the line-up last week and got his first pick of 2009 (2nd of his career). With Randy Moss of the menu this week I'm thinking I would rather see the taller Sherrod Martin the game. The Patriots will surely launch a few a deep balls and Martin seems better at judging ball trajectory. This is wishful thinking though as Fox seems to prefer the 2nd year guy over the rookie.

==========

Not much has been said about RB Jonathan Stewart's first start of the season. Stewart showed good speed and the ability to bounce it outside. 120 yards and a TD is a good afternoon for any RB and I for one would not flinch a bit if we had to use Stewart as our #1 any day.

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Big Game Watch

My money is on Steve Smith. He is due for a big game and I'm the Patriots secondary struggles has him pumped. How many times do you think Moore and Smith practices the deep ball this week? Thirty or forty at least I hope. They will almost certainly run the smoke play too. Cold weather breeds missed tackles and all it takes is one for Smitty to take it to the house.

Panthers vs. Patriots: Keys to the Game

Jaxon — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 01:24:08 -0000

by Steven Senne - AP

9 days ago: New England Patriots linebacker Tully Banta-Cain is surrounded by members of the media in front of his locker during an availability at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009. The Patriots are to play the Carolina Panthers in an NFL football game in Foxborough on Sunday, Dec. 13. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

View full size photo »

From the first time I viewed the Panthers 2009 schedule up until a couple weeks ago I had this game marked as a loss for the Panthers. Certainly even a strong Panther team would succumb to the Patriots machine in Foxboro. Yet as we approach the eve of this game I'm feeling about as optimistic as I could possibly be. Unfortunately it has little to do with the Panthers and their 5-7 record.

No, I think I feel optimistic because it appears the Patriots come into this game not feeling too good about themselves. Bill Billichik it feeling grumpy, so grumpy he felt the need to send a grade-school message to his team bout being punctual to team meetings. Regardless of how much of impact you may think Late-Gate has on this game (if any), we really won't know until Sunday.

There is the Patriots 7-5 record and two game losing streak.That certainly indicates they are vulnerable, until you look at their losses: Jets, Broncos, Colts, Saints and Dolphins. None have losing records.

Okay, I have no other reason to think the Patriots will play anything other than at a high level on Sunday...

Or do I? Here's my keys to the game (and a Panther win)

After twelve games a teams strengths and weaknesses become well known making this type of post an exercise in redundancy to a degree. But I'm going to give it my best shot in hopes that I hit on at least a couple points.

In no particular order:

Key #1: The Panthers O-line versus the Patriots D-line

We have seen that when the Panthers o-line doesn't execute with authority they can be pushed around. If the Panthers run the ball, it forces the Patriots to bring a safety up, it takes pressure off Matt Moore and ultimately allows him to throw down field. The Patriots had had trouble getting pressure on the QB so this is a good bell weather for the revamped line. If Moore stays clean and protects the ball the Panthers have a real shot to win this game.

Key #2: Randy Moss vs. the Panthers Secondary

Every team focuses on stopping WR Randy Moss. Many fail. The Panthers cannot give up many big plays to Moss and stay with the Patriots. FS Charles Godfrey returned from injury last week and played fairly well. He'll need to do better though as he will surely be targeted.

Key #3: Lt Matt Light vs. DE Julius Peppers

It's been a while since Peppers impacted the outcome of a game. Something tells me the Patriots concern for Peppers might be justified. If Peppers can get an early lick on Brady it might give the Panther defense some confidence and allow them to make some aggressive calls. It will also prevent deep throws if the Patriots feel they need to get rid of the ball quickly. Let's hope the Panthers front four can bring some early heat and set the tone for the afternoon.

Key #4: The weather

The Panthers don't practice in windy, near freezing conditions. Logic would say a greound based attack plays to the Panthers strengths. But if the wind and weather subtract from an alreadu anemic passing game then it could give that slight advantage to the Patriots run defense.

Key #5: Control Wes Welker on 3rd down

Honestly Wes Welker worries me more than Moss. When the Panthers have trouble covering the short middle they allow easy 3rd down conversions. Welker is a master at the drag play from the slot. If he runs wild in the middle of field the defense will have trouble getting off the field and it will be a long afternoon. If the Panthers can instead force the short underneath pass and avoid missed tackles they can limit the red zone opportunities.

So what do you think Panther fans? Another other golden keys to this game? Is my optimism unjustified?

Breaking News: Charges Against Panthers LB Jon Beason Dropped

Jaxon — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 20:28:38 -0000

Breaking News: Charges Against Panthers LB Jon Beason Dropped

Mecklenburg County prosecutors won’t pursue the criminal charges filed against Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason, his attorney said Friday.

Attorney George Laughrun received a two-page notice that the case was being dismissed, saying that the Mecklenburg County district attorney’s office didn’t find sufficient evidence to continue to the case.

"That was a pretty big vindication of Jon," Laughrun said.

Its Official: Moore to Start

Jaxon — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:47:51 -0000

Its Official: Moore to Start

Panthers coach John Fox said it's still difficult for the 11-year veteran to grip the football.

Fox said Delhomme is "day to day" and that Carolina will "go with our quarterbacks who are healthy enough to do it."

Panther Paw Prints: Friday Edition

Jaxon — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:48:48 -0000

More photos » by Steven Senne - AP

Browse more photos »

We've got a full basket of warm and fluffy Paw Prints today Panther fans. Let's get started.

I've spent a little time over on the SBN patriots site Pats Pulpit and must admit I'm finding the Patriots 'Late-Gate' controversy both amusing and a bit of deja vue: :

Late-Gate: Adalius Thomas Sounds Off; Personifies Why Guaranteed Contracts are a Bad Idea - Pats Pulpit
Adalius Thomas was the first of the infamous four late Patriots to talk to the media about yesterday's disciplinary measure taken by the head coach. He was clearly agitated by it and professed to be "dumbfounded" at the heavy consequence of being nine minutes late on a snowy New England morning. As he said separately to Albert Breer, "I mean, I could've been in a ditch. They really don't give a damn. Hey, as long as you aren't in that meeting, they really don't give a (bleep)."

Does anyone else see similarity in Thomas comments and those of Kris Jenkins a couple years back? We might have some disgruntled and therefore distracted players opposite us on Sunday. We need whatever advantage we can get, no matter how slight. Steve Smith tries to weigh in on it but his internal muzzle keeps it bland:

Panthers' Fox, Smith weigh in; other Pats notes
"It depends on the state of the team," Smith said. "If it’s a team that maybe hasn’t done as well as they think they should have, and you kind of do something a little outrageous, and they say, 'Oh, that’s what sparked it, and that was great.' And then if it goes the opposite direction, you have people that are going to say it wasn’t very good. I think it really just depends on the outcome."

Pictured: Patriots WR Wes Welker practices picking himself up off the turf in preparation for a visit from the Panthers!

So how spoiled are Patriots fans? They have the #2 offense in the NFL for Yards per game yet you still see headlines like this:

Patriots Offense Still Searching for Answers Through 12 Games - New England Patriots - NESN.com
The most logical place to look is the sideline. Quarterbacks coach Bill O'Brien is calling the offensive plays, and he seems to be suffering to find a rhythm in his first year with that responsibility. It's a transition year for the Patriots in that sense, as Josh McDaniels held that job from 2006-08 before departing last offseason to become Denver's head coach.

If Jeff Davidson could only crack the top 10 we would be ecstatic. So would Steve Smith, who is doing his best to keep from voicing his opinion about the Panthers offense:

Darin Gantt's Panthers Blog | The Herald - Rock Hill, SC
"It’s not too hard for me to say we are a running team first. That’s what we try to be. That’s what we are. We have two good running backs — three, four good running backs — and that’s what we do. But at the end of the day, run first or whatever you want to do, when we really need a big play downfield, in a hurry, they have to go to 89. So I don’t worry about it too much. I just keep coming back for some reason."

I imagine it has something to do with the dollar bills. Speaking of dollar bills, DE Tyler Brayton has been worth every dollar bill thrown his way. Did anyone really expect him to lead the d-line in tackles this season?

Brayton's found a quieter home with the Panthers | The Herald - Rock Hill, SC
"I would love to stay here," he said. "I think my heart would be broken if they didn't want me to come back or if whatever happened. I know this is still a business. I completely understand that. I feel like I have a lot of unfinished business here. I feel like God wants me to be here. "I just feel strongly about the men who are in this locker room, the men who are leading us on the field. I just feel like there's a lot of unfinished business left here for myself."

I couldn't agree more Tyler, there is some serious unfinished business in Charlotte. DT Maake Kemeatu says he will be 100% come training camp next year [must resist urge to joke about making it through one practice]

ProFootballWeekly.com - Panthers DT Kemoeatu says he will be 100 percent by training camp
Taking this year off has put another 3-5 years on my career," he said. "... Most football players, they take a couple months off or some just a couple of weeks (when they get hurt), and they're back at it again. Their body never gets to fully recover." Kemoeatu's contract has a provision in it that will make him a free agent after the 2010 season if his $9.3 million option bonus for 2010 is declined in March. It's expected that the team will decline that option, but could it decide to part ways with Kemoeatu this offseason instead? "Could they (cut him)? Might they? Yeah, anybody might," said Vierra. "It's a 30-year-old guy with a torn Achilles. Is it a concern? Anybody would be dishonest if they said it's not some concern. Will he play again? I'm not concerned about that. I know he'll play again."

How much again? $9.3M! I'm guessing an extension will be in the offing that kicks some of that money down the road. Unlike 2009 the Panthers will have a ton of options at DT come 2010.

I distinctly remember remarking last season how lucky we were to have the same defensive starters for the first 14 games. This 2009 season shows why we were 'lucky'. We will start our 13th straight different line-up on D versus the Patriots.

Despite massive shuffling, defense has persevered for Panthers | The Herald - Rock Hill, SC
"You've got to keep rolling and just have guys come in and catch up with the system," Lewis said. "That's the only way you can do it. You can't alter your playbook for certain offenses just because you may be short a guy here and a guy there. You need to get those guys caught up to speed and try to get them on the level with everybody else."

I want to say new DL coach Brian Baker has done a good job with his adjustments but I'm just not convinced yet.

What I will say is that if the Patriots run the ball more than they pass it Sunday, at least in the first half, then the Panthers have a shot.

Focus on Carolina: Panthers @ Patriots - Pats Pulpit
Bill, if you're listening, DO NOT ABANDON THE RUN GAME. Pound the rock and pound it hard. Send Laurence Maroney in as point and keep the ball on the ground. Carolina has a very good passing D and it simply doesn't make sense to try and exploit something that may give us trouble, especially when it hasn't been one of our strong suits of late.

In this scenario the Panthers should be able to keep the game close and hope that just a couple big plays will squeak out a victory.

Oh, and if you haven't already done it check out the Blogger Q&A link over on the Pulpit. Q&A threads are usually interesting and this one is no exception. I'll give you a hint, they are not happy sitting at 7-5.