More photos » by Chuck Burton - AP

about 1 month ago: Carolina Panthers coach John Fox, center, talks with quarterbacks, from left, A.J. Feeley (11), Jake Delhomme (17), Matt Moore (3), and Hunter Cantwell (14) during NFL football practice in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009. Fox says Jake Delhomme will remain Carolina's starting quarterback despite an NFL-high 13 interceptions in six games. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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• I've been wondering over the last two weeks what happened to the conditioning program of the Panthers. During the Tampa game, both DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart looked exhausted. I realize they carried the team that week but I don't recall them looking that way after a game last year. I don't think it's a speed issue for either one, but more of a they can't do it as long. Before the 2008 season it seems like we heard every week how in practice Williams would take it to the house if he broke free and encouraged Stewart to do the same. Nothing this year. Then last game Williams cramping and I don't recall who, but it seems like someone else was having similar issues.
  
• Regarding Arizona, we've played them twice last year and the second game Fitz said basically we have the same coverage and had another monster game. I know we have a different defensive coordinator and scheme but I really hope they do something different than last time. He better not have another huge game. I would go nuts.
• Would it be wrong to start Arizona's defense this week in Fantasy Football?
• I can buy into the fact some of Delhomme troubles have come from over coaching. Take a look at Cleveland. Rip Scherer started coaching in Cleveland in 2005 and coach Trent Dilfer as the starter, a journeyman since 1999 after he left the Bucs. Then in 2006 Charlie Frye became the starter for a year. 2007 was Anderson's breakout year but in 2008 he took a nose dive. Now we get Rip and Delhomme takes a nose dive. Could be coincidence...
• Sort of Panther related, I have always like Kerry Collins (even though he left the team on, well let just say not so good terms) and was happy to see him have a great year in 2008. But talk about an owner not giving the coach an option. It's pretty clear Fisher doesn't think highly of Vince Young but he had no choice on naming him the starter. Clearly the Titans are done this year and the team wasn't getting it done, but having the owner say he would prefer to see Young really closes the door. If Fisher stayed with Collins and they continued to loose then he (Fisher) is gone at the end of the season. By going with Young, they still might not win a game, but Fisher probably keeps his job. On the other hand, it is a good point to see what else you have on the roster. No win this week for the Panthers means it better be Moore under center next week.

More photos » by Nell Redmond - AP

about 1 month ago: Carolina Panthers' Richard Marshall (31) reacts late in the second half after teammate Kenny Moore fumbled a punt against the Buffalo Bills in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009. Buffalo recovered the ball and ended any chance of a Panthers' comeback. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

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I knew the writing was on the wall after week one and by the end of week three pretty much new it was a guarantee, yet with three winnable game the next three week there was hope. Now after yesterday the rest of the season is like watching a bad movie for the second time and knowing how it's going to end, you can't help but watch and hope that this time it changes.

• Mr Optimist (James the Aussie) did a great job in describing how I feel about Jake Delhomme, which makes it even harder to say he's should be done as the Panthers starting QB. It's time for John Fox to see were this team is headed and open the playing field for either A.J. Feeley or Matt Moore. Personally I would like to see what Moore can do on the field. Granted most of our perceptions of him are from the end of the 2007 season and I think it would be unfair to Moore to expect that type of play out of him. But the fact remains, I want to see someone other than Delhomme behind center. Beside the fact that he isn't getting the job done, I don't believe he can get the job done any more. It's time to let someone else have a turn.
  
• Even though Dante Wesley's suspension is over and we are a week removed from that horrible play, I still feel bad for him. He doesn't get much attention and doesn't deserve to be known as the player that took a cheap shot. Fox did stand up for him last week and took some of the blame by saying that he (Fox) scolded Wesley for being faked out on an earlier punt return.
• Speaking of players I feel bad for, I feel horrible for Kenneth Moore. During the preseason he showed so much potential on the field. He was put in on a punt return near the end of the game to hopefully spark a big play that didn't turn out so well. I'm glad Steve Smith talked to him after the play and I hope he can put it behind him. If only he could find some playing time as a receiver and redeem himself. But we don't use 3 WR sets very often which limits his chances. I would like to see the Panthers try some new things the rest of the season, besides changing QB, how about 3 WR sets with a TE and a singe RB. All of the TE can catch, some just better than others. Maybe because we haven't seen a decent paying game this season, but I am itching to see what all of our offensive weapons can do with a QB that can find the open receiver hit the open receiver.

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More photos » by Donna McWilliam - AP

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Bad news, the Panthers rank last in rush defense. Good news, the Panthers rank 6th in pass defense. Although I do admit the 6th in pass is partly because everyone can just run the ball, but I would give the secondary a bit more credit than that. A large number of the points given up by the Panthers has not been the fault of the defense. Specials teams and offensive turnovers hold a lot of the blame.

In addition, it appears we should have both S Chris Harris and LB Na'il Diggs back from their injuries and of course we added yet another new defensive tackle in Hollis Thomas since the Panthers last took the field. With that in mind, two of the three start off my top defensive key match-ups:

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If there was one bright spot last week it was the defense, but that really isn't saying a lot. Saying the Panthers offense spotted the Eagles 14 points and then special teams allowing the KO return, that was 21 points right there. So when the defense was on the field they only allowed 17 points, which is respectable.

We all know the troubles the offense is facing, but how will the defense play this week. It could be argued (although it is early in his career) that Matt Ryan is a better QB than McNabb. Michael Tuner is a completely different RB than Westbrook but they are both clearly a threat when given the ball, yet Turner is more of a threat up the middle (our weakness). With the addition of Tony Gonzales at TE, the Falcons have the better pass catching TE. I would give the Eagles an the edge at WR however. I list these to point out that in total our D should be able to withstand the Falcons offense. Here are the match-ups I'll be watching when our D is on the field.

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More photos » by Rick Havner - AP

3 months ago: Carolina Panthers' Jake Delhomme (17) is sacked by Philadelphia Eagles' Akeem Jordan (56) in the first half during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)

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I can't say much about yesterdays game except for that was awful. I've been a strong supporter of Jake Delhomme through the years and this offseason, but at this point I am quickly losing faith. Unfortunately, we don't have a better option right now, but the front office better make a move this offseason. Anyway onto the post game interviews, first up John Fox:

Obviously I think we start back with Jake. We've got to go back and evaluate what happened to us. Without watching the tape, I don't think it was all Jake's fault.

Fox plans on staying with Delhomme as the Panthers starter next week, but really what other option do we have. We could pickup a FA and I know Jeff Garcia's name is being thrown around a lot, but really would it he be better. I suppose anybody that doesn't through that many INT in a game would be better. However, I will give him another week to rebound but if we see another game like yesterday, I suppose it may be time for Moore. But do we really want to go down that road? I'm not so sure. I just wish I had an answer and I bet so do the coaches.

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When looking at the key match-ups from week to week it is easy to always pick the big names (Peppers, Gamble, Beason), which I try to shy away from, instead choosing players that I think will have to step up their game for the Panthers to win. Yet saying it's the first game of the season I thought I'd start with the usual suspects as there are plenty of questions to go around.

1. DE Julius Peppers vs T Jason Peters

After the offseason showdown, and now receiving $1+ million per game, everyone is expecting Peppers to produce. He lack of production during the preseason is a concern. He has stated he prefers to lead by example instead of words. Well, now is the time to produce and lead in his own way.

He will primarily line up against All-Pro LT Jason Peters. Peters was acquired from the Bills during the offseason and although he gave up a league high 11.5 sacks last season, he will be formidable first opponent for Peppers. The Eagles have a great line coach in Juan Castillo, having coached four lineman to the Pro Bowl in his career. He has also has created several offensive line starters from rookie free agents, including current start C Jamaal Jackson. Jason Peters was already good, but his coach could make him that much better.

However, also starting Sunday on the other side of their line is backup T Winston Justice. The regular start, Shawn Andrews, is out with back problems. Justice is a very questionable in his ability and whoever plays left end, or if Peppers moves to LE during the game, could be poised for a big day.

Peppers is on a short leash with the fans and he will need a stellar performance to hold of his detractors.

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by Chuck Burton - AP

3 months ago: Carolina Panthers' Dante Rosario (88) runs past Baltimore Ravens' Paul Kruger (99) during the Ravens' 17-13 win in a preseason NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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As we are all aware, the Panthers will open their season at home against the Philadelphia Eagles. Fox doesn't have a good track record against the Eagles, going 1-4 against them, with the only win in the 2003 playoffs when we went to the Superbowl. Philly is best known for the offense with names such as McNabb, Westbrook, the up and coming receiver DeSean Jackson. Yet their Defense is no joke, ending the 2008 season ranked third in the league.

So what can we expect on Sunday. We know the questions our team has all to well and it's hard not to see past them at times. We bring the same offense with hopefully a few new twist and play makers. It appears we have found a reliable 3rd WR in Kenneth Moore and a great 3rd running back in Mike Goodson. And of course we can't forget our TE. Hopefully our John Fox and Jeff Davidson can take advantage of or talent.

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