A few scribbles in my notebook about the Carolina Panthers so far this preseason
It’s nice to see Jake Delhomme back in action even if his numbers don’t look good because this guy is a winner. Delhomme has only completed 9 of 15 passes (60%) for 54 yards with 0 TDs and 1 interception (39.3 QB Rating). I wouldn’t be too concerned about his numbers in August as long as he’s ready to rock in September. Running back DeAngelo Williams looks like he was insulted that the Panthers drafted Jonathan Stewart last April. He has carried the ball 17 times for 87 yards (5.1 ypc) with 2 TD runs and he has also caught 2 passes for 13 yards (6.5 avg). Williams clearly looks like the best running back on the Panthers right now and I always thought he was quite a bit underrated as a player. 25-year old running back DeCori Birmingham might not make the Panthers’ opening day roster but if he keeps playing like he is right now he will make some team. Birmingham has carried the ball 18 times for 75 yards (4.2 ypc) and he has also caught 2 passes for 27 yards (13.5 avg). 25-year old WR Dominique Thompson has also made a decent impression on the Panthers as he has caught 7 passes for 57 yards (8.1 avg). Thompson has only 1 catch for 13 yards in his NFL career so far.
I feel confident that, as long as Jake stays healthy, the Panthers will have a pretty good season. I’m thinking wildcard spot, but hopefully they can get a good enough record to secure a first round bye.
My concerns, however, are at the RB position and Jake’s health. Williams looked awesome the past two games, but Stewart has not. Nick Goings even looked impressive, but Jonathon only got 3 yards on 4 attempts. Granted he IS a rookie and there IS a learning curve, but he better start producing and soon.
Matt Moore didn’t have a ending like he would have wanted, but I do feel confident he will be an adequate backup to Jake Delhomme.
I’m glad to see Mushin Muhammid back and his dropped touchdown was not his fault. That hit was brutal and I’m surprised he got up as fast as he did.
The Panthers will be for real this year with Jake’s help, Smith’s speed, and the two beast running attack of Williams and Stewart.
[…] Panthers News » News A few scribbles in my notebook about the Carolina Panthers so far …2008-08-16 20:31:29To because this guy is a winner. Delhomme has only completed 9 of 15 passes (60%) […]
the drop touchdown was his fault its what he did best the first time he was here. this is a make shift team that fox and hurney have compiled to squeeze into the playoffs (in the weakest division in football) in order to save thier butts
The drop was not Muhammad’s fault. It was a helmet ot helmet hit which knocked him unconsicous for a second there. You could see how his body became limp after the hit. We will have a preety good team this year if everyone can stay healthy. I think we would have gone 11-5 with smith in the first two games, but no I believe 10-6.
If you call this a makeshift team then you have no clue. The whole offensive line has been revamped and the receiving core will be one of the most productive in the NFC this year. I don’t even need to say anything about the running backs because Stewart will come into his own. The defense is only where I had some questions: but this panthers team is gelling together like a true football team should.