Panthers Team Report

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INSIDE SLANT

A broken finger on Jake Delhomme’s(notes) right throwing hand could open the door for backup quarterback Matt Moore(notes) this week.

Panthers coach John Fox said the injury occurred with 2:24 left in Sunday’s game against the New York Jets when a defensive player’s hand landed in between the fingers on Delhomme’s right hand as he released the football. Delhomme didn’t mention the injury after the game, but when he reported to work on Monday he complained of soreness in his hand. Doctors examined Delhomme’s hand and determined he had a broken bone in his finger. Fox wouldn’t say which finger, but did say it wasn’t the thumb.

Fox said he just learned of the injury about an hour before Monday’s press conference and said he’s uncertain if the injury has the potential to be season-ending.

“We’ll evaluate that as we move forward,” Fox said. “Obviously he’ll be day to day and we’ll see what he can take and can’t take. I would say it would be pretty hard-pressed for him to take snaps Wednesday.”

Fox wouldn’t say if Delhomme would start if he’s recovered.

“I can’t deal with ifs,” Fox said. “I think it’s fairly safe to say that Matt Moore will be there Wednesday and we’ll evaluate it day to day.”

Moore last started at the end of his rookie season in 2007, going 2-1 as a starter in the team’s final three games. After suffering a broken leg in the 2008 preseason, Moore wound up returning as the No. 3 quarterback last year. He started out in that same spot this year, but was elevated to No. 2 after Josh McCown(notes) went on injured reserve earlier this season.

For his career, Moore has completed 69 of 123 passes for 793 yards with three touchdowns and six interceptions.

“We haven’t got a chance to see him in a whole lot of live play lately, but I think he’s capable of making all of the throws and he has the height, weight and arm strength you’re looking for,” Fox said. “The quarterback position is about decision-making and until you get in there in live situations you really never know. He hasn’t had that opportunity a lot. I think he prepares hard and I think he’ll definitely give his best effort.”

Delhomme ranks 31st in the league in quarterback rating (59.4) and has thrown a career-high 18 interceptions with eight touchdown passes.

When asked if a little time away might be good at this point anyway for the struggling Delhomme, Fox said, “I think with a broken finger he’s going to get a little time away from it. I think if his finger wasn’t an issue I couldn’t, with a straight face, make a change. (The struggles) are a combined effort by the offensive players, not just one player—just for the record. We get a chance to research those things and it was poor not just by the quarterback.”

In other injury news, running back DeAngelo Williams(notes) and wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett(notes) suffered ankle sprains against the Jets, while defensive tackle Tank Tyler(notes) sprained his knee. Williams and Jarrett did return to the game.

All will be reevaluated on Wednesday.

NOTES, QUOTES

—Linebacker Jon Beason(notes) did his part for the Panthers on Sunday, tying a career-high with 17 tackles as the defense played extremely well.

The defense caused three turnovers and sacked Mark Sanchez(notes) three times. The Panthers only allowed one touchdown and that came after a Jake Delhomme interception set up the Jets at the Carolina 38. New York’s other touchdown came on an interception return by Darrelle Revis(notes).

But Beason wasn’t about to point fingers at the team’s offense.

“It’s tough, but the conversation during a game and at the end of the game and right now is the same, and that’s that we’re going to be men about it and continue to do our job,” Beason said. “Don’t point fingers and just look at yourself and say what can I do better? That is what being a team is all about.

“Obviously you are upset about being 4-7, but we’ve got to finish up on a positive note.”

Added Julius Peppers(notes): “I don’t get discouraged. The defense doesn’t have any control of what happens with the offense. All we can worry about is how we play.”

• DeAngelo Williams had a rough day for the most part but still managed to become the first Panthers running back in franchise history to go over 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons.

Earlier this year Williams became the franchise’s all-time leading rusher.

At one point Williams hobbled to the sidelines with an apparent leg injury, but he returned to the game.

• In 2007, the Panthers and Jets made a blockbuster draft-day deal that aided both teams.

The Panthers gave the 14th overall pick to the Jets, getting New York’s first- and second-round picks in return (25th and 59th overall). The Jets used the 14th pick on University of Pittsburgh cornerback Darrelle Revis, who had two interceptions on Sunday including one he returned 67 yards for a touchdown.

The Panthers made out pretty good, too. With the two picks they selected linebacker Jon Beason (25th) and center Ryan Kalil(notes) (59th), both of whom figure to be starters here for years to come. Of course, they got those two for a lot less money than the Jets gave Revis since they were drafted much lower.

“He did a good job against me and I have the utmost respect for him,” Smith said. “He’s a very good, solid young corner and he will continue to do well if he continues to work the way he’s working.”

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

Player Notes  

• RB DeAngelo Williams sprained his ankle on Sunday, but did return to the game. He was listed on the injury report Monday so keep an eye on his status moving forward.

• WR Dwayne Jarrett also sprained his ankle on Sunday, but did finish the game.

• DT Tank Tyler sprained his knee on Sunday.

• WR Steve Smith has run two wrong routes this season resulting in pick-six touchdowns for the opposition. The first came in Week 3 against Dallas and the most recent was Sunday against the New York Jets.

• DE Tyler Brayton(notes) is really elevating his play of late. He had 1.5 sacks on Sunday, giving him four for the season. He also had nine tackles.

• LB Jon Beason tied a career-high with 17 tackles on Sunday against the Jets.

• QB Jake Delhomme and the Panthers offense failed to convert on two of their last 10 third-down opportunities on Sunday against the Jets.

• WR Kenneth Moore(notes) has been inactive the last two weeks, replaced by Charly Martin(notes).

Report Card Vs  . JETS

Passing Offense:   F—Another beauty here from Jake Delhomme, although it’s certainly not all his fault. Delhomme was 14 of 34 for 130 yards with four picks and took three sacks for minus-26 yards. Delhomme overthrew and under threw receivers all day long and his receivers were forced to go up after some “hospital passes.” Steve Smith had one catch for 5 yards and Muhsin Muhammad(notes) had one for 2 yards. Dante Rosario(notes) led the Panthers with four catches for 62 yards. Basically, this passing game is as bad as it has ever been in team’s 15-year history.

Rushing Offense:   D-minus—The Panthers couldn’t move the ball consistently on the ground, but it wasn’t from a lack of trying. Carolina stayed true to the run but managed just 75 yards on 25 carries. The Jets stacked the box and had no problems defending DeAngelo Williams, who was held to a season-low 40 yards on 16 carries. Jonathan Stewart(notes) had 35 yards on nine carries. The lack of a running game is a direct result of having limited weapons in the passing game. Keep in mind, the Panthers could have added some this offseason, but instead decided against trading franchise player Julius Peppers, thus limiting the team’s ability to add a No. 2 receiver. Right now a second-round pick and $16.7 million in free cap space sounds pretty good, huh?

Pass Defense:   B-plus—Carolina did a great job against Mark Sanchez, sacking him three times and forcing an interception. Sanchez finished 13 of 17 for 154 yards with no touchdowns. Richard Marshall(notes) had a tough time on a few plays with Braylon Edwards(notes), but overall the defense played well against the pass. Tyler Brayton continues to play well as he totaled nine tackles with a hand in two sacks. Chris Gamble(notes) had an interception and played a terrific game.

Rush Defense:   B—Considering the amount of time the Panthers spent on the field, they actually did a pretty good job against the run. The Jets had 139 yards, but were limited to just 3.6 yards per carry. Julius Peppers and Chris Harris(notes) each forced fumbles for the Panthers. Thomas Jones(notes) had 75 yards on 25 carries and one touchdown, marking the 11th straight game in which the Panthers have allowed a rushing touchdown. Jon Beason had 17 tackles.

Special Teams:   B-minus—Captain Munnerlyn(notes) had probably his best day, averaging 25 yards per punt return. John Kasay(notes) converted both field goal attempts. Carolina did have two miscues in coverage, allowing a 38-yard kickoff return and an 18-yard punt return. Rhys Lloyd(notes) struggled getting the ball deep into the end zone in the cold weather.

Coaching:   D—The Panthers have had all season to figure things out and yet the offense is getting worse. If ever there was a time to bench Delhomme it was Sunday, but that may say something about their confidence, or lack thereof, in backup Matt Moore. The Panthers aren’t going to flick a switch on offense and get better. They simply need better personnel and that won’t come until the offseason. Defensively, the Panthers did well considering they are so banged up. However, at 4-7 you can expect the Fox-to-be-fired rumors to start in earnest.

Updated 10 hours, 22 minutes ago
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77 Comments

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  1. Robert W
    77. Posted by Robert W Sun Nov 22 11:16am EST

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    What can I say, the panther's managed to throw another game away. This is getting to be old hat folks. I have said all along we need a coach and a quarterback. If the organization does not feel Matt Moore is the QB of the future then they need to find a QB of the future and get Delhomme oughta there. Oh get John Foxx oughta there as well. That's all I gotta say about the situation.
  2. Matthew
    76. Posted by Matthew Thu Nov 19 11:27am EST

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    If half of the people that post on here had quarter of a brain they would notice that it isn't really the team that's an issue. I would put maybe 2/3's the problem from the first half of the season on the coaching staff. The coaching staff including Jeff Davidson (o-coordinator) and John Fox, the QB's coach, and the special teams coach. Jeff Davidson calls the worst plays that are so conservative and not willing to take chances. Forcing balls to big name recievers due to bad attitudes and not team effort. The reason Delhomme's production has suffered and his accuracy has diminished is due to the style of throwing he has. Recently after the last 4 weeks, an article came out about the QB's coach stating that he tried to change the throwing motion of Delhomme. Why the hell would you do that, he's been playing football for 20 years. So now with those two out of the picture we started running the no huddle offense where only Delhomme is calling the plays. Look at the success now. Don't throw Delhomme under the bus, he's not the problem, if you say otherwise you literally know nothing about football or Panther football. When we play as a team without poor coaching, I think we can be unstoppable.
  3. dp
    75. Posted by dp Tue Oct 27 3:29pm EDT

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    if the panthers want towin give the ball to deangelo williams 35 times a game period
  4. PantherFan95
    74. Posted by PantherFan95 Thu Oct 22 9:03am EDT

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    It looks like everybody is jumping back on the "Peppers is great" bandwagon again since Beason had his "chat" with the more veteran Peppers. Once again, Peppers has shown how much talent and skill he has WHEN he chooses to use a portion of it. Unfortunately, he's still only playing at about 70-80% of his ability with great results. I just hope the younger guys don't have to wake him up every few weeks to make him act like a team player and earn a portion of his ridiculous salary.
  5. PantherFan95
    73. Posted by PantherFan95 Tue Oct 20 12:59pm EDT

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    I guess Smith is too tired to throw temper-tantrums on the sidelines this year. Now he sits in the locker room and plays the "victim" while feeling sorry for himself. He's been getting double and triple teamed for the last 2-3 years but always managed to get Pro Bowl results. Why is he another "victim" this year. U r right, Steve........u r of no value so far this year no matter how much Coach Fox continues to rationalize u and Jake. Get open enough that Jake CAN"T miss like u did in the past and u will add some value to this very mediocre team!
  6. R S
    72. Posted by R S Tue Oct 20 11:08am EDT

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    Jake has has a real hard time passing the ball any great distance. He appears to have lost his touch. Has Steve Smith lost his ability to break free? Even so, with two man coverage at least its working for the running game. Thank goodnes for "SaW" and Peppers...............(Stewart and Williams..........
  7. PantherFan95
    71. Posted by PantherFan95 Tue Oct 20 8:55am EDT

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    Is Delhomme delusional or just learning how to be selfish and greedy from Peppers? He has been LITERALLY giving touchdowns to the other team all season and still gets quoted with "Who Cares"?!! That sounds like Peppers attitude all season after he locked up a ridiculous contract that no other team was willing to sign. I guess Jake is going to ride off into the sunset along with Peppers since both of their stock values have plummeted this season.
  8. PantherFan95
    70. Posted by PantherFan95 Sun Oct 11 2:11pm EDT

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    Beason (The real defensive leader) just got around to having a "heart to heart" chat with Peppers!!!!!!! Now he's already got a sack and safety in the first half of game against Deadskins.......what a coincidence!!!! The sad part is Peppers is still only playing at about 70% effort level versus 10% since preseason. If a fan has been complaining about Peppers effort since preseason, why are his teammates just realizing what a greedy underachiever he is after an 0-3 start?! Peppers has already destroyed the team from getting any real talent due to his greed. The least he can do is begin earning at least 70% of his $1mil per game!
  9. Bobby R
    69. Posted by Bobby R Sun Oct 4 12:50pm EDT

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    @65

    The run-first offense isn't the problem (it is what got us to playoffs last year). In fact, look at D. Williams numbers and you will see he is still running 4-5 yards a carry. The only problem is that he is not getting the ball more than 20, which is a no-no for a power football team. The only reason Jake was able to make those deep passes is because defenders were stacking the box, allowing Moose and Steve to beat single coverage. The run-first isn't the problem, it is the fact that, against Dallas, we ran the ball 14 times (Williams had 11 carries for 64+ yards, which is over 5 yards a carry). Jake turns the ball over because he is throwing it more. We need to get back to rush-primary attack instead of letting Jake attempt to redeem himself every game.
  10. Slick
    68. Posted by Slick Fri Oct 2 11:00pm EDT

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    Wow! we are 0-3!!!!!!! One game does not make a season but if we don't get a win against Washington the season is over for sure. We can't count on a good draft pick next year cause we gave that away for free!!!!!! Who's Everette Brown?????? He's not showed me anything, he needs to grow up and earn his pay. I guess Fox and Hurney stayed out to late the night befor the draft and had one extra drink!!!! Peppermint Peppers is a Anchor dragging us to the bottom. Marty was Hell bent on keeping him and for sure thought he really wanted to play in Carolina! Hey Marty did you listen to what Pep said at the end of last year? You and Fox must have been at the bar drinking and missed that one. Fox tells us every week that we need to go to work and get better! 0-3. He's wasted 3 weeks of the year and NO CHANGE!!!! Defense missing tackles, Offense giving the ball away and not blocking. Man we have a team to be proud of don't we. All we want for Christmas is for FOX, HURNEY, JEFF DAVIDSON, MEEKS, PEPPERS OUT OF HERE!!!! Let's start to rebuild without them
  11. <i>catback33</i>
    67. Posted by catback33 Thu Oct 1 9:14am EDT

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    It amazes me how the Panthers are getting all the heat for being 0-3. There is another team that did really well last year and is doing terrible this year too. The Titans almost went undefeated and now they are sitting in the same boat as the Panthers. Nobody talks about them. Everybody has there opinions, but I believe Fox is a good coach. He has definitely done some great things in the eight years he has been the head coach. Our players just aren't playing together like they need to. The secondary definitely needs work, and JP needs knot jerked in him. He hasn't played like a $1 million/game player. For all of you fairweather fans out there, we don't need you. A true fan sticks with their team good and bad. I bleed blue and black, and I always will.
  12. FXR
    66. Posted by FXR Wed Sep 30 8:42am EDT

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    John Fox has become to comfortable with the Panthers and Jerry Richardson, not wanting to do what is best for the team. Delhomme was the back up quarter back for the Saints for a reason, now we see why. This has been the pattern of Delhomme from the start of his NFL career. Most players, after being traded to another team, seem to have a good first year with another team. Jake has had his and so has Fox, it's time to move on. The Panthers need to salvage some type of season and go ahead and accept the fact that a change at Head Coach, Quarterback, and Offencive Coordinator at in need , and needs to happen quick.

    Makes you wonder why the Richardson's Son's Quit
  13. JarrodJ
    65. Posted by JarrodJ Wed Sep 30 6:57am EDT

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    Jake is not the only issue the panthers have! players play to the coaches playbook! im sick and tired of fox and his bull crap run first offense! our offensive line sucks, cant open a hole or protect jake! if theyd give jake his 3-5 seconds every quarterback needs he'll pick a defense apart! john fox needs to be fired, jerry richardson needs to bring in bill cower, and start a new playbook that actually works. foxs gameplan hasnt changed in 8 years! its time for a change and nows the time to do it! get rid of ALL the coaches that suck, bring in new faces and lets get ready for next season! its sad to say that only after 3 games but its the truth! change is needed and its time! anybody who knows anything about football could be a better coach than fox. hell, dom capers was better!
  14. Lo-Mos
    64. Posted by Lo-Mos Wed Sep 30 1:23am EDT

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    why da hell are we freezing DeAngelo on the sideline, he should get at least 20 to 25 carries a game, yet he's getting half of that a game. What is wrong with coach Fox..... i thought this was a run first team.
  15. R S
    63. Posted by R S Fri Sep 25 2:58pm EDT

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    Vick has done his time, so has Delhomme, Let's try Vick! While were at it, can we get Tony Dungy for a season or two?
  16. Robert W
    62. Posted by Robert W Fri Sep 25 12:13pm EDT

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    No we're 0-2 after Monday night we will be 0-3. How can Jake Delhomme be off the hot seat? He will be no better against Dallas than he was Atlanta and Philly. The Panther's will never be any better until Jake and John Foxx are out of the Panther'sorganization. I mean these are my veiws on the situation.
  17. Real Talk
    61. Posted by Real Talk Tue Sep 15 9:47am EDT

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    were only 0-1
  18. Robert W
    60. Posted by Robert W Sat Sep 12 2:32pm EDT

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    Jake Delhomne is a has been QB. John Fox is no better as a coach. both of them together spells disaster. Panthers are predicted to go 8-8 this season I feel they will be lucky to go 4-12 this team is nothing this season. I hope I am wrong with my prediction but, Idon't think so.
  19. <i>jdsjr829</i>
    59. Posted by jdsjr829 Sun Aug 30 5:23pm EDT

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    jake & fox have my vote. most times the plays are very predictable if the running isnt there but the pass is why keep running... use the passlng game to create the run or vice- versa. dont care who qb is,its a team that wins. we beat pats. in super bowl poor officiating gave them the win. dont believe it watch the game and look at the calls officials made . jake is still a good qb and can go all the way to super bowl and win . he just needs to have options created in the play book that have been proven to work. 3 -4 yard pass for completion is better than picking up nothing. enough of those start opening up running lanes and the long ball. he was off last season but so were some of the playes.with the talent carolina has on offense we shouldnt have close scoring games, they have the players now get the plays right,
  20. jason
    58. Posted by jason Mon Aug 24 12:27pm EDT

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    I sure hope the Panthers don't wait too long on getting a veteran DT. There might be other problems the defense has to fix, but they need to get this one behind them real quick to diagnose the rest. Brown looks like he is going to be a regular sack machine and if Pep gets going they might have 25 sacks between them this year.... That is if every team we play don't run up our empty middle every play.
  21. PantherFan95
    57. Posted by PantherFan95 Mon Aug 24 8:57am EDT

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    Is it my imagination or is Goodson a potential Steve Smith. Both began their careers with talent but low expectations returning punts and kicks. Both were very immature and prone to fines and fights among their own team. Both have the thug image going for them after they score touchdowns. The last comparison is the reason why we have the National Felon League. Both would be a menace to society but football will give them numerous "passes and second chances" until they either wear out their welcome or grow up. Steve Smith is beginning to show signs of growing up so I can only hope he gets Mini-Me on track before he ends up in jail or prison.
  22. Hennesey The Male Dancer
    56. Posted by Hennesey The Male Dancer Sat Aug 22 1:03pm EDT

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    nope cause we have the right to demand better.. jake is cool during the regular season but when it gets down to the games that really counts he chokes. how u gonna allow a team that we already beat knock you out of the chance for the super bowl... yall keep saying atleast least we had a good season.. well a good season aint winning a super bowl.. that is the whole purpose of a good season.. get down to the end and then mess up.. who tha hell is paying jake off..
  23. Tay
    55. Posted by Tay Wed Aug 19 2:27pm EDT

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    Really I think L.beavers should get more touch him n steve smith together are you serious i would hate.for the panthers to miss out on a future hall of famer look 4.2 speed 42 inch vertical what think au bout it
  24. Marvin W
    54. Posted by Marvin W Tue Aug 18 11:39am EDT

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    we need vick jake is f up up the team
  25. CoolFlowr57631
    53. Posted by CoolFlowr57631 Mon Aug 17 4:01pm EDT

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    lumbergh i think your the one that needs to shuttup. the panthers got to 12-5 by having a great running game. delhomme makes no difference what-so-ever on offense. remember deshaun foster? well when davis retired in 2003 it left him the starting duties & as we all know, he stunk it up. all of a sudden, when williams finally starts & then add j stewart & voila, you have 12-5. when jake went down we still had foster starting so thats why they slipped. great running game=winning record. jake=choker.
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