Bleacher Report - Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers Loss To Miami Dolphins More Than Just Another Loss

Evan Higgins — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:31:51 -0500

The Carolina Panthers came into the season with a lot of expectations. After coming off a 12-4 season and losing to Arizona in the playoffs, everyone thought Carolina would look to rebound and have a strong season.

With one of the best two-back running systems in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart and a dangerous receiver in Steve Smith, this offense hardly looked like it could be stopped.

They proved us wrong.

For the Panthers, this season has been nothing short of disappointing. After starting the season 0-3, Carolina won the next four out of six before losing last night to Miami 24-17. The Panthers record now stands at 4-6.

But, I'll cut them some slack. They do have the second hardest schedule this season, and have top players to injuries like Pro Bowl left tackle Jordan Gross and linebacker Thomas Davis, who was having a Pro Bowl type season. Not to mention Jake Delhomme's 14 interceptions.

After their loss last night to Miami, Carolina's playoff hopes have taken a big hit, and its getting more and more doubtful that they will get a Wild Card spot.

Miami on the other hand got their much needed win, putting their record at 5-5, standing right at .500. The difference between 4-6 and 5-5 is huge. Teams that lose six games have a fewer chance to make the playoffs compared to a team that loses five games.

For Carolina, if the the Panthers want to get a Wild Card spot, they're going to have to win the rest of their games. The chances of that happening are very slim.

Carolina's schedule for the rest of the schedule is vs. the Jets, Buccaneers, Patriots, Vikings, Giants and Saints. The hardest schedule for the second half of the season.

Read more Carolina Panthers news on BleacherReport.com

Dolphins Vs Panthers Preview: "Direct" Snapper

Jeffrey Boswell — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:00:36 -0500

Note: The quotes in this article are fictional.

Believe it or not, the Panthers are just one game out of a wild-card spot after Sunday’s 28-19 win over the Falcons. At 4-5, Carolina trails four other teams with 5-4 records, and although the playoffs are months away, Carolina’s fortunes have vastly improved lately.

They’ll try to keep that momentum rolling when the Dolphins visit Bank Of America Stadium on Thursday night.

“Hey, what happens when the ‘wildcat’ meets a Panther?’” says Steve Smith. “The same thing that happens when a Panther meets a Panther for a bathroom rendezvous---‘fur’ flies. If there’s one thing Panther cheerleaders aren’t, it’s shy. Talk about a direct 'snap-per.’”

“Anyway, after two touchdowns last week, it looks like Jake Delhomme and I are finally on the same page—the sports page. We’re actually appearing in the box score. For much of this season, without a lot of action coming my way, the grind of the season was getting to me. I felt like I was punching a ‘time clock,’ which, despite rumors to the contrary, is not Ken Lucas’ nickname.”

Regardless of all the talk that the “wildcat” is losing its newness and is therefore less successful, the Dolphins still prefer to run it like it’s going out of style. Last week, Miami rushed for 199 yards against the Buccaneers, with Ricky Williams posting 102 of those.

“The Panthers are playing like the team that won the NFC South last year,” says Williams, “so it won’t be easy in North Carolina. I’m not sure why they call it the ‘Tar Heel State,’ but I can only surmise that tar is as pesky on one’s heels as it is in one’s pipe. That’s not from personal experience; of course I learned it second-hand.”

The rushing attacks of both teams will dictate the pace of the game, but Steve Smith gives the Panthers an edge, mostly because he can catch the ball. Smith scores on a 14-yard pass from Delhomme late, then celebrates in the end zone with a pose imitating teammate Captain Munnerlin, a act which is not forbidden by the NFL.

Carolina wins, 27-20.

Read more Carolina Panthers news on BleacherReport.com

The Picks: NFL Week 11

Alex Tichenor — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:06:59 -0500

Last week had two truly great matchups in Steelers-Bengals and Colts-Patriots. This week there are none. Baltimore and Indy is the best game out there and there is a four win difference between the two. Sure there will be some good games, but they'll be like the Jets-Jags game last week, good, but nobody wants to watch the Jets and the Jags. Now to the picks.

Last Week: 10-5 (vs. spread: 9-6)

Overall: 90-54 (vs. spread: 82-62)

Carolina vs Miami

The Panthers run game is in full force, but it will be hurt by Jordan Gross's injury. The Dolphins run game will also be slowed because of Ronnie Brown's injury.

Steve Smith is the difference maker here. He's the only pass catcher on either team that is a big time playmaker. He should have a field day against the Fins inexperienced secondary.

Carolina 31 (-3.5), Miami 23

Baltimore vs. Indianapolis

Indy's secondary is extremely banged up, but Joe Flacco isn't exactly playing like Joe Montana right now. Peyton Manning is. The Colts won't be losing to a team with secondary problems like the Ravens.

Indianapolis 24 (+0.5), Baltimore 20 (Game of the Week)

Dallas vs. Washington

Washington shocked everybody last week by crushing the Broncos. But that was at home playing a reeling team without their only good QB. This game will be closer than most think, but Dallas will beat the Redskins in Jerry Jones Palace.

Dallas 20, Washington 16 (+11.5)

Detroit vs. Cleveland

Wow, this game is a stinker. Stay away from your TV sets for this one. This might be Calvin Johnson's game to really break out, after disappointing for all of this season. Cleveland is a wreck. They're not winning on the road.

Detroit 24 (-3.5), Cleveland 10

Green Bay vs. San Francisco

The Niners got to Jay Cutler often on Thursday night, so it's easy to see them being all over Aaron Rodgers. The Packers aren't very good when Rodgers gets sacked 5-6 times. This game could go the complete opposite way as well, with Alex Smith throwing 3-4 picks to a dangerous Green Bay secondary. However, he has not done that yet, so the other scenario seems more plausible.

San Francisco 20 (+6.5), Green Bay 17 (Upset of the Week)

Jacksonville vs. Buffalo

Chris Johnson ran all over Buffalo last week, now it's MJD's turn. He's going to turn in a monster game in a big Jacksonville win.

Jacksonville 31 (-8.5), Buffalo 14

Kansas City vs. Pittsburgh

This isn't even a contest. Pittsburgh is coming off of a tough loss. KC is coming off a win so their guard will be down a little bit. The Steelers will just steamroll the Chiefs, even on the road. The Chiefs defense resembles Cincinnati's in no way at all.

Pittsburgh 31 (-9.5), Kansas City 0 (Lock of the Week)

Minnesota vs. Seattle

Minnesota has so many weapons it's scary. The offense has one of the best offensive lines in the league; four quality pass catchers in Rice, Harvin, Berrian, and Shiancoe; not to mention Adrian Peterson at running back and Brett Favre behind center.

The defensive line is easily the best in the league with Jered Allen and the Williams boys. Minnesota is the most complete team in the league. Seattle will be able to pass, but the Vikes should be able to throw and run all over them. they'll turn it over to make it close.

Minnesota 27 , Seattle 17 (+11.5)

New York Giants vs. Atlanta

Both of these teams are in downward spiral mode. Atlanta has lost three of four. New York has lost four in a row. The Giants are at home, off of the bye and have to be the pick because of their preparation and the fact that Turner will be out. The Giants' bye came at the perfect time.

NY Giants 24 , Atlanta 21 (+6.5)

Tampa Bay vs. New Orleans

New Orleans looked pretty dead offensively against an awful team last week. Don't expect that again. It's time for Drew Brees to have a monster game and Tampa looks like the perfect team to have it against. New Orleans finally gets another blowout win, a week before their clash with New England.

New Orleans 38 (-11.5), Tampa Bay 12

St. Louis vs. Arizona

Steven Jackson is rushing for over 100 yards per game on a 1-8 team. It's amazing that a team playing from behind every week can have 100 yard per game rusher. He's going to get his yards and probably a score against a weak Cards defense, but Warner is going to throw all over St. Louis with a healthy Boldin and the traces of a running game finally forming. The Rams will be close in this one like they were last week for most of the game.

Arizona 35 (-8.5), St. Louis 17

Denver vs. San Diego

Denver is playing as bad as anybody right now. San Diego is playing as well as anybody right now. Even on the road, San Diego should be able to take care of business handily. No matter if it's Orton or Simms, the Broncos will get smoked.

San Diego 30 (-2.5), Denver 13

New England vs. New York Jets

The Patriots are going to be mad after their heartbreaking loss to Indy. The Jets are fading fast after losing Kris Jenkins. Brady is going to torch that secondary after struggling the first go around and the Pats will dismantle the Jets.

New England 31 (-10.5), NY Jets 16

Oakland vs. Cincinnati

This is the classic let down game for Cincy. Coming off of a big win, losing their starting running back (most likely), sitting on top of the AFC North (and the number two seed in the playoffs). They still won't lose to a team whose best offensive player is Justin Fargas or Michael Bush, but they'll struggle more than they should against a horrible Oakland squad.

Cincinnati 17 (-9.5), Oakland 6

Chicago vs. Philadelphia

Maybe Jay Cutler has a great arm, but every other thing about him as a quarterback is bad. He throws tons of picks. He isn't a great leader. He makes bad decisions and throws time and time again. He is not clutch. He's immature. Anybody who has convinced themselves that Cutler is a "franchise" type QB is delusional. He will lose more games for the Bears this year than win games for them, including this one.

Philadelphia 24 (-3.5), Chicago 20

Houston vs. Tennessee

People don't realize how good Houston is playing. They lost a game that they should have won before their bye against an undefeated team and it seems they are left out when the good teams of the NFL are mentioned. However, Tennessee is playing too well to pick against them. Chris Johnson is just an animal right now. This game should be a great shootout like it was in their first meeting.

Tennessee 27 (+4.5), Houston 24

Game of the Week: Baltimore vs. Indianapolis

Upset of the Week: San Francisco over Green Bay

Lock of the Week: Pittsburgh over Kansas City

Read more Carolina Panthers news on BleacherReport.com

Liver's 2009 NFL Week 11 Thursday Night Pick

Adnan Tezer — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:17:33 -0500

At least this should be a better game then last Thursday’s 10-6 dud between the 49ers and Bears.

Of course it goes without saying that the following pick AGAINST THE SPREAD is for RECREATIONAL USE ONLY . Only Rick Pitino, LeGarrette Blount, Donte’ Stallworth, Braylon Edwards, Bob Griese, Miguel Cabrera, Tila Tequila, Steve Phillips, Travis Henry, Serena Williams, Michael Jordan, Tony Romo, Elizabeth Lambert, Richard Heene (a.k.a. Balloon Boy’s father), the Liver’s biological father (a.k.a. The Most Interesting Man in the World) and all Somali Pirates would be drunk enough to question the Esteemed Liver's pick.

Last week’s record: 10-5

2009 record against the spread: 91-52-1 (.632)

Thursday, November 19

Miami at Carolina (-3)
Carolina looks like a different team compared to the one that started out 0-3 with Jake Delhomme throwing picks coming off the team bus. Despite both being questionable for the game, DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart have found their ground game after a slow start. Unfortunately for Miami, their leading rusher, and wild cat instigator, Ronnie Brown is out for the rest of the season with a right foot injury. That means A LOT of Ricky Williams for the Dolphins in this game. Both teams should have beaten New Orleans in their respective games and are very similar right now in regards to their rushing attack. Carolina, however, has found their air attack of late. Miami has won only once on the road this year and is not good having to play from behind. Pick: Carolina

Read more Carolina Panthers news on BleacherReport.com

The Carolina Panthers Use 'Controlled Chaos' to Clip Falcons

Austin Penny — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:39:39 -0500

The Carolina Panthers may have finally found a formula for success in 2009: Chaos. Steve Smith called the Panthers' no-huddle offense they displayed on Sunday "controlled chaos," saying that the fast paced ever-changing game plan kept the Falcons' defenders guessing all afternoon. Jake Delhomme handled the two-minute like offense masterfully, as he usually does and completed his third straight game without a turnover.

Speaking of Smith, the frustrated wideout caught his second and third touchdown passes of the year on Sunday, both four-yard pases from Delhomme. Delhomme finished the day 15-of-24 for 195 yards and those two touchdowns, completing 62.5 percent of his passes and heading home with a quarterback rating of 115.8. It was Delhomme's first game this season that saw him end up with a quarterback rating of over 100 after accomplishing the feat six times in 2008.

The Panthers got their usual healthy dose of double trouble, rushing for 185 yards on 34 carries complimented by a pair of Jonathan Stewart touchdowns. Stewart finished the game with 82 yards on 11 carries while DeAngelo Williams recorded 92 yards on 19 carries. It was Stewart's 45-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter that sealed the game for the Panthers.

The win did not come easy for Carolina, as they dealt with a pesky Falcons offense all day. Michael Turner rushed for 111 yards on just nine carries before leaving with a high ankle sprain in the second quarter that could force him to miss multiple games.

Jason Snelling filled in nicely for Turner in the absence of Jerious Norwood, gaining 61 yards on 18 carries the rest of the way. It was obvious that the Panthers' run defense missed Thomas Davis' production.

The Panthers were able to head to the locker room at halftime with a 21-10 lead thanks to an offense that was performing like a unit not seen in recent memory in Carolina. That seemingly well-oiled machine petered out in the second half, as the Panthers would tally just seven points in the second half while staving off a Falcons' rally.

The Falcons' first three drives in the second half were all 10 plays or more and took up a total of over 17 minutes, but yielded only 10 points. Atlanta burst out of the gates, driving 74 yards to the Carolina six-yard line before being stopped in their tracks and being forced to settle for a field goal that made it 21-13. The Panthers tried to return the favor on their next possession, but John Kasay had his second field goal of the year blocked on a 51-yard attempt.

That would start the Falcons off with good field position that they would capitalize on, embarking on an 11-play, 59-yard drive that ended with Matt Ryan's only touchdown pass of the day, a three-yard toss to tight end Justin Peelle just as the fourth quarter was getting underway that brought the Falcons to within two points at 21-19. The ensuing two-point conversion was snuffed out by a solid tackle by Chris Gamble on a swing pass to Snelling.

The Panthers could not get much going on their next drive and were forced to punt it away. Jason Baker made the first of two huge plays on the day when he pinned the Falcons at their own four to start a critical drive. Ryan completed a third and 11 from his own three on his way to leading Atlanta down the field into field goal range. Elam lined up for a 34-yard field goal, but mistimed the play and pulled the ball badly to the left, allowing Carolina to maintain their two-point lead.

Still, the Panthers offense could not get off the ground, going three and out and being forced to punt once more. Enter Baker once more, this time from a more defensive position as he represented the last man to beat for the Falcons' Eric Weems, who was on his way to the end zone following poor punt coverage when Baker shoved him and sent him flying into the sideline at the Panthers' 49-yard line with just under four minutes to go in the game.

The Falcons had yet another chance to take the lead, but Ryan would toss his second interception of the day on the first play of the drive. Richard Marshall picked off the overthrown ball at the Panthers' 21 and carried it to the 49. After two short runs by Williams, Stewart burst through a hole created by the young Mackenzy Bernadeau and sprinted to the endzone for the 45-yard game-clinching touchdown.

The victory did not come without a price for Carolina, as they lost left tackle Jordan Gross to a broken left ankle in the second quarter. Travelle Wharton moved over to left tackle in his absence and Bernadeau took over at left guard. Wharton was whistled for a holding penalty in his first play at left tackle and would get called for another later in the game. The loss of Gross marks the second key cog the Panthers have lost in as many weeks after losing Thomas Davis in New Orleans a week ago.

Sherrod Martin recorded his team-leading third interception of the year in just his third career start Sunday, setting up a Panthers' touchdown late in the first half.

Tyrell Sutton lined up for every Panthers' kickoff return, however Atlanta's Michael Koenen never gave him a chance to do anything with the ball, recording touchbacks each time he kicked off. He also rendered the punt return game useless, as Captain Munnerlyn was unable to attempt a return on either of Koenen's two punts.

The Panthers' win, mixed in with a few other NFC losses, means that the playoff outlook for Carolina is starting to become a little less murky. At 4-5, the Panthers are now just one game out of the final Wild Card spot. If other top NFC contenders continue to falter while the Panthers continue to heat up, the outlook on the last month of the season could quickly turn from dull and gloomy to exciting and hopeful.

Carolina seems to have found lightning in a bottle with the no-huddle offense and should stick with what works as they continue to try to make up for their poor play out of the gate.

Let's take a look at the positives and negatives from an uplifting Panthers victory.

Going Up...

/\ Jake Delhomme

Jake has always been confident and relaxed in the two-minute drill. It's now apparent that that confidence holds true when you extend the two-minute drill to the 60 minute drill. Call me crazy, but at sometimes on Sunday, Jake looked a lot like a fellow in the midwest who wears number 18 and sports a horseshoe on the side of his helmet.

For three weeks in a row now, Delhomme has been mostly effective and turnover free, leading to a level of play that goes way beyond what we saw the beginning of the year. The quarterback is the leader of every team and with Jake playing with a renewed sense of ability and confidence, the sky is the limit for Carolina.

/\ Muhsin Muhammed

"Moose" made it known publicly earlier in the week that he would like the Panthers to become more agressive in the passing game, insisting that he and his fellow receivers, along with Jake, had the ability to turn their early production around. He backed that statement up with an exclamation point on Sunday in his return from a knee injury that saw him miss two games, catching six passes for 91 yards to lead the team in both categories.

/\ The Jake-to-Smitty Connection

One of, if not the all-time fan favorite quarterback-to-receiver connection in Panthers history seems to be back in sync after a rocky-at-best start to the season. Jake found Smith twice in the end zone on Sunday in Jake's first multi-touchdown game of the year. If this duo can get on the same page again and start producing the electrifying plays they have always been known for, this Panthers team could turn into a dark horse in December.

/\ Defense

When the Panthers offense sputtered in the second half, the defense picked up the slack. Although the Falcons were able to sustain drives on their first three possesions, they came away with only 10 points and were twice halted on long drives and forced to attempt field goals. Carolina also recorded two interceptions, both of which came on the first play of drives and both of which set up Panther touchdowns.

/\ Chris Gamble

Gamble was a busy man on Sunday afternoon, recording 25 percent of his season tackles with eight. He also stuffed Jason Snelling on the two-point conversion that would have tied the game, which almost makes up for a pass interference call he received in the second quarter on a fourth down play that would eventually allow the Falcons' to score their first touchdown of the game. After recording seven tackles during a four game stretch, Gamble has 14 in his last two games.

/\ Jonathan Stewart

Stewie is back on the right side of The Elevator this week after his second two-touchdown performance in the last three weeks. Including his 45-yard game winner. Stewart averaged over seven yards per carry on 11 attempts. If you take that run away, he was still averaging almost four yards a clip.

/\ DeAngelo Williams

Another solid performance from the other half of double trouble as well, racking up just shy of 100 yards on 19 carries. Williams has solidified himself as one of the top backs in the league in the last few weeks, returning to the form that produced his breakout season in 2008. DeAngelo is currently tied for fourth in rushing yards in the NFL and ranks fifth in touchdowns.

/\ Sherrod Martin

The rookie has three starts and three picks, need I say more? Martin has brought a nose for the ball to the free safety position that Charles Godfrey just didn't seem to have and may retain the starting job when Godfrey is healthy if he continues to play at a high level.

/\ Coaching

The coaching staff came up with another excellent game plan to expose the opponent's weakness, in this case the Falcons pass defense. They may have stumbled upon something in the no-huddle offense and should look to incorporate that scheme into future gameplans, especially against formidable defenses like the Patriots and the Jets.

Going Down...

\/ Injury bug

The Panthers are catching fire at the right time, but it will be hard to maintain the flame if they lose too many more key pieces to injury. After losing two potential Pro Bowlers in consecutive weeks, it is imperative that the remaining starters stay healthy.

\/ Special Teams

Another woeful day for special teams was kept out of the limelight by Jason Baker's potentially game-saving tackle of Eric Weems on a punt return late in the game. The Panthers allowed another field goal to be blocked and also allowed another punt to be down inside the five when the returner could have made the fair catch outside of the 10. With the Panthers entering do-or-die territory down the stretch, special teams can not be the weak link that leads to a game changing play.

\/ Putting games away

Aside from the Arizona game, the Panthers have had to hold their breath until the end of every victory they have recorded this season. A late bootleg from Delhomme, let them exhale against Washington, a late touchdown in Tampa did the same and now the clinching 45-yard Stewart dash has done the trick against Atlanta. To re-enter the playoff conversation on a serious level, the Panthers need to take it to someone and be able to enjoy a victory in the fourth quarter rather than scramble to save it.

The Panthers are being outscored 49-14 in the second halves of games in the month of November. Opponents are making adjustments at half time, but it doesn't seem like the Panthers are doing too much of that.

\/ Travelle Wharton

I don't want to make too much of a big deal about Wharton's mistakes seeing as how he was moved out to tackle in an emergency situation after not practicing at that spot for some time. However, with Jordan Gross gone for the year, Wharton will be the big man in charge of Delhomme's blind side. Wharton was whistled for a holding call on the first play from scrimmage after Gross went out and racked up another before the game was over.

For all intents and purposes, that's two holding calls in one half, meaning he'd average four per game. There's no way the Panthers can absorb that and continue their improved offensive play. Wharton will need to have a good, albeit short, week of practice and get accustomed to the tackle spot again inside a small window of time.

Up Next...

The Panthers will have a short week this week, playing Thursday night on NFL Network against the Miami Dolphins who will visit Charlotte in the regular season for the first time since 1998. The game is huge for both teams, as both are resting at 4-5 and looking to make a push towards the playoffs.

The Panthers will be looking to contain the Wildcat that has brought the Dolphins to prominence in the last couple of years. Former Carolina offensive coordinator Dan Henning is the wizard behind the curtain for the Dolphins and Henning will face his former team in the regular season for the first time since leaving after the 2006 season.

The Panthers have never beaten the Dolphins in the regular season, one of only two teams that hold that distinction (Houston is the other).

Read more Carolina Panthers news on BleacherReport.com

Spend the Money: Five Players the Carolina Panthers NEED

Zack Nally — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:57:07 -0500

The Panthers have struggled this year, that's obvious. What isn't obvious is why. The team that went 12-4 only a year ago had all but one starter return and yet Carolina sits two games behind .500. It's clear there are some personnel issues in the front office, but, on the field, the cast that won the #2 spot in the NFC last year just can't seem to get the job done this year. If things didn't seem bad enough, Peppers is dead-set on leaving next year and key role-players like Mushin Muhammed, Jeff King, and Richard Marshall are approaching the end of their contracts. If the Carolina Panthers expect to be contenders next year, some serious additons will need to be made to their roster, starting with these.

Begin Slideshow

Carolina Panthers Second Quarter Awards

Austin Penny — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:53:52 -0500

The Carolina Panthers have not had the type of season they planned on having after going 12-4 and winning the NFC South Division title last year. Through the first half of the season, the Panthers sit at 3-5, already having eclipsed their loss total from 2008. The second quarter saw improved play from the Panthers, especially on defense and in the running game. The Panthers were ranked first in pass defense for much of the quarter until Drew Brees and the Saints uprooted them with 330 yards passing. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart benefited from improved offensive line play in the second quarter and recorded two of the franchise's top three rushing performances during that span. Despite all of that, the Panthers still wound up with a 2-2 record in the second quarter and now find themselves staring straight uphill at the second half of the season and a potential playoff berth. Let's take a look at the award winners from the second quarter.

Begin Slideshow