NFL Preseason - Panthers [Archive]

tommy

08-11-2003, 08:05 PM

This was a great game for the Panthers... for the most part... I was in VA, so it was on TV... was it on TV here in NC? Except for 2 fumbles, it was great... Delhomme looked pretty good, and Fasani could be good... he rushes well. The defense did an AWESOME job putting pressure on Rob Johnson... a great game for the defense. Especially on the play where everyone thought Johnson had thrown it away, but it was ruled a fumble.

Hope the rest of the preseason, and the entire season is great!

Shell

08-11-2003, 09:22 PM

unfortunately it was on TV here as well :sick:

Turbulence

08-11-2003, 10:05 PM

Panthers'll be great this year...improved D (improved from 2nd in the league last year) and a more complete offense, with 3 capable QBs, the addition of Ricky Proehl, and Steven Davis, who will be the center of the run-based offense. That coupled with the perinnially good special teams leads to a very good team in Charlotte this year.
I predict 2nd round of playoffs this year.

tommy

08-12-2003, 09:27 AM

There's a good article in the N and O today about the problem that the Panthers always have, and exhibited again the other day, even in victory. That is: red-zone offense. Every time we get inside the 10, it seems, the offense sputters. The Panthers had two or three such times in the Redskins game, but their defense bailed them out by doing the same thing to the Redskins at other points in the game. I think Carolina should just pass the ball more instead of rushing on 2nd and goal from the 9, or similar situations, but hey, they didn't ask me.

Jillsdad

08-12-2003, 11:50 AM

Yes the D put pressure on Rob Johnson, but it is Rob Johnson. The man is afraid of his own shadow. Blades of grass have been known to injure him, so do not put too much into the fact that the Panthers were able to rattle him . Also preseason means absolutely nothing!!!!!!!!!!!!

HockeyPat

08-12-2003, 12:57 PM

Johnson isn't a whimp. His problem is actually the opposite. He stays in the pocket to long and takes too many hits. He would be an above average QB if he could learn to get rid of the ball sooner.

tommy

08-12-2003, 01:06 PM

Johnson isn't a whimp. His problem is actually the opposite. He stays in the pocket to long and takes too many hits. He would be an above average QB if he could learn to get rid of the ball sooner.

Very true.

And Jillsdad, I was mostly referring to the lack of efficiency that was shown by the 'Skins offensive linemen. They were supposed to be better this year, but they certainly let a bunch of blitzes right through.

Jillsdad

08-12-2003, 01:51 PM

Two things.

1st Are we referring to the same Rob Johnson who injured himself last year with Tampa Bay scrambling out of bounds when he tripped over the painted white out of bounds line?

2nd In the game the other night it was the Panthers 2nd and 3rd string d-men going against the Redskins 2nd and third string linemen. It is a whole lot easier in the early stages of training camp for d-men than it is for the o-line because the o-line hasn't gotten the blocking schemes down pat whereas the d-men just pin their ears back and go after the QB.

I hope the panthers are great this year, but all i am saying is don't read too much into the first preseason playoff game. Perfect example, Redskins last year. They were lights out high flyin offense in the preseason, but when it came to regular season, the vaunted fun and gun was nowhere to be found.

tommy

08-12-2003, 02:12 PM

I know that I shouldn't look into the first pre-season game, but Jillsdad, come on, I'm a Panthers fan... let me enjoy it while it lasts. :D :cool:

In all seriousness, I do think that the Panthers will be better with their new additions this year, and Peete, Weinke, and Delhomme can all lead a good offense. I'm positive they can break .500 this year, and then perhaps make the playoffs.

tommy

08-15-2003, 03:13 PM

Just a reminder, game 2 of the preseason for the Panthers is on tonight, 8PM. It's on WRAZ in Raleigh (which is our Fox network).

JaroFan

08-15-2003, 03:22 PM

Turbulence

08-15-2003, 03:49 PM

Thanks for the reminder, Tommy. I'da never looked for NFL on a Friday Night!

tommy

08-15-2003, 08:57 PM

What a play by Mike Minter, he returned an interception for a touchdown, 10-3 Panthers.

But still, they couldn't score from the red zone. But whatever, as long as they get it done.

I'm excited!!

Turbulence

08-15-2003, 08:58 PM

Great play by the Minister of Defense!

Panthers'll be good this year...mark my words.

tommy

08-15-2003, 09:31 PM

Once again, 3 points when it coulda been 7.... red zone problems.

tommy

08-15-2003, 11:40 PM

Good game... I really really like Weinke and Delhomme... great passing quarterbacks so far this preseason, and Stephen Davis and Brad Hoover had some nice running plays... Just wish the redzone offense would kick in. Also, I didn't realize how great a punter Sauerbrun is.

Good team effort, defense looks sharp so far this year.

Turbulence

08-16-2003, 09:22 AM

Weinke looked downright sharp! I really think last season gave him time to mature to NFL-calibur. He was rushed in too fast, but his true skills (from the Seminole days) are starting to show through. I didn't get a good look at Delhomme, but if he is as good as you said he looked yesterday we'll have a real QB controversy next year.
I'm excited about the running game. Brad Hoover (Western Carolina boy!) is a capable FB for a team like this, and we all know how good Steven Davis is when someone lets him run. Since we're starting a run-based offense this year, this can only be a good thing. And at backup, Nick Goings had a few good plays. So depth is not a problem.
And, yes, Sauerbrun is the best punter in the league. (We've needed him to be! :roll:) He had some bombs last night...

Jillsdad

08-20-2003, 11:49 AM

Peppers, Peppers, Peppers. ALthough he went to UNC I still have to admit i like the way he plays the game. It seems as if he has added some serious strength in the offseason to go along with the speed he already had. There were a few times in Friday's game when he just bullrushed past the o-line instead of using his speed to go around them. If he has added strength to his repertoire then look out opposing offences.

tommy

08-23-2003, 11:44 AM

Just a reminder, tonight (Saturday), at 8pm is Panthers vs. Packers. Should be a great game, but the Panthers will have to score more than 20 points this time, and keep a steady defense.

Turbulence

08-23-2003, 11:58 AM

This should be a great game...this could be a potential playoff matchup, so I can't wait to see what happens even if it is the 3rd stringers playing.

D will be stout yet again....as long as Peete/Delhomme/Weinke, Davis, Proehl and the boys can keep up it should be a strong showing tonight.

tommy

08-23-2003, 11:21 PM

Excellent game by the defense. Even if it was a boring game for the most part, it was still a good one. Couple points I got from the game:

1) So I guess they didn't have to score more than 20 points afterall... (What's up with scoring 20 points all three games, though?) It's great that they are winning games with their defense. It's been their trademark, even in poor seasons.

2) Who will be the QB? I really like Weinke, but I've got a feeling Peete is still going to be starting until he messes up. Or at least that's what Fox always says at press conferences. But Weinke, Delhomme, and Peete are all capable.

3) Red zone is still a problem, but it hasn't mattered yet. That was pretty bad though when we got it to the 15, but then wound up with a 2nd and 30 situation. (And may I ask why we ran the ball on 2nd and 30 AND on 3rd and 27?)

4) John Kasay is a better kicker than Shane Graham. And after the Green Bay game last year, I still hate Graham. We could have won that game last year, and been in a position to make a playoff run.

First 3-0 preseason start in Panthers history. I like it.

Turbulence

08-24-2003, 09:30 AM

Another great game...and this time beating one of the best teams in the league.
On the QB situation, how could it get any better? Peete will start this year but I have a feeling that somewhere down the road this year Weinke or Delhomme will take over the starting job. I'm thinking that Weinke will get there before Delhomme...He has regained his confidence and regained his precision from his Florida State days. All he need was a bit of time to mature, and a bit of confidence...but he has finally come into his own in this league. I know he's been playing against 3rd stringers...but he has looked awful good.
Then again, Delhomme looked sharp too, so who knows. But I'd be willing to bet that Peete will be 2nd or even 3rd string at some point this year.
And that Carolina defense just keeps on rolling...I think they may be the best in the league this year...as long as it keeps running like we all know it can, the aforementioned QB controversy will be a nonissue. If the guys can put up 20 points every night (that seems to be a recurring theme...) the majority of the games will be won.

And you're right, John Kasay is the better PK. Shayne Graham is an ok guy, but Kasay brings the experience of being one of the most dependable players from the league's best special teams unit over the past 3 or 4 years...that is, when he isn't hurt. Graham did good stepping in for an injured Kasay, but he can't compare. He often looks a bit shaky...
...but then again, they both missed 45 yarders last night...

Trey Wingo of ESPN said this morning at the Jimmy V (ABC 11 interview) that many people in Bristol are picking the Panthers as a sleeper pick for the Superbowl... :smoke:

tommy

08-24-2003, 01:37 PM

Trey Wingo of ESPN said this morning at the Jimmy V (ABC 11 interview) that many people in Bristol are picking the Panthers as a sleeper pick for the Superbowl... :smoke:

Hehehe. :smoke: (That is a good pick for a smiley for that statement.) How awesome would that be?

Jillsdad

08-25-2003, 09:27 AM

As far as Kasay and Graham go, if we have room for two kickers, keep them both. Let kasay handle fg's and pats, and let Graham handle kickoffs, that way you don't run as much of a risk of Kasay straining or hurting something.

tommy

08-25-2003, 03:28 PM

I suppose that's a good plan; after Kasay got injured last year we all know that there was a large gap to fill.

Next game, btw: Friday night, 8pm, vs. Steelers.

Shell

08-25-2003, 09:56 PM

Panthers Cut Eight Players
Emmanuel McDaniel Among Cuts
POSTED: 6:48 p.m. EDT August 25, 2003

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers waived eight players Monday, including veteran cornerback Emmanuel McDaniel.

McDaniel, a six-year veteran from East Carolina, was the team's regular nickel back last season. He became expendable when second-year player Dante Wesley and rookie Ricky Manning Jr. had strong training camps.

The other Players releasd were center Zach Butler, linebacker Lawrence Flugence, defensive back Brad Franklin, defensive tackle Eric Manning, offensive lineman Ben Nowland, wide receiver Francis St. Paul and offensive guard Tim Stuber.

cmw00

08-26-2003, 04:00 PM

I don't know why people think Pre Season is meanigless? Just because the win/loss records don't count prseason is far from meaningless.

Keep in mind that although Weinke has been playing against 2nd and 3rd stringers, he has also been playing WITH 2nd and 3rd stringers, and still looking good. I'd like to see Weinke start with the starters Friday myself to see what he can do in game situations with them.

Sauerbron is a phenomenal punter, by far one of the best in the league. That really helps out defense also to keep people pinned deep, which helps the offense get good field position.

Our Defense is going to be one the best in the league. Like Turb said, we were ranked number 2 last year, and we are much improved this year on defense. Julius Peppers baring no major injureis is going to be one of the best defensive players in the league for many years. He's faster than most everybody he'll line up agains, and he's strong enough that they aren't gonna bully him around a whole lot!

cmw00

08-26-2003, 04:06 PM

And you know ESPN ticks me off sometimes when it comes to sports in North Carolina (panthers/canes). Doesn't matter what our teams do or how good they look ESPN never hardly ever gives them a second look or even an honorable mention.

Take for example after the last panthers game against Green Bay last week. ESPN'S NFL specific show got to the panthers and Packers game, instead of showing any replays of all the good plays that Carolina made, or talking about how good all of our Defense is looking what do they do? They show a Bret Favre interception and Greenbays one touchdown and talk about Green Bay this and Green Bay that. The only time they mentioned the Panthers was simply because they annouced the score and said "panther" that was it.

But I have a feeling there are going to be plenty of other Panther highlights and Canes highlights too for that matter this season that they'll also be able to skip over aswell.

tommy

08-29-2003, 05:39 PM

Don't forget!!! Panthers play the Steelers at 8pm, on WRAZ!

cmw00

08-29-2003, 05:48 PM

Did you guys know Randy Fasani retired? :D

He was traded to the jets I beleive it was, and instead of reporting to them, he opted to retire. :spin:

Jeff O Rocks

08-29-2003, 06:08 PM

Did you guys know Randy Fasani retired? :D

He was traded to the jets I beleive it was, and instead of reporting to them, he opted to retire. :spin:

If I were a pro football player, and NO offense to anywhere in here, and I was traded to the Jets, I would retire too!! :roll: :D

cmw00

08-29-2003, 06:21 PM

OH be nice now! lol

Na never mind we got a good team this year we can talk alittle smack!

tommy

08-29-2003, 06:56 PM

Didn't hear that.

I'm just mad that Fox won't start Weinke or Delhomme during the regular season. In the paper this morning, it showed that Weinke has a 116 QB rating, Delhomme a 71, and Peete a 51. It's ridiculous that Fox isn't even considering starting either one of the others. I sure hope we don't get off to a bad start with him and end up screwing the whole season over in the first 4 weeks.

Turbulence

08-29-2003, 10:34 PM

After seeing Weinke play tonight, I'm convinced that at some point this year he will be the starter for the Panthers. He's looked better than anyone else...
...and the game as a whole loos good so far. It's been a good comeback for the Cats...

Shell

08-29-2003, 11:05 PM

and, they broke 20!

tommy

08-29-2003, 11:24 PM

Weinke was great, but dude, Delhomme was 11 for 11, 123 yards, and 2 TDs... Jake was the best tonight... And how about Walter Young? That was one heck of a TD completion! The whole team rallied very well tonight, it was an enjoyable game. If Cowher hadn't wasted a TO on that challenge, the Steelers might not have been so rushed at the end, but they still woulda had a tough time. Go Panthers! 4-0 Preseason!!!\

And, on the panthers website... there is a poll: Who will be the panthers kicker this year. After 4000 votes, its divided 50-50. Itll be interesting to see how that all works out.

Turbulence

08-30-2003, 09:33 AM

Oh yea, Delhomme was the best QB this game. But throughout the preseason I have to give it up to Weinke for looking the most consistant and the most confident. 2nd highest QB rating in the postseason...consistancy is the key.
But Delhomme did look good...how can you beat 100% accuracy? All I know is, it's an improvement from Dayemune Craig being our backup QB a few years ago...We're set this year for QB, even with Fasani dropping out.

As far as the kicking war goes, I say give it to Kasay. Very close though...