5 questions with a Carolina Panthers blogger
by JasonB on Sep 10, 2009 11:17 AM EDT
in News
53 comments
The Eagles begin their 2009 season on the road against the Carolina Panthers, and so we start this year's 5 questions series in the same place. This week I exchanged questions with Jaxon, who blogs about the Carolina Panthers over on Cat Scratch Reader.
You should find my answers to his questions over there sometime today.
First, let's start with injuries. Both the Eagles and Panthers got hit with a slew of injuries this summer. How bad have the injuries in Carolina been? What guys will be back, who won't be back, and which guys may not be at 100%?
We’ve been mainly worried about the status of MLB Jon Beason (MCL strain) and RB Jonathan Stewart (Achilles) but we just got word on Wednesday that both practiced so it appears both will play. SS Chris Harris is sitting out practice with a leg bruise and FS Charles Godfrey is playing with a wrap on a broken hand surgically repaired last week. We’ve already lost two DT’s to IR for the season in Maake Kemoeatu and rookie Corvey Irvin but otherwise it looks like the Panthers will enter the game fairly healthy.
Frankly I was surprised to learn that the Eagles are 2 point favorites this weekend. Is that simply Vegas buying into Eagles hype, or do you they're down on Carolina?
Everyone is down on the Panthers except the diehard faithful. The divisional match-up with the NFC East and AFC East plus the #1 divisional seed have reaped the 2nd hardest schedule in the league. Combine that with the Delhomme playoff meltdown and I can understand the skeptics. Plus the Eagles bring a strong squad fresh off a playoff run to the NFC Title game. We welcome the underdog role.
When I talk to people about Carolina's chances this year, their level of confidence in the team is tied directly to their level of confidence in Jake Delhomme. Do you agree that he's the key to this season and what is your outlook on Delhomme?
He’s the primary key to the offense but the run defense was also a major liability down the stretch. Many vocal ‘Jake Haters’ as we call them want to run him out of town but it’s clear his team mates feel just the opposite. Jake still commands the huddle and has many 4th quarter comebacks on his resume to prove he has the mettle to guide another stellar season. A poll I ran over the offseason showed 75% of fans still trust Jake to guide this team.
This is probably not something you want to remember... but that loss at home to the Cardinals last year seems like one of those losses that sticks with you and can hang over a team. Have the Panthers seemed to have forgotten than loss, will they use it as motivation, or might it actually still bother them?
That loss has not been forgotten at all and is being used as a source of motivation. Jake has taken full responsibility for his play and has emerged re-energized in the preseason. He has in turn looked fairly sharp in his throws and appears to have more confidence in his additional weapons available. If there is any issue lingering from that loss to the Cardinals it is only mentioned as a reason to focus on the goals for 2009.
This is my standard question that people love to hear opponents answer... If you could steal one Eagle and add him to your roster who would it be?
Good question. After kicking around a few names in my head I have to say CB Asante Samuel. Finding playmakers in the secondary is hard to do and Samuel is one of the best. Putting Samuel across from Chris Gamble would be fun to watch for Panther fans.
Bonus question.... What Panther that we've never heard of is going to surprise us with a big game this Sunday?
My money is on WR Kenny Moore, a 5th round pick by the Lions last season who the Panthers stole off their practice squad. The Panthers have struggled to find a #3 WR ever since Ricky Proehl retired but Moore has impressed in the preseason. I think he will make a few key 3rd down catches to keep drives going and confound your pass defense.
0 recs |
53 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
Who is your daddy, and what does he do?
by SJPhillyVT on Sep 10, 2009 11:44 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He fries bird wings for dinner, Carolina style!
You should try them, quite delicious!
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
by Jaxon on Sep 10, 2009 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If anyone has other questions all monitor the thread for a while
and try to answer them.
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
by Jaxon on Sep 10, 2009 11:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
"I'll" monitor
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
by Jaxon on Sep 10, 2009 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
watch the spelling and grammar
they are big on that over here Jax
JAKE IS THE BEST OPTION FOR CAROLINA FOR THE NEXT 2 OR THREE YEARS GET OVER IT!!! AND JULIUS PEPPERS IS THE BEST DE IN THE NFL 100% EFFORT OR NOT!!! PERIOD! WE CANT DO ANY BETTER SO SHUT THE F#@K UP
by Steve785 on Sep 10, 2009 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How bad is beason hurt and how much faith do you have in his backup if he cant preform on sunday? Just a little deja vu from a Bird’s fan as we have gaither starting this week inplace of bradley.
by IgglesFanDeployd on Sep 10, 2009 12:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Beason will play per his own blog
But his back-up Dan Conner is quite good too though not the motivational force Beason is.
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
by Jaxon on Sep 10, 2009 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
dan connor
is itching to get his shot id feel very safe with him as the mlb but beason will most likely play
by ieatcrayons on Sep 10, 2009 12:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
connor is a beast
or at least he was at psu. Although, I’m a bit biased. Would love to have him as our backup MLB.
by pennstater on Sep 10, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What is your prediction for the game?
Let's get it.
by homestar2281 on Sep 10, 2009 1:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm going to pass on a prediction
its just a grab anyway in week 1
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
by Jaxon on Sep 10, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm curious....
If Delhomme throws a pick during the game how will the fans react?
Let the beasting begin.
by TransplantedFan on Sep 10, 2009 1:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He will get booed I imagine
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
by Jaxon on Sep 10, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
its killing me not to answer these questions
ya gotta get back in here
JAKE IS THE BEST OPTION FOR CAROLINA FOR THE NEXT 2 OR THREE YEARS GET OVER IT!!! AND JULIUS PEPPERS IS THE BEST DE IN THE NFL 100% EFFORT OR NOT!!! PERIOD! WE CANT DO ANY BETTER SO SHUT THE F#@K UP
by Steve785 on Sep 10, 2009 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Go for it Steve
nothing wrong with multiple answers & opinions
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
by Jaxon on Sep 11, 2009 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In hindsight, after one season with Jeff Otah in the books... what would you rather have?
Otah…
or a 1, a 2, and a 4?
Bye, Big Stew and JJ :(
by Bye, Dawk :( on Sep 10, 2009 1:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Still liking Otah
You have to give up a lot to get a lot…He’s been a key to the running game as the Panthers are most effective running off the right side behind him. You can always play the ‘what if’ game about any draft pick but it gets you nowhere. Otah will be All-Pro soon enough
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
by Jaxon on Sep 11, 2009 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
what do you think of the NFC South
I know most eagles fans think the NFC East is the best devision in football, but the NFC South certainly has some good teams, which do you think is better?
Also, where do you think the Panthers fall in the NFC South? It seams like alot of people like the saints and falcons more.
by Tron79 on Sep 10, 2009 2:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The scheduling will have a big impact on the division this season
Many people are picking the Saints to win the division mainly because of it. Where the Panthers with the #1 Div seed play the Cards and Vikes the Saints (went 8-8 but #4 seed) get the Rams and Lions. Big difference in competition. Panthers, falcons, Saints should all compete for the div crown. Of course still not as tough as NFC East w/4 legit contenders. Well, I’m not that sold on the ’skins or ’boys yet.
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
by Jaxon on Sep 11, 2009 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Everette Brown...
You guys gave up a lot to grab Everette Brown… How has his progression been? Will we see him Week 1?
Bye, Big Stew and JJ :(
by Bye, Dawk :( on Sep 10, 2009 2:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Pleasant surprise
Jeff Otah quickly came out and said he was surprising strong. He has the quicks and seems to be adapting his pass rush moves. He’ll be a 3rd down specialist this season though.
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
by Jaxon on Sep 11, 2009 8:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ron Meeks loves those undersized fast DEs so i expect to see him more often than 3rd down.
On how Harris feels: Not well enough to practice today. - John Fox
by Steve785 on Sep 11, 2009 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Panthers have Williams and Stewart
Any thoughts that the season rides on Jake Delhomme are misguided. If those 2 and Beason are healthy the Panthers will be a tough game every week this year. What killed them against the Cards was a few early turnovers which forced Jake to keep passing, taking the ball out of Williams and Stewart’s hands.
This will be a close defensive game, I think. One of those 13-10 or 14-12 type affairs.
by Cormican on Sep 10, 2009 2:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes, we have just as much problem
with the game plan and the defense against the Cards. The INT’s obviously hurt but the defensive game planning completely missed as well. Many people forget we beat the Cards earlier in the season so its not like they were really a better team, they just played a better game.
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
by Jaxon on Sep 11, 2009 8:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Many people forget we beat the Cards earlier in the season so its not like they were really a better team, they just played a better game.
we beat them 48-20 in the regular season so we feel your pain
Jim Johnson 1941-2009
"The 0-2 pitch, swing and a miss! STRUCK HIM OUT! The Philadelphia Phillies are 2008 World Champions of baseball! And let the city celebrate! " - Harry Kalas 1936-2009
by Whodie126 on Sep 11, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
this season w/o a doubt
rides with Jake Delhomme. he is the heart of our offense. as much as you will hear fans bitch about him he is it. but if he goes down we cant throw the football. i dont even feel comfortable with a quick slant over the middle if jake isnt throwing the ball. but if we lose him then our morale will be demolished and the season will be over i promise u that
On how Harris feels: Not well enough to practice today. - John Fox
by Steve785 on Sep 11, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's 2:27 pm ... doesn't that mean its about time for another Jake Delhome Interception
:-P
Let's get it.
by homestar2281 on Sep 10, 2009 2:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It’s 2:32… There goes another one.
Bye, Big Stew and JJ :(
by Bye, Dawk :( on Sep 10, 2009 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
All that is history come 1pm EST Sunday!
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
by Jaxon on Sep 11, 2009 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
laugh it up. he isnt goin to be throwin that much guy when he has 3 RBs cramming it down them Eagles throats. but what did i tell ya? K to da Mo. but i talk out of my ass right?
JAKE IS THE BEST OPTION FOR CAROLINA FOR THE NEXT 2 OR THREE YEARS GET OVER IT!!! AND JULIUS PEPPERS IS THE BEST DE IN THE NFL 100% EFFORT OR NOT!!! PERIOD! WE CANT DO ANY BETTER SO SHUT THE F#@K UP
by Steve785 on Sep 10, 2009 3:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
this makes no sense you say “he isnt goin to be throwin that much” then say “K to da Mo” which I believe is in reference to Kenny Moore. If Delhomme isn’t throwing much how is your 3rd string WR expected to have a huge game? Let’s try and keep things consistent please.
You do realize that we had the 4th best rushing D last year right? I know we lost Stew and Dawk but we still have Bunk and Patterson and they are pretty darn good.
Jim Johnson 1941-2009
"The 0-2 pitch, swing and a miss! STRUCK HIM OUT! The Philadelphia Phillies are 2008 World Champions of baseball! And let the city celebrate! " - Harry Kalas 1936-2009
by Whodie126 on Sep 10, 2009 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whodie...
K to the Mo, dude. K to the Mo.
There’s really no argument to that… He’s got us.
Bye, Big Stew and JJ :(
by Bye, Dawk :( on Sep 10, 2009 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
what u think?
we are just goin to come out and run a I-form 2WR on u guys the entire game? come on guy. a little of this a little of that and boom you know? na im gonna stop playin. how about some play action? u like that? how about throwin the D off balance? u know coaches try to do that a little bit. but ya Jeff davidson isnt goin to make the same mistake as he did in the playoffs and have Jake come out gun slingin. They will establish the running game. and if the Eagles cant stop it at all then i guess why pass? but i will imagine that Davidson will try to get in some 3 and 4 wide formations later on and then…run it some more or throw it to whoever he wants. he is more than confident in all of his options at this point.
is he a target for Jake?…yes. will get the ball 10 times?…no. if coverage is leaning on Smitty and Moose will K to da MO make u pay? Yesss! am i saying watch out KMO is goin to get 4tds and 200 yards? no. im saying dont sleep on the kid. he is probably the biggest threat that you guys have never heard of. but from talkin to u guys the past couple of days i now know that u guys havent heard of Goodson or Barnidge but whatever.
I know about the D, its going to be a challenge and 1 that the panthers are anxious to take on. but do understand that carolina faced a few of “the best” at this or that last season so its not going to be anything new.
JAKE IS THE BEST OPTION FOR CAROLINA FOR THE NEXT 2 OR THREE YEARS GET OVER IT!!! AND JULIUS PEPPERS IS THE BEST DE IN THE NFL 100% EFFORT OR NOT!!! PERIOD! WE CANT DO ANY BETTER SO SHUT THE F#@K UP
by Steve785 on Sep 10, 2009 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think so
and that what counts right?
JAKE IS THE BEST OPTION FOR CAROLINA FOR THE NEXT 2 OR THREE YEARS GET OVER IT!!! AND JULIUS PEPPERS IS THE BEST DE IN THE NFL 100% EFFORT OR NOT!!! PERIOD! WE CANT DO ANY BETTER SO SHUT THE F#@K UP
by Steve785 on Sep 10, 2009 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just better watch those edges
Williams loves the cut back
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
by Jaxon on Sep 11, 2009 8:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
After this weekend, you can call your schedule 0 to the 1
by UnclaimedFright on Sep 11, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where can i get the best wings with the cheapest beer in philly?
i wanna come down for the game. the wings are more important than the beer.
and im serious so respond
JAKE IS THE BEST OPTION FOR CAROLINA FOR THE NEXT 2 OR THREE YEARS GET OVER IT!!! AND JULIUS PEPPERS IS THE BEST DE IN THE NFL 100% EFFORT OR NOT!!! PERIOD! WE CANT DO ANY BETTER SO SHUT THE F#@K UP
by Steve785 on Sep 10, 2009 4:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I wasn't going to respond, but since you're serious...
Can’t go wrong with Chickie’s and Pete’s…
http://www.chickiesandpetes.com/
Enter with a Panthers jersey at your own risk.
Bye, Big Stew and JJ :(
by Bye, Dawk :( on Sep 10, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
agree with bye dawk
Chickie’s and Pete’s
and dont forget about the crab fries
RIP JJ & HK
Let the future judge Michael Vick
by BadCo'09 on Sep 10, 2009 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
whats a crab fry????
and for real they wont be cool with the panthers fan? im on probation so i cant get into any shit in public
JAKE IS THE BEST OPTION FOR CAROLINA FOR THE NEXT 2 OR THREE YEARS GET OVER IT!!! AND JULIUS PEPPERS IS THE BEST DE IN THE NFL 100% EFFORT OR NOT!!! PERIOD! WE CANT DO ANY BETTER SO SHUT THE F#@K UP
by Steve785 on Sep 10, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
crab fries are great
french fries with old bay seasoning or something like that
and u should be alright, just dont run ur mouth either way
RIP JJ & HK
Let the future judge Michael Vick
by BadCo'09 on Sep 10, 2009 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Panther Fan on Probation!
Sounds like a rap song in the making
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
by Jaxon on Sep 11, 2009 8:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m sorry but I have to lend my 5 cents. The Panthers were 12-4 last year & division champs in the best division in the NFL. The worst team in the NFC South finished with an 8-8 record. This NFC East division is over rated every year. You guys are the darlings of Sportscenter & ESPN, so its natural you are favored to go far. The Panthers & the NFC South never get any respect & little national attention. Its cool, like Jaxon said we love being the underdogs. We have a fantastic young one two punch in the backfield, we have one of the most exciting WR’s in the game, a great OL, a probowl DE & MLB, plus our new rookies who looked impressive so far so I don’t see where the lack of respect comes from. Dont mean to sound like a prick but I love the Panthers & I wish you guys the best of luck Sunday & throughout the year.
"it's a bad day to have a bad day"
by D.W.G. on Sep 10, 2009 6:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hardly the best division in the NFL...
I respect your level-headed tone, but I’ll challenge you with this question…
Is there a team in the NFC South with an above average defense?
Bye, Big Stew and JJ :(
by Bye, Dawk :( on Sep 10, 2009 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Stat-wise from 2008? no
but when you play six games against high powered offenses your stats will suffer. That’s the best rebuttal I can come up with!
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
by Jaxon on Sep 11, 2009 8:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ummm ok.
your division had a good run last year … (playing the AFC west) … but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
I seem to remember just one team finishing with a .500 record or better in 2007 in the South. NFC east … all four teams were at or above .500. The year before that NFC south 2 teams .500 or better NFC East 3 of 4.
Since 2003 we have sent at least two teams to the playoffs five times, thats five out of seven and two of those times we sent three teams. The NFC south has only sent two teams to the playoffs twice and never three in the same time frame.
Team winning percentages as of 2008 season:
TEAM W L T %
Dallas Cowboys 423 309 6 .577
New York Giants 618 510 33 .547
Washington Redskins 537 494 27 .520
Philadelphia Eagles 488 530 26 .480
Carolina Panthers 109 115 0 .487
New Orleans Saints 262 375 5 .412
Atlanta Falcons 267 383 6 .412
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 205 310 1 .398
Jim Johnson 1941-2009
"The 0-2 pitch, swing and a miss! STRUCK HIM OUT! The Philadelphia Phillies are 2008 World Champions of baseball! And let the city celebrate! " - Harry Kalas 1936-2009
by Whodie126 on Sep 10, 2009 9:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whodie126
ur going to use all time stats when ur tlakin about Divisons? lets think about this for a sec…
On how Harris feels: Not well enough to practice today. - John Fox
by Steve785 on Sep 11, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess we will settle the "Which Division is better" question this season
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
by Jaxon on Sep 11, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We sort of did last season...
Philly beat Atlanta.
New York beat Carolina.
Dallas beat Tampa.
Washington beat New Orleans.
Bye, Big Stew and JJ :(
by Bye, Dawk :( on Sep 11, 2009 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
Related FanPosts on Bleeding Green Nation
Related FanShots on Bleeding Green Nation
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
