Testaverde to Start; Smith is Questionable

Panthers vs. Packers: Testaverde to Start; Smith Questionable
John Fox named Vinny T to start this Sunday against the Packers.

Testaverde and quarterback David Carr have practiced fully this week, but after practice Fox said, "Our starter will be Vinny Testaverde."

Steve Smith on the other hand will be a game-time decision.

"It'll be a game-time decision, day to day," coach John Fox said of Smith. "It's still sore."

My guess is Smith will play. It usually takes a lot more than a sore shin to keep Smitty off the field.

Without Smitty the probability of the Panther offense struggling goes way up. The Panthers need him to go deep, an adventure requiring good blocking up front. I’m thinking there’s a good chance the Packers will overlook the Panthers.

If the Panthers can protect the ball, create a couple turnovers themselves and cap it with a defensive score, then the Panthers could be in the game at the end.

S Deke Cooper should be back from injury but don’t be surprised if Marquand Manuel gets some playing time too. The two young speedsters Jones and Jennings scare me. Favre has lived by the big play this year. Maybe we’ll get a few 3 and outs.

I also thinks its time to bench someone. I’d put WR Dwayne Jarrett in early and see if he can get a feel for the game. I’d start the usual defense but if after a couple series the D-line isn’t making plays I’d bench Peppers, Kemo and Rucker and put in McClover, Grigsby and Moorehead (Lewis if he’s recovered) to play with Jenkins. I want to see some energy.

Speaking of Jenkins, I love this quote about his brother:

"I don't want to lose to my brother and I know he doesn't want to lose to me," Kris Jenkins said. "It's going to be intense, but at the same time I want to see him do good. I mean that's my little brother and I'm always going to be big brother. Sometimes it's hard because I don't want them to win, but at the same time I want him do good and I want to see him play good."

Too bad Cullen doesn't play o-line, like guard. Imagine those two going at it mano a mano.