Panther Roster Evaluation - QB

by Jaxon on Jul 6, 2007 1:35 AM EDT in Panther News & Notes

Many pundits are predicting a QB controversy early in the Panther season. Fox has already declared the starter’s job is Delhomme’s to lose. I have no reason to believe Jake will not perform well enough in camp and the preseason to keep the job. The only question is who will be #3 on the depth chart as Delhomme and Carr are locks to make the team.

Jake Delhomme (6-2, 215, 9th season) If you listen only to the pundits you would think Jake had a terrible season last year. In reality if you look at his stats he had a pretty consistent year as compared to the seasons he took the Panthers deep into the playoffs. Turnovers were down and many other stats were in line with his 2003 (SB) and 2005 (NFC Title Game) seasons. What jumps out at me though is the drop in big plays (20+ yds and 40+ yds) and of course the resulting TD’s. I think this reinforces one or both theories regarding the Panthers lack of a 2nd receiver and Dan Hennings’ conservative play calling. Regardless, Jake is 32 and should be in his prime so I expect a big year from Jake. I think he needs to regain his on the field leadership. I whined too much last season when things went bad and seemed to be calling out his teammates. I like the fire Jake shows, the competitiveness, but Jake needs to keep his emotions in check a little better. Of course fan loyalty can be fickle when expectations are high. I see no quarterback controversy as long as the Panthers win and appear headed to the playoffs.

David Carr (6-3, 230, 6th) When I look at Carr’s stats what jumps out at me is he has started 16 games in 4 of 5 seasons. He must be one tough hombre considering how many times he was hit. His completion percentage is respectable but the interceptions and fumbles are too high. Much has been made of the lack of pass protection he had in Houston and I can’t deny that must impact a QB’s confidence. The question is whether he can regain that confidence in Carolina if given the opportunity. As much as I would like to see the Panther brass look like geniuses for signing him I would much rather see Jake guide this team to the Promised Land. It’s nice though knowing we have proven experience as a back-up.

Brett Basanez (6-2, 215, 2nd) Brett didn’t see much action in his first season going 6 for 11 passing. I don’t even remember him from the preseason last year. I’m not sure how much of a future he has with the Panthers or even if he can keep the #3 spot on the depth chart. Unless he bombs in the preseason and Zwick excels I would say he has an 80% chance of making the final roster cut.

Justin Zwick (6-4, 225, UDFA) He seems to have the physical tools but lacks experience. Maybe the Panthers can find a diamond in the rough here. He looks like practice squad material this season though.

The Panthers will not need spectacular QB play to make the playoffs, just good play. They need a QB who will show some confidence and leadership and not make mistakes. Jake has filled that role superbly in the past. I think he’s poised for his best season yet.

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Comments

charlson

Jake had a bad year last year. He made critical errors and bad throws during critical times. He always threw the ball too high, so Steve Smith couldn't catch the ball in stride. I agree, though, that he is going to have a big year. Jake wants to prove that last year was an abberration, and he is. First of all, people underestimate the power of training camp. Jake and Steve didn't have training camp to work together because of Steve's hamstring, and he missed two games. So when he came back in week three, their timing was off, and the beat up offensive line added to the chemistry problems. That made for more conservative play calling, and less timing patterns that can result in big plays. It was also his first season with Keyshawn, who was the #1 receiver in camp and in the first 2 games because of Steve's injury. This year he gets a whole camp to work with all receivers, a healthy o-line, a better running game so he doesn't have to throw 20 times in the 4th qtr, and more receiving help at the TE position. So he's in for a great year.

In addition, it makes perfect sense for David Carr to get a gigantic raise and become the starter at age 30 or 31 when Jake retires in about 3 years.

by usana_gaines on Jul 7, 2007 2:13 AM EDT reply actions