Though the Panthers took care of business the past two weeks and raised their record to 8-2 they didn't exactly do it in convincing fashion. In both games they started slow but finished strong, this week featuring a franchise record rushing performance to the tune of 264 yards. The Lions weakness was supposed to be their secondary but on this day the Panthers ran all over them. Both Panther RB's DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart rushed for well over 100 yards each and three TD's combined, at times making it look easy.

What didn't look so easy was the Panthers passing attack. QB Jake Delhomme again struggled to get into a rhythm completing only 10 passes for 98 yards. It wasn't all bad as he did connect with TE Jeff King for a TD. The Panthers didn't really need Jake's arm on this day. The Panthers instead used some well placed stiff arms from their Smash-n-Dash (per D-Will himself) running duo. It was nice to see Stewart get it going after a few lackluster games as he nursed a sore toe. He showed no signs of an injury against the Lions as he instead was the one roaring. Stewart ran with authority as he regained the form we saw earlier in the season.

On the other side of the ball DE Julius Peppers had another big day. He capped his big day off with a sack and his NFL leading 5^th forced fumble. The Panthers pass rush may have not put up impressive statistics but they harassed Lions QB Dante Culpepper into several mistakes and bad passes. The biggest mistake was his last pass of the night, an INT by FS Charles Godfrey that sealed the win. We can thank DE Tyler Brayton, who stayed home on the misdirection roll-out and blocked Culpeppers view.   

Another concern for the Panthers was the rushing defense that gave up 120 yards rookie RB Kevin Smith. This is two weeks in a row where the Panthers defense was exposed for decent rushing yardage. It appears team are finding ways to get through holes in the first line and getting a blocker on the LB's. I can't say teams are having more success in any certain direction or wide versus between the tackles. I can't single out any one person either. I can only hope its more of a lack of focus against lesser teams. The team that held LT, AP and LJ to less than 100 yards has now given up 100 yards to an old timer (Warrick Dunn) and a rookie (Smith). They better get it turned around this week before heading to ATL to face the talents of Michael Turner.

I have to give some props to the Lions as they played some inspired ball. I really think they will win at least one game and prevent the 0-16 collar. It has to be tough losing your GM, your top 2 QB's and your top receiver (Roy Williams) in one season.

So now comes the 5 game stretch where the Panthers prove their mettle. Lets hope the run defense gets back to filling those holes and Jake gets the passing game back in gear. We do know one thing, its going to be fun to watch.

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Game Day Threads

If you find yourself watching the Panthers game at home, maybe by yourself and you have an internet connection join other connected Panther fans via CSR's open thread. It's a good way to interact with other fans, share some incite and enjoy what is shaping up to be a charmed Panther 2008 season.