There is so much more to think about that maybe we can’t see from our seats. I remember when Peyton Manning threw TD #49 to Brandon Stokely a few years ago on a double move. Stokely cut to the outside and Manning threw the ball to the end zone. Then as the DBs were converging on Stokely, he cut again. The ball had already been in the air for a couple seconds. It hit Stokely in the chest at the goal line a second after he turned to look for it. That year, Stokely was third on the team in receptions, yards and TDs (over 1000 yards and 10 TDs). In Carolina, if you are the third receiver, are you really going to complete your double move route? YOu know you could walk off the field and Jake wouldn’t notice. If Smitty waited until the last second to throw the ball, it would be too late for him to stop and jump as high as he can to catch it. The point is that the coaches can do whatever they want, but if Jake throws up punts disguised as passes, it doesn’t matter. I mean, none of Jake’s friends asked him over the last few years why he throws the ball so high? No one asked him why he stares down receivers? The truth is that we’re discussing this now, but these habits are not new to Jake. What is new is throwing the ball more than twice the number of times he hands off to two 1st round draft pick running backs. The coaches are horrible not just in play calling, but player development. Why did Moose have to come back before Jarrett learned how to run routes? Do we have a receivers coach? Was he busy that day? Maybe he was asking the QB coach to ask Jake to throw the ball to the receivers in stride. Either way, only 15 runs is ridiculous, and giving up 33 points is absurd. When Jake commits a turnover, could the defense at least force one or two for us…or how about maybe a QB pressure just for the fun of it.

Anyone remember in 2003 that there was all this talk about Henning keeping Jake on a short leash? I think there was a good reason for it. He had the most success when he was limited. Jake’s not the kind of QB you want making difficult decisions…calling plays at the line of scrimmage, etc. He’s a gunslinger. It needs to be “look to A, check to B, or throw it away”

Henning is certainly not as vanilla as we thought based on what I’ve seen from Miami. Methinks he might have been using the talent he had.

Davidson has proven that he’s capable of building a solid system. IMO, he needs to reign Jake in or bring someone else in. (Is Weinke still available?)

That was one game. Yeah it was awful, inexplicably horrible, but that happens, in every sport it happens.

Your sources who lay into the guys aren’t 100% convincing either. Bear in mind that sports writers have to write something, the more conclusive it sounds the more interesting it is, therefore you have to take the work of journalists with a pinch of salt. You win – you’re the best thing ever, you lose – they saw it coming and there are flaws in your organisation sucking any potential to succeed out.

NOT TRUE. Either way. The Panthers aren’t the best team in the NFL, I’m not shattering anyone’s illusion with that statement. Areas to improve our the D-Line (particular interior depth, they could do with a play making DT and don’t let Pep walk!) and potentially the secondary. Real competition for QB would be better and you have to wonder what Jake would have to do to get benched (murder someone?).

But the Panthers ARE one of the best teams in the NFL at present, they’re a better team than the Cardinals IMO, they just played cack. They went 12-4 in the regular season with all the catastrophic flaws that you’ve all underlined. With only one competition to win (unlike our UK sports where there are multiple cups alongside leagues) only 1 team ends up with the prize and I bet every single team except them has fans assassinate them on message boards and in bars etc.

Perspective is what you need here.

The Panthers had WAY more right than wrong this year. It went south in one game. So what? Yeah it sucks, but I’m still really glad I followed them from over here and all the joy I got out of it. And sure there are areas to improve, but if I met anyone involved with the Panthers this year, Mike McCoy included, I’d congratulate them on their work, cos frankly it was pretty good.

for how long are we going to keep going with Jake? Until he’s Vinny’s age? We need a viable backup (sorry I really don’t think Matt Moore is the guy) so when next season begins and Jake isn’t doing good, we can do like in 2003 and throw in the backup and pray for some magic. Thats why I feel its important to do some dealing for a 1st round pick to get a good QB…Bradford would be a great pick. Think about it…this team has never had a truly GREAT QB who can hit the receivers with peyton like accuracy. Imagine if we had that kind of QB with our running game and O-line, and if we can find a 3rd receiver or see if Jason Carter or Ryne Robinson can do something, we could be great. Thats something Brady and Manning never had, a great running game. We have that. We need a good QB, Jake is not that…its time to start looking.

And, its time to fix up the defense. The D-Line and CBs need work. linebackers and safeties are fine. and a new defensive coordinator is a must.

my 2 cents

Change my fellow fans is a MUST! I hate to pile it on Jake but, his inconsistantcy, low pocket awareness, slow reads and progressions, and lack of emotional composure can no longer be ignored. It wasnt just the cardnals game but 5 or 6 others this season. Truth.. its not all jakes fault, John Fox’s philosophy has become too obvious, with his run first game plan (which is fine; until it fails) not enough attention and scheme is applied to the passing game. I dont know if its the routes or just bad play designs; but it looks premative compared to what other teams execute. I hold my breath every 3rd down Passing situation!
   On defense, front 4 good, linebackers better, secondary AWFUL. Our saftey plays is kinda ok but the CBs have been getting OWNed all year. I love Peppers but in this economy, if you can clear cap room and sure up 2 or 3 defensive positions, thanks for the memories Pep. Special teams are solid with Kasey, Lloyd, and M. Jones.
   Here are the Facts, this may be the last year as the panthers we know. Jake is on the down slide, Give jake his last year but get a promising QB now, Brian Johnson looks very good from Utah and is under the radar. Coaching has to evolve beyond the run focused offense, and defense needs personel upgrades, coordinator & CBs. People most of the pieces are there, this is a good team on the verge of greatness. John Fox needs to stop being stubborn and change a little, it seems like he coaches for a close game every game. We changed O coordinators this year and the passing game didnt change which means its either Jake or John Fox’s philosophy.

BALANCE, BALANCE, BALANCE is only a QB (or massive improvement) and play call away! - rookies can make differences and quick study systems.

Agree or disagree, help me with this…