Panther Paw Prints: Bye Week Edition
by Jaxon on Sep 30, 2009 11:06 PM EDT
36 comments
Alright Panther fans, back away from the edge. Yes we are 0-3 and things seem fairly bleak at this point but we do have three very winnable games in front of us after the bye week. I took yesterday off from the Panthers to clear my mind and start fresh. So in preparing for this edition of Paw Prints I ran across a post I enjoyed and thought I could use it to add a little humor to this edition to lift your spirits.
The title of the post caught my eye but it was the new word 'fanbole' I loved, which is a play on the word hyperbole and is defined below:
Eric Mangini might be worst NFL coaching hire ever - Joe Posnanski - SI.com
Fanbole: The definition is simply: A sweeping, exaggerated and often ludicrous sports statement that a fan makes when under the influence of an emotional sports event (and perhaps various substances).
Lord knows we've had our share of 'fanbole' on this site over the past couple weeks. So here's some more:
FS Charles Godfrey has got to be the worst FS in the history of the Panthers:
The Elevator: Panthers Stutter Into Bye Week After Loss To Cowboys | Bleacher Report
Charles Godfrey. Charles, your jockstrap is still on the field in Dallas.
Seriously, I've never seen the saying "Got his ankles broke" more defined than when Cowboy RB Felix Jones juked Godfrey.
Any other coach with John Fox's piss poor record would be on first bus out of town:
Darin Gantt's Panthers Blog | The Herald - Rock Hill, SC
Jeff Fisher: Career regular season record 128-105 (.549) John Fox: Career regular season record 63-52 (.548) Jeff Fisher: One AFC Championship (lost Super Bowl), career postseason record 5-6. John Fox: One NFC Championship (lost Super Bowl), career postseason record 5-3. Since 2002, when Fox took over here, the Panthers and Titans have identical 63-52 records.
John Fox has lost control of this team!
Mason's Minutes: Scrutiny high entering bye
"I promise you, there's one voice in that team meeting room that's in charge, and it's his," said Delhomme, who's experienced a season where the head coach lost his players -- although he declined to name the coach, team or season involved. "I'd rather not say when and where, but it was lost, and it was lost and everybody knew," said Delhomme, who spent five seasons with the New Orleans Saints before joining the Panthers in 2003. "You just knew it. It was evident ... There (was) no pilot. All there (was) were passengers. We still have a pilot. I don't know any other way to put it. That's not even remotely close."
DE Julius Peppers needs to stop making excuses and just perform!
Inside the Panthers: #Panthers' Peppers said #Cowboys "didn't do anything special" to defend him
"What they were doing to me?" he said. "Nothing special. I can't sit here and go over every play and how they blocked me, but I didn't see anything special they were doing."
The Panthers have the worst kick coverage unit in the history of the franchise.
Inside the Panthers: Postgame #Panthers observations
The punt-coverage team again struggled, especially in the second half. The Cowboys' Patrick Crayton had four returns for a 14.5-yard average, but his two late in the game were for 27 and 17 yards. Both returns set up Cowboys scores.
This season is over, finished, Kaput! and the players could care less!
Inside the Panthers: #Panthers fall to 0-3 as Gross bluntly says "it stinks"
"We’ve got a lot of football left and we’re only through a quarter of the season," he said. "We’ve been on three-loss skids before. We really need to stick together."
There is absolutely nothing positive to take away from the Panthers loss to the Cowboys.
Panthers defense sees positives | The Herald - Rock Hill, SC
“The way we played today, holding them out of the end zone was more important than 200 yards rushing,” veteran defensive tackle Damione Lewis said. “We gave up 13 points today against a really good offense. I'd trade that, I'll let them have 200 yards rushing for that. Holding them to field goals in the red zone, I thought we did a good job.”
I hope you enjoyed my little twist on this edition of Paw Prints. I do have a question for you though. There is one of my 'fanbole' statements above that I think is less fanbole and more just the honest truth. Can you guess which one?
Oh, and I know what you must be thinking after reading this post: This is the WORST post I've ever read!
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Nice Jaxon....
You’re making me feel more optimistic! and that’s saying something….
In all honesty though we need to put into perspective just how good our three opponents are, and despite poor play in some phases in Atlanta and Dallas we were still in the position where we could win the game in the 4th quarter. None of the scores reflect our true ability as a team.
Provided we can get back to the style of game we played in 2008 we still have a shot at the post season. After all, if we go on a tear and in ten weeks are 9-3, is anyone going to care about the beginning of the season? Don’t say it wont happen, because anything is possible in the NFL.
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
by James The Aussie on Sep 30, 2009 11:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd much rather get hot at the end of the season than the beginning
only to fade when it counts. INT’s is whats killing out chance to win…so those saying ‘just run the ball baby’ speak the truth IMO.
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
by Jaxon on Sep 30, 2009 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Vince Lombardi said 'Run it until they stop it'
How can teams forget about this 40 years later? Who is the Superbowl trophy named after anyway?
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
by James The Aussie on Sep 30, 2009 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
vs ATL
A couple years back, we played the Atlanta Falcons and Jake was hurt. Weinke was the QB. We ran the ball 52 times with D-Will and Foster. Weinke threw about 9 passes. We won the game. On 3rd downs, D-Will was lining up in the shotgun, taking the direct snap, and picking a hole for a first down. Of course, no one wants to call that the wildcat even though the guy running it in Miami was our OC at the time (Henning). Now we have this new formula…let’s try blitzing, and if it disrupts the QB, then stop. Let’s run the ball, and if we get over 5 YPC, then make sure we throw it twice as much as we run.
It makes no sense. I also hate when people bring up anything older than a year or two when defending Fox. Gruden and Shanahan had better records, and Gruden had a winning record last year, and they combine for 3 Superbowl wins. All that had nothing to do with them being fired last year. Just like players, when you have outlived your effectiveness, it’s time to go.
On a side note, though, I won’t sit here and act like it’s as easy to replace a winning coach as it is to replace an above average DT or a #3 receiver.
by usana_gaines on Oct 1, 2009 9:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is the 'run first' philosophy outdated?
Has the advanced speed of defenders negated the philosophy?
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
by Jaxon on Oct 1, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you ONLY judge a coach on a 1-2 year basis of results
Then I imagine that there wouldn’t be any left.
by R-F on Oct 1, 2009 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You say you hate when people bring up anything older than a year or two when defending Fox?
When did Shanahan and Gruden win the Superbowl?
by Flowing Willow on Oct 2, 2009 3:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
your question enhances my point
they won their superbowl’s several years ago and now are unemployed. maybe they would have been fired sooner if they had never won a superbowl, like Fox.
by usana_gaines on Oct 2, 2009 8:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lol, okay, let me make MY point clear
Fox hasn’t won a Super Bowl ever, Gruden hadn’t in six years, Shanahan in at least ten. The last time they made the playoffs—neither Gruden and Shanahan made it last year, Gruden made it the year before on a 9-7 record. Fox made it last year on a 12-4 record. I think the facts show that he has done something of worth the past 1-2 years.
by Flowing Willow on Oct 3, 2009 2:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
INT's killing our chance?
They certainly aren’t helping but I know the Atlanta INT had no effect on the game. With the way our offense moved the ball in the 2nd half of the Dallas game, I’d maybe even argue that the INT in the 4th only put an end to things quicker.
INT’s certainly aren’t helping but I don’t think the way to cure everything is to simply run it more. Run it better, certainly. Our running game, much like our season, has failed to live up to expectations. Hopefully we maybe get ahead in the game and then see what our running game can accomplish with a lead. Gotta get back on track on the ground.
by R-F on Sep 30, 2009 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice post Jaxon.
i hope that Godfrey can find all his missing his toes. I heard that Jones juked them clean off.
"Once again the trousers of evil are yanked down by the mocking hands of justice!"-Revshawn
by Revshawn on Sep 30, 2009 11:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The "honest truth" statement?
Peppers, without a doubt.
Man up, Pep!
by bigdavis on Sep 30, 2009 11:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What are you doing with your off week?
Okay, well since this post is about our bye week, I’m going to take the opportunity to shamelessly plug my mother land.
On Sunday at 11 am EST Spike are playing the NRL (National Rubgy League) Grand Final live from Australia.
It’s between the Paramatta Eels and the Melbourne Storm and is the equivalent of our Superbowl.
I thought I was going to have to watch a horrible feed online, but was pleasantly surprised! So, if you’re interested in seeing the other greatest football on earth, tune in!
Shameless plug, over and out
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
by James The Aussie on Sep 30, 2009 11:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
And who should be be pulling for?
BTW, I played rugby one season for Georgia Tech on their B-Team. Second row…until I sprained the shit out of my ankle. The parties were a freakin blast though!
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
by Jaxon on Sep 30, 2009 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No doubt... the parties were amazing.
I almost went pro until I tore my MCL my senior year of high school and basically couldn’t play anymore… but I was scouted pretty heavily.
As for who to pull for… neither are my team (Sydney Roosters) but the Eels are built more for speed and the Storm are based on pure power. It’s a toss up, but I think the Eels will win.
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
by James The Aussie on Sep 30, 2009 11:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Panthers have the worst kick coverage unit in the history of the franchise.
Is this the true one? Statistically it could be – small sample size be damned. We are second to last in the league in KR avg and last in net punt avg.
Funny you should mention Jeff Fisher though – I know he was rumored to be wanted out of town not too long ago, despite being highly regarded in many NFL circles (and he still is). Funny how things work sometimes.
by R-F on Sep 30, 2009 11:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bingo!
I’ve never seen the Panthers so poor at covering kicks. Maybe my memory is short. Thanks goodness half of the kick offs are not returned. Now if we could only get baker to kick more out of bounds.
Seriously, every time we line up to kick I cringe,,,
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
by Jaxon on Oct 1, 2009 8:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
"A punt isn't necessarily a bad play."
Fox isn’t making that claim this year, is he?
by dogear on Oct 2, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol...no, I don't think so
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
by Jaxon on Oct 2, 2009 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't fault the defense
200 yards rushing is a killer, but Lewis is dead on when he says that 13 points surrendered isn’t anything to be ashamed of. It’s not. It’s REALLY bending, but it didn’t break.
Had the Panthers offense performed anything like they did last year, then it would have been a win going away. I really put a lot of this on Jeff Davidson.
by Cyberjag on Oct 1, 2009 8:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
+1 totally
13 points to a Dallas team averaging 30+ in the first two games. 30+ on the Giants D. They got the job done enough
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
by Jaxon on Oct 1, 2009 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree.
It’s just a shame that our offense failed us. It would have been such an uplifting win.
No blame can be put on the defense. I do hold a little bit on Ron and John Fox for all of the sudden stopping the blitz in the 2nd quarter.
It’s like the defense gave up points because they got tired. Why did they get tired? They couldn’t get off the field. Why couldn’t they get off the field? John Fox stopped blitzing, even though it had been working ALL GAME.
Time for a sigh.
"Once again the trousers of evil are yanked down by the mocking hands of justice!"-Revshawn
by Revshawn on Oct 1, 2009 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
golf and tennis
I’m playing devil’s advocate here, but the defense did not do enough. Last year Beason said 28 points should be enough. In 2000, Ray Lewis said we can’t lose if the other team doesn’t score. Can anyone tell me any major stats about golf and tennis other than wins? In golf, we know Tiger wins. That’s all that matters. If Davidson and the offense are so bad, then the defense needs to play better. That’s easier said than done, and I certainly couldn’t do it, but to be proud of your losing effort is a little punk@$$-ish to me.
by usana_gaines on Oct 1, 2009 9:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Tiredness was a big factor in the defenses failings, at least in the second half of Monday
We only had the ball for 11:03 in the first half and 11:53 in the second half, meaning Dallas was on offense for 18:57 in the first half and 19:07.
That’s an astounding amount of time for any defense to have to play. The defense allowed alot of yards, yes, but only giving up 13 pts against a team who averaged 32.5 pts against their first two opponents is pretty miraculous for as much as they were on the field.
Absolutely, the defense needs to get better, but the offense has to be able to control the clock to allow the defense to be fresh for the next series.
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
by James The Aussie on Oct 1, 2009 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
perspective
i didn’t know the time of possession stats until you posted them. that is a long time. usually, if your defense is on the field that long, they’re giving up a lot of TDs.
by usana_gaines on Oct 2, 2009 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Panthers D & O
I think one of the biggest spots of difficulty for the cats this year is the outright loss of our D. Look, the guys we have kept for years, the idiots we were idiot enough to pay big bucks to keep (Yep, Im talking about Pep and a few others), they all play smashmouth football. They have made a living out of recognizing where the football is, and dismantling the body of the individual holding it. Thats what they do. Ron Meeks new system tries to upend all that. He wants them to be “Intuitive”. I am not insulting the cats, or their intelligence, but you don’t have to be that smart to play “Kill the man with the ball”. Now Ron Meeks wants them to use some jedi mind trick to read the mind of the opposing QB and figure out where the ball will be in a few seconds? Let me tell you where that leads to… You essentially have nobody rushing the QB but the line. That = no pressure. Any QB can outpass our defense in this league if we don’t get them pressured. And with nobody ever crashing the line, there are no run stops. We get run over because they safeties, and corners and linebackers are always playing some loose zone coverage. Top it off with the fact that this leads to more scores for the other team, and you then have to do something phenomenal on offense. Lets face it, our O has never been a high-flying, high-scoring unit like New England or Philly, not even last year. And when you put more pressure on the O, Jake starts doing stupid stuff trying to force something to happen. Smitty starts looking like an amateur trying for jump balls twice his height off the ground or fifteen feet behind him. Little man can jump, but thats rediculous. He has always been double-covered, yet he still seems to get his share of catches in. It’s why we like him. He doesn’t mind taking a hit for the team if it gets us something. But he aint superman. And, aren’t there 5 or 6 receivers on the team? Where the heck are they? Not making catches, thats for sure. As for our run game, one thing I have noticed is that Jeff Davidson seems to be experimenting with Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. They each have a specialty. Deangelo runs around the end well, Stewart runs up the middle well. Hence “Smash and Dash”. All three of these games, it seems as though Davidson is trying to “reinvent” the duo making williams run up the middle and stewart taking the outside. Trying to confuse the other team’s D? I don’t think so… just seems to be confusing the run offense.
Look, it seems simple to me…
We need to get back to basics… Let these guys do what they do well. The Pats don’t ask Tom Brady to take off rushing a-la-Micheal Vick. Why? He aint good at that stuff. Let our guys do what they do, and coaches fill in the gaps… its what COACHES are supposed to do.
by simple_man_of_god on Oct 1, 2009 12:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree.
To be honest, Ron Meeks arrived 5 years too late. This defense would have been perfect for us back when we had Kris Jenkins, Mike Rucker, and a happy Julius Peppers. Now that they’re gone though, we’ll have to blitz in order to get pressure.
Right now, without a blitz a QB can just sit in the backfield and have a picnic with his RB. No one is going to touch him.
"Once again the trousers of evil are yanked down by the mocking hands of justice!"-Revshawn
by Revshawn on Oct 1, 2009 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Watching the Panthers trying to go deep to Moose
against the Cowboys had me really thinking how much another elite receiver across from Smitty would help the offense. What if we traded Peppers for Boldin straight up? It solves both teams problems and helps each team fill a hole. They need a pass rusher and we need a WR.
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
by Jaxon on Oct 1, 2009 10:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Then we have to pay Boldin his big extension
I like that idea though. Make the call Furney!
by Flowing Willow on Oct 2, 2009 3:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
cards
the cards would never pay Pep’s asking price. they are cheap for real, and last year’s overachieving was just lucky for the owners. i think what we need from arizona is whisenhunt himself. after some bad losses, they practiced in full pads and went over footwork and tackling drills. we need that more than another receiver.
by usana_gaines on Oct 2, 2009 8:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Look at how bad their D is this year
They got hot for a short while but have underperformed big time so far this season
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
by Jaxon on Oct 2, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It would make more sense
If Peppers, you know, actually rushed the passer :)
by R-F on Oct 2, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That would be the Cards problem
And I’m sure any team would jump at Pep if it was a real possibility. They would be mesmerized with the measurables and think they could make him effective.
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
by Jaxon on Oct 2, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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