I have a question for those of you that actually break the game down and deliver an educated answer... But

What is our deal with McDermott blitzing on 1st and 2nd downs with success and then when the Vikings are facing 3rd and long, with a rookie QB, we sit back and rush 4 and play soft coverage all over the field.  I mean how many times did Shiancoe run 10 yards up the field and stop between our little soft zone coverage and make a 1st down catch, it was painstaking to watch.  I just feel if there's a down to be aggressive and line up in press coverage on, it would be 3rd and long, but what do I know, I'm just a fan watching our defense while trying not to throw up (in the 2nd half that is)..

Oh well, this BYE comes at a good time for us to regroup, heal up and prepare for a very winnable game against the Titans.

And also on another note, I'm getting tired of hearing about Andy Dalton being the ROY front-runner because of his team's record, first off he has a top 5 defense, an established coaching staff and a waayyy softer schedule.  He's beaten Seattle, Colts, Jags, Bills (a good win), and Browns.. With losses coming to the Broncos and 49ers...

While Cam has played and lost by a very narrow margin to Cardinals(special teams err), Packers, Bears, Saints, and Falcons (not narrow but just unlucky plays cost us, one-handed INT by a DT, and a tipped TD pass by a CB behind on his guy) and then the Vikes, while we soundly beat the Redskins and beat the Jaguars in a monsoon.  Not that awards matter in the long-run, but just the shear fact that Cam has been the best Rookie QB thru 8 games this league has ever seen and it shouldn't even be a discussion.  That said the Bengals are going to be a  very good team with a young defense, and future stars at TE, WR, and 4 future first-round draft picks in the next two years, and mark my words, they'll do what they can to draft Trent Richardson from Alabama in this next draft.

Anywho tired of venting, have a good couple weeks Panthers fan, and thanks for the link to watch the game, made my Sunday.  Go Panthers, Steve Smith is the best WR in the game, people are finally realizing this now that he has a QB worth a damn..