Greatest Panther of all time: Jake Delhomme vs. Sam Mills
by James Dator on Jun 27, 2011 2:42 PM EDT
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PrintThis is it, one of the penultimate match-ups in our quest for the best. Jake Delhomme and Sam Mills.
You can see the bracket here. Remember to vote and discuss... it's been a great competition so far.
Jake Delhomme, QB
Statistics as a Panther: 91 games, 1,580 completions, 19,258 yards, 84.9 QB rating, 120 TD
Accolades: Pro Bowl (2005)
What is there to say about Jake Delhomme? We was a free agent acquisition who was never really intended to start, but during the opening game of the 2003 season against Jacksonville with Rodney Peete crumbling-- in came Delhomme to begin his Carolina Panthers legacy. The mild mannered Cajun was arguably the greatest QB this franchise has had. He possessed a gunslinger mentality like Brett Favre which was both his best attribute and his greatest downfall. Whether you love or hate Delhomme his tenure in Carolina must be respected.
Sam Mills, LB
via blog.nj.com
Statistics as a Panther: 48 games, 248 tackles, 7 INT
Accolades: Pro Bowl (1996), All Pro (1996), #51 retired by Carolina
While Sam Mills only played 48 games for the Carolina Panthers his effect on this franchise was dramatic and far reaching. Even though we signed Mills on the back end of his career he put in a stellar 1996 season. Following his time as a player Mills became a defensive coach for the Panthers as he helped mold one of the best defenses in football. Tragically, Mills fight against Cancer and subsequent death meant he could not be with us today, but his 'Keep Pounding' motto became the catch-cry of the Panthers' superbowl run.
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RABBLE RABBLE RABBLE
THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER!!!!!
"Has the whole world gone crazy? Am I the only one around here who gives a sh!t about the rules? Mark it zero! "
#51 is the only retired number.
17 will be worn this season.
And no, its not just because he died young…Fred Lane’s number is not retired.
Jake Delhomme was great for us, but he will be remembered as a QB who overcame faults…until the end.
"Has the whole world gone crazy? Am I the only one around here who gives a sh!t about the rules? Mark it zero! "
I refuse to vote in this poll.
And to prevent alienating myself from this readership any further than I already have, I refuse to comment on the topic other than to moderate comments made by other users if the event of moderation is necessary.
One cries because one is sad. For example: I cry because others are stupid, and it makes me sad.
by BW Smith on Jun 27, 2011 2:54 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
This made me laugh. Out loud.
Well played.
"Has the whole world gone crazy? Am I the only one around here who gives a sh!t about the rules? Mark it zero! "
LOL
save your for Jake vs. Smitty. :D
by BusyBeingAwesome on Jun 27, 2011 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
*Correction: Save your moderation for...
In all seriousness I still love you, BW.
/no homo
by BusyBeingAwesome on Jun 27, 2011 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions
…to moderate comments made by other users if the event of moderation is necessary.
Does a one-legged duck man-bear-pig shit in the woods?
"Has the whole world gone crazy? Am I the only one around here who gives a sh!t about the rules? Mark it zero! "
only if it's half duck, half man, half pig, and half bear.
by BusyBeingAwesome on Jun 27, 2011 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions
This will be a tough one
How does one compare the legacies of two men on opposite sides of the ball and determine which was the best?
Nothing ventured, nothing gained...sometimes you have to go against the grain.
by Disciple of Carolina on Jun 27, 2011 3:09 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Well... I will get the ball rolling. I voted for Jake.
No topic has ever polarized the Panther community like “The Great Jake Debate”, and that huge discussion is rooted in the internal conflict we all face when it comes to Jake Delhomme.
On the one hand… his rise was a meteoric and heartwarming as any story in sports. Young guy, full of heart, journeyman scraping up a living on the fringes of NFL rosters and practice squads. He gets his first chance when a starter falters, seizes it by the horns, and begins an unforgettable legacy. He displays incredible leadership, resolve, and just enough skill to take a team on the verge of greatness to the next level. He leads us to the promised land, where he does everything in his power to secure a victory, only to have it snatched away at the last minute by special teams and defensive miscues.
On the other hand… his fall was as hard as any in sports as well. Beginning with an elbow injury requiring Tommy John surgery, it was apparent that the Jake that ran out on the field in 2003 was no longer present. The mind was willing, but the body was not. This was readily apparent in a crushing defeat against the Cardinals during the playoffs, where Jake threw INT after INT. After that game, all the free passes fans gave Jake for occasional bad decisions and throws officially expired. The problems we knew all along about Jake’s game rose to the surface like oil in italian dressing. After a disappointing start the following season that ended with an injury paving the way for Matt Moore, his ticket out of town was officially punched, despite the lucrative contract he had just signed (which was in part to help the team).
Jake Delhomme was not the greatest QB, in fact, in my opinion he isn’t even the greatest QB the Panthers have ever had. But he is responsible for breathing life into an anemic fan base, and leading us to the most success we have seen as a franchise. Greatness cannot be purely associated with statistical impact, Jake Delhomme is living proof of this.
So to that end, I cast a joke for Jake, with the Caveat that he is NOT my vote for absolute GPOAT.
This comment section has officially been Tater'd.
I find this one easy
Jake Delhomme. Quarterbacked our franchise to the zenith of and the best years of it’s existence.
"If ya ain't first, you're last."
- Ricky Bobby's Dad
"There is no evidence that the tongue is connected to the brain."
-Frank Tyger
I voted for Mills for the same reason
In my mind, ‘Keep Pounding’ was just as important to the SB run as Jake’s play. I think if you give him credit for GPOAT for his taking the team to the SB, you have to follow that up the line and vote instead for the person that inspired his and his team’s amazing performance(s).
Not afraid. - Deuteronomy 31:6
by dowhatchado on Jun 27, 2011 6:48 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I can see your point of view
Jake and Mills are kind of like two sides of the same coin in terms of the inspiration derived from their play. The Superbowl was what tipped the scale for me.
"If ya ain't first, you're last."
- Ricky Bobby's Dad
"There is no evidence that the tongue is connected to the brain."
-Frank Tyger
by KaiserBromley on Jun 27, 2011 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions
me too
I loved Sam Mills, however, noone in franchise history has taken us where Jake has. His clutch throws and comebacks were epic. I hated that it ended like it did, but what can you do. Jake is “The Man”
I find this one easy as well....
This is in no way to disrespect Sam Mills…he will always be one of the greatest, but I have to go with Jake on this one.
Now where's my REAL fans at?!
Mills was awesome and a great Panther BUT
Jake will always be remembered in Carolina as the leader of the Cardiac Cats. And when he took over as the QB, the whole team was put squarely on his shoulders and he carried us all the way to the top. We didn’t win that Super Bowl but it was one of the greatest QB battles in SB history in which he went toe to toe with arguably the best QB to ever play the game on one of the best teams to ever take the field. That in itself is enough to grant greatness. Then he is a great human being that was loved by all his teamates and they would have followed him to the ends of the earth. He is the definition of what a Carolina football team is all about – An underdog that defied all odds to rise to the top and declare that he was as big if not bigger than the game he was playing. I still miss Jake and will forever fondly remember the time he graced the field here in Carolina. This is the vate that will cary me all the way to the finals. Jake>anybody.
IT AIN'T SIZE OF THE DOG IN THE FIGHT BUT THE SIZE OF THE FIGHT IN THE DOG
A lot of what you said about Jake can also be said about Sam Mills
Having said that, the Cardiac Cats and the SB run tip the scale to Jake for me.
"If ya ain't first, you're last."
- Ricky Bobby's Dad
"There is no evidence that the tongue is connected to the brain."
-Frank Tyger
by KaiserBromley on Jun 27, 2011 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions
I will never forget the headline leading up to that Super Bowl
New Enlgand vs. Carolina
Dynasty Vs. Destiny
IT AIN'T SIZE OF THE DOG IN THE FIGHT BUT THE SIZE OF THE FIGHT IN THE DOG
by BlackCatFan on Jun 27, 2011 4:32 PM EDT reply actions 4 recs
Gotta rec that just for the little chill I got from remembering that
"If ya ain't first, you're last."
- Ricky Bobby's Dad
"There is no evidence that the tongue is connected to the brain."
-Frank Tyger
by KaiserBromley on Jun 27, 2011 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Must be new fans if you voted against Mills
I would put Jake #2 all time best Panther behind Sam. Both guys had big hearts and tough minds but if you where lucky enough to watch Sam play ,it was special. Smitty can’t win this thing. He has delivered some very special moments, and maybe more then these 2, but his actions and attitude fall way short of Jake and most specially Sam. Sam was a great player delivery unbelievable effort , unbelievable plays and the heart and soul of a truly special person. I am so sad that his leadership is not in our locker room anymore. If he was still alive I believe he would be a our coach now.
I like collard greens.
You make good points
and I bet if Delhomme beats him in this poll its due more to playing recently rather than more than a decade ago
+51
Very well said. I totally agree.
Not afraid. - Deuteronomy 31:6
by dowhatchado on Jun 27, 2011 9:23 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
If he was still alive I believe he would be a our coach now.
Well, Sam Mills III has been on the staff for years – if I’m not mistaken, he and Meeks were the only two coaches who were retained with the Rivera hire. It speaks highly of the regard for him and his family. At least a part of the family is still with the team, and he may continue to see an increased role in the coming years.. =)
"One play can win a game, but one play cannot lose a game." - Coach Peterson, Boise St.
"When you get into coaching, you strive to be a Super Bowl-winning head coach. That’s what my goal is, to come here and become a Super Bowl-winning head coach and to sustain an atmosphere of winning." - Ron Rivera
I saw them both play. And it was a tough decision for me.
But Jake is a pretty special guy, too. Watching and hearing about him with Colt McCoy this year really solidified that for me.
by BusyBeingAwesome on Jun 28, 2011 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Sam Mills was a fantastic player.
But I can’t vote for him and still have a clear conscience. I was born in 1994, the same year we got the team. However I only really started following the team in 2005. I went back and studied up, so I’m relatively familiar with the team from 2003 onward. But I can’t speak on anything really before that. I know Mills was a great player for us, and had an impact far more than his onfield production speaks to. But Delhomme gave me my best memories as a Panthers fan, and that’s why he gets my vote this round.
Yes I'm a dude.
by Flowing Willow on Jun 27, 2011 10:29 PM EDT reply actions
Jake was the face of our franchise for 7-ish years...
…and had some phenomenal moments with us while taking us within a missed field goal of a Super Bowl victory. And Sam led us to the NFC Championship game in our 2nd season while leading our defense in the same way Jake led the offense years later.
It’s always easier to immediately give the nod to an offensive player…especially a QB. “But how do you choose between these two,” I asked myself? Longevity? High level of play during their tenure? Being the consummate leader on offense or defense? I’m sorry…you have exact, comparable players on each side of the ball, IMO. Jake’s longer tenure was tempered by some serious breakdowns during the end of his career…while Mills played at a high level throughout his shorter tenure. This is all a wash.
I initially wanted to pick Jake…but at the last second had to pick Sam. The only differentiation for me was this: one was the fighter, leader, and sometimes amazing gunslinger who defined the Panthers for a decade…and I loved watching him because he put me on the edge of my seat. The other was an overachieving defensive stalwart who was never out of position, always made the play, and who defined what a Panther SHOULD be from the beginning of the franchise. They were both the leaders any team would covet…but only one person can set the bar for integrity, dedication, achievement, and desire for a franchise…and that person is Sam Mills.
by Mr_Sticky on Jun 27, 2011 10:54 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
That seals it for me
The other was an overachieving defensive stalwart who was never out of position, always made the play, and who defined what a Panther SHOULD be from the beginning of the franchise.
And Rec’d
Goddamn quebecios! It is 35 miles per hour, not 35 kilometers per... whatever is metric for hour.
On Twitter:http://twitter.com/ oi2dwrld
#BringJakeBack
I can't pick between the two.
These guys mean more to Panther fans and probably the organisation than any of the other players involved in this poll. I wouldn’t say this is just about playing ability because if it was it would be a final between Julius and Steve Smith. But because of Sam Mills and Jake Delhomme’s outstanding leadership ability and genuine care for this team, they will both hold a place in my heart that none of the other players can yet aspire to.
by jojoisthemann on Jun 28, 2011 4:38 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd, jojo...it's everything I've stated in this poll...
…but far more concise.
Hands Down!
Sam Mills is a truely great player and did alot for us performance and mental wise but Jake did soething for us that noone else has for us and not another team in most cases. He gave us hope and succeded, then crashed and burn. But i dont hate him for it and neither should anyone else. I bet if Jake comes back this year he will be better then ever if he stays healthy and has support, whick im sure he will. Id love to see “The Man” back in a panthers uniform one more time and to retire a PANTHER!
I'll admit...
…I voted for Sam Mills and I think he deserved this round. C’est la vie and so it goes.
I will never disparage anyone who thinks Jake Delhomme has been more important to our franchise for how he played and bled for us. He pulled us up by HIS boot straps and WILLED us to relevance. I can’t deny that, and I love him for it. And I hope he reads this thread to see how highly he is regarded here.He IS a champion in my eyes…and one of the best Panthers of all time, regardless of how many years pass.
In my opinion, this was the hardest round to decide, because it’s impossible to ignore either Sam’s or Jake’s impact on the team; I think both of them define the Panthers more than Gross, Moose, Smitty, Peppers, or even Kasay.
But for this round, Jake had a greater impact as a player and leader (offense tends to have more a slant for leadership)…and Sam had more impact as a player, coach, and inspirational figure. Yes, I will admit Jake was the better player as a Panther…but I don’t think that’s as important when considering being the best Panther of all time; I don’t believe anyone can achieve what Sam Mills did in that regard. I can only hope Jake will understand why I’m saying this…because I think Jake is an amazing Panther. But Sam Mills lived what it means to be a Panther…overachieved, excelled, then taught, then died a Panther.
Yeah, this is an emotional response (and Jake has already won), but I think even Jake would agree with me, because he’s a good man, too.
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