If there is such a thing as a good preseason game, Saturday nights’ home game against the Redskins should be as close to  “good” as it gets. As expected for a third preseason game John Fox plans to play his 1^st teamers into the 3^rd quarter. The hope is that they play well enough to allow the bubble players the majority of the minutes in the final preseason game.

Having already faced the Colts and the Eagles, the Panthers continue their tough preseason warm-ups with the 2007 NFC Wild Card Redskins. Here’s a few things to keep an eye on during the game.

Redskins DE Jason Taylor vs. Panthers LT Jordan Gross – Gross will get a good test from Taylor as Taylor tries to impress his new team mates. A good showing against Taylor by Gross might quite the critics who claim Gross is better at RT.

Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart – Stewart should get extensive time with the first team offensive line. Panther fans are still waiting to see some of the skills that brought the RB to Carolina. We may not wait long to see him touch the ball as he may return a kick off or two as well.

Redskins QB Colt Brennan vs. the Panthers Defensive line – The Panthers will continue to work on their pass rush through blitzes, stunts and overloads. Brennan looked pretty good last week against second teamers but may see action against the Panthers first team this week depending on how long Jason Campbell gets work. For some reason all I remember of Brennan on the field is him getting his chest caved in against UGA in their bowl game. Maybe the Panthers can give him some flashbacks.

Panthers LB Landon Johnson – I think Johnson is a couple good plays from supplanting Na’il Diggs at SLB. He should be wound up tight and hitting people hard.

Panthers WR Dwayne Jarrett – After missing last weeks’ game Jarrett has yet another chance to claim the 3^rd WR spot. If DJ Hackett continues his vacation then who knows, Jarrett could end up at the #2 WR spot, at least for the first two games. Jarrett may see action against Redskins CB Carlos Rogers, who’s returning from knee surgery.

Redskins TE/HB Chris Cooley vs. the Panthers LB’s – In 2007 TE’s killed the Panthers over the middle of the field which is Cooley’s specialty. Cooley and the rookie TE Fred Davis will provide a good test for the Panthers supposedly upgraded LB corps.

Panthers QB Jake Delhomme – Jake hasn’t played bad but he hasn’t lit it up either. You can partially blame the Panthers vanilla playbook and just overall rust. I’m expecting a little more passing in this game as Jake tries to reestablish his rapport with his WR corps.

I’m back with a vengeance, really. I feel like I owe my loyal readers an explanation as to why I’ve been so slack lately in getting fresh posts up. It’s not like there isn’t plenty to talk about. So I’ve added an explanation to the end of this post if you care.

 Let’s start with an injury report and who we can expect to get on the field against the Redskins tomorrow night, starting with WR Dwayne Jarrett:

Throughout the week, the Panthers' fellowship of rehabilitating pass-catchers declined in numbers, with wide receivers Dwayne Jarrett, Steve Smith and Muhsin Muhammad and tight ends Dante Rosario and Gary Barnidge all returning to the practice field from various injuries incurred during training camp and the preseason.

But Carolina's cadre of aerial targets remains at less than full strength, with D.J. Hackett and Ryne Robinson still sidelined with toe and knee injuries, respectively.   And for Jarrett, who missed last week's loss at Philadelphia after suffering a leg bruise during the evening practice on Aug. 11, Saturday night's game against the Washington Redskins represents an opportunity to not only showcase his progress of the year to date, but to state his case for additional playing time in the weeks to come.

It’s safe to say we are all waiting to see this kid and his “A” game.

More info on injuries:

Moose (Muhsin Muhammad) practiced today. The only guys we have out right now are: D.J. Hackett (toe), Chris Harris (groin) and Ryne Robinson (knee).

So both TE’s Dante Rosario and Gary Barnidge should see their first action this preseason. I have to be honest though, the more I see the types of running plays the Panthers use the less I care about whether we have a TE that can stretch the field. What we need is a TE who can deliver a devastating block. TE Jeff King is adequate and getting better but he still has trouble with LB’s and can only stand up a DE, he rarely drives them back.

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Stating the Obvious – Fox in the Hot Seat

Here’s a puff piece that provides a pretty good summary of the Panthers preseason so far and delves into the obvious pressure HC John Fox has to win this season. Jake Delhomme lays it out as only Jake can: 

"Going 8-8 and 7-9, that doesn't cut it in this league," quarterback Jake Delhomme said. "If you don't perform well, you're looking to get run out extremely quick."  

I’m sure John Fox will appreciate any help you can give towards his job security Jake. How about 4,200 yards and 30+ TD’s?

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Chargers Merriman to Miss Season Opener?

We can only hope this bears into fruition: 

The trouble is "a loose ligament and (I'm) waiting to get more info on what I need to do," Merriman said in an e-mail to the North County Times.

Merriman underwent surgery to repair cartilage damage five months ago but has had persistent pain in the knee during training camp. He traveled this week to Birmingham, Ala., so the knee could be examined by Dr. James Andrews, who performed the operation.

With a little more than two weeks until the season opener we can only hope he needs a little more rest to get his season started. The Charger defense will lack it's key spark (pun intended) playing without Merriman. The Panthers sit Steve Smith, the Chargers Shawn Merriman, it’s only fair.

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LB Davis Set to Bust or Bust Out?

The premise of this article is that LB Thomas Davis has finally found his spot after being unceremoniously moved around since joining the Panthers a few seasons ago.

“I feel like I'm really comfortable in the position I'm in now,” he said. “I feel like it's going to show on the field.”

Is anyone else thinking that Davis had better shine or his days in Carolina could be numbered? Where else can they possibly move him? Don’t get me wrong, I like Davis and I think he is a good player but I also don’t think he has lived up to his 1^st round draft status. Davis explains why he is better suited to the weak-side:

 “The biggest difference for me right now is I don't have to get on the line of scrimmage and get into a battle with the tight end,” said Davis. “At (weakside) linebacker, I've got a lot more freedom to use what I feel like are my natural abilities, which (are) to get out on the edge and run.”

The Panthers do blitz the WLB a good bit so we should see 5-6 sacks from Davis this season.

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On a Personal Note

I may have mentioned a couple months ago I was going through some trying times leading to a reduction in my blogging. What happened is I unexpectedly got laid off from my job at the end of June. When you have 4 kids and lots of bills it can make your ass pucker, kind of like Joey Harrington sitting in a collapsing pocket with Julius Peppers bearing down on him. If you know anything about Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs you know it’s hard to concentrate on personal interests like blogging when you’re worried about paying the bills and keeping the teenager daughters  happy.

Alas, Jaxon has found a job! I start on Monday and it actually pays more, has better benefits and...we don’t have to move. Yee haww what a freakin relief!

So here comes the fun part:

Kiss my big, white, pimpled ass Joe Coffey (former boss)!!! I don’t need you or your job so go back to Albany you damn Yankee a-hole prick!

--Jaxon

That felt good. Thanks for listening, now let’s get back to kicking some ass on the football field!

Better late than never I always say. I’ve taken a hard look at the Panthers first half performance against the Eagles which was staffed mainly by 1^st teamers. I was very critical in my initial post on this game but after taking the time to review each play it wasn’t as bad as I thought, at least on offense that is. The defense was helped greatly by Eagles miscues but there is no hiding the fact the Panthers still failed to generate much of a pass rush.

One positive I failed to mention in the first post was how well the kick off coverage performed. Though each of Rys Lloyd kicks were returned the Panthers consistently pinned the Eagles inside the twenty. It was a very nice improvement over the Colts game.

So here it is series by series:

Panthers 1^st Offensive Series (Eagles 22):

1^ST Down – I-formation - DeAngelo Williams sweeps left– T Jordan Gross handles his man, Wharton pulls with TE Jeff King standing up the DE and FB Brad Hoover taking the CB out. Yet D-Will was tackled from behind by Eagles DT Patterson. At first I thought either LG Travelle Wharton or C Ryan Kalil missed their assignment but it was actually RG Keydrick Vincent who essentially whiffed on his block. If Vincent keeps Patterson out of the play Williams get the corner and goes for at least 5 to 10 yards if not more. Instead it’s a 2 yard loss.

2^nd – Jake Delhomme throws a quick slant to Moose. The pass is to the inside shoulder allowing Eagles CB Samuel to deflect the pass. If he goes to the outside shoulder its complete for 5 to7 yards.

3^rd – Panthers execute a nice dump off to D-Will in the right flat. King makes a decent block on the Eagles LB Bradley but doesn’t hold it quite long enough as Bradley makes the play after 10 yards. Panthers punt.

 On the punt the Panthers Donte Curry gets cited for a false start but then on the punt return he lays a wallop on the punt returner.

Panthers 1^st Defensive Series:

The Eagles drive the ball using short passes and gain a couple first downs. As they approach Panther territory the drive ended:

1^st down – Sweep right, FS Charles Godfrey shows his quickness by coming up to make the plays and limit it to a 2 yard gain.

2^nd – Screen left - DE Tyler Brayton makes the play from the other side of the field.

3^rd – Eagles receiver drops a sure first down pass, Eagles punt.

2^nd Offensive Series:

1^st – Jake has to rush his throw because TE Upshaw fails to slow down the DE who basically disrupts the pass play.

2^nd – D-Will of RT, gets no push, no gain.

3^rd down – King makes the catch over the middle but for only 8 yards. Panthers punt.

2^nd Defensive Series:

The Eagles pick on CB Ricardo Colclough with quick slants to WR Curtis. DE Tyler Brayton gets close to a sack as the ball is dropped. Eagles drive the ball into Panther territory, but then comes the one hour lightning delay. After the delay, Marshall makes a beautiful play to from behind and knock away a pass to Baskett on a seam route. CJ Wilson then makes a nice play to stop a sweep left, coming up to make a solid tackle. The Eagles then attempt a fake FG that results in Richard Marshall’s Sports Center highlight INT. Panthers up 7-0.

3^rd Defensive Series:

LB Jon Beason makes a quick hit in the Eagles backfield to drop the RB for a loss. Marshall gets a pass interference penalty that was a legit call. This drive is stopped after McNabb gets caught throwing a 1^st down complete after he had crossed the line. The ref’s missed it but Ol’ Foxy didn’t and threw the red flag on it. Eagles Punt.

3^rd Offensive Series:

The Panthers finally sustain a drive into the Eagles red zone highlighted by a D-Will 23 yard scamper off the right side. Otah blew his man away, Vincent held his block, Jeff King held up the LB and Moose entertained the CB. The drive included a few shorter D-Will runs, some short pass completions to Jason Carter, Moose and King. The one bad play was run stuff by Eagles tackle Bunkley who ran over Wharton. The drive ends with an incompletion to Moose in the end zone that I thought he caught at first. But Eagles S Brian Dawkins nailed him with a helmet to helmet hit that I’m surprised he didn’t get a concussion. FG Panthers 10-0.

4^th Defensive Series:

Panthers force a quick punt as LB Landon Johnson covers a screen play nicely and the Panthers get good pressure on the QB though no sack. The Eagles WR’s drop two more balls.

4^th Offensive Series:

Moose drops a pass and a short pass to D-Will in the flat is stopped for no gain. The drive is killed after LT Jordan Gross gets two false start penalties back to back. On 3^rd down the Panthers run their favorite 3^rd and long play, the draw, which goes for about 8. Panthers punt.

On the punt coverage Eagles WR Jackson makes a nice return but Panthers gunner Donte Wesley hits him from the backside and jars the ball loose. Unfortunately it bounced 10 yards forward right to an Eagle, inside Panther territory. Damn, just missed it.

5^th Defensive Series:

CB Colclough jumps the short out route but instead of an INT for a TD he bats the pass down. You HAVE to catch those! Panthers run a series of blitzes that disrupts the Eagles passing game and then Eagles kicker Akers misses the FG.

5^th Offensive Series:

Two short passes to Taylor and King net 13 yards but then Jake throws either a very bad pass or Jeff King blew the route. My guess is the pass was off but the result is an easy Eagle INT.

6^th Defensive Series:

One bad pass and two drops by the Eagles result in another punt. The Panthers then get the punt and kneel down two plays to end the half.

Though the Eagles won this game with a 4^th quarter comeback they have to be worried about the state of their WR with all the drops. The Panthers didn’t set the world on fire either but they got just enough done to lead at the half if that counts for anything.

For Panther fans to opening minutes and the closing minutes of this game completely sucked. There wasn’t too much that went on in between to get excited about either. I’m not too worried about the closing minutes since it occurred against our 3^rd and 4^th teamers. I’ll discuss what went on then during my more in-depth analysis to come later.

The first ten minutes of the game, before the lightning delay, were pretty miserable for the Panthers. The only reason the Panthers weren’t losing at the half was because the Eagles kept shooting themselves in the foot. The first team offensive line could not run the ball at all in the first few series. They finally got something working in the 2^nd quarter. Jake Delhomme didn’t look sharp though I will say it was obvious the rain was affecting his passing.

On the other side the first team defense could not get much of a rush against the pass-happy Eagles. The only guy who was impressive was CB Richard Marshall, primarliy from his Sportscenter highlight INT on a FG attempt that he took for a TD.

I’ve got to watch this one again before I put more depth into the analysis. I got pissed early and stopping taking notes. Eagles QB Donovan McNabb was picking us apart, the Panther offense could do little right and Peppers did nothing against a back-up left tackle.

Before I get too far out of skew I have to remember we were missing ¾ of our secondary and 2/3 of our WR’s including Steve Smith. The Panther offense was also in ‘vanilla’ mode as John Fox rarely flexes his playbook in the preseason. And then there was the lightning delay and the downpour of rain through most of the game.

It’s going to be hard to evaluate this game and draw too much from it. I say we review it for a days and then move on. This is what the preseason is for and having to play four quality teams in the preseason can only help.

The Panthers preseason continues with a Thursday night match-up with the Eagles. The Eagles game should feature a few faces that haven't seen much action so far like Jonathan Stewart, Jon Beason and Jake Delhomme.On the other hand a few big names will not play: Steve Smith, DJ Hackett.

You may recall the Panthers played the Eagles in the preseason last year and the outcome was quite disturbing as it portended the season to come:

But a week later in Philadelphia, the progress was thwarted.  Seven possessions for the first team yielded as many three-and-outs as points-- three apiece.  Two turnovers-- one of which was an interception returned 40 yards for a touchdown by Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard-- sealed the verdict of what would be a 27-10 draft.

"We laid an egg," Delhomme said.

"We played awful. So we have to go back to work. We have an extremely short week and go against a solid, very good football team."

Let's hope we get a better performance this time.

Let me hear from you if you're out there. What aspect of this game do you think it is important for the Panthers to perform well?

Also, I'm hoping to be able to blog this one during the game but just like some other decisions, its a game time decision.

In preseason game one against the Colts the Panthers emphasized the running game, carrying the ball 45 times. This week’s match-up will feature one of the NFL’s best secondaries playing against a Panther WR corps full of new faces.

Here’s who will start for the Eagles at CB:

Asante Samuel will start at the left CB spot with Sheldon Brown on the other side at right corner. Lito Sheppard is your nickel corner for the night. Andy is hoping that Samuel will be able to play a full half.

So we’ll go against Shelton Brown instead of the disgruntled Lito Sheppard, which is fine by me. I’m still pissed about that INT Sheppard had to win the game in 2006. It will be interesting to see how much nickel the Eagles play against the Panthers.

 WR Musin Muhammad will have to hold down the fort since both Steve smith and DJ Hackett will sit this one out. Dwayne Jarrett could continue his feel-good camp with three or four catches.

 DE Julius Peppers will be going against a player moving over from guard. Ummm…McNabb might want to put a rear view mirror on his helmet.

Obviously Reid feels his best LT outside of Tra at this point is Herremans, and would rather move the whole line around to get Herremans out there than risk a repeat of the last time Tra was out of the lineup. For now, Scott Young filled at LG when Herremans slid out... but it's probably safe to assume that Max Jean Gilles would fill that role when Shawn Andrews returns.

 DE Tyler Brayton will be lit like a rocket as he is realizing he has to get quicker if he is going to beat Peppers to the QB. Looks like he will be matched up with RT Winston Justice.

 LB Landon Johnson should see plenty of action as the Panthers decide on their starter at SLB. He's battling Panther vet Na'il Diggs.

 LB Jon Beason is scheduled to play after sitting out practice recently for a tweaked ankle.

 RB Jonathan Stewart should see his first real action in the NFL. My guess is he’ll play a few series but not much more. We will then see a lot more of Decori Birmingham, who looked darn good last week.

T Jeff Otah made some really nice blocks, including a real beauty on D-Will’s 2^nd TD run. He should match up against Jerome McDougle.

Easily the story of the night was the play of Jerome McDougle. His effort doesn't show up in the stats, but Jerome was very active all night continually beating the Pittsburgh OT and pressuring the QB on several occasions. He also got off blocks and played the run well. For a guy that's been through so much and had such bad luck in his career it really was great to see him play well tonight. I'd love to see him get a couple reps with the first team next week to see how he performs against better competition.

 RB DeAngelo Williams is a player to watch just because I love to watch him run. Git you some…

Hint to Eagles: The Panthers will blitz you even though it’s the preseason. You might want to game plan for it !