« Bridges out | Main | Vick's dogs didn't get a plea deal »
December 09, 2007
Panthers' report card following Jaguars rout
Here's the Panthers' report card for Sunday's loss to Jacksonville:
QUARTERBACKS: Vinny Testaverde's a great guy and he's a perfect fill-in for a game or two. But this is what happens when you try to ride him for a season: 13 for 28 for 84 yards. GRADE: F
RUNNING BACKS: A week after DeAngelo Williams had a big game, he barely got on the field. It wasn't like DeShaun Foster was lighting it up. GRADE: F
RECEIVERS: Steve Smith had six catches, but was held to 44 yards. Starting Drew Carter over Keary Colbert was a nice move, but it didn't really matter. GRADE: D
OFFENSIVE LINE: Geoff Hangartner started at right guard in place of Jeremy Bridges. Testaverde had some time to throw, but didn't make anything happen. If there were holes for the running game, Foster couldn't find them. GRADE: D
DEFENSIVE LINE: The Panthers put some pressure on David Garrard, but couldn't sack him. The Jaguars rushed for 178 yards. GRADE: D
LINEBACKERS: Jon Beason had 12 tackles, but the linebackers also missed some tackles. GRADE: D
DEFENSIVE BACKS: Chris Harris had a game-high 14 tackles and forced a fumble. But the secondary helped make a very mediocre group of receivers look pretty good. GRADE: D
SPECIAL TEAMS: There weren't any major mistakes this time, but there was nothing special. GRADE: C-
COACHING: Might have been nice to see a few of those trick plays the Panthers used against the 49ers a week ago. When you know you've got issues on offense, you have to be creative. This game plan wasn't even close to creative. GRADE: F
-- PAT YASINSKAS
Posted by Observer Sports on December 9, 2007 at 06:54 PM | Permalink
Comments
SPECIAL TEAMS: There weren't any major mistakes this time, but there was nothing special. GRADE: C-???
huh? Kickoff out of bounds, 37 yard punt return, i think a C- is too gracious
Posted by: PantherFan | Dec 9, 2007 7:06:00 PM
It is what it is...
Posted by: John Fox | Dec 9, 2007 7:09:52 PM
I hope you guys had super duper fun out there!
Posted by: John Fox | Dec 9, 2007 7:17:51 PM
Its time for Zoolander to get a hair cut and toss some side arm passes to steve. The season is a loss, i cant watch this poor showings anymore. Time to blow up the team. Cut zoolander, rucker and foster, draft a power running back, a safety and some offensive line help. Get a new coach with some aggresion and courage to them. Play some rookies!! the worst thing to happen to the Panthers was that Vinny had a good first game. Go with Carr or Moore, vinny isnt coming back. Hang in there and hope we get a high draft pick. The season is over. I have Faith Jake will elad them back next year.
Posted by: Radicaldad | Dec 9, 2007 7:30:24 PM
Grade for ownership F
In Scott Fowler's column he stated that Jerry Richardson has been asked several times but refuses any interviews. What cattle defication. How does he justify hiding in the castle we all paid to build. That humble man who appealed to us all to help him build something special is now a damn Howard Hughes level recluse that feels no obligation to communicate with his customers. Tell us something Jerry, what are you prepared to do to give us a winner? This is a town that tolerates nothing less than winning in business, and is damned good at it. When are you going to stop giving us a .500 team? We want to believe, but you holing up in your castle doesn't help. It has to be you, Big Cat.
Posted by: Willy | Dec 9, 2007 8:07:50 PM
Its time for a complete overhaul.
Cut Foster, Colbert and Carr. Make Morgan retire. Draft a QB and O-linemen and a safety.
Posted by: TheLowDown Zen | Dec 9, 2007 8:20:16 PM
Oh yeah, make Gamble a nickle back or trade him. Starting Corners would be Marshall and Lucas.
Posted by: TheLowDown Zen | Dec 9, 2007 8:22:57 PM
Ithink we should fire fox and crew and bring in the offensive coordinator from the new england patriots.
Posted by: James | Dec 9, 2007 9:02:44 PM
Willy, I know you didn't like the .500 teams so this year I have decided to give you a 5-11 team. You got a problem with that?
Posted by: Jerry Richardson | Dec 9, 2007 9:15:09 PM
Deshaun Foster has got to go...i've given this guy a chance every year, but he clearly is not the answer. he's average at best, and that just doesn't cut it. why they don't given deangelo more chances i dont know. im not saying he's the answer either, but i have to believe at this point there's nothing to lose starting him over foster.
Posted by: Matt A | Dec 9, 2007 9:20:18 PM
Prescription for Panther woes:
1. Hire Pete Carroll
2. Draft Jake Long or Matt Ryan (both positions need to be addressed in the draft)
3. Find a true free safety in FA
This, I believe, is a firm start for a turnaround. The team already has Smith, Beason, Peppers, Marshall, Harris and Kalil to build on.
Posted by: Dave | Dec 9, 2007 11:44:59 PM
It is pointless to draft a QB until the OL is upgraded. Ditto a RB.
Start in the trenches. Fascinating that our former starter at G didn't start when our current starter went out. WTF? Is Kalil a bust too? Or was it nuts to try to make him a G?
Either one does not speak well of this staff.
Posted by: JAT | Dec 10, 2007 12:08:37 AM
let's be real here. I've played some football and watched a bit in my life. My observations are as follows:
Coach Fox has been figured out by the rest of the coches in the NFL. No more surprises.
For the most part on the offensive and defensive lines we have 2nd/3rd tier pros. leftovers.
We have exactly one pro receiver
Deshuan Foster is a back-up in this league because mentally he can't put together a full season. You can bet the other teams expect him to cough it up in the clutch too.
Our special teams are sissies and the coach is useless.
This team plays scared in most games.
Chris Gamble is a nickel back...too soft...even before the broken hand.
Even Hurney will be surprised if he returns next season.
Come on 08/09 season.
Posted by: sid smith | Dec 10, 2007 1:26:23 AM
"For the most part on the offensive and defensive lines we have 2nd/3rd tier pros. leftovers."
Ding ding ding!
Again, ask yourself who on this OL would start elsewhere in the league? Gross probably everywhere, Wharton many places -- as G. Never as a T.
That's it.
Now DL. Pep, but I guarantee deployed differently and with none of the mystery surrounding his playing weight. If he is only 250, then he is a passing situation platoon guy lotsa places. That is IF he got his motor up -- otherwise he sits.
Jenk might get some run a runstopper on 1st down.
And that's it, although I like Lewis as a change-up DT. He would contribute lotsa places.
And you're right about Foxy being figured out bigtime. Ever since the NFC title game. D -- Eight in the box, and roll toward Smith. O -- 3-step slants, middle of the field, TE, gash the edges. Go hurry up if you get behind, cuz Foxy will shut it down up 2 scores, giving you a chance to catch him.
We need to start over.
Posted by: JAT | Dec 10, 2007 2:50:37 AM
The Panthers should try to get Jack Del Rio as next coach. The man puts out a solid product each year. The move to get rid of Leftwich and start Gerrard. Two hard chargin running backs. Solid on defense. He built the defense that carried the Panthers to the Super Bowl in 04. He could move to the NFC South and win 3 more games each year, than in the AFC South which the Panthers were a perfect 0-4 against. I am not 100% sold on Cowher but I think he would be an improvement over what we have now. Patriot coord. I don't think Weiss and Mangini are burning it up right now.
Posted by: B | Dec 10, 2007 5:20:21 AM
Up until this game I wasn't sure letting Fox go was the right idea. This loss sealed his fate. Time to dismantle and retool. How about Jimmy Johnson in Charlotte? He is one of the best in the draft and a hell of a coach.
Posted by: MoreMoore | Dec 10, 2007 5:48:25 AM
Update from Sunday:
I bet against us with the Money Line and the Over. Honestly speaking, I have never done that before. I never bet with my team. But for those out there trying to hit parlays. The Panthers are as good a lock for losing as the Patriots are for covering and winning. I give the Panthers an "A" for helping me win my money back that I invested in them to begin with. I give Vinny an "A' for acting his age. He is playing the same way he last played......OLD! I hate to say it but let's go Packers. At least I can watch an old man make history. Panthers Suck!
Posted by: dubbya | Dec 10, 2007 6:17:46 AM
Well there is one bright side: if there is ever a tornado or hurricane in Charlotte we will all be safe at BoFA stadium because it will never touchdown there.
Posted by: funnyguy | Dec 10, 2007 6:22:28 AM
I love it how everyone was on Lucas several weeks ago and now everyone is on Gamble. Why don't we just rid of both? Trgovac needs to go. We need a better defense scheme. Teams have seen us play this way for far too long and know how to attack.
Posted by: Bryan | Dec 10, 2007 7:26:44 AM
If Bill Cowher is going to coach next year, Panthers need to pay him. We need a coach that is gritty and tough. Someone who knows how to win almost all his home games.
Posted by: Mike | Dec 10, 2007 7:55:05 AM
Ok , We have been out of playoff contention for a while and we know we are BAD!. Time to look at what we have , evaluate the young talent, and get ready for next year. Please FIRE ! Hurney..... As a GM he has drafted 1 probowl player (Peppers #2 pick overall) and not built any offensive line or any position to greatness. We are slding backwards and depending on 8 year vets without much else behind them. A new GM who has talent scouting credentials will decide Foxx's fate.
Why Hurney should Go:
Cant build through the draft. In todays NFL you have to build through the draft and other than first round Marshall is the only player he has drafted worthy of being on the field on a good team
Posted by: Reggie | Dec 10, 2007 8:03:10 AM
This week Carolina was a big mistake. This was the worst performance of the whole weekend. The best part of the game was Fred Taylor, and the whole Jag team. PANTHERS SUCK!!!!!
Posted by: James Harris | Dec 10, 2007 8:13:06 AM
Pat, Stan, NFL Network, ... will somebody in the press corps PLEASE ASK JOHN FOX some hard questions! These interviews I read are ridiculous! Pin him down. Ask him how he thinks Jerry feels right now. Ask him if he realizes that the fans are calling for his head on a platter.
Can we please get a few reporters with some ballz?
Posted by: Ask John Fox | Dec 10, 2007 8:23:32 AM
Special Teams? For the Panthers the "Special" in Special Teams is alot like the "Special" in Special Olympics.
Fox does not know the meaning of the word accountability. Players should be benched and assistant coaches should be fired. By not doing do, Fox condemns himself.
Posted by: Hopeless | Dec 10, 2007 8:23:51 AM
Holy mackeral is this team bad or what?
They say a team takes on the personality of their coach. This one has.
No effort, energy, enthusiasm, edge, coaching....nothing. Watching this team is as exciting as watching poker on TV.
It is time for a fresh start in Charlotte.
Posted by: Bad football fan | Dec 10, 2007 8:34:05 AM
Sloppy all around. Fox needs to realize when down three scores we need to do more than just run. I am sick and tired of watching teams put the Panthers in first and 15 or second and 20. Its not like our offense is that great to begin with. If Fox can't show some fire and gutsy calls, I say get rid of him.
Posted by: Dave | Dec 10, 2007 9:43:27 AM
I really must tip my hat to Fox for being so loyal to those around him. But that's where it ends.
Business is not a place for friends. It's a place for success.
Being a professional is hard, I know, but in order to succeed you have to continuously upgrade at every position--even assistants and coordinators--while trimming dead weight.
It's difficult, but it's the price of success.
You're doing your friends no favors by holding onto them as the ship sinks--everyone ends up suffering in the end. They may have a shot at a position elsewhere, if their reputation hasn't already been ruined in this mess.
And remember this: schemes are only successful until they are figured out. Puzzles are only puzzles for so long--that's why you are always constructing new ones. Some people just aren't mentally able to be puzzle builders, so why try to fit a round peg in a square hole.
You're an honorable man, John--there is no doubt--but now is the time for making hard decisions.
I pray you make them wisely.
Posted by: hillbilly | Dec 10, 2007 10:10:08 AM
Fox's attitude and approach to the team hasn't changed during his whole time here. Its funny that no one was complaining about his laid back approach and ultra conservatism when the team was winning, but now that they are losing people are quick to blame it on Fox's attitude. His philosophy has worked, be able to run the ball and be able to stop the run. Fox's lack of emotion, his reluctance to chew a player out are not the problem. My beef is that he has failed to adjust to the talent he has or he has failed to draft/sign the right players for his system. But also, if Jake were healthy, these conversations wouldnt be taking place. Not to say we would have a stellar record, but we'd at least be in 7-6. I think Richardson understands that and thats why Fox will be back.
Posted by: funnyguy | Dec 10, 2007 10:27:58 AM
Stan & Pat (& Tom & Scott):
I am begging you to find out what Richard Marshall's truth is -- no matter what the organization threatens you with.
Let's not wait until the day he is traded or release to tell us.
Marshall, with his play in recent weeks, has earned the right to his "truth" and it is probably exactly the objective truth as well.
Posted by: JAT | Dec 10, 2007 11:06:47 AM
Why do they have to go demanding answers from Marshall, we all know what the 'truth' is. The offense is stagnant without Jake. They cant get first downs and much less score td's. The defense is pissed off about the offense because if forces them to be on the field way too much. That sir, is the truth and the whole defense knows it but just will not publicly call there teammates out.
Posted by: funnyguy | Dec 10, 2007 11:11:55 AM
I thought only the television viewers could see the yellow first down lines, but apparently Gamble and Lucas could see them because that is where they lined up all day!
Posted by: lvislivs | Dec 10, 2007 11:12:14 AM
Starting to remind me of 2001 again. That season, Seifert had already told everyone it was a rebuilding year, so he wasn't even necessarily doomed by losing 15 games. It was HOW he lost them -- ugly.
If Fox were showing some fire this year while on pace to lose 10-11 games, it would be one thing. But the team looks dead. Once again, I'm not going to dump on Fox -- he's given us some great times -- but it's time to move on.
Posted by: BullCityDog | Dec 10, 2007 11:17:28 AM
Fox's philosophy has worked in the past--right up until the rest of the NFL picked it apart and found the flaws within.
Philosophies, along with everything else in the NFL, must adapt from year to year to deal with the new trends that arise. And when they don't, you have no farther to look than Matt Millen's Lions and Al Davis' Raiders. A playoff appearance every decade not withstanding, they remain perpetual bottom-feeders. And we will remain in a continuous decline until management accepts the fact that they must adapt.
Posted by: hillbilly | Dec 10, 2007 11:25:58 AM
There is nothing wrong with the idea of focusing on running the ball and stopping the run. Back in 2003, the league knew we would be running the ball, they had the gameplan figured out, yet stephen Davis still rushed fro 1400 yards. The scheme and philosphy can work even if the other team knows its coming, but Fox needs the players for that scheme to work, Foster is not that back. I do agree with you though on the adapting aspect, Fox has to realize that he does not have the personel for his philosphy of a power running game to work and he has failed to adjust, but to his credit, I doubt many defenses are anticipating a big passing day from Vincent so it makes running the ball that much more difficult.
Posted by: funnyguy | Dec 10, 2007 11:38:14 AM
Here's from Panthers.com What a load of crap!
On if he will change his approach to practice this week: I think last week's situation was a little bit unique in that it was going to be a home game, and sometimes you get a mental block. I think that's kind of where we were at that stage. I think it was a little bit different situation this past game.
On if he will take a harder approach with the players this week based on the team's performance at Jacksonville: I don't think it's a matter of coming down hard or jovial or any of that stuff. At the end of the day, when you have a mental block, you have a mental block, and at that time I thought that's where we were. It was a whole different situation in my opinion. You tend to have a little more fun when you're making plays and they're positive plays.
On if he plans on making any lineup changes over the last three games: No. We kind of are what we are. We've had that approach for quite some time now.
On if he's afraid of the message making lineup changes would send: We make lineup changes when they're deemed necessary, and that's been the case and won't change moving forward.
Posted by: Afroman | Dec 10, 2007 12:49:47 PM
I agree, a strong running game is a must in most every offensive scheme. And in '03 the Panthers did have that strong running game that powered them to the Super Bowl.
But--and this is a strong but--the running game stemmed from the strong presences of Smith, Muhammad, and Proehl. When opposing defenses would stack the box with eight or nine defenders it left the receivers in man coverage, and Delhomme simply took advantage of it. Therefore defenses had to pick their poison, and most chose to limit the long gains in the passing game, thus keeping their safeties deep and replacing a linebacker with another DB whenever Proehl lined up as the third receiver.
Most elite running backs thrive in this situation, and Davis was no different.
Right now the Panthers are one-dimensional, and they’re not even stacking up to the league average in that department.
And their defense, in my opinion, is even more inept than their offense. Not in any way due to a dearth of talent, but because when you play the same scheme more than 90% of the time teams learn where the holes are and how to get their receivers in those holes.
Think of it in terms of a game of chess. If you play the same strategy every game, then your opponent will eventually learn your moves and will henceforth keep you in check until you change your strategy.
The same goes for the Panthers defense. Trgovac can't drop seven back into the same coverage every single down--he must learn the right ratio of blitzing to prevent defense--not completely moving away from the cover-2, but finding the right balance.
But it’s like not a single soul on the coaching staff has any clue how to stop the hemorrhaging--they’re just blindly grasping at straws. What this team needs is a coaching staff that knows how to create a game plan--offensively and defensively--that will keep the opposing team guessing, and not themselves.
Posted by: hillbilly | Dec 10, 2007 1:11:32 PM
Two things that hit me from yesterday.
1. Richard Marshall screaming for Harris to "tell the truth" when he was speaking with reporters is much mor interesting than anything that happened on the field. The truth is that you can't get playing time unless it is due to injury, and the injured player gets his spot back automatically no matter how well you played.
2. Calling David Carr Zoolander is the single funniest thing I have read all year.
Posted by: Willy | Dec 10, 2007 2:02:47 PM
PANTHER FANS - GET REAL ABOUT THE TEAM.
1) Jake. Played in three games, beat the Rams(evrybody has), lost to Houston, behind when he got hurt. Not the long term answer.
2)Draft choices, 1st round must be a starter, 2nd round should start, after that all maybe's. Draft a quarterback with the present offensive line and he runs for his life.
3) The Panthers have many holes to fill, mostly on offense.
4) Blame Fox for the play calling. He is the man in charge and his staff follows his directions.
5) Forget about 2008 and start building for the future. Trade down in the draft for more draft choices and use the cap space to fill holes not marque players.
6) Start with a new coach and GM. They got us in the present situation.
Posted by: Bear | Dec 10, 2007 2:55:22 PM
AFTER REVIEWING THE FILM OF THE SORRIEST PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR, I NOTICED ONE THING, THE PANTHERS ARE OUT OF SHAPE AND I MEAN WIND SUC*#NG, KNEE HUGGING, BENT OVER, OUT OF SHAPE. SHAME ON YOU FOX, YOU HAVE SUC*-ED SINCE THE BIG CONTRACT AND THE BEATING YOU TOOK AT SEATTLE. PLEASE DO US A FAVOR AND GET THE H$#L OUT OF CHARLOTTE AND GO BACK TO THE GIANTS, YOU LOSER!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Panthr Elvis | Dec 10, 2007 5:17:11 PM
I do not think we would be any worse if we replaced every person on this team. I think we could take a group of practice squad players from each of the 31 teams, and win 5 games.
I say cut all the bloated contracts, dead weight, unhealthy stiffs and start over. Fire every coach we have and start over there as well.
We do not need bill cower, his game plan is the same as we have.
Colbert is the biggest joke I have ever seen. Who's idea was it to keep him over Ty Biddle, Ty was the only receiver to show any ability to catch in the preseason.
Fox is not going to change, he only knows one way to coach, run the ball, run the clock and win at the end. The problem is we do not have Stephen Davis. Foster is not the answer. He can only be counted on to fumble. Yes he scored that touchdown against philadelphis in the NFC championship to go to the superbowl. If you look at that replay it was really the other panther player who pushed the pile into the endzone.
I have not missed a game in 4 years, however my Seattle and Dallas tickets are for sale. If for some reason I can't sell them, I will be the one wearing a brown paper bag.
Posted by: pslholder | Dec 10, 2007 6:30:53 PM
Do you really want to go after a coach who just retired, or one who is trying to return to glory days? Remember what happened with Siefert???
Posted by: sirpurr | Dec 10, 2007 7:10:36 PM
I think that Dan Reeves would be a good coach for us at this time.
Posted by: pslholder | Dec 10, 2007 7:27:05 PM
You want a fix?
Hire Tom Rathman as HC. Will not cost an arm and a leg -- and WILL RUN THE BALL. Took Justin Fargas from nowhere to a league-leader.
I'm dead serious. Bonus: Joe Woods (Vikings DBs) is your new DC.
OK, Jerry. Cut me a check and send Jon-Jon and Marky to Zinc with your charge-card, we are done here.
Posted by: JAT | Dec 10, 2007 8:09:29 PM
$2C - We were at the game in Jaxson DeVille. Panthers were not going to win this one folks. D was on field waaaaay too long first half, 3rd and long not working, and a balmy day to boot. Jags fans are a friendly bunch. Plenty of good seating. Ask them about their 1st down chant, it's a gas. Go Panthers! And remember, we're #1!
Posted by: Yance | Dec 11, 2007 8:06:14 AM
$2C - We were at the game in Jaxson DeVille. Panthers were not going to win this one folks. D was on field waaaaay too long first half, 3rd and long not working, and a balmy day to boot. Jags fans are a friendly bunch. Plenty of good seating. Ask them about their 1st down chant, it's a gas. Go Panthers! And remember, we're #1!
Posted by: Yance | Dec 11, 2007 8:08:21 AM
All the grades should be Failure. This entire organization from top (Hurney) to the practice squad has failed the fans. Even Smith can't help the grade this year.
I hope what few fans are at the game this week will chant "Fire Fox" instead of "Play Moore" so loud that both teams jump off side all day long. And I promise you it will be a long day.
Posted by: Mel | Dec 11, 2007 1:16:32 PM
Any grade above an F is being to gracious!
Posted by: cpanther515 | Dec 11, 2007 1:24:51 PM
Carolina Clowns would be a good name!
Posted by: Charles Yount | Dec 12, 2007 3:33:38 PM
Post a comment
Advertisements
