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December 16, 2007
Youth movement begins
The youth movement won’t be limited to Matt Moore at quarterback. Rookie defensive end Charles Johnson and rookie receiver Dwayne Jarrett will be active today. Jarrett’s active partly because Keary Colbert’s hurt and partly because the Panthers want to give him some playing time. But Johnson is active and Stanley McClover is not because the Panthers want to get a look at their third-round pick. Johnson will be the third defensive end and should rotate in behind Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker. – PAT YASINSKAS
Posted by Observer Sports on December 16, 2007 at 08:50 AM | Permalink
Comments
Looks like Matt Moore has managed the game fairly well. Nothing exciting but does not appear to be rattled. Much better performance than we EVER saw from David Carr this year. He looks comfortable in the pocket and does not stare down his primary receiver.
Posted by: Buster | Dec 16, 2007 11:17:08 AM
its amazing, 6 points thru 58 min, and moore's play has been more exciting than carr/testaverdie (minus 'zona gaame) has ever been
Posted by: Chris Norman | Dec 16, 2007 12:38:52 PM
2 & 26, Seahawks - pass
2 & 24, Panthers - draw play
John Fox is a Moron. Matt Moore played good, but I hope he didn't just save Fox's job!
Posted by: Matt West | Dec 16, 2007 12:42:48 PM
How does crow taste, Procton?
Posted by: hillbilly | Dec 16, 2007 12:48:31 PM
I really wasn't all that impressed with Matt Moore (it seemed to be as much a product of excellent protection from the line as anything else), but Charles Johnson showed some flashes in the pass rush, particularly on the last drive. As for the draw on 2nd and 24, it kept Moore from having a chance to throw the pick as he's been prone to do thus far, and it helped us dominate the time of possession and field position battles, which led to the win in the game.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Dec 16, 2007 12:48:41 PM
How you like me now?!?
Posted by: John Fox | Dec 16, 2007 12:49:51 PM
Oh, you STILL DESERVE TO BE FIRED, FOX...you're the worst coach who's ever taken a 1-15 team and put them in a Super Bowl and an NFC championship! EVER!!!1011010!!011!
Posted by: Michael Procton | Dec 16, 2007 12:52:25 PM
Mr.Procton,
You didn't see what stats don't show, those guys played harder for Moore. These were very tough conditions today, his first NFL start -ever - given what he faced I was very impressed. I think you are saying what you are saying rather than admit you, just like dumbass idiot bullheaded Fox, have been wrong all year.
Posted by: Willy | Dec 16, 2007 12:55:19 PM
Yeah, what a phenomenal job he did in not throwing a touchdown, converting in the red zone for a TD, or scoring a WHOPPING 13 points.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Dec 16, 2007 12:57:50 PM
a product of good protection? How about being decisive and making a decision and making near perfect throws on third downs. Moore is the primary reason for this win. Yes, the defense played excellent and was helped out by some drops, had the defense played exactly the same way and Vinny or Carr been behind center, this would have been another loss.
Posted by: m | Dec 16, 2007 12:58:40 PM
Procton has always come down hard on Moore, now that he gets the chance to play a full game, throws no ints and converts on multiple 3rd downs and manages to winn the game, dont excpect Procton to admit that Moore was impressive in the victory
Posted by: m | Dec 16, 2007 1:00:54 PM
I'll bet Procton played soccer in school. Anyone that knows football can see that Matt Moore has a great deal of potential. He MANAGED the game. That is all you can ask a rookie QB starting his first game. He controled the team and make several audibles.
Posted by: Dave Morrison | Dec 16, 2007 1:01:16 PM
You simply need to admit you were wrong. Moore was a leader out there today. Just out of curiosity, did you ever play football?
Posted by: Willy | Dec 16, 2007 1:01:38 PM
And I don't think anyone is impressed with your presumptions.
One play--a running play--is what you're using to back up your argument? Wow, I'm in awe of your ability to stand out in the rain and say you're drenched in sunshine.
Perhaps you're diction is limited to phrases that only sound like, "I'm right."
Moore is no Brady, but as he showed today, he is an NFL caliber quarterback.
Posted by: hillbilly | Dec 16, 2007 1:04:13 PM
Send the CARR to the junkyard...we want MOORE!
Posted by: chrissy | Dec 16, 2007 1:06:55 PM
Precisely...he MANAGED the game. He wasn't the reason we won. The defense showing up for one of the few times all season and quality protection from the line were the reasons we won the game.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Dec 16, 2007 1:13:01 PM
You have got to be kidding. He had the best outing of any Panther QB except one game Jake had, all year, and he LED. Again, did you play organized football?
Posted by: Willy | Dec 16, 2007 1:19:44 PM
Does it matter? Firstly, BOTH of Jake's first two games were better, as were Vinny's against ARI, SF, and GB. I watched a kid who never had to deal with any pressure in his face; did not throw a completed deep ball (the Rosario catch was all about YAC, and no other pass went for more than 16 yards); only moved the ball into the red zone once, and didn't score on that trip. That's not a quarterback who won the game for you...that's a quarterback who didn't lose it.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Dec 16, 2007 1:32:57 PM
I love you guys its so funny to read your comments. You always talk about when a play went wrong. What about when it was 3rd and 6 they ran and got the first down to get out of a hole next to thier own goal line. What about the 3rd down they ran on and got the touchdown to win the game. I come here alot and see that a lot of you just dont know football. Its nice to see you slowly learn it though. I'm not talking about all of you just some of you. For some reason you guys want Cower here. He is not as good a coach as Fox. Sorry to all you Pittsburg fans that live around here but he is not that good. Sure he won a superbowl after 10 years as coach but thats because the owner did not quit on him niether did the fans. I agree that Hurny is hit and miss with his picks, but i think that has more to do with scouting than Hurny. The picks have been good its just the guys have not been rookie stand outs they always need to develope. You guys as fans should be patient. This is going to be a great team. They are young and will be even younger next year. Give them time to develope.
Posted by: c-boss | Dec 16, 2007 1:33:00 PM
Michael, yes it does, because of the things you can't see unless you have been in those wars. You only look at stats, those guys played harder today because they believed in Moore at QB. Same guys who have been such a poor OL all year. You would have to have experienced it to be able to see it. You have been pro Vinny/Carr and Fox's decisions to use them all year, and you are clearly wrong about that, but just won't admit it. The reason I asked the question is because it is obvious by your comments that you don't understand what happens on the field, not a criticism, just an observation that shows based on what you say. Leadership doesn't show up on any stat page.
Posted by: Willy | Dec 16, 2007 1:41:34 PM
As usual the know it all Procton comes across as clueless. For a rookie making his first career start, Matt Moore was damn impressive. Not many rookies would have shown that much poise with the game that close in the 4th quarter.
Posted by: SwordOfDoom | Dec 16, 2007 1:43:17 PM
c-boss. We don't have to be patient, the best players were clearly not on the field this year. Theye were stille waitinge toe develope Ie guesse.
Posted by: Willy | Dec 16, 2007 1:44:17 PM
Speaking of the youth movement... Marshall and Williams, two players that most fans have been begging Fox to play more, both had huge plays. Also, those interference penalties on Marshall were both very nitpicky.
Posted by: Jerad H. | Dec 16, 2007 1:45:45 PM
c-boss:
1) the Panthers managed to pull off 2 successful running plays, at critical points of the game. give them credit for that. But the rest of the game, they did absolutely NOTHING. Foster tries hard, but just can't find the holes.
2) I don't know that much about Cowher, but I don't doubt that he could never live up to his now very inflated reputation. Personally, I hope the Panthers find an up-and-coming assistant coach (none from the Panthers) to take over from Fox. Someone with an aggressive approach.
3) You're probably right about the draft picks - likely more due to the scouts than Hurney. But the coaching approach makes it very difficult for young players to succeed on the Panthers. They don't seem to be able to develop/teach them - if they don't excel right away, they are stuck on the bench and never given a chance.
Posted by: Wayne | Dec 16, 2007 1:46:28 PM
Frankly, Willy, that's bullshit. If the millions of dollars these guys get paid aren't enough to get them to play their hardest every minute they are on a football field, they should probably find a new profession. I am (and have always been) pro-Delhomme, and he was the only quarterback on teh roster who had a chance to put this team in the playoffs. Leadership is all well and good, but this kid is not an NFL starter...or anywhere near the QB Jake is.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Dec 16, 2007 1:47:04 PM
Quality protection? Where was that quality protection when Carr and Testaverde were under center?
The reason there weren't any sacks was because Moore consistently got rid of the ball in under three seconds, not because of stellar protection from the line. Review your game tape and you'll see.
And the play calling was much better today than in last week's debacle, but it still wasn't even close to being up to par with the rest of the NFL. And in spite of the poor red-zone play calling, Moore managed to complete more than seventy percent of his passes, convert nearly fifty percent of third down attempts while sustaining drives, and ultimately leading his offense to a win. All of such are things that neither Carr nor Testaverde could manage consistently.
So what is it that you don’t like about this kid again?
Posted by: hillbilly | Dec 16, 2007 1:48:57 PM
Michael Procton, if Moore were a seasoned vet then I would agree with you that his performance today was simply average. However, you seem to be overlooking the very key fact that this was his first time ever starting and playing an entire game. Simply not losing the game and converting a few key first downs is a great job given the situation. I kept expecting him to make a dumb rookie interception but luckily it never happened.
Posted by: Jerad H. | Dec 16, 2007 1:49:07 PM
Foster can't find holes when there AREN'T any.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Dec 16, 2007 1:49:17 PM
Procton, this proves you have no practical understanding of football. You may know the stats and terminology, but have no real understanding of how the game is played on the field. It reminds me of one of those parenting psycologists who have no children of their own yet, they think they are total athourities in the subject.
This was Moore's first start as a pro and he did very well. Were you expecting a Brady or Manning performance? Sounds like it from your comments. The bottom line is he won. That's more than we can say for Carr and mostly Testiverde.
Moore didn't totaly dominate the game, but he didn't lose it for them either. Which is a feat with this being his first start. No interceptions. To be honest, I was expecting some.
And yes, I did play HS football.
Posted by: Juan | Dec 16, 2007 1:51:03 PM
Well, we are all entitled to our opinion. I think your lack of real-world experience shows, and it wasn't hard to guess, which is why I asked the question. These are still human beings, and when they see their coach not putting the best players on the field time and again, they give up a little. Just because they are paid doesn't mean they still don't respond to leadership and motivation. Don't get offended, I am not trying to offend you - you are a die-hard Panther fan, and I think that is great. You clearly love the team, but there is just a credibility point you will never have if you have never strapped up and fought.
Posted by: Willy | Dec 16, 2007 1:52:53 PM
Wayne, you're right that Foster cannot find the holes, neither can Williams. The reason for this is that the holes are non-existent most of the game. It is pathetic how the O-line gets pushed backwards in every short yardage situation. I give them props for pass protecting well at times, like today, but they continue to suck at run blocking.
Posted by: Jerad H. | Dec 16, 2007 1:53:35 PM
Yes Moore looked good today, but a lot of QBs look good their first time out since no one has any film or way to scout them. Lets give it a week before we send him to the pro bowl.
Posted by: Billy | Dec 16, 2007 1:56:28 PM
You're crazy Billy...this <225-yd., 0 TD performance signals that Moore is not only to lead the Panthers to 10 consecutive super Bowls, but is also going to become the most record-breaking QB in NFL history...convenient, that he'd make his debut as Favre is on the way out.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Dec 16, 2007 2:01:12 PM
I don't think anyone is saying Moore is the best QB in the NFL, but I do think that, since Jake got hurt, he gives us the best chance to win on the Panthers. You have to choose somebody, and Vinny and Carr both had such severe limitations (different but severe) and I just thought bringing Vinny was a novelty act but what possible strategy could that be a part of? Did anyone actually believe he was going to take us to the playoffs?
Posted by: Willy | Dec 16, 2007 2:01:56 PM
it goes to show how much the coaches do not trust Foster when they put Williams out there to run out the clock, fearing (or knowing) Foster could fumble.
Posted by: m | Dec 16, 2007 2:02:15 PM
Foster did have a fumble today, but recovered it (on about the ten yd line if I recall). And, we had another in our league-leading kickoffs out of bounds. Foster is doing what our coach used to call "tipping" meaning he is hopping laterally instead of running hard at the hole. When he makes a cut, it is a hop, not a cut at full speed. He is as tentative at RB as Carr is at QB. Fumbles are in his Jesse Ventura's buddy on Predator head.
Posted by: Willy | Dec 16, 2007 2:06:09 PM
I still like Foster, and think some of his lack of production has been due to the O-lines blocking.
However, I am starting to cringe everytime he gets the ball in hands now.
Hopefully he'll get over the fumbles soon.
Posted by: Juan | Dec 16, 2007 2:11:39 PM
Foster always has been and will be a good 2nd string back. He shows flashes many times but not consistent enought to be getting a majority of the carries. I'm sorry, but he failed to get 1000 yds last year and we be lucky to get it this year, running at about a 3.5 yd/carry clip, with more lost fumbles than td's, thats pathetic. The fact that Seattle could completely ignore our running game (or lack there of) and focus their entire gameplan to stopping the passing game just makes what Moore did out there even more impressive.
Posted by: m | Dec 16, 2007 2:12:50 PM
A rookie putting up that type of performance against a top-ten defense that has 45 sacks already on the season shows that the kid has the ability to process information and react quickly, which is a trait that every successful NFL QB posesses.
The kid isn't the second coming of Elway, but he has proved that he has the talent to be successful at this level.
Posted by: hillbilly | Dec 16, 2007 2:24:37 PM
Wayne
I agree with everything you said I just could not go into detail on my comments due to poor typing skills. :) Boy do i suck at this
Posted by: c-boss | Dec 16, 2007 2:31:23 PM
procton if you win by 1 or 40 it does not matter it all counts as a W.
Posted by: steve | Dec 16, 2007 2:32:07 PM
Jake Delhomme has a lifetime QB rating of 87%. That my fiends is average. His first two games this year were both over 100. But for life....the numbers speak for themselves.
Posted by: Bob Seagraves | Dec 16, 2007 2:44:59 PM
All that counts is wins baby. I wonder, what is his lifetime record as a starter?
Posted by: Willy | Dec 16, 2007 2:47:04 PM
Bob, you're an idiot...Jake Delhomme's 85.2 QB rating puts him 13th...ALL-TIME! That's ahead of players like Brett Favre, Jim Kelly, Roger Staubach, adn Sonny Jurgensen. "Average" my ass.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Dec 16, 2007 3:15:04 PM
Bob, I hate to break it to you but a lifetime QB rating of 87 is not average. Favre's career rating is 85. 87 is not amazing but it is not average. The average NFL starting QB probably ends up with a rating in the 70s or low 80s.
Posted by: SwordOfDoom | Dec 16, 2007 3:19:45 PM
The play calling in Carolina is HORRIFIC!
2nd and 24 and you run a draw!!! your 5 and 8! at home!! are you kidding me..those plays are called no matter who's at QB...
FIRE FOX!!!
Posted by: Cheven | Dec 16, 2007 3:48:08 PM
procton is nothing but a fox/hurney apologist who seeks to downplay anything positive anyone does on this team if he is not a supporter of theirs or if their play happens to prove his all-knowing predictions wrong.
he also clearly shows his insecurities as a person by demeaning those who either disagree with him or happen to not memorize stats as he does. he obviously is a very angry person inside for whatever reason.
i think everyone should just ignore him from here on out because it seems he relishes the attention from posters on the blog. im assuming its because he receives no attention from anyone else in his life so he just lives to demean other people through his mastery of stats and belief he is the most knowledgeable fan to walk on earth in the history of football. too bad he's sadly living in a world of delusion.
Posted by: matt a | Dec 16, 2007 3:59:15 PM
Thank goodness our incredible job of talent gurus - Fox and Hurney - have kept Matt Moore under wraps until we were out of the playoff picture. Thank goodness, we haven't tried to shake anything up until the realization set in for Fox that the 14,000 square Quail Hollow house he has under construction would require a continual income stream and he BETTER GET OFF HIS A** AND MAKE SOME CHANGES! Thank goodness, we didn't try Moore against the Saints, for instance....
Posted by: RustaRhyme | Dec 16, 2007 4:04:38 PM
Wow...so I'm the one who's insecure, yet you're the one who has to hide your name from the public and attack my character...it's ok. I hear life is rough when your mommy doesn't love you.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Dec 16, 2007 4:05:57 PM
Im gay...and know nothing about football. Truth is...I ice skate...with pink sweaters.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Dec 16, 2007 4:19:47 PM
Ooh...even better. In response to this one, I am a heterosexual, but I do like ice skating, though I've never worn my pink sweater...I'd rather wear a waterproof jacket in case I fall (rarely, though)
Posted by: Michael Procton | Dec 16, 2007 4:32:19 PM
We won, at home.
We're gonna win again on Sat night vs. Dallas.
Posted by: Matt Moore | Dec 16, 2007 4:51:29 PM
first! procton shut up you self centered egomaniac blow heart.
secondly i was proud of that team today. that was fun. that was football the way i love to watch it. forget the stats. watch the emotion and the thrill of playing the game. well done, and to think they could have come out and played dead. moore was much better then the stats show and was by far better than seatles pro bowl qb.
Posted by: jakeniss | Dec 16, 2007 5:07:42 PM
Why is everyone so concerned with Proctology?
Posted by: NMH | Dec 16, 2007 5:20:16 PM
hillbilly...You said you werent impressed by Matt Moore, Are you crazy? That has to be the craziest thing ive heard all day. Maybe you should watch the game again!
Posted by: davey | Dec 16, 2007 7:39:17 PM
The Panthers won - and at home nonetheless, so enjoy it! Moore did well and part of the reason is when he drops back to pass, the ball comes out quickly and he is decisive (this helps make the o-line look good). He's not ready for the hall of fame yet, but the team did respond to his confident play. Let's hope for another W on Saturday (and a fully recovered Jake in '08)!
Posted by: Mike | Dec 16, 2007 8:23:55 PM
procton is an idiot...
when you have an offense that actually is on the field for more than 3 plays in a possession, and gives the defense a chance to breathe, then of course the D is going to play better. So yes Moore was a HUGE part in winning this game... AND if Fox and Davidson would grow a pair and actually throw on 3&1, then the D would have been on the field even less.
in fact, was it the running game that moved every single drive today... haha nope! it was moore!.. sooo why run on 3&1 ?
procton is an idiot
Posted by: Aaron | Dec 16, 2007 10:04:09 PM
Forget about Procton! Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. You are wasting your time arguing because people like that are hard-headed and stubborn. This was the first game that I really enjoyed watching in some time. Moore didn't throw any touchdowns, but Willy you are right. The team needed a change and they rallied around the rookie. I believe Moore has a lot of upside and I think in due time, can start for this team on a regular basis. Everyone has talked a lot about Delhomme and I hope he comes back strong, but if he doesn't, I hope they will do their best to develop Moore. I know for sure that as a rookie, Delhomme would have not played as well yesterday. So good to see Moore, DeAngelo, Jarrett, C. Johnson and please replace Deke Cooper with Quentin Teal. Let's upset the Cowboys!!!
Posted by: Hollywood | Dec 17, 2007 7:27:11 AM
foster has got to go. the line opened some holes but he just plods. for next year trgo and dende,rucker,peppers colbert,need to go. get a cover safety and a quality d.e to pass rush.draft a stud lineman or 2 and pick up a quality #2 receiver. s.t coach needs to go. get a stud to split carries with d.e.viola plaoffs.
Posted by: ray | Dec 17, 2007 8:26:55 AM
Ray,
You forgot someone. Fox needs to go to...
Posted by: Matt West | Dec 17, 2007 10:16:10 AM
Davey, read my comments again.
Did you read them again? You did? Good.
Now tell me if I was bashing Moore. That's right, I wasn't. Moore is an NFL caliber QB--just like I said in an earlier response. He completed over 70% of his attempts, converted nearly 50% of the offenses third down attempts, he kept drives alive, and managed to do all of this against a top ten defense.
Now, was I not impressed with Moore?
Yes, I was very impressed.
Posted by: hillbilly | Dec 17, 2007 12:49:02 PM
Davey, read my comments again.
Did you read them again? You did? Good.
Now tell me if I was bashing Moore. That's right, I wasn't. Moore is an NFL caliber QB--just like I said in an earlier response. He completed over 70% of his attempts, converted nearly 50% of the offenses third down attempts, he kept drives alive, and managed to do all of this against a top ten defense.
Now, was I not impressed with Moore?
Yes, I was very impressed.
Posted by: hillbilly | Dec 17, 2007 12:50:29 PM
I just love reading what the proctologist has to say. We had it out a few weeks ago regarding Matt, and I had fun putting him in his place. I might have even mentioned eating crow...so that made what hillbilly said, that much better. So I will just say to the proctologist, "Get your finger out of your boyfriends ass, stick it in your mouth, and enjoy watching Matt Moore!"
Posted by: billy | Dec 17, 2007 1:55:21 PM
The whole comment he made about Moore being that all he was good for was throwing interceptions in practice to the second-team defense really showed his ignorance.
Nobody had even had a chance to evaluate the young man in a game situation that he was prepared for, so what made him feel justified in predetermining this rookie’s future career? His own pompous sense of self-perfection, perhaps.
Posted by: hillbilly | Dec 17, 2007 2:23:27 PM
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Posted by: qxambkiiii | Dec 18, 2007 5:11:06 AM
They should get rid of Dan Morgan keep Jon Beason @ middle linebacker play CB Richard Marshall and start DeAngelo Williams.Keep Julius peppers and Charles Johnson, look for a good safety besides keeping deke cooper and get somebody good. In the draft look for a really good offensivelineman in 1st round, second round go with a defensive tackle and they should have an excellent offseason.
Posted by: Paul | Dec 18, 2007 12:01:28 PM
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