Tom Talks

Jarrett finally plays like he practices

   I tell people that Dwayne Jarrett occasionally is the best player on the field when the Panthers practice. They don't believe me. But you are seeing today what some of us see during the week.

   I asked somebody smart why Jarrett can excell during practice and fade away during games. Confidence, the man said.

    Maybe now Jarrett will believe.

Carolina refs

   The Saints can't get a call. This must be what people mean when they say, "Carolina refs."

It's cold everywhere

   This is football weather, 30 degrees at kickoff, coldest day in franchise history by four degrees.

   I deserve to be cold. I picked the Saints to win this. When I made my pick in Sunday's paper, the Saints were favored and quarterback Drew Brees was going to play and the Saints were going to try to win. New Orleans coach Sean Payton said so.

   Then I got back to town Saturday night and learned that Brees was not going to play and neither were many of New Orleans' other starters. Can I change my pick? I can not. Before the season, I predicted that the Panthers would go 9-7. I can't change that, either.

   The fans I talked to before the game came prepared, with hats and gloves and scarves and heavy coats and a proper attitude. The only way to beat cold is to treat it as an ally. If you live on the tundra, get some skates and an ice house. If you go to a football game in 30-degree weather in Charlotte, have fun with it.

   Look at temperatures around the country today. It is cold everywhere. It is even cold in the press box. I heard a couple guys (not me) complain. But the glass really cuts down on the wind.