Despite the Panthers last two games, both impressive wins against playoff caliber opponents, most fans and media members had resigned themselves to the fact that the most successful coach in Panthers history would not be coach after 2009. A season once thought to be promising had become a big disappointment and many around Charlotte had begun using the dreaded term “rebuilding” to describe the team’s fate after this season.
Much of that is due to the team’s poor play founded in some of the questionable moves made by Fox and GM Marty Hurney in the offseason. Let’s see….franchise tagging Julius Peppers at a $16.7 million salary and in the process sacrificing much needed depth and improvement at other positions, re-signing QB Jake Delhomme to a $20 contract extension after a miserable playoff meltdown, knowing that he wasn’t leaving Charlotte. To make matters worse, the team had not made attempts to develop any young QB’s in the last few years (though that could be addressed – see rest of the article).
One would be hard pressed to find a Panther fan or media member for that matter, who looked forward to having Fox and Hurney back in 2010. In fact, the names Cowher, Shanahan and Gruden are names that rolled off the tongues of Charlottians quickly as the season wore on.
Well it looks like they’ll have to wait at least one more year. Reports surfaced Monday afternoon that Panthers owner Jerry Richardson will retain Fox and Hurney for 2010 which will take them through the end of their contracts.
The other question that looms is whether Jake Delhomme will be a Panther again in 2010. If Carolina releases him, they will still be paying him $13 million to walk…quite an attractive severance package if you ask me. My guess is that with “Furney” coming back, so will Delhomme,…in some capacity.
That takes us to Matt Moore, who has been a Panther now for 3 seasons. He started 3 games at the end of the 2007 season, looking impressive in each, then did not play in 2008. This year, many around the Queen City called for him to play much earlier, but it took Delhomme breaking a finger for the ultra-loyal Fox to pull the trigger and put Moore into the game. After 4 games this season he is now 3-1. His last two starts have been very impressive with a win over Minnesota at home and an even more impressive performance in a rout of the Giants 41-9.
In addition to Moore, with starting running back DeAngelo Williams out, Running Back 1A Jonathan Stewart had a career game rushing for over 200 yards against the Giants. The Panther offense looked the most impressive it has all season and it was against a New York team that was still fighting for a playoff spot at the time.
Carolina finishes the season hot and against a limping Saints team
While not a top tier QB, Moore has shown he can manage a game for the Panthers and provide them the spark they weren’t getting from Delhomme. Between his emergence and their rushing attack which is always a threat, the struggling Saints defense must be ready. That unit has fallen from 9th in Total Defense at mid-season to the mid-twenties going into this game. The one saving grace for the Saints is that the Panthers will be without their biggest threat, WR Steve Smith. Smith broke his forearm on a touchdown catch against the Giants last Sunday and had surgery this week.
That leaves Moore without much on the outside to throw to. Veteran wideout Mushin Muhammed is an aging 35 and there is no 3rd WR to speak of. That may allow Saints Defensive Coordinator, Gregg Williams to move up a safety in the box like he likes to do to help stop the Panthers potent running game.
Saints Coach Sean Payton hasn’t shown his hand on if he will rest players, but Minnesota’s loss to Chicago Monday night certainly gives him options. One thing is for sure, Carolina can expect a Saints team that is looking to regain its swagger going into the playoffs. An even bigger question is will the Panthers keep their foot on the gas with nothing left to play for but pride and a lame duck coach. We’ll know in a few days.
Other News
In injury news, several players sat out Wednesday’s practice including cornerback Richard Marshall (ankle), receiver Muhsin Muhammad (knee), tackle Geoff Schwartz (groin), running backs Jonathan Stewart (Achilles), DeAngelo Williams (ankle) and Tyrell Sutton (calf), and wide receiver Steve Smith (arm). The Panthers have yet to place Smith on injured reserve, but that move is expected.
Quarterback Matt Moore (ribs) practiced on a limited basis.
In other news, Fox said linebacker Jon Beason, center Ryan Kalil and Smith were voted second-team Pro Bowl alternates.
