Trey Woody's Carolina Panthers Fan Profile

As my first blog I would like to talk about the Panthers play calling specifically for the last game against the Cardinals. In light of the frightening and possibly season season-ending injury incurred upon Jake Delhomme in the second half, Fox and company need to be sure that we have a solid back up QB that can make the plays happen in pressure situations. The Panthers got off on the wrong foot this season with a disappointing 0-3 start that could potentially kill any possibility that the Panthers could make it to the playoffs this year. As many fans already know, Jake Delhomme and now John Fox are facing the chopping block based on the outcome of this season. With an average of at least two turnovers per game, Jake has been in dire need of a game like last sunday's against Arizona. No turnovers, a 50 yard TD connection with Steve Smith, and an obvious confidence change inside the pocket. Good job Jake! Panther fans have been dying to see some of that classic Louisiana gusto on the field. Although he did not deliver a high number of passing yards, he made it count and we got enough 3rd down conversions and TD drives to get our offense pumping like the latter half of last season. Now back to the injury and possibly disasterous obstacle to the remainder of this season. Suppose Jake had been injured earlier in the game before Stewart's 2 TD runs, Smitty's 50 yard TD reception, and Peppers' beautiful interception and 19 yard return for a TD. Could Matt Moore finish at the same level that the rest of the offense and defense were playing? Maybe, maybe not. Moore only got one opportunity to make a pass play that was just a little off the mark from being a huge gain and possible TD pass. Much in the same way that Jake has been able to make a big pass play in the past, Matt Moore has the capability to make those same kinds of plays. But when will he get his shot to really come through in the clutch? Are we sure that Moore has been getting the right practice and PT to gain the skills of a polished, up and coming starter? Does Fox know something about Moore's potential that we don't know? Definitely! In John Fox's defense and coming from an embarassing loss at home to Buffalo, keepng the ball on the ground and letting the defense close out the game was the right play call. However, what is going to happen later in the season when we play the Giants or New England? If Jake suffers another injury earning him a trip to the hospital before the game is even over, Matt Moore may not have the experience he needs to close out a tight game. Even if it means giving him a few low risk pass plays in between long run drives, Moore needs to be the man in charge and know that he can get that third down conversion when we're on the 50 and need to get into field goal range. I fear that if we have another losing season that we could see some unwanted staff changes and Panther fans like who we have. So to John Fox, I implore you to continue developing the QB that will take Jake's spot if the day should come for him to step down and give the younger guys a chance to see some real opposition. Otherwise we may be facing another reconstruction period that may cause the Cardiac Cats to flatline on the way to a much needed championship season.