Carolina Panthers go for Five in a Row!!!
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by FatMan
Charlotte, NC (11/2) - As the Charlotte Panthers finished up practice on Thursday and set their sights towards Nashville for this weekend's matchup with the Titans, a few questions came to mind:
1) Who will back up David Carr? Is it going to be Testaverde who is limping badly or untested rookie Matt Moore?
2) Can they continue their undefeated road record?
3) If they don't see Titans fans smiling at them, is it because they are angry or simply because they don't have any teeth?
To understand the lack of confidence in David Carr, all one has to do is look at the events of the past two days. First off, the trainers have worked around the clock to try and get Testaverde's strained Achilles tendon healed. They are doing hot tub treatments, putting secret salves on it, and have been wakening him during the night to continue the healing process. Secondly, Steve Smith has gone up to Carr and has had a few conversations with him about getting the ball. In Vinny's first start, Smith saw the ball more times than the past 3 Carr games. And that is the #1 WR on the team. Carr better get him the ball, or it will get ugly - - and loud. Nobody is coming out and saying it, but Carr is on the bus alone. Few Panthers have confidence that the man can get them a win or lead the offense. That is why so much attention is being given to restoring a 44-year old ancient relic.
Game snapshot: Panthers (4-3) vs. Titans (5-2)
WHEN: Sunday November 4, 1PM ET
WHERE: Nashville, TN
WEATHER: Mid 60's and clear
TV: FOX Regional Coverage
When Carolina has the ball: The Panthers will be facing one of the league's toughest defenses. They are #1 vs. the run, and that does not bode well for a team openly worried about their QB. DeAngelo Williams looks to get more carries because of his breakaway speed, but John Fox opted to give most of the work last week to DeShaun Foster and it is unclear what the plan is for Sunday. If David Carr wants to stop staring at 8 or 9 defenders in the box, it would be wise for him to go downfield early. Last week, he did not even attempt a pass play over 20 yards. And he didn't even target Steve Smith for any short screen passes. If the Panthers are to have any success, they are going to have to have a much better mix.
Adding to the frustration is the fact that Keith Bulluck (LB) is having a stellar year. The Panthers are going to have to make sure he does not disrupt their attack. Tight End Jeff King caught a career high 10 passes last week, but don't look for him to be as open, as the Titans have an excellent LB corps.
When Tennessee has the ball: Simply put, Julius Peppers needs to have a big game. The defensive captain has all but disappeared this year. The Panthers D has 4 sacks in 7 games. Four sacks, and this team has Peppers, Jenkins, and Rucker. It is simply inexcusable. Vince Young is reportedly going to play on Sunday, and while he will be slowed by a leg injury, he should still be able to find time to make plays. The Panthers have not gotten pressure because their DB's are struggling, and the defensive coaching staff does not want to blitz, leaving the secondary matched up one-on-one. If Kerry Collins is in the lineup, it could be both a blessing and a curse for the Panthers. A blessing in that he will be a statue in the pocket and will take hits, but a curse in that he has a strong arm and can consistently beat poor coverage.
In the running game, the Titans are nothing special. They play a ball control game and try to win the field position battle. They grind out wins. For a team like Carolina, who is offensively challenged, this attribute of the Titans helps out. It means that more than likely the game will be close, and in close games anyone can win. And personally, I think it is the only way Carolina can win - keep the game within reach and get a late score or force Tennessee into a mistake.
Quick hitters: - The Panthers are still looking for a return man. Ryne Robinson has not just disappointed, he was a main contributor to the loss vs. the Colts last week. After the Panthers opened the game with an 11 minute TD drive, they held Indy to a 3-and out. On the subsequent punt, Robinson fumbled and the Colts rolled from there. Jeremy Bloom worked out last week and may be signed early next week.
- Center Justin Hartweig faces off against his old team. After suffering a season-ending injury last year, Harweig is one of the bright spots on an inconsistent OL.
The FatMan is the beat reporter for the Carolina Panthers. He reports twice a week on www.armchairgm.com
