Preparing to host the Superbowl Champions

by S4G

Over the past couple of decades the term "Super Bowl Champions" has rarely sparked concern for a repeat the next season (the obvious exception of late - The New England Patriots). Sure, having the defending Champions come to town (or worse yet, having to go to their place) strikes some amount of respect. A certain amount of extra energy in the preparations. Well this is just such a week for the Carolina Panthers.

The Panthers have some legitimate concerns heading into this game. Since the season began the Panthers have started three different quarterbacks, Dan Morgan is injured again (I am very glad that it is not another concussion), the Defense plays way too soft in my opinion, and for whatever reason the "home field advantage" has been anything but, in Charlotte.

Vinny Testaverde came in and did a good job against a banged up Arizona Cardinals team a week ago. He's had an extra week to allow his 43 year old body to recover from any bumps or bruises he may have received. He's had an extra week to go over the playbook and learn his fellow teammates names. What I really like is that he showed he can get the ball to #89, Steve Smith! Vinny is a level-headed quaterback who has learned from his experiences. He's no Dan Marino or Peyton Manning, but he's proven and dependable. And Coach Fox is not looking for a Tom Brady to lead his offense - just someone he can rely on. David Carr is still listed as the #1 QB, and I can understand this. He was brought in to back up Jake Delhomme, and now that #17 is down it should be his job to lose. BUT - with the season on the line who does the head coach go with? Who is really the best QB to put this team in a position to win?

The middle linebacker spot for the Carolina defense has always been Dan Morgan's. The guys is a rolling wrecker (when healthy) and really moves well. He has one focus, and that is to get to the ball. But the past two weeks Jon Beason (Carolina's #1 draft pick this year) has come in and done an admirable job. He has been earning some trust and gaining some valuable experience. Beason has also been showing the same kind of hunger that Dan Morgan has.

What has been with the Panthers "bend but don't break" defensive philosophy?!? Since the days of Sam Mills, and later Kevin Green the Panthers' defense has given me ulcers. With Coach Fox's conservative offensive philosophy, the defense allowing opposing teams to move the football - often to within field goal range and beyond - drives me nuts. Also, the experiment of moving Julius Peppers around the field, has been slow in producing results. Sure #90 recorded his first 1.5 sacks in Arizona, but not much else has been heard from the quiet Mr. Peppers.

I guess I am used to the loud, stadium pounding crowd of the old RFK Stadium (probably showing some age there), but why can't the Panthers seem to gain any kind of home field advantage? I mean, with the exception of the Atlanta Falcons, the Panthers have a better road record against not just their current NFC South rivals, but against the old NFC West division as well. The current problem of Charlotte not being an advantage stems all the way back to their inception. The Panthers are 49-47 all time at their "house" - and that includes the 1996 season where they swept their opponents at home.

I am glad that I am not a coach, at any position, on the Carolina Panthers this week. Some tough decisions will have to be made. I hope that if they feel a change needs to be made, that they make it and not worry about hurting someone's feelings. And if a player has to step aside, maybe take a "lesser" role, that they are man enough to understand that it was made with the intent of trying to make the TEAM a better one. Just look to the Patriots ("camera-gate" aside) and see how a team will perform over the long hall when the team is placed above the individual.

I hold no delusions of grandeur here. The Panthers will be hard pressed to earn their first win at home this season against a very good Colts team. Is it impossible? No, but I expect to be the only one in my football pool this week to actually take the Panthers. I never pick against them, but sometimes I "pay the price".