5 Questions With the Carolina Panthers Blogger

by KevinE on Oct 7, 2009 5:54 AM EDT in Interviews Comment 13 comments

OK. So the Redskins are playing another winless team. Who doesn't feel good about this one besides me? At Carolina. Steve Smith. DeAngelo Williams. Julius Peppers. I gave the SB Nation Panthers' blogger, Jaxon, 5 questions ranging from 'How does Delhomme still have a job?' to all the statistics of how a team with so much talent is winless. He also makes his prediction. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section, and he will respond (SB Nation is the greatest platform).

Hogs Haven: How is it that Jake Delhomme still has a job? (I feel like we've been asking this question for 3 years now). Can you pinpoint what has contributed to such a drop-off of a former Super Bowl QB, and do you feel like he can turn it around?

There are some Panther fans that ask that question routinely but for the most part we still feel he can lead this team to a winning season. As far as his problems, he's made some bad decisions but he isn't alone in taking blame for the turnovers. I think the problems are correctable and yes, he certainly can turn it around. Panther fans really have no choice but to be patient since we have no better choice on the bench. Can you relate?

Hogs Haven: How is it a team with such great weapons (DeAngelo Williams, Steve Smith, Julius Peppers) is 0-3 and averages only 12.3 points per game offensively?

That's easy. 11 turnovers in 3 games would kill any offense. Combine that with a rushing defense giving up 180 yards per game and you have the formula for an offense that can't afford mistakes. If the Panthers can limit their turnover and in turn run the ball more they should put themselves in better position to win.

Hogs Haven: What are the weaknesses in the Panthers defense that can explain why they are 5th worst in the league giving up 21.3 first downs per game?

It started with the loss of DT Maake Kemoeatu on the first day of training camp then included two more DT's lost for the season. Fortunately the Panthers signed Hollis Thomas last week to fill the empty slot up front. Beyond that we are also frustrated with the soft zone coverage and lack of a pass rush allowing QB's leisure time to complete 3^rd down passes. The Panthers have also played some pretty offenses the first three weeks (Eagles, Falcons, Cowboys)

Hogs Haven: Is John Fox on the way out? (And if so, is it one of those situations it's easier to fire the coach?) I've always thought he was a great coach.

Fox seems safe for now, but if he fails to turn around this season to at least respectability he could be in danger. If the losing continues though all bets are off.

Hogs Haven: Can we expect a 4th s traight game where Steve Smith is verbally reaming Delhomme on the sidelines? What are the fans take on this?

Smitty is always high-strung on the sideline, particularly when they're losing. He still has confidence in Delhomme as does the rest of the offense. Smitty isn't without his faults either. His last-minute decision to break off a route resulted in the pick 6 that sealed the loss to the Cowboys. We figure as long as Smitty isn't punching somebody everything is fine.

I don't think we'll see the sideline blow ups this week. Coming off a bye week we are expecting several starters back in the line-up. Combine that with the Thomas acquisition and a home crowd sure to be fired up and the Panthers are feeling loose. The Redskins better bring their A game!

Hogs Haven: OK...so your prediction?

Hmmm...You will certainly disagree but Panthers 27 Skins 13

It's sad, but I do agree with that score.

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Comments

Interested in how he came up with the score and why you agree with it Kevin.

I definitely see this is a tough game, especially on the road after they’ve had a week off. But I don’t see the score getting that high, our defense won’t let that happen.

by travisjh86 on Oct 7, 2009 11:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

yea

He asked for my prediction in my Q&A for his blog, and I predicted 17-16 Carolina. I was simply agreeing that we wouldn’t win.

by KevinE on Oct 7, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That sounds more like it ha.

by travisjh86 on Oct 7, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i hate this. all of us redskins fans feeling so apprehensive about playing another winless team at their house because theyre gonna be extra “hungry” for a win…why dont we come out hungry? Why dont we come out and play tough football with a solid gameplan? Their rush defense gives up 180 a game. Instead of feeling nervous we should be salivating over this. Portis had 5 straight 125+ yard games in a row last year for gods sake. rush rush rush and then kill them with play action. involve cooley. use mike sellars in the red zone. just have a plan and some damn confidence. our fans have no confidence and i think its effecting our team. for once i want the redskins to come out angry and focused.

by rgelfand on Oct 7, 2009 1:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

agreed

A positive point is that the Redskins play better on the road.

by KevinE on Oct 7, 2009 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We definitely play better on the road than at home, thats why it wierds me out that we’re 2-0 at home and 0-2 away.

by travisjh86 on Oct 7, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

not because of the Bucs and Rams?

The Lions would smoke both of those teams. Just sayin…..

by brettpedigo on Oct 7, 2009 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Win prediction

It’s the Redskins a win or loss cannot be determined until the game is completed because you never know. I know that can be said with any game, but the Redskins are the epitomy of that this year they can beat anyone or find a way to lose to anyone. Just like the last 4 games it will be decided by the team which scores the most points,with a slight catch
IE: The Redskins score more than 21 points they win, Panthers will not score over 20.

by dr WNC on Oct 7, 2009 2:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

We are going to LOSE!!!!

Damn. At least we have someone new to blame!!!!!

by brettpedigo on Oct 7, 2009 7:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Carolina's 2009 opponents

Carolina was in the Dallas game until the 4th quarter interception. DeAngelo Williams was running well in that game as well as against Atlanta. The Eagles did a good job of stopping Williams. Jonathan Stewart was an effective runnlng back in 2008 and he had a fair game against Atlanta, but he had negative gain against Dallas and marginal production against the Eagles. There were games in 2008 where both Williams and Stewart ran over 100 yards.

Dallas and Philadelphia usually have good defensive teams. On the other hand, while the Panthers defensive rush has not done well they have permitted less passing yardage than their opponents.

by Jefferson1935 on Oct 7, 2009 7:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Rise/Fall to opponents level

The Skins never play at their own level. If they are playing a strong team, the Skins look strong as well. On the other side of the spectrum, when we play teams like Tampa, Detroit, STL, we play on the same level as them

this is a direct result of lackluster coaching.

by Elaw6 on Oct 7, 2009 7:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Why is Jake Delhomme still Panthers QB

I think everybody should be asking…“Why is Campbell still Redskins QB?”…..The guy can’t get them into the endzone…Sure he has plenty of yards….but, that tells me, he chokes when the field gets short.

by samspad on Oct 9, 2009 9:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs