In his Q&A Forum on the Charlotte Observer's web site, columnist Scott Fowler was asked why so many Panthers fans seem to be complaining after a rather dominating 15-0 victory. Here was his reply:Panther fans do have pretty high expectations these days, don't they? All sorts of franchise records set in this one, but there will be a lot of grumbling because of only 15 points, three offensive turnovers inside the 20, conservative play-calling, etc. I would say this franchise doesn't have nearly enough history to be anything but satisfied with a win of any stripe -- it's not like this is San Francisco, Dallas or Pittsburgh during the glory days and the wins come in so many dozens that it make sense to compare them, like a box of Krispy Kreme assorted. Panther fans should be happy right now and not look a gift horse in the mouth.
For the record, yes, I am happy for a win, and I am happy that this team's defense has rediscovered its awesomeness. Defense wins championships, and this Panther D has that look about it.
But.
I can't just sit here and ignore the mistakes the Panthers' offense made yesterday -- mistakes that have been plaguing this team all season. There were 4th-quarter turnovers. There were some really silly play calls. Even Fowler admits Keyshawn Johnson's option pass was poorly timed. ("Keyshawn had just come off a very physical play -- long run, penalty, all that stuff. I don't think you go right back there on the next play and ask him to do something he normally doesn't do.") He also admits that offensive coordinator Dan Henning is misusing DeShaun Foster. ("I think he's tried to make DeShaun Foster too much into a between-the-tackles runner, which is fitting a round peg into a square hole.")
Why shouldn't we as fans come right out and say we want our team to perform better? Yes, the defense couldn't perform any better than it did, but this offense still has lots of room for improvement, and just being happy with a W isn't enough. This franchise has been to a Super Bowl once. We want it to go back.
So let's congratulate the D and keep riding the offense until it shapes up, because until it does, this team might not get past the Bears in Chicago a second time. Yes, it's great that the Panthers are winning and that they have a shot at a first-round bye. What's a bye when it's at home turning the ball over twice in the fourth quarter?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-21-2006 @ 2:44PM
Saint said...
Panthers whine and complain because that is what they do. When they win or lose..and especially when they lose. Jake D. whines and cries to the officials after every bump by defensive linemen and every incomplete pass. Panther defenders are notorious cheap shot artists that you see fly in on a tackle from off the screen. They do alot of cheap shots in the pile then whine and complain when others do the same to them. The only good thing they should be happy with is that other teams havent figured out how to stop Steve Smith. All they have to do is double cover him the whole game. After a half of not getting much ..he starts getting antsy, Jake starts getting to force the ball, the whining from both Steve and Jake ramps up...they get more erratic... Like what happened in the playoffs two years ago. Steve Smith was whining because he was getting defensed...and moped in the second half, and Jake was out of his mind trying to throw to Steve in double or triple coverage. Facts are..you double cover Steve the whole game, referrees start calling penalties on late or cheap shots by the defense and suddenly the Panthers are what they are an AVERAGE football team..
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11-25-2006 @ 11:05PM
Yeah Right said...
That sounds exactly like a Saints fan...... Oh and look I was right it was a Saints fan. The Panthers are a great team and have shown that these last 2 weeks with their great wins. They will be going to the playoffs over your pathetic Saints team that is performing like everyone knew they should be. Do not be upset just because the team you pull for is doing bad in the second half of the season and the Panthers have picked up the tempo, but it is funny to see you whine....... Oh by the way we do have a right as Panther fans to want our team to perform up to the calibur we know and have seen them perform to.
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11-21-2006 @ 4:16PM
Mike said...
Judging by your screen name, i'm guessing you are a Saints fan. If not, it doesn't matter.
Either way, you sound like a bitter person. I just wonder what it was the Panthers ever did to you, because I know you have no basis for your claims that the Panthers are "cheap shot artists" other than the fact you have alot of built up hate.
Last I checked, teams focus their gameplan on Smith in every game and he stills wins the battle. Seattle not only doubled him, they triple and even quadruple covered him. I'd be pretty pissed about that if I was him too.
I know you hate the Panthers, Saint, but this can't be healthy for you. I suggest you go get some therapy fast.
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11-27-2006 @ 8:02AM
Ray Krafft said...
Again, get rid of Henning. He is still calling plays from the 60s and 70s. I can do a better job and I am not a coach. Need to talk with Wake Forest coach (Grobe). Mis direction. Get a defensive coordinator that is creative, get in the game. I am dissappointed in the Panthers. I belive they have the talent. They need good coaching. Get read for next season as this season is over if it continues like the way it is going.
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