1It should be no secret to anyone that knows me personally, that the New Orleans Saints are number one, first and foremost, in my fanhood. However, one of the most quietly interesting stories in the NFC South may be that of the Carolina Panthers. Now in their 16th season of existence, the Panthers are a franchise that can boast 4 division titles, 3 NFC Championship Game appearances, an NFC Championship and Super Bowl appearance in the 2003 season. They are also one of the most consistently inconsistent teams of their time. The Panthers have never strung together back-to-back division titles or playoff appearances together.
After a promising 12-4 season in 2008, the Panthers had to rally late to finish .500 last year. With the departure of the team's only long-term quarterback, Jake Delhomme, to Cleveland via free agency, the Panthers are extremely limited in game experience at the quarterback position. Some questions have even arisen as to whether or not Head Coach John Fox, in his 10th season, is on the hot seat.
I, personally am of the opinion that Fox is going to have enough time to get and develop a QB or pick one up in free agency before he gets canned. I think that he has built up too much goodwill over the years to be dismissed without being allowed a reasonable opportunity to rebuilt. This may sound like trying to live in a world of candy canes and gumdrop forests in a dog-eat-dog world of professional sports. However I have a number of reason for thinking that, unless the Panthers regress at positions that are currently strengths, Fox will have, at least, until the 2011 season to salvage his job.
During the "where Michael Vick will play" speculation of the 2009 offseason, the Carolina Panthers appeared to be a viable destination. With an aging and often ailing Delhomme at the quarterback position, the Panthers appeared to be a viable fit for Vick's services. The Panthers, of course, passed on Vick, who signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Some assign blame to Fox for passing on Vick and the subsequent vacuum at QB.
However, is was not entirely Fox's decision, if Fox had much influence at all. Panthers had just signed Delhomme to a $20 million extension following the '08 season, a very good year for him (save for the playoff debacle). Hindsight is 20/20. The Panthers became liable for nearly $13 million in guaranteed salary to cut him. At the time Vick was available, that move would not have made good business sense. As a Saints fan, I, for one, am glad it worked out that way.
I also hope, if Fox gets the axe, that former Buccaneers and Super Bowl Champion coach Gruden decides he enjoys television and has no urge to return to the NFC South. With rookie QB Jimmy Clausen and those the powerful 1-2 punch the Panthers have at running back in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart (not to mention possible future Hall of Fame receiver Steve Smith), it is only a matter of time before the right coach, Fox, Gruden, or otherwise, brings the Panthers together.
2
No comments:
Post a Comment