Contenders trying to find their way........

[AKPantherFan]

Carolina (0-2)

What we thought about them heading into the season…

The Panthers would challenge for back-to-back division crowns based on their formidable rushing attack and the improved play of former Pro Bowl quarterback Jake Delhomme in 2009. In addition, the defense was expected to experience a revival under new defensive coordinator Ron Meeks and his vaunted Tampa-2 scheme.

What we have learned…

The Panthers' rush attack remains a devastating force, but the offense has been underminded by Delhomme's inconsistent play under center. The 11-year pro is the league's co-leader with five interceptions, and his abysmal 45.3 passer rating ranks as the second-lowest mark among starters. With his numerous miscues and turnovers setting opponents up with easy scoring opportunities, the Panthers have been forced to abandon their grind-it-out ways and throw the ball more often than they are accustomed. Additionally, the array of turnovers has allowed opponents to run relentlessly at Carolina's smallish defensive front. Teams have averaged 34.5 rush attempts against the Panthers, which ranks as the third-highest faced in the league.

What are the chances that the Panthers fix the problem…

Improbable. While Delhomme is bound to play better later in the season, the Panthers' schedule is full of stout defenses that will put the onus on the quarterback to win the game. Coach John Fox will attempt to minimize his exposure by relying on DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart to carry the load, but eventually Delhomme will have to put the ball in the air and his decision-making has been suspect for most of his career. It is unlikely that he will be able to act as the dutiful game manager that allows the running game and defense to pick up the slack. Furthermore, the defense has been riddled with injuries upfront (Maake Keomatu and Louis Leonard), and is incapable of withstanding the steady barrage of inside runs that opponents are poised to use against the decimated unit. While Meeks' arrival has improved the Panthers' woes against the pass, his scheme has perennially struggled defending the run and it doesn't appear to be any different this year.

more....http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d812dc3d6&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true

[Udogg]

We have improved against the pass?

[AKPantherFan]

DONT SHOOT the messenger ...

Just bringing some substance to the Huddle. (Even if its dense)

[Raskle]

I'm just trying to figure out how exactly someone underminds someone else? Is it being of lower intellect? Being on some sort of drug-induced hallucination? Is it being a Cowboys fan? I'm going with the third option myself...

[Chaos]

I'm just trying to figure out how exactly someone underminds someone else? Is it being of lower intellect? Being on some sort of drug-induced hallucination? Is it being a Cowboys fan? I'm going with the third option myself...

Yeah, saw that too. Geez, what idiots.