Local writers tip toeing around Jake...

[Mesmer]

Just for the record, after Jake came in the Jacksonville game, I was ready to crown him the starter of this team.

I've really enjoyed having Jake as our QB, and he's brought us some great memories as Panther fans. Even though we haven't won the Super Bowl, he did something that year that nobody else could. He was good, and lucky, and basically put us through the Disney movie season. I'm thankful for that.

After Arizona, I wasn't ready to ditch him. I defended him all Summer long, about how it was just one game and how Jake will be fine. But I was wrong. I was wrong about Jake and now it's obvious he needs to be let go.

Moore may not be the long term answer, but he at least deserves a shot at starting next season. And I mean a legitimate shot. After what he's done in his starts this season, that's enough for me to say "Let's see what this guy can do."

We're desperate for a starting QB, just like we were when Rodney Peete was our QB. He was awful. Now, it's Jake's turn. He's awful, and he needs to be replaced. If you're afraid of change, that's fine, but at this point it's beyond ridiculous.

[panthers55]

I think everyone wants an open competition......just one that Jake is not involved in it. There is no such thing as open competition with Jake involved.

just like this year when Fox twice he might make a change but that what occured in practice would determine who would start the following week. That was a lie....as he never intended to give the other QB a look.....and both times annouced Jake as the start prior to a snap at practice given to Moore for consideration.

Then it isn't open at all. I trust Fox to take new information along with the old and make a decision for the best. One of the hallmarks for him every year is that he learns from his mistakes at least on that subject and makes changes. For example like how in 2005 when all our running backs got hurt we went out and drafted DeAngelo in the first round of the 2006 draft. And when Jake went down in 2006 for a few games and Weinke bombed, we go out and bring in David Carr in a failed attempt to correct that in 2007.

Well I am optimistic that Fox will figure out this year that he held onto Jake for too long and wouldn't do that again. If Jake started he would be on the shortest leash in the league especially after Moore has played so well. At the beginning this year Moore was still an unknown where now he is the starter. Next year having Moore and Delhomme go into camp to compete would be nothing like it was at the beginning of 2008.

Totally different situation.

[Mesmer]

If Jake is named the starter, it will suck the life out of the entire team. Do you think it's really coincidence how many turnovers we've forced since Jake went out? Really, do you? Do you not think there is something in the subconscious that speaks to that? "If I go 110% and get the ball back, Jake will just turn it over again"?

It's just like in hockey when you're goalie is letting in softy after softy... it deflates the entire team. Same thing when the QB is awful and turning the ball over like crazy.

Nobody believes in Jake anymore. They believe in Fox, but not Jake. Starting him would jeopardize Fox's influence amongst the troops. Believe it.

[Squirrel]

It is open just one where Jake wont be apart of.

[Cat]

You guys are stressing over something that likely isn't going to happen.

[panthers55]

Who cares what Jake did 6 years ago? He sucks NOW. As John Fox once said, "this is a what have you done for me lately league."

All of what Jake has done in the past is moot. He's proven on a number of occasions that he is incapable of even being a marginal QB anymore. End of story. I hate it. I like Delhomme. I wish he was decent -- but he's not. I also wish Joe Montana and Dan Marino could still play -- but they can't.

They used to be great, but they aren't now -- and that is the point.

And by the same token 2009 is almost over. If the distant past of a year ago (2008) is irrelevant than so is his performance this year an indicator of what next year will be. You are assuming he is finished but have no evidence yet but the recent past. Still the past is the past. He wouldn't be the first guy to need 2 years to get over major surgery and struggle in between. He may be done for sure but that is what next season is for, to find out in July and August and then make a decision. At this point it isn't even a roster spot.

[Squirrel]

McCown has more baggage and issues than Jake. He won't be here next year from what I am hearing.

He must be good Fox had him as #2 this season! So you would be comfortable with Moore, Jake and a rookie?

[panthers55]

No, it is not a good collaboration. You are saying that since Moore played worse with scrubs vs. how he looks when he plays with 1st stringers it means something.

Peyton Freaking Manning would show a decline in preseason also if he only played w/ the 2nd unit compared to his prior season.

It is the only comparison you have, Einstein.

[panthers55]

He must be good Fox had him as #2 this season!

Funny I thought he was on IR for almost all the season. Just shows how unsure everyone was about Moore this year.

[CRA]

Then it isn't open at all. I trust Fox to take new information along with the old and make a decision for the best. One of the hallmarks for him every year is that he learns from his mistakes at least on that subject and makes changes. For example like how in 2005 when all our running backs got hurt we went out and drafted DeAngelo in the first round of the 2006 draft. And when Jake went down in 2006 for a few games and Weinke bombed, we go out and bring in David Carr in a failed attempt to correct that in 2007.

Well I am optimistic that Fox will figure out this year that he held onto Jake for too long and wouldn't do that again. If Jake started he would be on the shortest leash in the league especially after Moore has played so well. At the beginning this year Moore was still an unknown where now he is the starter. Next year having Moore and Delhomme go into camp to compete would be nothing like it was at the beginning of 2008.

Totally different situation.

Yes, it can be open. That implies Jake isn't on the roster. Everyone wants a legit competition with QBs that can possibly help this team. Delhomme is done and him being on the roster is what will make it not a legit open competition.

the more and more you post....the more and more I think you are friends with someone we bash to some degree.....and that would explain why you always add in the "from what I am hearing".

[Pantherxtreme]

It was one line. Respond to the post. You guys can't argue with the general concept and logic so you try to nitpick a line or word to then dance down another bunny trail. Stick to the issue and stop trying to divert the attention from the real issue which is there is no reason under the sun not to take a look and wait approach rather than a rash hasty unconsidered one that could backfire at some point down the road.

But since that is not easy defended, continue to pick away at the undeniably logical approach.

A look and wait approach to what? Is that code speech for see if Delhomme can find his magic again, when in reality he was just an illusion to begin with.

Sorry but I think we as fans have been patience enough meanwhile our best players prime years are wasting away on a hope and a dream, we have "looked an waited" and this season has showed us that Delhomme is not the answer if we have Super Bowl hopes and Matt Moore is a better QB now and will only get better, Delhomme has had a whole career to get better and hasn't and thus will only get worse from this point.

[Gman was right]

You say that Jake doesn't deserve the right to have the job handed to him but Matt Moore has earned the right.

So are you advocating the job be handed to the best guy based on the previous year's performance or won in camp and the preseason based on current performance. From your statement it appears to be the former. Weren't you one of those criticizing Fox for being loyal and not making positions open to the best player. Seems you flip flopped on this one.

Matt moore is the current starter winning games for us and making plays for us correct? What part of that is past tence? There is a difference between sticking with a guy who is currently wiining games for you and sticking with a guy who has been declining and costing youy games over the last four years

[pantherpain]

Yes, it can be open. That implies Jake isn't on the roster. Everyone wants a legit competition with QBs that can possibly help this team. Delhomme is done and him being on the roster is what will make it not a legit open competition.

the more and more you post....the more and more I think you are friends with someone we bash to some degree.....and that would explain why you always add in the "from what I am hearing".

He does seem to have a vested interest outside of being a fan.

[Squirrel]

Funny I thought he was on IR for almost all the season. Just shows how unsure everyone was about Moore this year.

Who was #2 before McCown got injured.