Playoff loss leaves Delhomme motivated for 2009

[AKPantherFan]

Playoff loss leaves Delhomme motivated for 2009

Quarterback Jake Delhomme said last season's disappointing 33-13 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Divisional playoffs will only serve as motivation for next season. Delhomme had six turnovers in that game, including five interceptions.

"We all know last year was a good year that ended terribly, especially for myself," Delhomme said in a conference call with reporters Thursday. "I had a big hand in it, not playing well in the playoff game. Nobody was more disappointed and down than I was by not putting my team in position to win, and that’s something I’ve always tried to pride myself on, to be there foir them in the end. It just wasn’t one of those days.

"Why it happened, I don’t know? But it did. Certainly things weren’t good for a while, but hey, that’s part of it. It just so happened it was the last game of the season in a playoff game. But that’s fuel to my fire, to work this offseason the way we have been and I’ve been so far. Looking forward to adding a few more pieces on Saturday and Sunday and see what we can do."

Delhomme said it took him awhile to get over that loss.

"I was inundated with phone calls, from people, friends, ex-players," Delhomme said. "I was kind of cheering them up when they’d call, because I think they knew how I felt. First of all, any time you lose the last game of the season -- say we lost by one point and I had a decent game -- it still would have stinged, and hurt. Knowing that, really, it was one of those days. ... I just didn’t see the field well for some reason. And I probably tried to force some things back into it. It did hurt."

Delhomme said he plans to learn from that loss.

"There’s no other way to put it," Delhomme said. "It’s not something you sweep under the rug, it’s not something I’m going to do. To say I don’t think about it every day, that would probably be a lie. You do think about it, but not as a true negative, more of a disappointment. It happens. You keep it in perspective. You have to keep working. If you’re in that situation again, you play better."[/

http://carolinagrowl.com/SteveReed/archive/2009/04/23/playoff-loss-leaves-delhomme-motivated.aspx

sounds like a man on a mission....

[Delhommey]

Now all he needs is the talent to make it happen.

[Fox007]

Why do you need to lose in such a horrid fashion to be motivated?

That being said, if he actually does learn/improve from this I would be impressed, and it would say a lot about him.

I'm glad he is putting that chip on his shoulder, and not letting it go away. Hopefully that will keep his ass in line.

[Fox007]

Now all he needs is the talent to make it happen.

Seriously, this was the funniest thing I have seen/read on this board.

[AKPantherFan]

“We think very highly of Jake and the contributions he has made to the Carolina Panthers,” said general manager Marty Hurney. “He has been a leader on the field, is a talented quarterback, is a perfect fit for our team and was a big reason we were able to win the NFC South last year. He has also always represented the team in the highest manner and earned the respect of everyone throughout the organization.”

“Jake is a most unselfish player,” Fox said. “His first concern is about the team, which has earned him respect throughout the locker room.”

Delhomme said his goal was to finish his career as a Panther.

“Playing for Mr. Richardson, Marty Hurney, Coach Fox, and my teammates has been a great experience and I am excited about the future," Delhomme said

Delhomme, who was in the final year of his contract and due to count more than $10 million under the NFL salary cap, said he was relieved to get a new deal done before the start of the season.

"It's all about being able to know that I can finish my career here in Carolina," Delhomme said. "That's what I've wanted, all I've ever wanted."

The move also opens up some much-needed salary cap (about $5 million) for the Panthers to sign some free agents. The team has been handcuffed by franchise player Julius Peppers' contract, which is taking up $17 million under the salary cap.

http://www.carolinagrowl.com/Read.aspx?Story=1065

[OneBadassCat]

Mother fvcker better be motivated.

[Brooklyn Bully]

Most cliche article ever.

[John Fox]

motivation can go so far... when you're washed up, you're washed up

[AKPantherFan]

I hpe Delhomme gets his trophy before he is done here, then you all can STFU.

U sound like a little bunch of whiney bitches

[X-Clown]

I can tell this is going to get a good response.

[frash.exe]

lol Delhomme's turning into a less marketable version of Brett Favre.

[Russell]

He's suppose to say that after the way he imploded in the playoffs. Doesn't sound like a man on a mission at all; more like an attempt to keep his job. Stupid article. He said nothing that has not already been said by many in the NFL or any sport for that matter.

[Squirrel]

So did his TJ! Jake doesnt need to be motivated he just needs to use his head.

[carpanfan96]

I hope he goes out and has an amazing season just so everyone can STFU about him being a bad qb. If he goes out and bombs, we have two backup QB's for a reason and next years class should be special at QB.