Now that the Panthers have won their opening game over St. Louis, the bandwagon is filling up quickly. Don't worry, there is still plenty of time to jump on. The Panthers have a favorable opening schedule with games against Houston, Atlanta and Tampa Bay the next three weeks. While there should not be arrogance that the Panthers are a lock to start (4-0), they will be favored in each of those games and have a chance to get off to a flying start.
Things to get excited about include the offensive line opening big running holes and not allowing a sack. I liked Steve Smith getting three short receptions on the opening drive. It forced the Rams to press more, which allowed Smith to run deep later, including a touchdown and pass interference call. The running duo of DeShaun Foster and Deangelo Williams was solid, despite each fumbling. Defensively, the Panthers got great surge without having to blitz, as the secondary played better than expected.
The broadcast crew dined at J.Bucks in St.Louis, sitting amid the television screens filled with Michigan and Notre Dame losses. There was also a bridal shower going on at the next table with the recipient holding up each new "unmentionable" item overhead after unwrapping. It caused a minor distraction. One veteran married type said those items will probably end up lost in a dresser drawer after the honeymoon. Must have been a Wolverine fan, they can't get excited about anything right now.
Hard to believe that Michigan and Notre Dame are both 0-2 together for the first time in history. Now they play each other, so one of them will be 0-3. I think that will be the Irish, since they were expected to struggle. Michigan could be the college football version of the NY Yankees, who started slowly this year then came on strong. The Wolverines could still go 9-3 with a down year in the Big-10.
Former Buckeye, Drew Carter is on pace for 32 touchdowns this year for the Panthers, after scoring two against the Rams. Using that kind of math, Jake Delhomme will throw 48 touchdowns and no interceptions this season. Steve Smith has a goal of 2,000 receiving yards. Despite 118 yards in the opener, he is actually off the pace.
Trouble already for the defending NFC champion Chicago Bears. Rex Grossman still stinks and two defensive starters were injured in their 14-3 loss to San Diego. The other NFC favorite, New Orleans got splattered 41-10 by Indianapolis as Drew Brees and Reggie Bush got shutdown by what is an average Colts defense. Detroit could be this year's surprise team as I mentioned last week. Jon Kitna can be next Drew Brees if he keeps the interceptions under control.
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