There is a common theme in the Panthers wins (beyond the fact they scored more points than their opponent, Einstein) and that is the ability to run the football. In their five victories, the Panthers are averaging 143 yards on the ground. In the two losses, the number drops to 43 yards rushing. Yes, being behind means more passing than running in trying to catch up, but the Panthers struggled to run from the beginning of the two losses at Minnesota and Tampa Bay. That ability to run the ball keeps the opponents offense on the bench and that was never more evident than against the Saints, as the Panthers clicked off a nine-and-a-half minute drive in the fourth quarter to salt the game away.
This is a tough stretch for New Orleans as they will spend 43 days between home games at the Superdome. This weekend's game in London against the Chargers is technically one of their home games. So, the Saints played at Carolina, next in London, then following the bye week have road games at Kansas City and Atlanta. They won't play another game in New Orleans until November 24th vs. Green Bay on a Monday night. After that, it's back on the road for three of their next four games before closing out the regular season at home against the Panthers December 28th. By then, their uniforms may not even match with lost luggage and dirty laundry.
NY Jets quarterback Brett Favre reportedly shared the Green Bay Packers playbook with the Detroit Lions back in week-2 of the regular season. If it's true, it's not illegal, but would really turn a lot of his former Packers fans against him. Of course the punchline is that nothing could help the Lions, as they got blistered that day and still have not won a game this season.
Panthers Coach John Fox told us Monday that there is some sharing of information when a current player goes against his former team (i.e. backup QB Josh McCown played five seasons for Arizona). However, he says the advantage is minimal and there is enough preparation and available tape that it's not a big deal. Again, reference the Lions outcome against Green Bay.
My longtime broadcast partner, Mick Mixon, reminded me that I've been there for every play of every Panthers football game for 14 years. It never really dawns on me what a small number of people that now includes, although there are two more in our radio booth with producer David Langton and engineer Bob White. I actually don't remember a lot of those plays, and even a few of the years, like 2001 which I've completely forgotten. I think we're somewhere around 280 games counting pre-season and post-season, but for me it is seasonal work like being a lifeguard. I've yet to help win a game, so don't blame me for any of the losses.
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