Pressure Will Burst a Pipe

"Pressure will burst a pipe" is just one of many eloquent and entertaining quips from my Panthers radio broadcast partner Eugene Robinson.  Geni-Rob also hits Mick Mixon and me with the occassional "punch a man in the mouth, legally" and "get medieval on them" between his more detailed analysis of what's actually happening during the game.  But when looking at this upcoming Panthers versus Cowboys Monday Night Football matchup, the pressure of this week-3 regular season game is hanging over the two teams like a pending thunderstorm.  It's still September and yet it has the feeling of a season in the balance already for franchises that expect to be playoff participants.

So how did we get to this point so soon?  For the Panthers, following up a season-ending 20-point playofff loss to Arizona with a 28-point season-opening loss to Philadelphia crushed expectations that were set from last year's (12-4) regular season.  One week, Jake Delhomme turns the football over five times, while the next week Julius Peppers earns his weekly million dollars by making two tackles.  The Panthers are lacking at defensive tackle and safety because of injuries, and apparently are still adapting to a new defensive system.  Special teams are giving up big plays and field position in putting the defense behind the 8-ball. 

Dallas has similar concerns with quarterback Tony Romo coming off a 127-yard, three interception performance against the Giants.  Cowboys fans can't blame that one on Jessica Simpson.  After leading the NFL in sacks last year, they don't have one in their first two games.  The opening of a billion-dollar stadium and having not won a playoff game since 1996 add to the urgency in Big-D.  So, only two games in the book and already one or both of the teams will be in spin control on Tuesday morning.

Although they are currently a 9-point underdog, I actually like the Panthers chances to win this game.  John Fox teams always seem to rise up about the time they are being counted out.  The Panthers offense put up 440 yards in Atlanta and Dallas figures to put up even less resistance.  I emceed the Charlotte Touchdown Club luncheon this week where linebacker Jon Beason was the speaker.  He said to put the team's slow start on him.  He would come in about 22nd on the list of things to blame, but I look for him to show that same leadership on Monday as the Panthers try to save their season.

Comments

[Ken]

Alright Jim, now what? Really, what's the answer now? My opinion? Its time to flush the coaching staff AND Jake. What a stupid move this off season to give Jake a long contract instead of seeking out a QB for the future! I'll say I told you so again. Well there's always next year 'cause this one's a wash.

[the vert]

I agrre pressure really burst a pipe. And I can say this by my own experience as I have so much stress and pressure of work. I wish we can resist from it.