Jim Szoke's Sports Blog

November Reign

At (8-2) the Panthers control their own fate and have done exactly what they set out to do.  They've improved their running game, including a team record 264 yards rushing versus Detroit.  The defense and special teams are greatly improved from last season.  They take care of business, beating the teams they are supposed to beat like the combined (2-18) Raiders and Lions.  Of course, it gets tougher the rest of the way with four of the remaining six games on the road.  Each opponent is .500 or better and they have another game with each team in the division.

I asked ESPN's Mel Kiper which was more likely...(0-10) Detroit going winless for the entire season or (10-0) Tennessee staying undefeated.  Kiper says he thinks the Titans will trip up somewhere along the way with the Jets, Steelers and Colts all capable.  The Lions could actually go oh-for-the-season, but in an interesting note they could kill two streaks at one time when they host the Titans on Thanksgiving.  Even in their worst seasons (and this would pretty well qualify), Detroit seems to play their best game at home on Turkey Day.

Why do I think we haven't heard the end of the Butch Davis to the University of Tennessee coaching rumors.  Not that he would necessarily take it, but call it the Nick Saban Rule.  No doesn't always mean "no" from coaches who are being swayed by major programs waving around $3 million contracts.   Davis has been given everything he asked for, including a pay raise by UNC, but SEC teams now think they have to buy a conference title like Alabama is in position for by out-spending each other.  

It was a no-brainer that UNCC's board would approve the go-ahead to pursue a football program.  Now, there's just the sticky little job of raising $45 million in a down economy to make it a reality.  Hopefully there are enough die-hards and wealthy alums that can make it happen.  An eventual on-campus stadium needs to be part of it though to really make it feel like their team.  I used to do play-by-play for the 49ers basketball team when they played at what is now Cricket Arena, and it felt more like doing a minor league pro team than a college team in that atmosphere. 

Former Atlanta Falcons star Michael Vick is due to be released from prison in eight months.  His debts outweigh his assets by over four million dollars, so Vick's agent is already talking about the quarterbacks return to the NFL.  Sounds right up the alley of Oakland and Dallas, so we'll see what team might be willing to take the PR beating of hiring a convicted dog killer.  It could happen and commissioner Roger Goodell will have an interesting decision to make on reinstatement.

    

  

The Thinking Man's Football Analysis

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. 

Nobody Breathe...

One quarter of the Panthers season is in the books and all is well.  With a (3-1) record, they have survived some of the NFL's toughest running backs and defenses already.  The Panthers defense is playing at a high level, having kept the likes of Ladainian Tomlinson, Adrian Peterson and Michael Turner well under their averages.  And now continues to be their best opportunity to pad the record with four out of five games at home and three out of four games within the NFC South. 

The Panthers broadcast network is off to a good start on the road portion of the schedule, budgeting per diem to it's most efficient level.  In the pre-season, we found awesome roast beef at Shanks & Evelyn's in Philadelphia, then french fries on the sandwiches at Primanti's in Pittsburgh.  Then got into regular season form staying at La Jolla with the beautiful people in San Diego, and taking in the Ryder Cup at Brit's Pub in Minneapolis, which features lawn bowling on the roof.  Oh, and the team is playing well too. 

It's been a busy week or so in the NFL with a general manager (Matt Millen) and two head coaches (Scott Lineham and Lane Kiffin) getting the boot.  Obviously, there was carry over from last season(s) that led to their dismissals, but it's ridiculous to be blowing people out in September.  I think the era of 24-hour all-sports radio and television, along with internet speculation creates itchy trigger fingers.  Millen was an exception getting seven years (way too many!) to straighten out the Lions, but Lineham and Kiffin were both just hired last season with no real prospects of a permanent replacement.

Speaking of internet speculation, how about Rusty Wallace being rumored to return to Sprint Series racing in a blog by his brother Kenny Wallace.  Turns out Kenny was wrong, and these are brothers who actually are close to one another!  I'm sure Kenny would not have blogged it if there were not some serious discussion, so maybe he got thrown under the bus, or chevrolet in this case.    

It should be an interesting baseball post-season with some new story lines.  Tampa Bay is in for the first time ever after being a team that could be counted on for 100 losses a season.  Maybe Kevin Costner's catchy little generic song of "dusting yourself off" and "giving it your all, cuz only you can make your dreams come true" inspired the Rays.   Or maybe it was better pitching and hitting.

A Cubs/White Sox series would be awesome considering it's been 102 years since the last opportunity for that to happen.  The Brewers are in for the first time in 26 years, Manny Ramirez has made the Dodgers fun to watch, while the Red Sox now can't stop winning titles after so many decades of trying.  And for the first time in 13 years, no Yankees in the post-season despite having by far the highest payroll in the majors.  Can't fire the manager, already did that last year when they were actually contenders.

Sweet Caroline

The Panthers (2-0) start is impressive considering the caliber of competition they have faced and that they won without their top playmaker.  It says a lot about the defense that the win over Chicago came with just 217 yards of total offense.  Rookie Jonathan Stewart saved the day with his ability to break tackles and score two touchdowns.  Now, with Steve Smith returning this week against Minnesota, defenses will no longer be able to stack the line of scrimmage with 10 defenders as the Bears did.   

Jon Beason and Chris Harris have given the Panthers defense the rough edge they need to be intimidating over the middle.  Both should get Pro Bowl consideration if they keep up the pace.  Harris has forced fumbles in the first two games after leading the NFL in that category last season.  Chris Gamble recovered both fumbles this year and quietly has become the best of the Panthers talented cornerback trio.   

The Panthers have taken a song page from Davidson, playing "Sweet Caroline" at the end of their home victory over the Bears.  Might need to book Neil Diamond to sing the national anthem if this keeps up.  Darius Rucker, formerly of Hootie and the Blowfish had the honors on Sunday, keeping the Panthers undefeated when he performs.   

One of the nice stories early in the NFL season has been Packers QB Aaron Rodgers.  After riding out the Brett Favre retirement saga in the off-season, he took his first "Lambeau Leap" with a touchdown in their opener, then threw three more touchdowns in their blow-out of the Lions....I guess the Patriots do have a few more players beside Tom Brady.  It will be interesting to see how smart Bill Belichick looks as a coach without Brady over the long haul though...the Chargers are going to need professional counseling after getting beat on a walk-off touchdown by the Panthers, then the referees robbing them on two crucial calls in a 39-38 loss to Denver...wonder if the Browns will ever beat the Steelers after dropping their 10th consecutive game against Pittsburgh.

Appalachian State made headlines last year, and now it's East Carolina's turn off to a (3-0) start and ranked 15th in the AP poll this week...Georgia must have made somebody mad as they win each week and drop in the rankings again, now from first to third... Southern Cal looks like they can punch their ticket to the BCS title game even though it's only mid-September...Ohio State wasn't even in the same class as USC.  In fact, the Big 10 and ACC may need to petition the NCAA to keep their Division 1-A football status if they don't pick up the pace....Charlie Weis didn't sell his soul, but did give up a knee ligament for Notre Dame to beat Michigan.   

Season's Greetings

The Panthers will find out immediately where they stand this season when they open at San Diego.  Carolina looks like a playoff team to me.  Once Steve Smith returns in week-3 the offense can operate at full capacity, and without him will have to pound it with the one-two punch of Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart.  Jake's arm looks stronger than ever, Julius Peppers has the "pep" back in his step, and Jon Beason may supplant Brian Urlacher as the top middle linebacker in the NFC.    

The Chargers are the trendy AFC pick to reach the Super Bowl pick for those tired of penciling in Tom Brady's Patriots and Peyton Manning's Colts.  Of course, injuries to those two could actually slow them down to say 40 touchdown passes each this year.  We seldom travel out more than one day before a game for a roadtrip, but we will get an early jump out to San Diego.  Tough assignment, as we stay around the corner from Torrey Pines, where the US Open was held.  To balance it out, we get two days in Oakland later this season.

Important NFL notes to start your season...Bengals WR Chad Johnson is to officially be referred to by his new legal name, Chad Ocho Cinco.  Ocho Cinco actually means "8-5" in Spanish, not "85," but too much trouble to change it again.  I guess he didn't take coach Marvin Lewis' suggestion of Ocho Psycho.

While Detroit Lions new running back, Rudi Johnson was meeting with team coaches and management, out-going running back Tatum Bell stole his luggage.  This was actually caught by surveillance video cameras at the Lions complex.  A woman later returned the Gucci bags, minus Rudi's credit cards, ID and underwear.  I guess Tatum is not planning on playing for another team in the NFL and was looking for some parting gifts.

Nice start to the NBA by former Kansas stars Mario Chalmers and Darrell Arthur.  The league throws a four-day transition symposium to acclimate the incoming college stars to the NBA.  But Chalmers and Arthur got evicted by commissioner David Stern after being busted for having marijuana and women in their room.  Security had to break into their room since the players wouldn't let them in, and one person was in the bathroom repeatedly flushing the toilet.  Guess they had to miss the Dennis Rodman lecture by leaving early.

On Golden Pond

South Meck grad Ricky Berens was a member of the 4x200 relay team that helped Michael Phelps to another world record and one of his eight gold medals at Beijing.  We ran into his mom and first swim coach, Leslie, at church on Sunday.  She was wondering what to do with Ricky when he gets back home in a few days.  Great question because there's got to be a little letdown getting back into the pool to train for the next meet I would think.  As for Phelps with 16 medals overall, he's within three of having the most all-time when he hits the water in London in 2012.  There is speculation that Phelps could make a total of $40 million from endorsements, etc. from his eight gold medal performance.      

I think it's ironic that baseball and softball will no longer be Olympic sports, but badminton and rifle shooting remain in.  Granted, we send AA level baseball players and the whole world can't compete, but it is a fairly well known sport.  I think anything that begins with the word "synchronized" probably shouldn't be considered a sporting event.  Cirque du soleil in Las Vegas would need to be included as an Olympic training camp.

In case you were confused, it's pronounced Bay-Jing, not Bay-Zhing as Bob Costas and many on NBC's own broadcast have called it.  I didn't know that until these games myself.  As one expert said, we don't sing "Zhingle Bells" at Christmas time. 

On to football, where the Panthers seem to have all of the components of a quality football team this year.  Of course, we have to throw in the caveat "if they can stay healthy."  When you look at their best teams in 1996, 2003 and 2005 that was a vital component.  Not having Steve Smith for the first two games will hurt especially with so many other receivers missing time with injuries in the preseason.  With Deangelo Williams leading the way, the running game looks the best it has since 2003.  Jake, Julius and some of the other key contributors also seem stronger than ever.      

We have three boys playing school football this season in our house.  We can't afford to feed all of them anymore, so one of them is going to have to go.  It's a tough choice because the little one eats as much as the big one.  They start with dessert, then snack, meal, and back to dessert.  I don't eat the ice cream because I catch them spooning it right out of the container.  None of them clean up after themselves despite constant threats of lifetime banishment.  I'm going to stop talking now because I'm starting to get on my own nerves and I don't remember once cleaning anything in our college dorm room.       

Lucas Turns the Other Cheek

Baseball great Jackie Robinson was instructed by Brooklyn Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey to "turn the other cheek" when it came to dealing with racial comments as he broke baseball's color barrier in the 1940's.  Now, Panthers CB Ken Lucas is literally doing just that after taking a punch from teammate Steve Smith that left him with a broken nose and swollen cheek.  Lucas has physically "taken one for the team" by not retaliating against Smith.  He accepted Smith's apology not just for himself, but for the entire Panthers team which could have been pulled apart by this breach of conduct.  Lucas' reaction shows his personal character and also his willingness to not let a bad moment bring down the season.

Smith has been appropriately remorseful for his actions.  It was six seasons ago that he also had a similar one-sided fight with former teammate Anthony Bright.  Ironically, Smith alluded to his personal change in character from that time just four days earlier in an interview at Wofford College.  I listened to both players speak on Monday, and both spoke from the heart and seem genuine in their desire to put the ugly incident behind them. 

There will be an impact on the football field though as the Panthers will be without their biggest playmaker for their opening games versus San Diego and Chicago.  Ryne Robinson has a banged up knee, which further depletes the position.  Muhsin Muhammad and D.J. Hackett will be the starters, while Dwayne Jarrett will have to step up.  Another player to keep an eye out for this preseason is number-11 Jason Carter, who spent most of last season on the Panthers practice squad and has showed promise in training camp.            

Some thoughts from Spartanburg...Julius Peppers looks to be in the best shape of his life.  In fact, when he's not wearing pads, he looks like he's wearing pads.  Jon Beason again showed that he can be the leader of the defense by jumping in to break up the fight between Smith and Lucas.  Rookie Charles Godfrey is the clear-cut leader to start at the other safety position opposite Chris Harris.  The Panthers offense will be as good as the offensive line will allow it to be with all five starting positions different from last year.  GM Marty Hurney says if he had it all to do again, he would pick Jonathan Stewart and Jeff Otah again with their first round picks.   

Bank of America Stadium has had it's busiest off-season.  The most noticeable change will be the giant endzone video screens in HD.  You'll also see flat-screen televisions in the concourse and an improved sound system.  Stadium President Jon Richardson says the addition of barbeque last season was a big hit and will continue with a new BBQ shack this season.  He says he experimented with garlic fries because they were popular at San Francisco 49ers games, but found that was not the taste of Panthers fans, who prefer the local cuisine.

Training Wheels

Panthers training camp at Wofford College is here.  Although, don't blink or you may miss it.  Camp will only go for about two and a half weeks as the Panthers will break camp when they head to Philadelphia for their second pre-season game.  Some of that has to do with smaller rosters of 80 players with no NFL Europa players exemptions since it no longer exists.  Training camp in Spartanburg brings a number of important decisions to make, such as The Beacon or Ike's Korner Grille for a lunchtime burger.  But here are some other battles to keep an eye out for...

Rookie running back Jonathan Stewart will provide the Panthers with the potential for the pound-it type back they have lacked since...wait for it, wait for it...Stephen Davis.  He and DeAngelo Williams should provide a talented young duo at running back.  The offensive line looks deeper than it has in years despite releasing Mike Wahle and Justin Hartwig.  Jordan Gross does his annual flip-flop at the tackle positions with first-rounder Jeff Otah hopefully ready to jump in on the right side, while Travelle Wharton moves to left guard.  Second-year player Ryan Kalil will start at center, with a number of players vying for right guard where free agent Keydrick Vincent may be the leading candidate as camp begins.

It will be interesting to watch as quarterback Jake Delhomme will eventually have to take hits on his surgically repaired elbow from large men in bad humor.  Matt Moore showed a lot of promise as a rookie with Brett Basanez in line for the third quarterback position.  They'll be throwing to a revamped receiving corps with Muhsin Muhammad reunited with Steve Smith and former Seahawk DJ Hackett competing with Dwayne Jarrett for playing time.   

Defensive line is the biggest question mark with the departures of Kris Jenkins, Mike Rucker and Kindall Morehead.  The wildcard is 3-time All Pro Julius Peppers who fell off dramatically in production last season.  Free agent Tyler Brayton and young players Charles Johnson and Stanley McClover will have to step up. 

Linebacker looks like the strength of the unit as Jon Beason was a beast and team leader as a rookie.  Add free agent Landon Johnson to go with Thomas Davis and Na'il Diggs all capable of starting.  Fourth round pick Dan Connor was a steal after a great collegiate career at Penn State.  Adam Seward and James Anderson provide quality depth, among others.      

Chris Harris solidified the middle of the secondary, and the Panthers are high on rookie Charles Godfrey at safety.  Corner is solid with the trio of Richard Marshall, Chris Gamble and Ken Lucas.  Special teams will be point of emphasis with the addition of Rhys Lloyd on kickoffs to help out John Kasay and Jason Baker.  The return game needs improvement with Jonathan Stewart getting a look there along with incumbent Ryne Robinson.  Free agent additions Ricardo Colclough and Travis Taylor could factor into the equation.   

Favre Falls Out of Favor

Brett Favre reportedly contacted the Green Bay Packers about a possible return, including a text message to GM Ted Thompson.  Thompson's reply was that he was on vacation and would get back to him.  So this is what it has come down to for the greatest quarterback of his era.  Yes, Favre is a first ballot hall-of-famer and would make the Packers a better team, but he has put them in an awkward position as they committed fully to backup Aaron Rodgers when Favre announced a few months ago that he did not want to play.  Likely, Favre wants to be the starter but only commit part-time to the meetings and practices that go with the job. 

Part two of the story is that if Favre is serious about returning, and the Packers have moved on, then what?  Green Bay would have the option to trade or release Favre who had two years remaining on his contract.  That is what led to the insane report that Favre's first choice is Carolina.  As good as Favre is, and don't forget the Packers came within an overtime of reaching the Super Bowl, the Panthers make no sense.  They've waited nearly a year for Jake Delhomme to rehab and all indications are that his elbow is stronger than ever.  Favre is likely to play for just a season, and then you will have miffed Delhomme.  John Fox is very loyal to his players and they like the long-term potential of second year player Matt Moore.   The Packers will have a public relations disaster with their fans if they move Favre to a contender while they back-pedal with Rodgers.

It's time for football to return as training camp is later this month.  No offense, but the past few weeks of tennis, cycling and soccer as top news is getting old.  I will say that the story of MAC swimmers such as South Meck grad, Ricky Berens, qualifying for the US Olympic team has made next month's games in Beijing much more interesting to watch. 

Tony Stewart finally found somebody he can work with...Tony Stewart.  Not that he did not like Joe Gibbs, but Stewart has not been happy with their move to Toyota from Chevrolet.  With Stewart co-owning his own race team next season, he can get back into the Chevys and have control of his race operations.  It's a logical next step for him and Ryan Newman is reportedly the front-runner to join Stewart-Haas Racing as their second driver, with teenager Joey Logano perhaps ready to take over the number-20 car that Stewart leaves behind at JGR.   

Yankees star Alex Rodriguez is something else.  Not only is he going through a high-profile, multi-zillion dollar divorce and spending late nights learning mystical Kaballah from Madonna, but still continues to hit well. He was named to his 12th all-star team and is surpassing Mickey Mantle on the all-time home run list.  That's a full day for anybody.

Speaking of which, it feels good to sleep-in until 4:30 am after getting up at 3 am to fill-in for Al Gardner as host of Charlotte's Morning News.  Suddenly, 4:30 is like sleeping in til noon.  Thanks to the great Ty Boyd and WBTV's excellent Steve Crump for coming in to co-host with me.  Ty says one day was enough as he continues his 30-year break from broadcasting.      

   

Back at the Mill

It's Monday morning and we just got back from a week at the beach.  I tried to complain that it was back to the grind until I remembered my job is to talk about sports for a living, so it's been hard to drum up much sympathy.  Good news America, this reporter can tell you that there is no food shortage in the North Myrtle Beach area.  Based on eyewitness accounts, most Americans at the beach have not missed a meal.  Also, the tatoo and body piercing industry is alive and well.

Just heard that Tiger won the US Open and did it on a broken leg and a torn up knee.  Ok, I actually did watch the great drama unfold last week.  But to know after the fact that Tiger won with those injuries, and with a full extra round of golf on Monday is one of the great all-time sports stories.  Not to mention, coming into the US Open without playing competitive golf for two months and still beating the best in the world.  Maybe he could run for president during his rehab for reconstructive knee surgery.   

My dad's birthday is also this week.  It's easy to remember because it's always near Father's Day.  He gets nothing for either day, because then he feels obligated to buy me something for the same occassions.  Since we both hate to shop, we call it even.  We did have a great golf outing at his home course in Chester, taking the kids down to play too.  "Pops" still wins, carrying an 11 handicap, making it 72 straight years that he is better than me at golf, throwing in the 29 years I wasn't born since I know he would have won those too.

Also on my "working" vacation, enjoyed watching UNC make a great run through the college world series.  Metal bats are crazy though, it's scary how quickly the ball can leave the park.  Ken Griffey Junior might have hit 1,000 home runs by now if the majors allowed them. 

George Carlin just passed away, and most news accounts refer to his "seven dirty words" you can't say on television.  For my money, his football/baseball routine was the topper.  In football you wear a helmet, in baseball you wear a cap...Also, was saddened by the passing of Tim Russert the day before we went out of town.  A lifelong Buffalo Bills fan, but a little better know for his political interviews.  He was the standard for being fair and informed.