Jake Delhomme You’ll Be The Death Of Me And You’re Killing John Fox.

They say you ought not to put much store in the preseason games within the NFL . That being said , having caught a brief glance of the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants, gave me every reason to believe that this will be a long and arduous season for the Panthers. Much of their malaise stems from the mere fact that their quarterback , Jake Delhomme has regressed as a starter. And whilst, there was seemingly talk that the organization may well have been shown some interest in Michael Vick . Nothing ever came of it .

Leger Douzable of the Giants deflects the ball out of the hands of Panthers' backup quarterback Hunter Cantwell. It was one several turnovers by the Panthers during the game that resulted in a 24-17 loss to the New York Giants. Cantwell and starting quarterback Jake Delhomme didn't at all fare well during the preaseason game played at the Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Jared Wickerham .................

At best I , would consider Delhomme to be a moderately serviceable quarterback. But nowhere near, what I’d seek in a starter. He’s slow and has no real pocket presence , much less a strong arm. Somehow, within the offensive scheme conjured up by the team’s coach John Fox and his offensive coaching staff. The franchise has been moderately successful with Delhomme at the helm. That being said whether or not it was rust or lack of timing on Jake Delhomme’s part in the preseason game against the Giants. His performance in the game , albeit for no more than a couple of series. It can be best described as being pitiful ! The resulting 24-17 loss to the Giants, can’t have given the Panthers any faith in their starting quarterback. And I shudder to think how Fox, himself , may have felt after the player’s performance.

Josh McCown of the Carolina Panthers attempts a pass in the preseason game against the New York Giants played at Giants' Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Jim McIsaac ..................

And when one looks at the team’s roster and the quarterback’s within the fold. It leaves a great deal to be desired. Asides ,from Delhome , the likes of Josh McCown and Matt Moore and Hunter Cantwell , aren’t exactly the names that’d come to mind, or that one would consider to be earth shattering, in terms of a backup. But then again , much of that is all about perception, as they say. Somehow , I don’t even feel that either of those players will make the grade . Should they be placed in the position where they’d have to take over from Delhomme. And that’s why it’ll be imperative first of all for Jake Delhomme to remain healthy. But above all , consistent in his play , if the team are to fare well this upcoming season within the NFC South . And more importantly throughout their entire NFL regular season schedule. A playoff berth isn’t beyond this team if they play up to their full potential. But based upon the evidence thus far and in particular the play of Delhomme. It’s hard to see what positives one can hope to take out of this, at this moment in time.

Matt Moore (3) of the Carolina Panthers throws a pass during the preseason game against the New York Giants. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Jared Wickerham .................

Defensively , this team can be as good as they come . Especially when they apply themselves to the task. And on the defensive end, in Julius Peppers . They may well have one of the very best run stoppers out there. Peppers is ably assisted by stalwarts such as Chris Gamble , Tyler Brayton, Nate Salley and second year player Nick Hayden. In this particular aspect the Panthers are capable of holding their own. But again for there to be any success with regard to the defense. Then the players will have to also expect some vast contributions from not only their seasoned veterans. But also their young draftees.

Panthers' coach John Fox watches from the sidelines as his team faces the New York Giants. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo / Kathy Willens ...................

The Panthers’ offense has never really been in doubt. And with Steve Smith . They may well possess one of the more creative and dynamic wide receivers in the game. And with the return of seasoned veteran Muhsin Muhammad back with the team. The double threat posed by both does give the offense an added edge. But it’d also be remiss to discount the team’s running attack. That’s led by Johnathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams. The double tandem formation , that’s now seemingly becoming the norm ,for the vast majority of the teams around the NFL.

Panthers' starting quarterback Jake Delhomme attempts a pass during the preseason game against the New York Giants. Delhomme had a miserable start to the preseason in terms of his performance. He fumbled twice and completed only five of his seven attempts during the series he participated in. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Jared Wickerham .........................

With the rise in prominence of the NFC South and in particular the resurgence of the Atlanta Falcons under their young quarterback Matt Ryan . And the always dangerous New Orleans Saints - with the rebuilding project that’s now said to be be taking place with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers . It’s felt that the division ,for all sense and purpose will be a three horse race between the aforementioned teams. With the Buccaneers seated at the bottom of the table at the end of the regular season. This much is certain however, if the Panthers do fail. It won’t be for the lack of trying. As John Fox, is considered to be a hard task master amongst his peers around the league. That being said, it’ll be up to his starting quarterback Jake Delhomme to prove me wrong in my own suspicions as to how this team’ll fare.

Ahmad Bradshaw of the New York Giants runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the game. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Jim McIsaac ........................

And as alluded to , as Jake Delhomme goes , so too will this team. Their fortunes lay in the fact that he’s going to have to perform way above par in his position as the team’s starting quarterback. If this team is at all to do well. Mediocrity on his part can no longer be tolerated by the Carolina Panthers’ fans, the team’s players and in particular their coach, John Fox. If things do head south , then we may well see Fox on the way out, as there’s likely to be a change in the coaching regime within the organization.