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.

All Good Things Must Come To An End …..

For all 32 teams of the NFL , they start out , on an even keel. There’ll be those who’ve the aspirations of having what they deem to be a successful season. And then there’ll be others who’ll just look to make of it, what they will, as to the season.

Browns' quarterback Derek Anderson (3) throws a pass during the team's training camp on Wednesday , held in Berea , Ohio. Brown and teammate Brady Quinn are in competition for the starting job on the team. And team coach Eric Mangini has yet to make a decision as to who his starter will be for either the presason or the regular season games. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/Tony Dejak .................

The preseason schedule notwithstanding, gives the fans something of an insight, as to the direction of their team or teams might be taking . OK, so we can all agree, we’ll see something of a watered down product on the field. As many of the starters won’t be in a game , for more than one or two series at best , during the preseason. And this will give the coaching staffs of the respective teams more of an insight as to their draftees and practice squad players on the fringe of making a team’s roster.

Jags' wide receiver Troy Williamson makes a catch during training camp, held in Jacksonville, Florida. The Jaguars are hoping for a far more successful season. Given last year's disappointment of a 4-12 debacle as to their season's aspirations. If anything their coach Jack Del Rio is one of the coaches , most consider to be on the hot seat. Failure again and most likely this season will be his last. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Phil Coale ............

With that in mind , I look at this season, as one of hope for a number of teams. In particular , for the likes of the Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars , Carolina Panthers , New Orleans and somewhat optimistically, the Detroit Lions . These teams in particular , I feel in many ways , they’ve either been overwhelmed with the expectations placed upon them. Or in some cases in terms of their personnel, they just didn’t have what it’d take to acquit themselves well, this past season. That being said, I’m not so sure that they’ll have enough of what it might take to actually make amends this upcoming season. And with the preseason already underway , with the Hall of Game having been played between the Tennessee Titans and Buffalo Bills . There’s a feeling in the air that this season is all but under way , bar the preseason.

Saints' wide receiver Devery Henderson makes a touchdown catch in front linebacker Usama Young during the team's training camp in Metairie , La ,. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Bill Haber .......................

As a New England Patriots’ fan , I’m hoping to see the team rebound from last season. And especially so , given the fact that we came oh so close , to making the playoffs. Were it not for the spectacular turnaround by the Miami Dolphins and their inspiring play. It may well have been a season, whereby the Pats could’ve made some real noise in the postseason. But alas, it wasn’t to be ! This season however, with Tom Brady , back helming the team at the quarterback position. The franchise is expected to do well. And with the addition of seasoned veterans Joey Galloway , Fred Taylor and Derrick Burgess . They ought to prove themselves more than up to the task of reclaiming their status amongst the elite of the NFL.

Pats' quarterback Tom Brady (12) leads the team's qb's through a team drill at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough , Mass,. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Winslow Townson ......................

And while there are but thirty two teams within the NFL and parity being what it is. Well all know that in essence, it’s really about 5 or 6 teams that in reality have a real chance of raising the Lombardi Trophy. OK , so once in a while there’ll be a Cinderella story that’ll have the public in awe. As it was last year, with the Arizona Cardinals and their surprising ascent and a place in the Superbowl. The other teams might well be thought of as also rans or just there to make up the numbers. The point is , that during the regular season we’ll get to see each episode unfold as the season progresses.

Lions' fans watch the training camp practice at the team's facility in Allen Park, Michigan. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Paul Sancya ................

Tonight’s preseason game is a rematch of Superbowl XLIII between the reigning champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals. This ought to be a game in show only . It bears no real semblance as to how both teams will fare with regard to the remainder of the preseason. It’s merely a guide for the respective coaching staffs , as to how their draftees and practice squad assignees are hoping to fare. This much is true for these players, in particular, they’re going to have to justify the faith shown in them by the coaches. As to the front-line players this merely gives them a chance to shake off the rust of the off-season. Practicing in pads is one thing , the preseason is another. But nothing , absolutely nothing , gets the players’ juices rushing once the whistle is blown for that first regular season game and the first hit is landed. That’s what the players yearn and the fans genuinely live for . And who can blame them ?

Steelers' running back Rashard Mendenhall (34) runs through the defensive line during practice at the team's practice facility on the campus of St Vincent College in Latrobe , Pa,. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Gregory Shamus .................

As the sixteen game schedule reaches its culmination and the berths are assigned for the playoffs. Let’s hope your team is there. If not, then you can always rally around another , if that’s your wish. But then again, the aspirants as they are, know that at the end of the day . There can but be only two teams playing in the Superbowl, itself. And for the 30 teams sitting at home on the 8th February 2010 . The two teams playing in Miami , will be looking to have their names etched on the Lombardi Trophy and become part of NFL folklore.

The Super Bowl and the NFL have become a part of the fabric of the country’s society. And if anything it’s become almost as important as a national holiday , for many. Fortunately for the most rabid of fans it’s something that we’ve come to appreciate. Perhaps more so, than any other national sporting event that the country has. However , for those teams who aren’t a part of the day’s events as to their participation . For them , as it’s often been said ” …… all good things must come to and end.”

Picks And Pans ………

Maurice Clarett , now there’s a name I’d rather not hear ! Over-hyped, enabled by all within the Ohio State’s athletics program. Having squandered, what many thought was once a promising college career. The Buckeyes’ running back felt that he was ready for the NFL as a sophomore entrant at the next level, in terms of his football career. He sought to challenge the NFL’s age eligibility entrance requirements. Having failed in that endeavor, Clarett’s ambitions spiraled downards and headed south. Next thing we knew , the former Buckeye had ran afoul of the law and he then sought to blame others for the poor choices that he’d made.

Clarett seen here making a phone call while in prison. The former Buckeye sought his early release but has since requested the state Parole Board to rescind the request. The player still feels that upon his release , he'll have something to offer the NFL as a player. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Michell Mayhew .....................

Granted , one has to be accountable for one’s actions but at the same time , I’ve a question to ask. What is it that Clarett apparently learned whilst in college ? Other than being there, on an apparent football scholarship. It’d appear that the player forsook all the privileges made available to him. Now an inmate within the state penal system in Ohio . Clarett recently tried an appeal to the state parole board in order to gain his early relase. Misguided as Clarett is , he’s still under the impression that he’s got something to offer to the NFL. From my point of view , that’s akin to Paris Hilton stating that she’d be a suitable candidate to be the next Professor Emeritus at Yale or Harvard. On both levels, Hilton and Clarett share the same sort of personas. They’re both of the opinion that they’re talented and have something to offer to the world. As to what that might be , I’d leave that up for you to decide.

Jason Bartlett (right) gets the high five from teammate Evan Longoria after the player had hit a home run in the Rays' 6-4 defeat of the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field , St Petersburg, Florida. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Chris O'Meara ....................

Last night , the Tampa Bay Rays (60-48) took the second of two games, in a two game series against the Boston Red Sox (62-44) . That being said, the Rays are still behind the 8 ball in terms of garnering a wild card berth as an entrant into the postseason. They’re now equal with the Texas Rangers percentage points’ wise and are three games behind the venerable Boston Red Sox. Their only hope now may lie in the fact that the Red Sox now face a do or die series against the AL East division leading, New York Yankees . Should the Sox then fall there, then it’s create something of a respite for the Rays as to their long term ambitions might appear , as to the remainder of the season. As good as they appear to have been playing at present . It has been their inconsistency to win back to back series regularly, that has primarily harmed their chances and that has placed them in the predicament that they now find themselves in.

Rays' DH Pat Burrell smiles as he leaves the field alongside the team's third base coach Tom Foley. Burrell had just hit a sixth inning home run off Red Sox pitcher Brad Penny . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Chris O'Meara ....................

Rays’ coach, Joe Maddon , has to have been satisfied as of late with the play of his All Stars, Carl Crawford , Evan Longoria and in particular Jason Bartlett . This trio, seemed to have epitomized what this team has been about as of late. On the pitching front , it has been Matt Garza and James Shields , that’ve borne the brunt of the work. But for the unfortunate Shields , he’s never gotten the run support needed when he’s gone and out and pitched a gem of a game for the team. The batters have let him down , all too often !

Rays' pitcher David Price delivers a pitch during the first inning of the game played against the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field in St Petersburg. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Chris O'Meara ........................

As the season now reaches the stage, where teams will now have to be at their level best. It remains to be seen whether or not the Tampa Bay Rays are able to replicate the success of last year and go one step further and perhaps win the World Series . It’s makes for an interesting prospect don’t you think ?

Vick seen here on his to court in Virginia stemming from his indictment on illegal dogfighting and illegal gambling charges. The player recently finished serving two years in a Federal penitentiary in Leavenworth Kansas. He now hopes to resume his career in the NFL. But still has to serve four game suspension as part of the re-instatement process. He also has the alternative of signing with an UFL team , rather than awaiting to play in the NFL. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Paul Taylor ..........................

As Michael Vick looks to make his comeback within the NFL . Already having been re-instated , he’s still now under suspension , courtesy of the NFL’s commissioner , Roger Goodell . There may well be, one or two teams around the league intrigued to see what the player may well have to offer to a franchise , by way of his play. That being said , two years away from the game , all of the rust and then returning back to a physical regimen won’t shake off the lethargy that the player’ll no doubt posssess. But it appears that the NFC South’s Carolina Panthers as well as the Green Bay Packers are indeed keen to see what Vick might be able to do for their respective franchises. Albeit, that the John Fox coached Panthers, still has Jake Delhomme doing the signal calling for the team. What we have come to realize, is that despite the enigma that Vick is said to be as a player. When he’s on the field of play , there is something that’s electrifying about him. He may well be one of a handful of players , who when they’re in a game , can seemingly make the impossible happen, that can change the complete course and outcome of a game.

As to the Packers , one now must wonder what may well be going across the mind of Aaron Rodgers ? Will be he pull a Jay Cutler on Mike McCarthy ? And clearly one would’ve thought after the team’s distastrous handling of the Brett Favre saga. This’d be the last thing that they would want landing on their plate, within the midst of the Packer faithful. I guess that they’d better call in former White House Press Secretaries to Presidents’ George W Bush and Bill Clinton , in Dee Dee Myers and Ari Fleischer . At least those two , know how to handle any blowback that might and any type of turmoil that’s liable to take place . They’re very well versed in dealing with the media. Which is more than can be said of McCarthy and the Packers’ hierarchy.

However, the unfortunate thing for most fans of the NFL , is the mere fact that we’ve never seen Vick produce that sort of a performance at the professional ranks , much less at the college level. Granted , his career has been built around his exceptional physical abilities and athleticism. But when was the last time you actually saw or even remember Vick playing and leading a team with a great deal of authority ? You may well need to have the memory of an elephant to in-fact go back that far. In reality, it has been few and far between for the player. And in terms of his performances on the field as a professional.

Vick seen here playing for the Atlanta Falcons looks to evade the Eagles' defensive player Sean Considine in a game played at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia in December of 2006. picture appears courtesy of getty images / Jim McIsaac .........................

Now should Vick return to the NFL , it may or may well not be at his desired option of being a quarterback. One way or another however, his return will be welcomed by some . But in other circles, it’ll be looked upon as just another self indulgent star being granted another oppportunity after seemingly being unable to be cognisant of what’s right from what is indeed wrong . Nevermind, the fact that as an adult he was unable to admit to his actions when first asked. We may well be asked to be a forgiving society and in particular of those we believe to be deserving of a second chance. But are we actually able to really forgive someone who from the very onset made a choice on all accounts , he knew to be wrong ?

Smash and……

Smash and Dash have had a divorce - that's official...." - Chris Johnson

Notice that I’m a Middle Tennessee native and huge Titans fan. That’s why I may sound like a fan rather than a writer.

OK, so my favorite Titan and second favorite player, Chris Johnson had something to say about the formerly discussed nickname “Smash and Dash.” While reading The Tennessean today I saw that he no longer wanted to be a part of “Smash and Dash.” It kills me, and I feel it disrespects LenDale White! It really is just making me mad. Everyone is saying goodbye to White, when he was the one that made the nickname, KNOWING that he wasn’t going to get as many carries. He made that nickname for them, even though HE (White) was the one getting tossed aside.

Then Johnson loves the nickname,. They are seen everywhere, looking like a real team. They make a handshake even! Then the next offseason he can do this crap! Here’s what Johnson had to say:

“Smash and Dash have had a divorce – that’s official. I have to be my own guy, so no more Smash and Dash. That was last year. ‘Every Coach’s Dream,’ that’s me. Because they say every team has its own identity. I feel for me, I can’t be noticed as a group anymore. I am my own guy.”

“Every Coach’s Dream,” is what he says he is? Coaches want team players, not babies that only care about them selfs. Don’t be a T.O., Johnson! Did you see T.O. on the new reality show - Superstars? You really want to be that?

Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams are actually happy about this. Remeber the big debate on who’s nickname it really was? Well it’s a lost cause now – Williams and Stewart ARE  Smash and Dash now. That’s a good 6 days of smack talk down the drain.

What does White think? Does Johnson even care? Well, Johnson said this with a smile on his face:

“It doesn’t matter what he says about that. I don’t know what he’ll say think…

“You know when your wife has everything packed up by the door – you’ve got to go. It is kind of like that situation. We’re going on seperate ways.”

“Seperate ways.” Now if you lived in TN, you’d here the talk. All I here is, “White is leaving” or “White is out.” Now his own teamate is falling for that junk. White carried the Titans just  two years ago. Carried us all the way to the playoffs. Now there’s a new kid in town, and White is out? When White was in top 5 for rushing touchdowns just last year! What Trash!

Now I gotta’ get some LenDale in here:

“You know the little brother who always falls of his bike, and the big brother come and shows you how to ride it? Eventually the little brother learns how to ride it, but that one time they slip up and bust their head and they forget what big brother taught him.

You might want look over that again. Took me two readings to understand what he meant. But, I got him now. I see what he means.

White went on to say:

“We’re going to have to go back in the lab and figure things out and then we’ll definitely be hearing an apology out of my younger brother. … But I guess it’s now, ‘Smash and I’m Going to Whoop His [explicit]. We’ll talk.”

Now Johnson is asking everyone who follows him on twitter to come up with some new touchdown celebrations. Because he thinks he’s going to be there a lot. Replace ‘Johnson’ with ‘Owens’ and you’ll see that there’s a connection there. I don’t want him to be a T.O., I am a Johnson fan. But this is just getting me mad.

One last thing, I know a lot of people who bought T-Shirts saying “Smash and Dash.” It wasn’t a waste of money, it’s a memory that isn’t even going to be sold anymore. I wish I could go back and time and buy one.

Julius Peppers Finally Signs His Franchise Tender

Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers has been clamming for a trade all offseason, but it appears that won’t happen. Peppers was given the franchise tag at the beginning of the offseason, and until today, had not yet signed it.

By waiting to sign the tender, Peppers gave the Panthers time to look for a trade. It also allowed him to skip all team activities — including mandatory minicamps — without facing fines from the team. The Panthers found no takers for his services in the form of a trade.

Peppers is one of the best defensive ends in the league, and now that he has signed the tender, he will make $16.7 million this season. This is just a one-year deal, and Peppers will be an unrestricted free-agent next season. If the Panthers cannot work out a long-term contract by the end of the upcoming season, they will have the option of franchising Peppers again, but for a price of just over $20 million.

It would behoove the Panthers to work out a long-term contract with their best defensive lineman. Though Peppers had an awful season in 2007, he rebounded last year as the Panthers bounced back as well to make the playoffs. Carolina has some young talent at key positions, including running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. With the talent on this team, the Panthers could make a Super Bowl run this year, and they should have a chance to do it again in two years. Having Peppers around to rush the QB would greatly increase the chances of that happening. More on the signing from NFL.com: