What's been the biggest surprise of the Carolina Panthers season?
In Phoenix, the Arizona Republic's Bob McManaman writes today about a Cardinals 2008 shocker: The offensive line, he says, "didn't get Kurt Warner killed."
Not exactly goosebump material, but still...
The Panthers, certainly, haven't lacked for surprises in 2008, including the resurgence of Julius Peppers and the smooth comeback of Jake Delhomme. The team could have come apart, but didn't, after Steve Smith slugged Ken Lucas in training camp. Carolina's offense line, too, has exceeded expectations.
Our vote, however, goes to running back DeAngelo Williams, whose rookie season was enough of a struggle that the Panthers may have been prompted to draft a running back, Jonathan Stewart, in the first round last spring. Few expected Williams to improve this dramatically, into the kind of willful, explosive back he's become this season.
What's been the most pleasant - or disappointing surprise - for you? (Cardinal fans, you can play, too.)
Your Morning Buzz:
A request: You may have seen the Charlotte Checkers rescheduled their Saturday night game, moving it to early afternoon to avoid competing with the Panthers. Do you know of other businesses or organizations that have changed their Saturday plans? Looking for groups who are closing up shop and getting out of the way of the playoff game or moving things around so their customers or employees won't miss the Panthers. If you know of anything, e-mail Jefferson George at jgeorge@charlotteobserver.com.
Also, make sure you visit CharlotteObsever.com on Saturday night for real-time continual game updates from Observer staffers via twitter. You won't want to miss it.
The Republic's Paolo Bolvin says injured Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin faces a choice many NFL players do - go with common sense or your will to play?
ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas writes about four subtle moves that helped the Panthers get to where they are today.
USA Today's Nate Davis says special teams play is the difference maker in the playoffs.
SI.com's Don Banks announces his All-Disappointment Team of 2008 (with no Panthers or Cardinals.)
We're moving!
8 years ago
Posts
My biggest surprise is how balanced the Panthers' offense is all of a sudden.
ReplyDeleteIt's not just about Mr. Smith anymore, but of course he is a great person to have on the team.
The fact that Jake doesn't throw as many heart-wrenching interceptions.
ReplyDeleteThe Charlotte 49ers moved their Saturday home game against Tulsa up to a 4:00 tipoff (it was originally scheduled for 7).
ReplyDeleteI think one of the suprises this year has been the defense. It always has be the defense keeping the Panthers in the game and this year it has been the offense. If the defense can step up like it has in the past the Panthers will be hard to stop.
ReplyDeleteAlso Hackett seems to be pretty good and not sure why we do not use him very mcuh.
Good call, jackass. Jake's INT% this year (2.9) is nearly IDENTICAL to his career number (3.1.)
ReplyDeleteAs for Hackett, he got hurt during camp rolling into the season and lost a lot of practice time and faith from the coaching staff.
Biggest surprise: Jake; although he still sometimes has tunnel vision. Deangelo would have been good last year if he had be able to play more.
ReplyDelete