Panthers in transition
There is never a good time for a quarterback to have elbow surgery, but Jake Delhomme and the Panthers exhausted all options before deciding to end Delhomme's season today. You know it kills Delhomme for his season to end, and one wonders what type of team this will be when he returns. It probably won't be his team.
The Panthers were handed a game Sunday, and aren't as good as their 3-2 record indicates. Playing in the mediocre NFC South will help, but John Fox and GM Marty Hurney aren't certain to be back next year.
David Carr will get his second chance in the NFL to be The Man. The Panthers have failed to develop any young alternatives to Delhomme, so a strong season by Carr would allow Carolina to return with Carr and Delhomme next year. Carr is off to a rough start.
Delhomme will be 33 entering next season and his status as the team's franchise quarterback is tenuous at best. Elbow surgeries threaten a quarterback's meal ticket and there's no guarantee he comes back the same player. Joe Montana never fully recovered from a similar procedure. At best, Delhomme will have to compete for his job next year.
Comments
As a Steve Smith owner, this hurts me more than it hurts Jake Delhomme.
Posted by: Hoyt Pollard | October 8, 2007 02:38 PM
I've read where Carr may be too sore to play week 6. Do I sell high on Steve Smith? Trying to get Romo from the Romo/Peyton owner.
Posted by: Mark Quinn | October 8, 2007 04:38 PM
Sell high on Steve Smith? That ship sailed about three weeks ago. No one is more upset about that than I am.
Posted by: Hoyt Pollard | October 8, 2007 05:49 PM
I traded steve smith and julius jones(basically a throw in) for rudi johnson and javon walker. How do u guys feel about this trade.
Posted by: g | October 9, 2007 09:18 AM
I feel a little sluggish and tired. Not sure if it's your trade or the big lunch I just had.
Posted by: Tony C | October 9, 2007 05:00 PM