Quarterback For Sale

I love Craigslist

"FOR SALE BY CONTRACT - Jake Delhomme, NFL QB. 11 Years. 6'2" 215 lbs. Age 34. 15 TDs in 2008, 12 INTs. Loyal. Needs a Loving Home. Serious Offers, Please. Trades Accepted. Contact: John Fox @ 800 South Mint St, Charlotte, NC (704) 358 7000."

Too funny! Maybe Jake can find the loving home that he is looking for and get his career back on track. After all, one should never underestimate the power of a hug....

McNabb Is "Week-To-Week" With A Fractured Rib

First of all, LOL @ Jake Delhomme and the Carolina Panthers for that completely craptastic performance. It was all Jake Delhomme, McCown, and Moore. They screwed up on their own. The fact that the pressure the Eagles defense put on them had absolutely nothing to do with that. Impossible. Because that never happens, right?

Trust me, as an Eagles fan, you get used to everybody calling the other side bad and credit is never given where credit is due. Then again, I guess it's not a bad thing as it keeps us under the radar, which ain't bad at all. But on to the more important news at hand: Donovan McNabb. Here's the latest from NFL.com

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb is week to week after fracturing a rib during Sunday's 38-10 season-opening rout of the Carolina Panthers, a source with knowledge of the situation told NFL Network's Jason La Canfora.

According to the source, McNabb's status depends on his pain threshold and whether anything aggravates the injury. Returning for next week's home game against the New Orleans Saints might be ambitious, but McNabb will be evaluated throughout the week.

"He's sore right now. He's got a broken rib," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "We'll just see how he does over the next little bit."

Philadelphia's dominant performance at Carolina was tempered by concerns about McNabb, who cracked the rib during the third quarter when several defenders hit him on his 3-yard touchdown run. McNabb didn't immediately get up after the touchdown, and Eagles trainers attended to the quarterback before he eventually left the field on his own.

"Don is very resilient," said Eagles running back Brian Westbrook, who caught one of McNabb's two touchdown passes. "He heals fast"

The Eagles are in big time trouble next week. Despite how well they played today, the Saints and Drew Brees are a different animal and a injured McNabb is about as bad as Kevin Kolb/A.J. Feeley. It also does not help that, while playable, a broken rib is a very painful injury. McNabb does not fare well in pain, as we have seen numerous times in the pass. And while the Eagles defense was great today, surely the Saints will find away to score some points and if the Eagles can't score at all, then it will be trouble. I'm a little more hopeful for Week 3 as they face an easier opponent in Kansas City and that's Mike Vick's return, and even though Andy Reid is constantly vowing that he won't be the starter, that will add a different dimension to the offense. I know Eagles back-ups have had success in the past (see Detmer, Koy, Feeley version 1.0, and Garcia, Jeff), but Kevin Kolb once again proved today that he is a completely inept quarterback. Jay Glazer and Fox Sports reported that the Eagles might re-track down the recently cut Feeley and Jeff Garcia, but with only 6 days to prepare and get re-acquainted with the team, you have to wonder how effective that will be. And after Eagles management all but kicked him out of town, I'd be shocked if Garcia would even give a return to the Eagles a passing thought, even if it is the only job available.

Let's put it this way: I'll be completely giddy if the Eagles can win 1 of their next 2 games before their Week 4 bye week.

I'll try to have an update or 2 on McNabb tomorrow afternoon as I'm sure there will be some.

Our Week 1 Live Blog Is Not Here.....

....so head on over to Keith's Sports Journal for epic fun, laughs, our GuJo certified CAPS when our teams do something incredible (or incredibly stupid) and an all-around good time (assuming our teams win, that is.) See you there!

And for a live blog of SNF...head on over to 12StepDrop!

Eagles Complete Their Practice Squad

I mentioned the other day that Danny Amendola, Rob Myers, Paul Fanaika, and Mike Gibson had made the Eagles practice squad. Well, joining them will be the following:

CB Jack Ikegwuonu
S Reshard Langford
FB Marcus Mailei
LB Jeremy Laman

Aside from Laman who is a reject from Carolina, all practice squad members were cut by the Eagles. The most notable of these names is CB Jack Ikegwuonu who was a highly toted later-round draft pick before he was placed on IR at the start of last season and had only a subpar pre-season this year with the Eagles. Eagles have enormous depth this year in the secondary and that certainly does Ikegwuonu no favors. At this point, I'm just waiting to see who the Eagles will name as starting full safety. My gut says the Eagles will name Quintin Demps who has never impressed me, but my hope is that they will give the job to the rookie Macho Harris (we've converted him). He has looked real good in the pre-season and I flat out like the kid. Plus, Macho Harris sounds like just the guy I want on my team to be Brian Dawkins' replacement.

Eagles add 4 more to round out practice squad (All Things Philly Sports)

Michael Vick's Fate Will Soon Be Learned; Possible No Suspension At All

With all of the surprises that have gone around the Eagles, it seems as if the most surprising story is heading to a rather un-surprising conclusion. It's more than safe to say that Michael Vick will play before Week 6. Heck, there's a chance that Vick could play Week 1, which assuming that Vick has not broken any clauses that we were not made aware of, also would not be surprising. Via NFL.com

Michael Vick met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell today, according to a source, and a decision on when Vick could be reinstated will likely come by the weekend.

That decision could also come as soon as today, depending on the tenor of the meeting. If the meeting proceed as expected — Vick has abided by all statutes of his probation and league reinstatement — a decision could be expedited.

After talking to some long-term execs with some clubs, there is a sense that a resolution might come with Vick reinstated at the midpoint of the possible timeframe — around Week 3. The Eagles have a tough game in Week 2, and would surely want him back by then.

The Eagles have a bye Week 4, and without a doubt the worst possible scenario would in this as far a Vick's playing time is concerned, is that he comes back Week 5. And that in itself has to be considered a longshot at best at this point in time. But wait, there's a great possibility that through all of this, Michael Vick might not be suspended at all. Which all things considered and the fact that as far as we know he's done everything asked of him, would not be at all surprising. From Fanhouse.

A final resolution to the Michael Vick issue could come as soon as this weekend, and two sources close to the situation told FanHouse that they expect NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to reinstate Vick immediately, making him eligible to play in the Eagles' first regular-season game on Sept. 13 in Charlotte against the Carolina Panthers.

ESPN.com reported earlier Wednesday that Goodell is expected to make a decision about further discipline on Vick by Saturday so that the Eagles could take it into account when setting their final 53-man roster. One of the sources confirmed that report, and both said they believe the decision will be a full reinstatement that suspended Vick for no regular season games.

"I think it's a no-brainer," one of the sources said. "The main reason Roger set up the suspension the way he did was to gauge public backlash, and the public backlash has been minimal."

Granted that Fanhouse report was typed last night whereas the NFL.com article was from this morning, but really not much could have changed between now and then.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Brett Favre signing with the Vikings was the best thing that happened to Michael Vick for it took the attention away from him and it put it squarely on the shoulders of Favre. Once Vick's name was out of the media everyday, the public cooled down about it and the backlash from it all was greatly reduced from it. After all, the Vick headlines went away right after Favre signed in Minny. So if it turns out there is no suspension at all and if a Vick play is a key factor in an Eagles win at Carolina, then all I'll have to say is Thank Goodness for Brett Favre!

2009 NFL Preview: Carolina Panthers

By 49er16:

The Carolina Panthers seem to be at a crossroads. Despite the fact the Panthers had the 2nd best record in the NFC last year, they were embarrassed at home in the playoffs against the Arizona Cardinals. Jake Delhomme was especially embarrassed by the Cardinals defense.

So here we are today. The Panthers will have to look at this season as their barometer for their future. John Fox is back for his eighth season as the head coach. Delhomme is back for 10th season. Steve Smith and Julius Peppers are also both back. So the talent is there for the Panthers. And that's how they look at the situation. The Panthers spent a lot of money in the off season to keep their players and they also traded away their 2010 first round pick to San Francisco to make this team competitive. But if everything falls apart during the season, I think there will be some drastic changes made in 2010 for the Panthers.

Coaching Staff: After last year's debacle against the Cardinals in the playoffs, John Fox and defensive coordinator Mike Trgovac parted ways. In comes former Colts defensive coordinator Ron Meeks. Fox has also made the point that he will be more involved with the defense this season. The offense will probably not change from it's ground-and-pound attack.

What About Julius Peppers?: Peppers bitch and complained that he wanted to be traded from away in the off season. Unlike the Denver Broncos, the Panthers didn't give in to his demands and eventually placed the franchise tag on him. Since all of this happened, Peppers has struggled early in the pre season. And then he angered a lot of people by saying the pre season doesn't mean anything. Needless to say, he's unhappy playing for the Panthers and could become a distraction as the season moves on.

Can Delhomme recover?: Delhomme completely fell apart against the Cardinals in the playoffs last season. Delhomme committed six turnovers in the game. So can he recover from that game? He should be able to because he is a veteran who has been down before. Plus the Panthers showed faith in him by giving him a contract extension.

The Best Offense in the League?: The Panthers actually have a shot at being one of the best offenses in the league this season, despite Delhomme's implosion in the playoffs. The Panthers return all 11 starters on offense, including all-world receiver Steve Smith. Also the running tandem of Jonathon Stewart and DeAngelo Williams will continue to improve. The Panthers averaged 25.9 points a game last season, and they could have a greater average this season.

Breaking Tradition?: It's been a tradition for a long time for NFL teams to hold their training camps in small towns at small colleges. I remember when the 49ers used to hold their training camp at a Junior College that I used to attend in Rocklin, California. But that tradition has started to change over the years. More and more teams are starting to hold their training camps at their regular facilities. And the Panthers could be next.

For 15 years the Panthers have held their training camp at Wofford College in South Carolina. Panthers owner Jerry Richardson is a graduate of that school and was very prideful that the Panthers represented both Carolina's. But that might all come to a change. Their contract with Wofford has expired and with the recent economic troubles, the Panthers might leave Wofford. I personally think it's sad that NFL teams are leaving the small towns and holding their training camp at their regular facilities.

Schedule: Well the Panthers get three early tests before their bye week. They play Philadelphia at home then travel to Atlanta and Dallas for the opening of Taj MaJerry. And their schedule doesn't get easier. They have to play AFC East teams including a trip to New England. And they have to play NFC East teams which means a late trip to New York. The Panthers definitely have one of the tougher schedules in the league.

Video: Steve Smith is one of my favorite NFL players. And this video is evidence as to why.



Prediction, 11-5, 1st NFC South: Thankfully for them Tampa Bay is rebuilding, New Orleans is inconsistent, and Atlanta is still playing with a young quarterback. They could realistically go 5-1 against division opponents. It won't matter if Delhomme is inconsistent or that they have a tough schedule, they are playing in one of the weaker divisions this season.

Please Excuse Me While I Go Shoot Myself (Your Week 1 Fox Announcing Line-Up)

First of all, big time thanks to James Craven and 49er16 for filling in for me on such a short notice.

And yes, I am aware of the Brett Favre story and if we have a contract signing and/or an offiical announcement tonight, I will get it on here ASAP. But now, on to the business at hand. I'd say thanks to Mookie and Fang's Bites, but if you're an Eagles or a Panthers fan, this is not good news. At all. As in, get ready to shoot yourself, as I have had the not so great privilege of viewing Fox's press release of their Week 1 announcing assignments, and while I could sugarcoat it and copy and paste the actual PR, I'll make this as quick and as painless as possible by just stating the games and the announcers for Week 1 of the NFL on Fox. And for all you Eagles and Panthers fans, there's been a HORRIBLE CHANGE!!!!! (all times eastern)

Philadelphia @ Carolina 1:00 (Dick Stockton and Charles Davis)
Minnesota @ Cleveland 1:00 (TBD)
Detroit @ New Orleans 1:00 (Chirs Myers and Trent Green)
Dallas @ Tampa Bay 1:00 (Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, and Tony Siragusa)
San Francisco @ Arizona 4:15 (TBD)
Washington @ New York Giants 4:15 (Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, SR: Pam Oliver)
St. Louis @ Seattle 4:15 (Ron Pitts and John Lynch)

If your game is a TBD game, that means you are either getting Sam Rosen and Tim Ryan or Thom Brennaman and Brian Billick. Either way, I do pity you, although I think you all need to pity me a whole lot more. Trust me, I need it.

And for the depth chart junkies, here is your Fox depth chart this year starting from the top, to the You Know Your Team Sucks If This Is Your Announce Team team.

Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Pam Oliver
Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, and Tony Siragusa
Dick Stockton and Charles Davis
Thom Brennaman and Brian Billick
Sam Rosen and Tim Ryan
Ron Pitts and John Lynch
Crhis Myers and Trent Green

And for all those representing the suicide hotline out there or what not, the title of that post is SARCASTIC!!!!!! Barely sarcastic, but nonetheless, I am not really about to blow my brains out. Although my toes may only have a few more minutes of attachment........

The Eagles Week 1 Announcers Are.........

Sam Rosen and Tim Ryan!

I do warn you, though. Do NOT play the Tim Ryan NFL Rule Screw-Up Drinking Game. For if you do, you'll have alcohol poisoning by the end of the 1st quarter.

I am still waiting for some information on Eagles pre-season announcers (and if I can get it to you, pre-season announcers for all 32 teams)

Week 1 Games (the506)

Eagles Off-Season Update Du Jour

There were some whispers going around that the Eagles would be interested in acquiring Jordan Gross and/or Julius Peppers from the Carolina Steroid-Users Panthers. Well that won't be the case. Why, you ask? Because the Carolina Panthers have franchised Julius Peppers and signed Jordan Gross to six-year contract.

And while they were both long-shots to be Eagles to begin with, there's a part of me that would really like to have seen Julius Peppers on the other side of Trent Cole. Oh well, defensive-end is not the Eagles primary concern (eh-em, TRADE FOR ANQUAN BOLDIN! or SIGN T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH and DRAFT BEANIE WELLS!) Aspeaking of the draft, an interesting report came out about the Eagles in today's Philly Inquirer. Now while this could all be a misleading smoke screen and even though the Eagles have 2 1st round drat picks, the Eagles are thinking of potentially thinking to move up in the draft. From the Philadelphia Inquirer Blog Zone

Tucked away in this seemingly innocent story about Donovan McNabb was a very compelling bit of draft news that has yet to become mainstream information. The Eagles may have their eye on an offensive lineman way up the draft board. Jason Smith (6-foot-5, 300 pounds) out of Baylor is considered one of the top offensive linemen in the draft, and there is a strong possibility he'll be selected in the top 10. But apparently that's not stopping the Eagles from taking a look at the converted tight end. A solid pass blocker with experience at both left and right tackle, at least one analyst believes the Eagles could try to use their two [first-round picks] to land the prospect. "He can be a good pass blocker on Day 1," said the NFL Network's Mike Mayock. "I think it's the kind of draft that even in the early 20s and the late 20s, you can get some pretty good football players there depending on what you're looking for. Or, typical of Andy [Reid] and Joe Banner, you can package them and move up if there was somebody there that he really liked. And you know Andy, he'll move up or move down. He rarely stays static." . . . Of course the draft is also about misdirection, so it's possible the Eagles have leaked this because there is in fact another top lineman they hope will fall far enough where they can move up and get him.

I know I've been adament about the Eagles' need for Beanie Wells (DRAFT BEANIE WELLS!), but if the Eagles move up to the Top 10 and pick an offensive linemen, assuming they don't go with one that's a reach (something Andy Reid is famous for), I guess I really can't complain that much. And besides, there is a chance that should the Eagles give up their 21st spot to take an offensive lineman, I would not rule out the possibility that Beanie Wells falls to #28. Running backs are not a big market this draft. But then again, at what point does a team that does not need a running back say to themselves that Wells is just too good to pass up? I'd guess that he won't not make it past New England at #23. That's just my speculation, though, take it for what it's worth.

Panthers franchise Peppers, sign Gross (Comcast.net)

Divisional Round Preview Arizona @ Carolina

What: An unlikely matchup that will produce the result that is likely.
Who: The Arizona Cardinals and the Carolina Panthers
Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
When: 8:15 PM EST
What Channel: Fox
Announcers: Kenny Albert, Daryl "Moose" Johnston, Tony "Goose" Siragusa
Announcers' Talking Point of the Game: The Carolina Panthers have such a dominant and dynamic running game.
Weather Forecast: Cloudy with a chance of showers later in the game, 53 degrees
Regular Season Meeting: Week 8: Panthers 27, Cardinals 23

I'll be the first to admit that I did not think that the Cardinals stood a chance in hell against the Falcons. To their credit, they surprised the shit out of me (which given my record of picking games, I guess really is not that big of a feat, but I was certain the Falcons would be here). So now they are traveling to the east coast where they have not won a game against a team a Carolina Panther team that has not lost at home all year.

That alone is a huge obstacle to overcome, and yet one can't help but notice the team that they are going up against. The Panthers are not a fluke team. Their rushing attack is one of the best in the league, consisting of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart who have combined for 28 touchdowns this season.

The only chance the Cardinals may have in this game is to get to an early lead and force Delhomme to throw the ball. Delhomme has pretty much been the only glaring weakspot in this Panther offense and while Steve Smith is a dangerous receiver, the Cardinals would be more than happy to get into an offensive aerial show against the Panthers, for they have Kurt Warner and two of the best receivers in the NFL in Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. That may be their only chance. And even then, that would require Kurt Warner to play the game of his life, and at his age, there is no guarantee he won't throw a costly interception or two.

The most interesting part of this game in this otherwise unenticing divisional round match-up (the only one of it's sort) would be the ramifications of a Cardinal upset. That would pretty much raise the stakes of the Eagles-Giants game ten-fold, as if it was not a high stakes game already. For if Arizona wins, the winner of the Eagles-Giants showdown (I'll have a full preview of that one tomorrow), may very well earn themselves a free ticket to Tampa Bay as both the Eagles and the Giants mopped the floor with the Cardinals during the regular season.

Prediction: I'm sure you pretty much guessed by reading above who I am going with in this one. Not only have the Cardinals not won on the east coast and the Panthers not lose at home, but on Monday night, the only bit of mojo they had going for them, the underdog always winning at University of Phoenix Stadium was lost when Texas became the first team that was favored to ever win a post-season game there. So any mojo or dirt that they might bring to Carolina for good luck is no more. Basically, the Cardinals are up the creek without a paddle in this one and will be (figuratively) eaten alive by the Caroina Panthers by a score of 38-17

Monday Night Football Live Blog Tampa Bay @ Carolina, 2nd Half

Well, it hasn't been a high-scoring game, but it's been entertaining thus far. The Panthers lead the Bucs 10-3 as we start the 2nd half.

Jones has difficulty handling the kickoff, as he takes it to the 21. Penalty flag down. Illegal block in the back on Carolina. From the 6, Williams gets the carry to the 11. 2nd and 6, Williams gets the carry again and is tripped up a yard shy of the marker. 3rd and 1, Delhomme hands to Williams who gets the first down. Delhomme's pass on 1st down is deflected straight up into the air but falls harmlessly to the ground.

2nd and 10, Delhomme hands to Williams and OH MY, HE JUST BARRELED THROUGH SOME BUCS AS HE TAKES IT TO THE 42! 1st and 10, Delhomme goes deep and he way overthrows his man, but there's a flag down. Illeagal contact on the Bucs.

"You can't understand football if you make that call." - Jaws

Whoa! Tell us how you really feel. 1st and 10 from the TB 48, Delhomme fires, IT'S TIPPED AROUND AND INTERCEPTED BY PHILLIPS! WHAT A CATCH!

"That gets you a graduate degree at the Troy Polamalu School of Making Interceptions." - Dr. Kornheiser

The world would be a better place if you would leave TV forever. 1st and 10 and Dunn loses a yard. 2nd and 11, Garcia FIRES DOWN THE FIELD AND IT'S CAUGHT BY ANTONIO BRYANT ON THE COMEBACK! HE TURNS AROUND, AND MAKES IT INTO THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN TAMPA BAY! The extra point is up and good we are tied at 10.

Jones takes the kickoff to the 27. Williams takes the carry and loses a couple. 2nd and 12, Delhomme to Smith who gets 7. 3rd and 5 and it's caught by Muhammad who gets 12 and a first down. Smith makes the catch for 11 and another first down. From the TB 45, Williams gets 7. 2nd and 3, Delhomme fires it DEEP FOR STEVE SMITH WHO MAKES THE CATCH IN THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN CAROLINA! The extra point is good and it's 17-10 Panthers.

Kickoff is taken to the 30. 1st and 10, Dunn takes the pass for a couple. 2nd and 8, Dunn takes the carry and he has a Tampa first down. 1st and 10, Garcia throws to Bryant for 4. 2nd and 6, Dunn gets maybe a yard. 3rd and 5, Garcia throws it to Stevens who makes the catch, turns and dives for the marker, but is just short!

"Those markers are the real ones." - Mike Tirico on the sideline markers.

Thanks Capt. Obvious. Tampa's going for it on 4th down, Askew takes it up the middle and he's got it! Garcia on first down is firing deep and it's CAUGHT BY BRYANT AT THE 7! A stupid penalty by Bryant after the play will back them up 5. Williams won't get much on 1st down but a personal foul penalty will put the Bucs at the 4. It's now 1st and goal for the Bucs. Garcia hands it off to Cadillac Williams who BURSTS THROUGH INTO THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN BUCS! The extra point is good and we are tied at 17.

Kickoff is taken by Jones who takes it to the 27. 1st and 10, Delhomme fires it to Smith who makes the catch at the 37 for a first down. Williams takes Delhomme's pass and he picks up 6. 2nd and 4 from the CAR 44, Delhomme hands it off to Williams who has the first down at midfield.

And here comes the Panthers again. Damn, talk about a back-and-forth battle. Williams takes the carry and gets no gain. 2nd and 9, Delhomme hands it to Stewart who has a huge hole and takes it all the way to the TB 30! 1st and 10, Delhomme throws it to Steve Smith who gets to the outside and gets 11!

Is it just me or has Dr. Kornheiser is abnormally quiet this half?

That's the end of the 3rd quarter and we are tied at 17.

1st and 10 from the 19, and Stewart takes it all the way to the 10. 2nd and 1, Stewart gets the carry and a first down at the 8. 1st and goal Panthers. Delhomme fires for the endzone incomplete, but there's a penalty down. Holding on Tampa Bay and that'll place the ball at the 4. Delhomme hands it to Stewart who DIVES FOR AND GETS INTO THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN CAROLINA! The extra point is up and good and the Panthers lead 24-17.

What a fun game this has turned out to be. (Via SSR)

This game has had a bit of everything. Defense in the first half, offense in the 2nd half, and a few officiating controversies. Smith on the kickoff return takes it to the 28. Dunn on the carry gets 6 yards to the 34. 2nd and 4, Garcia to Smith is incomplete. 3rd and 4, Garcia completes it to Stevens who has a first down. Cadillac Williams on the carry gets a couple. 2nd and 8, Garcia's pass is incomplete.

"It would help if some of the receivers caught the ball." - Dr. Kornheiser

Really? Never knew that. Garcia on 3rd down is SACKED! And for the first time this half we'll see a punt. Bidwell booms one into the endzone for the touchback. Holding on Carolina and the Panthers will take over at the 10. 1st and 10, Delhomme hands it to DEANGELO WILLIAMS WHO GETS TO THE OUTSIDE AND A HUGH GAIN OF 41! Stewart on 1st down picks up 3. 2nd and 7, STEWART GETS TO THE OUTSIDE AND HE TAKES IT TO THE 17! There's just no stopping these Carolina running backs.

"This game is crucial if Carolina wants home-field advantage throughout the playoffs." - Dr. Kornheiser

But it won't mean squat if they lose next week. Delhomme hands it off to Williams who GETS TO THE OUTSIDE AND INTO THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN PANTHERS! The extra point is good and the Panthers lead 31-17.

"This is they're way of saying 'Hello America, this is who we are'." - Dr. Kornheiser

Must you always try to be funny?

"This is a first time I've seen a Monte Kiffin defense just getting whipped." - Jaws

Jaws isn't kidding. This is a butt whopping and Tampa's defense is supplying the butt. Kickoff is taken to the 35 so the Bucs will have good field position. 1st and 10, Garcia has his pass dropped by Dunn. 2nd and 10, Hilliard makes the catch for a first down.

"This is not a Buccaneer team that's built to come from behind." - Jaws
"But they have, on the road. 3 times." - Mike Tirico

So they must be a team built to come from behind then! 1st and 10 and Dunn drops another. 2nd and 10, Garcia from the shotgun and it's incomplete again. 3rd and 10 for the Bucs and this is 4-down territory in my opinion.

3rd and 10, Garcia is under pressure and SACKED! Holding on Tampa Bay and they will punt it away. Bidwell's punt is taken by Jones who makes it to the 14. Delhomme's pass to Smith is caught for a gain of 9. 2nd and 1, and Stewart goes nowhere on the carry. 3rd and 1 and Dr. Kornheiser has nothing better to talk about than Rosario Dawson's, er, Dante Rosario's catch in week 1 to beat the Chargers. 3rd and short and Bucs get the stop on 3rd down! Hoover went nowhere.

Timeout Tampa Bay.

Punt is taken by Smith but an illegal block in the back will force them back to the 18. 1st and 10 and Jeremy Stevens drops a pass. 2nd and 10, Garcia fires incomplete again and now it's 3rd and 10.

"I see him as someone who gets bored very easily." - Dr. Kornheiser making no sense.

Garcia's pass is caught by Bryant who gets 14 and a TB first down. Dunn on the carry takes it to the 44 for another Tampa first down.

"You have to score once to score twice, but you have to score twice." - Dr. Kornheiser making no sense. Garcia throws to Alan Smith down the field and he catches it for a first down in Panther territory. 1st and 10 from the 36, Hilliard makes the catch at the 28. 2nd and 3, Garcia to Dunn who catches it at the 23 for a first down.

1st and 10, Garcia to Stevens who takes it to the 15. Clock under 3-minutes. 2nd and 3, Garcia from the shotgun passes it to ANTONIO BRYANT WHO MAKES A SPECTACULAR DIVING CATCH IN THE ENDZONE! WHAT A CATCH! TOUCHDOWN TAMPA BAY! The extra point is up and BLOCKED! NO GOOD! 31-23 Panthers.

ONSIDE KICK! RECOVERED BY CAROLINA! 1st and 10 from the TB 43. Bucs have 2 timeouts with 2:28 to go. Williams picks up 3.

Timeout Tampa Bay.

Williams picks up 3 on 2nd down. Timeout Tampa Bay. 2:17 to go. 3rd and 4, Delhomme pitches it to Williams who BREAKS IT TO THE OUTSIDE! BUC AFTER BUC FANS ON THE TACKLE AS WILLIAMS TAKES IT INTO THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN PANTHERS! OVER 300 RUSHING YARDS TODAY FOR THE PANTHERS! Unreal. The extra point is good and the Panthers lead 38-23.

Smith takes the kick to the 37.

Williams should've done a Brian Westbrook there. (Via SSR)

Agreed. Now Tampa has a one-in-a-million chance of winning as opposed to no chance.

"And yes, Mike, I do have my gloves on." - Stu Scott

Congratulations. 1st down carry gets 7. Garcia to Stevens gets 7. Williams will pick up a couple. 3rd down and GARCIA'S PASS IS INTERCEPTED! This will be reviewed by the booth and overturned though. I know it's nearly impossible for the Bucs to win this, but the fact that it hardly looks like they're trying when there is a chance, is not good news for Bucs fans.

"It's one thing to get [2 running backs over 100 yards] against the Lions, it's another thing against Tampa's defense." - Dr. Kornheiser

Most high schools could get 2 running backs over 100 yards against the Lions. The play is overturned as the ball clearly hit the ground and it's now 4th down for the Bucs. 4th and 1, Garcia's pass is INCOMPLETE! AND THAT'S IT!

Jake Delhomme will come out and take knees as the Carolina Panthers have defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 38-23. Thank you for joining me for this live blog and every live blog I have done this year. SSR will take over Monday Nights from here on out. Good night and good luck.

Monday Night Football Live Blog Tampa Bay @ Carolina, 1st Half

It's showdown time! The 9-3 Carolina Panthers are set to take on the 9-3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. We'll kick things off here at 8:30 when Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, and Dr. Kornheiser (Remember he's not a real doctor, he just likes to play one in the MNF booth) hit the air.

JFein's Prediction: This should be a good game. However, it seems like that Tampa Bay is a more well-rounded team than the Panthers. Therefore, I will pick the Bucs in this one 28-24.

Countdown's picks
Steve: Panthers
Emmitt: Panthers
Stuart: Panthers
Coach: Buccaneers
Key: Panthers
Cris: Panthers
TJ: Buccaneers
Boomer: Buccaneers

"That's the biggest deficit Carolina has lost by this year." - Tony Kornheiser
Well yeah......they've lost only 3 games. (Via SSR)

I had my hopes up that because this was such a big game, that Dr. Kornheiser would just shut up and keep the idiocy to a minimum. Apparently I was wrong.

"He took the Frankfurt Galaxy to the World Bowl, which I suppose made him All-World." - Dr. Kornheiser

Clifton Smith is back to return and the kick goes out of the endzone for a touchback. And on comes Jeff Garcia. 1st and 10, Garcia passes to Gilmore for a gain of 5. Garcia on 2nd down is SACKED! Loss of 8 and it's 3rd and 13. Handoff to Dunn who gets a couple.

The punt is returned to TB territory. And the Panthers have good field position. 1st and 10, Williams gets nothing. Williams gets 5 on 2nd down and it's 3rd and 5.

"You think Tampa Bay remembers they lost by 24 points in the first game?" - Kornheiser (Via SSR)

No, I don't. I think Carolina remembers losing by 24 to Tampa Bay, though. 3rd and 5 and Delhomme finds Muhammad over the middle for a 1st down! 1st and 10 and Delhomme agains find Muhammad for 19 yards! DeAngelo Williams on the carry takes it to the 8 with a pick up of 3. 2nd and 7, Delhomme , scrambles and is SACKED BY KEVIN CARTER! Loss of 8. 3rd and 15 for the Panthers. Delhomme throws it behind his tight end who dropped it. 4th down and on will come John Kasay. The 34-yard field goal IS UP...AND GOOD! 3-0 Panthers.

Kornheiser finally made a comment about Jaws' stupid "Catching the ball with your hands" comment. (Via SSR)

You mean to say you can't catch the ball with your nose?

"How does he get to keep his hair at 85 when you and I have had such trouble with that?" - Dr. Kornheiser

My heart bleeds for you. The kickoff is taken to the 27 by Smith. And on will come the TB offense.

Is there some producer at ESPN that is professional enough, with enough skill and talent, to tell those two morons to not devolve into giggling...it's because WE CAN'T FUCKING UNDERSTAND THEM WHEN THEY GIGGLE YOU IDIOTS. (Via Hollywood Wags)

Dunn picks up a couple. 2nd and 8, Garcia throws to Antonio Bryant for a gain of 8 and a first down. Cadillac Williams picks up a yard. 2nd and 9, Garcia throws to Askew for a pick up of 9 and another Tampa Bay first down. Dunn gets a yard on 1st down. 2nd and 9, Garcia swings to Cadillac Williams who gets 7. 3rd and 2, Garcia scrambles, will run for it, and he gets the first!

Timeout Tampa Bay.

"[Jon Gruden] loves quarterbacks, like antique cars." - Ron Jaworski (Via SSR)

Well that's one thing Jaws and Jon Gruden have in common.

"That was my homework assignment for the week." - Mike Tirico on learning Spanish.

We'll be awaiting his awkward 4th quarter apology. 1st and 10, Garcia fires incomplete for Clayton. Dunn takes the carry close to the first down marker. 3rd and 1, Askew picks up 3 and the drive continues. 1st and 10 from the CAR 30. The Cadillac picks up 5 on the carry.

Garcia throws it to Askew who can't get back to the line. Flag on the play and it's a tripping penalty on Tampa Bay. 2nd and 15, Garcia fakes it the handoff, scrambles past the line and gets 3.

"He's rumbling, bumbling, stumbling down the field." - Jaws on Garcia

Never say that again, Jaws. Garcia finds Antonio Bryant on 3rd down who gets 10 but that's not enough for a first down. On will come Matt Bryant to attempt a 40-yard field goal. The kick is up and IT'S OFF THE LEFT UPRIGHT AND NO GOOD! Still 3-0 Panthers.

1st and 10 from the 30, Delhomme hands it off to Jonathan Stewart who gets 2.

That brings us to the end of the 1st quarter, the Panthers lead the Bucs 3-0.

2nd and 8 and Stewart picks up 6. 3rd and a couple. Delhomme throws it to Steve Smith who has a first down at the 45. 1st and 10, Delhomme with tons of time, fires to to Brad Hoover who DROPS IT! Oy ve, Attention Captain Butterfingers. 2nd and 10, Stewart takes it into TB territory with that pick up of 5. 3rd and 5, Delhomme throws it to Jarrett who has the first down.

"Does that mean that, Delhomme, he went to Jarrett?" - Dr. Kornheiser

I'm speechless. And Doc, that was only obvious to you. 1st and 10 and Stewart loses a couple. Oh man, Hoover drops it again! Delhomme's pass on 3rd down is caught by Steve Smith inside the 30 for the first down! But wait, Tampa's challenging it.

My opinion is that it should be upheld, but we'll see what Walt Anderson says. It stands! Delhomme on 1st down fires and it's INTERCEPTED BY RONDE BARBER!

"Isn't Cincinnati also a queen city? How can you have two?" - Dr. Kornheiser

I don't know, Dr. Kornheiser, I don't know. John Fox is challenging the Barber interception. This one stands. Dunn picks up 4 on first down. Garcia throws to Dunn who gets near the first down marker. They measure it and he's just short. 3rd and inches, Garcia hands it to Askew who easily picks up the first down. 1st and 10 from the TB 35, Garcia fires and it's nearly picked off by Diggs! 2nd and 10, Garcia from the gun has his pass deflected and incomplete.

3rd and 10, Garcia from the shotgun again, throws it to Hilliard who makes the catch at the 47! First down Tampa Bay. Williams gets the carry, LOSES THE BALL, but the whistle blew and oh my, that was definitley a legit fumble. The refs blew that one. 2nd and 10, Garcia FIRES DEEP FOR IKE HILLARD WHO MAKES THE CATCH AND SPRINTS DOWN THE FIELD, DIVES FOR THE ENDZONE, BUT IS OUT OF BOUNDS AT THE 2! Wow, what a turn of events! And let me tell you what, I don't think he ever stepped out of bounds!

Timeout Tampa Bay. And it looks like the ball is a yard and a half behind where it should be. 1st and goal and Garcia fires for Smith in the back of the endzone, incomplete. 2nd and goal, Williams tries to go up the middle and doesn't get anything. Carolina says they have the ball, but the refs ignore them.

"That's how you stroke it up in there as a linebacker." - Jaws

3rd and goal. Garcia scrambling, fires to the endzone....incomplete! 4th and goal and on will come Matt Bryant for a 20-yard field goal. To tie the game, Bryant's field goal IS UP...AND THROUGH! We are tied at 3 in the Queen City as Nickelback's "Burn it to the Ground" off their new album Dark Horse, bumps us to commercial.

"Saved by the Westbrook" - Mike Tirico promosting next week's MNF game between the Eagles and the Browns. SSR will be live-blogging that one next week.

The kickoff is taken by Jones to the CAR 27. 1st and 10 for the Panthers. Williams takes the first down carry and picks up 9. DeAngelo Williams picks up the first down. 2nd down and WILLIAMS BREAKS FREE FOR A BIG GAIN OF 40 YARDS! Stewart gets a yard on first down and 7 on second down. Wiliams on 3rd down picks up the first.

Sorry for the delay of the update. Blogger's giving me hell. There we go, all better. Delhomme passes to Steve Smith who gets 7 yards and is down at the 2!

2-minute warning.

2nd and goal, Delhomme hands it to STEWART WHO WALKS INTO THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN PANTHERS! The extra point is up and good and the Panthers lead it 10-3.

Clark takes the kickoff the 25 yard line and here comes Tampa with 1:49 remaining in the 1st half and no timeouts. Garcia to throw it to Jeremy Stevens who gets 5 and out of bounds. 2nd and 5, Garcia throws it to Antonio Bryant who has a first down at the 39. Garcia from the shotgun and GARCIA IS SACKED! Loss of 6 and the clock continues to tick.

Dunn takes the ball to the 40. 3rd and 8, as the clock is now at 10, Garcia scrambling and is SACKED AGAIN! Carolina decided not to call a timeout to try for a punt block and/or return.

That's the end of the first half. The Panthers lead the Buccaneers 10-3. I'll see you in the second half thread.