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On this Panthers trip, it will be Jake or Bust
AP File Photo
Coach John Fox says he feels good about the Panthers’ immediate prospects.
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Published: October 30, 2009
CHARLOTTE - You can't miss the merchandise trailer in the parking lot on the walk from Bank of America Stadium to the Carolina Panthers' practice fields. It features a picture of Jake Delhomme getting ready to unload a pass. Underneath is a message that proclaims the Panthers as 2003 NFC champions.
It only seems longer than six seasons ago.
Delhomme, battered by a barrage of interceptions and ugly losses, resembles anything but a Super Bowl quarterback these days. But Coach John Fox, perhaps holding onto old, fond memories or because he has no better option, is gambling that the beleaguered Delhomme, 34, can regain his form despite a stunning 21 turnovers in seven games.
Delhomme's future, Fox's job and the Panthers' fortunes all depend on it. In Carolina, it's became Jake or Bust.
"This is the same quarterback that a year ago led us to a 12-4 record and a couple years ago an NFC championship and a Super Bowl," running back DeAngelo Williams said. "Unfortunately, in this business you're only as good as your last game, and we didn't play too well our last game. But my confidence has always been in Jake and will continue to stay in Jake."
Fox has the same attitude. After toying with the idea of benching Delhomme after he threw three more interceptions in Sunday's 20-9 loss to Buffalo, Fox decided to stick with Delhomme ahead of the inexperienced Matt Moore and A.J. Feeley, a journeyman who's struggling to learn the offense.
The Panthers (2-4) have already matched last year's loss total, have watched Delhomme throw an NFL-high 13 interceptions and face road games at Arizona (4-2) and New Orleans (6-0) the next two weeks.
Whether it's shrewd, stubborn or simply a bad move, Fox and the Panthers are either going to implode or resurrect their season with Delhomme under center.
"I feel good about it," Fox said.
Judging by talk-show callers and message-board posters, the feeling isn't mutual. Delhomme said he's a "hermit" during the season and shuts out the criticism. What's bothering Delhomme is that with a 56.5 passer rating and Carolina's league-worst minus-14 turnover margin, he has let down his teammates.
"I haven't played well enough for them," Delhomme said. "That means more than anything else. I've always felt that I've kind of been one that they can lean on in the tough situations and to fight through, and I haven't done that enough this year. That's something that's bothersome."
Delhomme's downward spiral started in January, when he turned in one of the worst performances by a quarterback in playoff history with five interceptions and a lost fumble in an upset loss to Arizona. He then got a contract extension -- only to commit five more turnovers in Week 1 this season.
Most teammates have rallied behind him, either because they truly think he can again be the quarterback who has led Carolina to numerous comeback wins or they realize his confidence is fragile.
"The team collectively has to be better around him," tight end Jeff King said. "Not all the interceptions are his fault. We all collectively have to pick up our game, as does he."
Now Delhomme will get yet another chance to show he hasn't completely lost it against the Cardinals, the team against which the horrible stretch began.
"It'll be full circle if we go out and play well," Delhomme said. "It'd be a nice thing."
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