Panthers get first win this weeekend
Sep
24
Written by:
9/24/2011 12:18 AM
I am thinking this is the weekend the Panthers get their first win of the 2011 season versus the Jaguars. Blain Gabbert will be getting his first career start this weekend in Charlotte, while Cam Newton will be getting this third. While the Panthers have been riding Newton’s arm, I fully expect the Jaguars to give Maurice Jones-Drew A LOT of carries this Sunday. I also expect to see the Panthers running game to be more involved this weekend. Williams and Stewart have to figure more into the game plan this weekend to take some of the pressure off of Newton. This game has a 24-17 feel going for it and I think both coaches would be OK with that this weekend. Look for the Panthers to get win #1 of the Ron Rivera/Cam Newton era. If a win doesn’t come this weekend, things could be rough until week Eight (Halloween weekend) at home against the Vikings.
Two weeks into his professional career and Cam Newton’s performance has exceeded all expectations, including those of yours truly. While I am very impressed with his poise and execution on the field, I still think it is way too early to make a prediction on how this will play out. Completing almost 63% of his passes is very good for a rookie QB. Hopefully he will continue to prove his doubters wrong with his impressive performances on the field. While many fans are impressed with the increase in excitement on the field, let’s not forget that this team is currently 0-2. If they were to get to week eight without a win, would their still be that same level of excitement surrounding this team if they continue to play as they have the first two weeks? Will fans continue to come out to games?
Do you think that Russell Wilson may have had a small smile on his face last night watching his former teammates struggle mightily on the road against the Bearcats?
I am in Atlanta this weekend for the UNC-Georgia Tech game and the PGA Tour Championship is in town also. There is nothing on the front page of ESPN.com about this event and I did not see anything coming into town regarding that event. Just stating what I have seen (or not) here in downtown Atlanta.
Conference expansion seems to be a very hot topic. While I have some opinions on this matter, I will save those for another day and time. I am very interested in seeing how things play out and have some ideas on what may happen.
The NBA has cancelled their training camps and 43 preseason games. On the heels of the great post-season, this is a shame to see, but something many thought was inevitable. Some have said they wouldn’t be surprised if the entire season is lost. I am interested to see how much this stoppage can assist in growing college basketball this season.
Tony Stewart wins week one of the Chase and Ryan Newman is sitting on the pole for race two. Should this performance keep up, will they continue to receive the same quality of equipment from Hendrick Motorsports? Maybe that is the cynic in me, but you have to ask it out loud.
UFC 135 is this weekend in Denver. Does Jones beat Jackson, as the oddsmakers have Jones as a HUGE favorite? Is this the last time we see Matt Hughes in the octagon aginst Josh Koscheck. My predictions are yes and no, respectively.
Stay away from my NFL Picks….they have been BRUTAL so far this year….maybe I need to move my picks to Saturday?