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Is there a more fitting symbol for the current state of the Carolina Panthers than the very tall, very unfinished building that overlooks the stadium and practice facility?
Construction recently stopped on the very tall building for various reasons that bankers, lawyers and big crane operators will have to explain, but it's fair to say, things aren't going well.
Same with the Panthers.
I know preseason games don't count but, because it makes the numbers more striking, they do now. The Panthers have lost seven consecutive games and they're headed to Dallas for a Monday nighter that probably doesn't excite the suits at ESPN.
Around here, the feeling about Monday night is mixed. It's too close to call between doom and gloom right now.
Maybe this is the week when everything goes back to the way it was last fall when the Panthers were on their way to a 12-4 record. Or maybe not.
Maybe, like that big building, nothing much changes in Week 3:
WASHINGTON at DETROIT: This is it. The one. The first of, well, at least a couple of wins for the paper Lions, who have lost 19 straight regular-season games. Somewhere Wayne Fontes is smiling. Lions 27, Redskins 17.
TENNESSEE at NEW YORK JETS: Mark Sanchez, Rex Ryan and my new favorite team learn a tough lesson. Titans 29, Jets 20.
GREEN BAY at ST. LOUIS: The Rams might not win many games, but to call them losers isn't fair. Real losers are the man and woman who showed up recently on Dr. Phil (I read about it, I didn't see it) and confessed to shoplifting more than $1million in toys around the country.
In a brilliant move, Mr. and Mrs. Hot Toys provided Dr. Phil a video of themselves at work. The good doctor, being quick to spot evildoers, suggested they might be breaking the law.
The feds, apparently watching TV while working, decided the same thing. As punishment, they'll be forced to watch the Rams in the big house. Packers 28, Rams 21.
CLEVELAND at BALTIMORE: Roger Goodell and company are considering invoking a mercy rule if this one goes the way everyone expects. Ravens 34, Browns 10.
SAN FRANCISCO at MINNESOTA: Question - why does everyone remember the Bills for being 0-for-4 in the Super Bowl but almost no one, except Fran Tarkenton and Carl Eller, remember the Vikings are also 0-for-4? Just wondering. Vikings 33, 49ers 21.
JACKSONVILLE at HOUSTON: The who cares game of the week. Texans 35, Jags 17.
ATLANTA at NEW ENGLAND: Matt Ryan goes back to Boston and adds to his legend. Falcons 29, Patriots 24.
NEW YORK GIANTS at TAMPA BAY: Not a lot of drama here. Giants 30, Bucs 13.
KANSAS CITY at PHILADELPHIA: The first of two straight bye weeks for the banged-up Birds. Eagles 28, Chiefs 14.
CHICAGO at SEATTLE: With cracked ribs, Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is truly sleepless in Seattle. Bears 24, Seahawks 20.
NEW ORLEANS at BUFFALO: It's tempting to pick the Bills here despite the fact Saints quarterback Drew Brees has been better than banana pudding so far. He can't be that good every weekend, can he? Bills 27, Saints 26.
MIAMI at SAN DIEGO: The Dolphins lost a tough one at home Monday night, face a cross-country flight and find Philip Rivers waiting for them. You don't have to be in Vegas to figure this one out. Chargers 38, Dolphins 17.
DENVER* at OAKLAND: The Broncos* have introduced the asterisk to the NFL standings this year. The Broncos* are 2-0 but because they've beaten Cleveland and Cincinnati it doesn't count as an official 2-0. The asterisk will remain if the Broncos* beat the Black Hole this weekend. Not going to happen. Black Hole 31, Broncos* 21.
PITTSBURGH at CINCINNATI: Upset special. Bengals 26, Steelers 20.
INDIANAPOLIS at ARIZONA: There's a reason Tony Dungy decided to retire from coaching. Cardinals 31, Colts 24.
CAROLINA at DALLAS: I'm trying very hard to think good thoughts about the Panthers' trip to Big D, but the best I can come up with is the spread (nine points) seems too high. Cowboys 24, Panthers 17.
Last week: 11-5
Season: 23-8
