Share
There were bad calls. Carolina’s Louis Murphy was popped as he awaited a pass on fourth and 1. A pass interference penalty should have been called against rookie Morris Claiborne. If it had, the Panthers get a first down on about their 43 with 2:11 to play. It wasn’t. Two plays later Carolina linebacker James Anderson was called for a horse-collar tackle; the 15-yard penalty gave Dallas a first down at the Carolina 24. I saw a one-arm tackle. I didn’t see a horse-collar tackle.
So it is all right to blame officials for Carolina’s 19-14 loss to the Cowboys – if you are 12 or younger. For adults, however, it’s like this: The Panthers lost, pure and simple, clean and neat. If you need to blame somebody, blame them.
• The Carolina-Dallas game was what a sellout feels like. Streets around Bank of America Stadium were crowded 2½ hours before the game. Pedestrians filled the sidewalks and parking lots. Yes, many wore Dallas jerseys and Dallas hats and even Dallas Cowboy boots. But fans are entitled to sell their tickets to anybody they choose. I get requests to help organize some kind of loyalty oath; fans in enemy jerseys must be minimized. I’m not interested. Really don’t care how other people dress.
• DeAngelo Williams carried the ball twice Sunday for 4 yards. Both carries were in the first half. Jonathan Stewart ran 10 times, Cam Newton six and Mike Tolbert three. Not sure if Williams was being punished or if the Panthers finally decided that Stewart is the more effective runner and chose to feature him. Stewart is the better runner and receiver. But you already knew that.
• The Panthers won their first home game and have lost their next three. They don’t return until Nov. 11 when they host Denver. As frustrated and as angry at the team as you might be, you’ll show up if you’re a fan of football and drama. Peyton Manning arrives; John Fox returns.
