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Grades for Dolphins-Panthers game on Nov. 19
QUARTERBACK
Grade: D plus
Comment: Jake Delhomme struggled for much of the game, but battled back strong late in the fourth quarter, including a 27-yard TD pass to Steve Smith. Delhomme threw his first interception in more than 3 ½ games when his pass to Smith in the third period was picked off Dolphins' cornerback Nathan Jones at the Miami 4. Delhomme probably should've had a first-half interception, but safety Gibril Wilson dropped it. Early in the fourth quarter, he overthrew wide-open tight end Jeff King in the end zone for what could've been a TD.
RUNNING BACKS
Grade: B
Comment: The Panthers ran effectively, but not as much as it seems they should have. DeAngelo Williams had a 50-yard run, but his best carry may have been an 18-yard zig-zagger in the third period that set up a field goal. Williams finished with 122 yards on 13 carries. Jonathan Stewart had 43 yards on 12 attempts.
RECEIVERS
Grade: C minus
Comment: The numbers look better than the performance was to watch. The receivers came through late, but had difficulty much of the game. Steve Smith had a frustrating night before getting open for a 27-yard TD in the fourth quarter. Tight end Gary Barnidge made a nice 29-yard catch on the final drive. Muhsin Muhammad dropped a pass inside the 10 on the Panthers' opening drive.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Grade: D
Comment: The Panthers clearly missed Jordan Gross. New left tackle Travelle Wharton gave up three sacks in the first half, and Carolina had difficulty pass protecting for Delhomme throughout the game. The run blocking was mostly good.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Grade: D
Comment: The Panthers appeared to have some of the gap control problems from the early season. The Dolphins had much more success running right up the middle than Carolina would've preferred. Julius Peppers' playing time again was limited by his hand injury. Miami blockers handled him well much of the night, but he caused a fumble midway through the third period. The Dolphins recovered, however.
LINEBACKERS
Grade: D
Comment: This unit continues to struggle without Thomas Davis and there may not be an answer for that until he returns next season. Na'il Diggs appeared to be slightly out of position in pass coverage and then missed a tackle on Ricky Williams' 14- yard touchdown reception in the second quarter.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Grade: C
Comment: The Panthers had some difficulty defending the pass, but still held the Dolphins well under 200 yards passing. Cornerback Chris Gamble had a nice early tackle of Ricky Williams for a 2-yard loss
SPECIAL TEAMS
Grade: C
Comment: Miami's superb kickoff returner Ted Ginn Jr. had a big day against a Carolina kickoff unit that has struggled much of the season. Ginn had returns of 37 and 48 yards. Panthers punt returner Captain Munnerlyn let a punt go without a fair catch that wound up costing the Panthers quite a few yards. Punter Jason Baker appeared to shank a low punt near the end of the first half. It went only 34 yards and resulted in a 22-yard return. Baker bounced back and later had a punt downed at the 7. Carolina rookie Tyrell Sutton looked sharp as a kickoff returner. He had returns of 31 andd 29 yards.
COACHING
Grade: C minus
Comment: Injuries haven't helped the Panthers' cause of late. Carolina struggled on offense for much of the game, but there's no denying that this team continues to fight. Despite the loss, that's a credit to the coaches and the players.
