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Grades from Panthers-Cardinals game on Nov. 1.
QUARTERBACK
Grade: B
Comment: Jake Delhomme had an efficient, courageous effort before leaving the game with a chest injury. Matt Moore did a nice job filling in and mostly only had to hand off. Delhomme’s 50-yard TD pass to Steve Smith was a beauty, right in stride.
RUNNING BACK
Grade: A plus
Comment: Double Trouble was a heap of trouble for the Cardinals. DeAngelo Williams (158 yards) became the franchise’s career rushing leader and Jonathan Stewart (87 yards, two TDs) ran like a bulldozer, going around, through and over Arizona defenders the entire game.
RECEIVERS
Grade: B
Comment: Not a lot was asked of these guys on a day when the Panthers ran so effectively, but Smith’s TD was a huge play and Dwayne Jarrett’s 17-yard reception on third down kept the opening drive of the game alive. Tight end Jeff King had an illegal block for a 15-yard penalty that negated a first down run by Delhomme.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Grade: B plus
Comment: The line opened huge holes for the running backs against an Arizona defense that came into the game ranked No. 1 in the NFL against the run. The pass blocking was mostly good, but the Cardinals had a sack and also knocked Delhomme out of the game with a hit to the chest on another play.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Grade: A
Comment: Julius Peppers played one of the best games of his life. He consistently harassed Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner. His 13-yard interception return for a TD and sack/caused fumble were two of the vital plays of the game. Tyler Brayton recovered the fumble Peppers caused and had four solo tackles. Charles Johnson batted down a pass in third quarter to force a punt, after tipping a pass that led to an interception in the second period.
LINEBACKERS
Grade: A minus
Comment: Thomas Davis leaped high to make an interception and had seven tackles and two passes defensed. Jon Beason was truly a beast, with eight tackles and a key batted-down pass. He played with ferocious passion that was clearly contagious. However, he also appeared to give up a touchdown pass in coverage.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Grade: A
Comment: The secondary played by far its best game of the season, helping hold the Cardinals to 226 yards passing. Warner often had time to pass, but found no one open. Rookie safety Sherrod Martin had a splendid starting debut with two interceptions. Cornerback Chris Gamble’s hit jarred the ball loose from a receiver on Martin’s second pick. Safety Chris Harris may have had the hit of the game.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Grade: B+
Jason Baker punted the ball extremely well, averaging 47 yards per punt. He had a nice 56-yarder when kicking out of the end zone, but later was unable to get the ball downed inside the 20 when his kick from the Cardinals’ 37 went into the other end zone for a touchback. The kickoff team gave up a late 53-yard return, but was stout otherwise. John Kasay made both of his field goal attempts and Captain Munnerlyn averaged 15 yards on three punt returns.
COACHING
Grade: A
Comment: The Panthers finally put it all together in all three phases of the game. Last week’s disappointing loss to Buffalo could have crushed this team, but John Fox and his staff not only kept the team together, but managed to get them to play their best game of the season. Revenge definitely played a factor against the same Arizona team that eliminated the Panthers from the playoffs last season. Fox must be commended for making the right call by staying with Delhomme as the quarterback despite a majority of onlookers wanting him to make a switch.
-- Charles Chandler
