Share
Jake Delhomme looked very comfortable running out of the no-huddle, hurry-up offense Sunday, which he did for most of the game. The Panthers have got to do that more often. Their veteran offense excels at it, and it can absolutely wear out and confuse a defense when done correctly.
While Delhomme played like the Delhomme of the 2008 regular season, Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan played like Delhomme – circa September 2009.
When left tackle Jordan Gross broke his ankle, the Panthers' offensive line recovered nicely. It better continue to do so. Although coach John Fox wouldn't speculate on what Gross's injury meant postgame, I will. I think Gross is done for the season.
It was nice to see Muhsin Muhammad catch some balls downfield. He still doesn't have a catch of more than 22 yards all season, but his 91 yards in receptions helped the pass game immensely.
Because of his hand injury, Julius Peppers was nothing more than a situational pass rusher. It looks like Peppers' hand injury is more serious than the team is letting on. "He was still getting pressure on the quarterback with basically one arm," Panthers linebacker Jon Beason marveled. "It was unbelievable."
Best break for the Panthers? Atlanta running back Michael Turner going out of the game with a severe ankle sprain. He had 111 rushing yards when he left in the second quarter and looked to be on his way to 200.
