Panthers' future ain't what it used to be
By Ron Green Jr.
rgreenjr@charlotteobserver.com
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/panthers/story/366971.html
It was Yogi Berra who said when you come to a fork in the road, take it.
Well, the Carolina Panthers are there. They're 8-2 and standing at the intersection of Yogi and Berra.
The Panthers' last six games are difficult with four on the road, two at home and no opponents named Kansas City.
It starts with a trip to Atlanta this weekend, and everybody knows what a mess traffic can be down there.
Then it's off to Green Bay, where even the Abominable Snowman gets cold.
The Panthers come home for a Monday nighter against Tampa Bay, and who doesn't get nervous when Ron Jaworski is in the house.
Denver makes a rare visit here the following week then, just before Christmas, the Panthers go to New York where they're all excited about seeing the Rockettes.
Finally, they close the regular season in New Orleans where they can only hope it will be the Big Easy.
At this fork in the NFL road, the Panthers would be wise to remember something else Yogi said:
You'd better know where you're going or else you'll wind up someplace else.
As for Week12:
CAROLINA at ATLANTA: Pardon me for resorting to statistics, but I must – NFC South teams are 19-2 at home this season. Therefore (and with limited conviction): Falcons 24, Panthers 23.
NEW YORK JETS at TENNESSEE: Are these the two best teams in the AFC?
We're about to find out. Titans 28, Jets 26.
TAMPA BAY at DETROIT: I'll probably regret this, but the Lions are going to win a game sometime: Lions 24, Bucs 20.
CHICAGO at ST. LOUIS: I read recently that 272 million turkeys were raised in this country last year. I'm not sure what the total is this year, but here's another one. Bears 32, Lambs 17.
NEW ENGLAND at MIAMI: It's tempting to see this game as the moment when the Dolphins become relevant again. They're on the cusp of playoff contention, Bill Parcells has conjured up a new mojo down around South Beach and this can be the game that stamps the Dolphins' return as a power.
Or not.
Patriots 31, Dolphins 20.
SAN FRANCISCO at DALLAS: Does Tony Romo's pinkie make that much difference? Maybe so.
It helps when you can hand the ball to Marion Barber.
It also helps when you're 6-4 and looking at consecutive games against the 49ers and Seahawks.
Life is getting better around Big D.
Cowboys 34, 49ers 14.
BUFFALO at KANSAS CITY: I like the underachievers against the non-achievers. But not by much.
Bills 28, Chiefs 24.
HOUSTON at CLEVELAND: Looks can be deceiving, but Browns' quarterback Brady Quinn looks like a star.
Even if he does play for the Browns.
Cleveland 31, Texans 17.
PHILADELPHIA at BALTIMORE: Ravens' kicker Matt Stover last week kicked his 372 {+n}{+d} consecutive extra point, an NFL record. Aren't you glad you know that? Ravens 26, Eagles 20.
MINNESOTA at JACKSONVILLE: The definition of mediocrity. Jags 25, Vikings 21.
OAKLAND at DENVER: Recently, former Giants and Ravens coach Jim Fassel wrote Raiders' owner Al Davis asking to be hired as the team's new coach. Fassel considered trying to fix General Motors, but wanted a bigger challenge.
Broncos 37, Raiders 17.
WASHINGTON at SEATTLE: Rarely have so many gone so far for something that matters so little.
Seahawks 30, Redskins 24.
NEW YORK GIANTS at ARIZONA: In case you haven't noticed, Cardinals' quarterback Kurt Warner is on his way to winning a third MVP award, in part because he has more weapons at his disposal than the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The Cardinals have already locked down the NFC Worst, but this is about something more. This is about beating the NFL's best team.
Cardinals 34, Giants 31.
INDIANAPOLIS at SAN DIEGO: Even the bailout has been better than San Diego.
Resurgent Colts 35, Chargers 21.
GREEN BAY at NEW ORLEANS: Bratwurst against beignets. The Big Cheese against the Big Easy.
Or something like that. Saints 29, Packers 20.
Last week: 10-4-1
Season: 95-61-1
Calendar
