Scott Says ... Call it Dome luck
Posted: Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/gameday/story/373056.html
The Georgia Dome has frequently been a house of horrors for the Panthers. They lost the first game in franchise history here, in 1995. They also have lost 51-23 and 30-0 here. This 45-28 pounding reminded me most of the 51-23 beating Carolina took in 1998, which helped lead to the Kerry Collins “my heart’s not in it” implosion and was the last game Collins ever played for Carolina here.
Panthers general manager Marty Hurney got perturbed about the officials’ clock management late in the game and went over to the NFL’s officiating observer in the press box to vent.
That venting was very public and continued for an uncomfortably long time, and I thought it went a bit over the line. Hurney, a good guy who sometimes can’t holster his temper, may get a phone call from the NFL about that one.
Did anyone put out an APB Sunday on Julius Peppers?
In a four-game stretch between Sept.28 and Oct.19, the Panthers allowed a total of 43 points. On Sunday, they allowed 45. Of course, the Panthers put the best face that it can on that embarrassing number.
“They could have scored 100 today and it would still count for one loss,” Panther cornerback Ken Lucas said. “If this was the BCS, maybe that would matter.”
I think it matters in the NFL some, too. Give up 45 – 38 by the defense, seven by special teams – and you start wondering exactly what sort of team you have.
One bright spot: Jake Delhomme threw the ball pretty well in the loss.
That first-and-goal Carolina had from the Atlanta 1 in the first half, when the Panthers only ended up with three points? That was nasty.
Carolina had only 48 yards worth of penalties Sunday, but they all came at very key times.
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