Bad Jake or Good Jake? You decide

Bad Jake or Good Jake? You decide
0 Comment January 14 Charlotte Observer
"Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme said he wouldn't have thought in a "million years" he'd throw five interceptions in Saturday's 33-13 playoff loss against the Arizona Cardinals.

Delhomme was right. He seldom plays that poorly. His 39.1 passer rating against the Cardinals was far below his career playoff mark of 95.0 and his overall career rating of 85.1.

But his performance again stoked the feelings of many Panthers fans that Delhomme is holding the team back from its ultimate goal: a Super Bowl championship.

After spending much of the past two, non-winning seasons injured, Delhomme helped the Panthers to what he and coach John Fox say is the most important statistic: A 12-5 record. Delhomme was one of the NFL's most effective quarterbacks in the fourth quarter, leading the Panthers to four comeback victories.

With receiver Steve Smith and running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart serving as the team's big-play options, Delhomme isn't asked to carry the Panthers' offense. But his reputation as a questionable decision-maker also re-emerged.

Two of his more memorable passes were essentially thrown up for grabs in critical situations in victories against Green Bay and New Orleans - although both were rewarded with remarkable catches by Smith. On at least two of the interceptions against Arizona, Delhomme admitted to trying to squeeze the ball past Cardinals defenders.

Here's a look at several factors that help define Delhomme's season and his career:

Big Games? Just A Few

The Panthers don't require big games from Delhomme to win.

Delhomme has a record of 55-34 as a starter for the Panthers. In just seven of those victories, however, did he throw for at least 250 yards and two touchdowns.

How's He's Fared Over The Years

Delhomme has consistently ranked in the middle of most NFL passing categories during his Panthers career.

Still Delivers In The Clutch

In 2003 - his first season as a starter - Delhomme led the NFL with seven game-winning drives in the fourth quarter. He continues to flourish in crunch time: He led four comebacks this season (against San Diego, Chicago, Green Bay and New Orleans) and his 97.8 fourth-quarter quarterback rating ranked fifth in the league."
Link