Panthers WLB Landon Johnson left Sunday's game in the fourth quarter with a knee injury and did not return.
Johnson and Nail Diggs were prime culprits in a Panthers defense that struggled to tackle all night. His injury could open the door to more playing for Dan Connor, which may actually help the Panthers' run defense.
Beat writer Darin Gantt believes Muhsin Muhammad's 14-year run as a productive receiver is "over."
"The Muhsin Muhammad Is Back Tour lasted one week," said Gantt after his 27-yard performance Thursday night. The Panthers desperately need to address wide receiver this offseason, and it's clear that Dwayne Jarrett is not the answer.
Beat writer Darin Gantt believes rookie Sherrod Martin will keep the starting free safety job when Charles Godfrey returns from an ankle injury.
Gantt calls Martin a rangy safety who is not afraid to lower his shoulder, and he has improved the team's pass defense. Godfrey is expected to be a bigger factor on special teams when he returns.
Jake Delhomme completed 19-of-42 passes for 227 yards, one touchdown, and one interception against the Dolphins in Week 11. He added two scrambles for 17 yards.
The coaching staff tried to coddle Delhomme's burgeoning confidence, calling more pass plays and ultimately damaging the team's chances of winning. Delhomme started a relatively strong 5-of-9 for 59 yards but fell apart thereafter while the playcallers continued to neglect a dominant rushing attack. Delhomme didn't completely melt down, however, so he's in no danger of losing his job going into next week's game against the Jets.
Gary Barnidge caught two passes for 46 yards against the Dolphins in Week 11.
Barnidge didn't see the field until the final drive, where he made an outstanding leaping grab on his back shoulder for a 29-yard gain and two plays later a 17-yard catch in traffic. Clearly the Panthers' second best option in the passing game, Barnidge was wasted against a Dolphins team that struggles to defend athletic tight ends.
Muhsin Muhammad was held to 27 yards on three catches against the Dolphins in Week 11.
Muhammad was targeted just five times and remains more important to the offense as a blocker than receiver. It's time to kick him back to the waiver wire if you picked him up after last week's fluke performance.
Steve Smith led the Panthers with seven receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown against the Dolphins in Week 7.
It could have been so much better. Smith was open all night against single coverage, including twice on deep balls, but Jake Delhomme consistently under- or over-threw his playmaker. His leaping 27-yard touchdown was a reminder that he catches in traffic as well as any receiver in the league. Smith will see plenty of shutdown corner Darrelle Revis next week, but he's tough to sit with three scores in his past two games.
Sponsored links
