Carolina Looks To Rebound In Atlanta

NFL News - September 16th, 2009 - Written by John

Carolina at Atlanta -- Vegas is cutting the Panthers a little less slack after their performance in week one, which looked less like an NFL game and more like Tommy, your 10-year old cousin, turned on the sticks and squared off against someone from the Madden Bus. Thought to be a contender for the NFC South title, the Panthers were murdered for 38 points despite being underdogs by only two points heading in. Early odds have them now being six-point dogs against Atlanta.

Part of the problem is the Panthers don't really know who their starting quarterback is. Jake Delhomme was owned for five turnovers against the Eagles' defense (which racked up 35 points in standard ESPN fantasy leagues). His backups weren't much better. Josh McCown only attempted six passes before being knocked out of the game with a leg injury. Matt Moore then took over and was manhandled for a 33.5 rating. For now, it seems, head coach John Fox is sticking with Delhomme, but he has thrown nine picks in his last two games dating back to the NFC Divisional Playoff loss to Arizona.

"Did I beat myself up last night? Absolutely. But it happens. That's just how this business is," Delhomme told ESPN.com. "That's why these seats are so precious. There are only 32 of us in the world."

Jeff Garcia probably would've been the best to target, but signed with Philadelphia Monday. Regardless, the Panthers' front office may be on the phone's as you read this sentence.

The Falcons, however, were efficient in their opener against the Dolphins. Matt Ryan continued his calm play and was able to build some show off his new toy, tight end Tony Gonzalez. The pair connected on a 20-yard touchdown strike that made Gonzalez the NFL's 21st 11,000-yard receiver.

Michael Turner, the typical no. 2 pick in most fantasy drafts, only gained 65 yards on 22 carries in the opener, but is expected to bounce back with a monster game against a Carolina team missing four projected starters. The Panthers were murdered for 185 rushing yards against Philadelphia.

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