Panthers

[Irish]

Panthers +7 looks to be the play IMO, also considering the ML in this game.

The reason I say this is how the colts were able to run on the Pats. E.James was very productive up the middle and thats where S.Davis makes his living.

The Pats only beat the Colts by a TD with 3 picks and a safety. I'm not going to jump on the Delhome band wagon but the kid doesn't force the throw (ie Mannings interception were all "I know I can make that throw" passes). All that being said, CAR defense IIMO is better than the Pats. I do not think Brady will have the time he did against the Colts. Also the Colts should have picked Brady about 3 times but dropped the ball. Carolina takes advantage of teams mistakes!

GL

 

[PaTsJaMM]

The Pats only beat the Colts by a TD with 3 picks and a safety. I'm not going to jump on the Delhome band wagon but the kid doesn't force the throw (ie Mannings interception were all "I know I can make that throw" passes). All that being said, CAR defense IIMO is better than the Pats. I do not think Brady will have the time he did against the Colts. Also the Colts should have picked Brady about 3 times but dropped the ball. Carolina takes advantage of teams mistakes!

Please tell me you aren't comparing Delhomme to Manning. Manning was the hottest QB going into yesterdays' games and all everyone was talking about was how unstoppable he was and how this was a "different" Manning who was going to rip apart the Pats defense. Do you honestly believe that Delhomme is going to fare any better? And as far as Brady goes, he gets rid of the ball and reads defenses quicker than any QB in the league. Blitz him and he'll burn you with screens and quick outs. Give him time and he'll pick apart your secondary. The Pats are also one of the top teams at forcing their opponents into mistakes and turning them into points and they're are so disciplined, they don't beat themselves.

The Panthers defense is better than New Englands? The Pats are FIRST in the league in points per game allowed at 14.9, the Panthers are 10th, allowing 19. The Pats have allowed fewer yards per game than the Panthers, and are 3rd in rushing yards allowed per game at 89.6, the Panthers are 11th at 107.6

I'd love to know why you think the Panthers defense is better.

 

[dukie]

have to agree with Jamm. Another fact to consider is that the Pats game plan was to shut down Manning. By doing this they were willing to give up some yards in the running game. This focus will change to the Carolina running game in the Super Bowl. The Pats will try and shut down the run and put the game in Delholmes hands. The pats defense imo is the better all around d. The stats are their and week in and week out this unit has been solid. Carolina has been very impressive in the playoffs with big wins on the road, but this will be the most complete team that they have faced this year.

 

[Irish]

I would never make that comparison. I was on the Eagles this past weekend.
I'm just saying I think Manning felt that he could make every throw regardless of the coverage. I think Dehlome's humbleness will help him, not that he is better at all. Kinda like Dilfer with the Ravens (not comparing the panthers D to the Ravens). The :if I don't make a mistake and let the defense hold them" type game play.

IMO these teams are equally tough and the stats you said are correct and the Pats have the better defense, but IMO the panthers have the better defense because they don't have as good of an offense as the Pats. Sometimes the best friend of defense is a good offense keeping the other teams offense off the field.

Just my opinion and I totally see yours.

gl