FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Listen, I'm a Panther fan living in NYC and I know all about the ballad of Vinny. However, I can't believe that the season has come down to this! What a weird twist of events for this to happen. To start, I was never a fan of Delhomme. I think the team (especially Steve Smith and Moose) made him look better than he actually was. All the Jake lovers will say, "Hey he only took us to the Super Bowl in '03!". Well, not really is my response. Stephen Davis had the best season a RB ever had as a Panther (1400+ yards), the D was out of control that year, and they had some luck along the way (McNabb injured in the NFCCG during the first series). To make a long story short, the guy blows out his arm like an MLB pitcher, very odd indeed. We will remember Jake via his Bojangles commercials which pollute the greater Charlotte area I am told. Feel free to Youtube them if you so desire. Ugh.

But I digress, this is not about my dislike of Jake. It's about how Vinny has risen off his couch on Strong Island and made his way into the starting lineup of my beloved Panthers. I guess I should start by mentioning David Carr. I thought it was a great pickup this offseason. I thought he could possibly resurrect his career by getting away from the putrid offensive line he was subjected to in Houston. Well, it appears that he was shell shocked from all those sacks he had to endure. For a mobile guy he sure holds onto the ball a long time. Waaaay to long for that matter. That my friends is a recipe for disaster. Also, his throwing motion is really weird looking. Sidearm AND across his body, very odd and very susceptible to getting batted down by the D-line. Anywho, the guy gets his shot when Jake goes and down and he gets pummelled by a very underwhelming Aints D (reiterating the whole-holds onto the ball too long theory). To his credit he picks himself up off the turf, takes some painkillers, and finishes the game which is won narrowly. But hey, a W is a W.

The following week it is discovered that Carr suffered a back injury (which has since been diagnosed as a compression fracture-yikes!). So now the Panthers are left in a conundrum. They can't leave it in the hands of Matt Moore whom they picked up off the waiver wire from Dallas. They need to go after a veteran to try and hold the course until Carr recovers. And whom do the Panthers find? VINNY FREAKIN TESTAVERDE!!!!!!!

I was stunned to say the least. I was prepared for the mocking and jokes. There were many. And what does the old man do? He goes out and plays a great game against the Cardinals. Now, the D played great that day and kind of carried the day. Peppers got out of his funk and finally did some damage. However, Vinny (with minimal prep time) managed the game beautifully and did something Carr wasn't doing. He fed Steve Smith early and often. A sure recipe for success.

It was a great story because it was supposed to be a one time shot. Carr would surely come back after the bye and lead them against the World Champion Colts. But alas, Carr is not 100% and Vinny gets the call again.

Can he do it one more time? I'm not so sure. He is a statue which feeds right into Dwight Freeney's abilities. This is the Colts we are talking about too, not the Arizona Cardinals. There are a few things working for the Panthers however. Short week for the Colts, two weeks rest for Carolina. Trap game for the Colts, a chance to prove themselves for the Panthers. Also, if you can believe it, the Colts are 0-3 all time against the Panthers. We shall see I suppose. I just have a feeling that Cindervinny's time may be up. I'll root like hell for him and the team and hope for the best. GO PANTHERS!!!