That sound you just heard was massive cheering from the greater Charlotte area. (Or perhaps a car backfiring.) The Panthers have cut their longtime starting quarterback after a year of frustrating interceptions and less-frustrating but still painful interceptions.
Jake Delhomme really did have a roller coaster decade whose popularity rating practically mirrored George W. Bush's. He led his team to the Super Bowl in 2003 and the NFC Championship game in 2005, although he lost both. After his Pro Bowl appearance in 2005, his career took a sharp left, and his five-pick performance against the Arizona Cardinals in 2009 essentially branded him as an interception machine. Somehow, he stayed with the Panthers, and for whatever reason, the fans didn't disown the franchise.
Last season he threw a career-worst 18 interceptions (on top of six fumbles) in just 11 games before getting benched and put on injured reserve. His replacement, Matt Moore, finished the year 4-1, so it looks apparent that he'll be "the guy" this fall. However, Michael Vick singled out the Panthers (his hometown team) as a place he'd love to play. Controversy!
This may not be the end for Delhomme, but his prospects destine him to hold the clipboard for someone in 2010. Hear that, Raiders?
Article comments