I asked a teacher I know to help me describe the Carolina Panthers: If last week’s game against the Saints was “horrible” and this week’s game against the Bears was worse, then what descriptive word would be appropriate?

“Atrocious,” he advised.

That’s right, atrocious.

Sunday’s matchup between the Panthers and Bears may be remembered as one of the worst performances by two opposing quarterbacks in the history of the NFL. Both teams should be embarrassed, and more so for the Panthers, because they lost.

Simply atrocious.

I wrote last week that for the Panthers to beat the Bears, the defense would have to step up in a mighty way, and for the most part defensive coordinator Ron Meeks obliged. With 90 percent of Chicago’s offense occurring in the first quarter, “Meeks’ Marauders” settled down and played the next three quarters to the level I had anticipated.

What I didn’t predict was that the entire offense would take the day off.

Carolina’s running and passing were non-existent. The Chicago offense gave up four interceptions and their starting quarterback had a passer rating of 6.1… and we still lost the game.

A game that can be labeled as “atrocious” is not worthy of a lengthy breakdown, so let’s just get to the problem-solving phase.

I have yet to mention owner Jerry Richardson in any of my columns because I greatly appreciate the fact that he brought a long-awaited NFL franchise to Charlotte 15 years ago. Yet today I must address Mr. Richardson directly and state that he owes it to himself, the fans, the Carolinas, and the NFL to put a better product on the field.

Mr. Richardson, the solutions start with you. Use next week’s bye to say good-bye to problems that plague this team and this franchise.

Good-bye to offensive linemen who can’t hold their blocking assignments regardless of who is quarterbacking. With an inept offensive line, you could have Peyton Manning under center with an all-star receiving core and you would still have problems with pass completions.

Good-bye to general manager Marty Hurney, who continues to bring in sub-par free agents year after year. In his eight years as GM, I can’t recall a veteran free agent he brought to this team who made a lasting impact. The growth and development of the team has been stagnant under Hurney’s reign. He is no Bill Polian, but if memory serves, Mr. Richardson, you fired Polian.

Good-bye to John Fox, who has lost the ability to motivate the team. The players need a new direction, rejuvenation and new leadership from a proven winner (i.e., Bill Cowher). Coach Fox has done a commendable job with the players he has been given (Thanks, Mr. Hurney), but his time has come and a new direction needs to be forged.

Good-bye to Steve Smith, if letting him go will give you two legitimate offensive linemen before the end of the trade deadline. Smith is getting up there in age, and I think he has lost his desire to be a Panther, and he has remarkable trade value.

Good-bye to losing and sub-par performances.

Mr. Richardson, I hope you understand that the Panthers are in dire straits. To continue down this path will have the fans, PSL owners and me saying good-bye to you. “Atrocious” should never be a word used to describe your football team.
 

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