The proverbial monkey is off the backs of the Carolina Panthers, and going 0-16 is no longer a possibility.

The team apparently took the bye week to make some positive changes and fully prepare for their opponent. As as a result, they beat the San Francisco 49ers 23-20.

For the 2010-2011 season, October 24, will be remembered as the day the light went on for players and coaches.

I still firmly believer that Jimmy Clausen is the quarterback of the future for the Panthers, but having watched him in the two previous games, I have to say his time is not now but in the future. A light went on for John Fox as he apparently came to this same realization and started Matt Moore.

The quarterback change made a huge difference. Moore was more poised and managed the game better than Clausen could have. By committing fewer turnovers, he gave the Panther defense a chance to rest and kept the 49ers offense off the field.

A bulb bright enough to illuminate Panther stadium must have led Fox to make the decision to, as often as possible, put the ball into the hands of his best offensive weapon -- Steve Smith – who he used to return punts for the first time in several seasons. Smith didn’t score a punt-return touchdown, but his presence electrified the team and energized the fans.

As if hit by a lightning strike, a Panther quarterback finally realized that that the team has more than one receiver on the field, and Moore completed passes to David Gettis (8), Brandon LaFell (6), and Dante Rosario(5). If he continues to spread the ball around, it will free up Steve Smith from the constant double teams and give the Panther offense multiple passing threats.

Gettis and LaFell proved that they have worked at their craft and are now viable NFL receivers who have enough speed and quickness to get the job done. Moore also showed that he realizes that he has to be mobile to avoid sacks and not rely totally on the offensive line for protection.

The Panthers won’t get a lot of style points for their performance, but fans will take a much-awaited victory just the same. As I have always said, “good teams find a way to win, even on a bad day.”

Now that the coaching staff and players have finally seen the light, my original prediction of an eight and eight season is still possible. Winning is infectious, and I hope that the Panthers don’t find a cure anytime soon.
 

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