[bigboydan]

Delhomme vs. Carr: The Carolina Clash

By: Chance Harper

Is there a quarterback controversy brewing in Carolina this summer? After signing free agent David Carr in the offseason, the Panthers have arguably the most-talented backup QB in the NFL. But Carr's presence in camp doesn't appear to have added pressure to #1 pivot Jake Delhomme.

It’s the biggest battle to hit the Carolinas since ketchup vs. mustard BBQ sauce.
Delhomme vs. Carr: The Carolina Clash

The Carolina Panthers have a very interesting quarterback situation on their hands. Needing a backup for Jake Delhomme after a disappointing 8-8 season (6-9-1 against the spread), the Panthers snapped up free agent David Carr. That’s some backup plan. Carr was the first overall pick by the expansion Houston Texans in the 2002 draft, and despite having to play behind one of the worst offensive lines ever assembled, Carr completed 60 percent of his passes in his first five seasons.

Carr has made his presence felt, both in the Carolina training camp and on the futures market. The 'Carr vs. Delhomme' special asks by what point in the 2007 season the former Fresno State product will have started for the Panthers. The choices and odds are as follows.

Week 1: +600
Week 4: +500
Week 8: +300
Week 16: Even
No starts: +250

The implication is that Carr is going to get his chance at some point this year. The Panthers get the bye during Week 7, playing the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay in Week 17. That particular matchup could very well be his debut, which accounts for the difference in price between 'Week 16' and 'No starts.'

But could Carr come out to play sooner? His chances of winning the No. 1 job at training camp appear dependent on a Delhomme injury. According to Football Outsiders, Delhomme was the more valuable quarterback in each of the past four seasons. Even during his forgettable 2006 campaign, Delhomme was ranked 19th at his position in DPAR (Defense-adjusted Points Above Replacement), while Carr placed 26th.

Last year also saw Delhomme miss three games with a thumb injury, snapping a streak of 61 consecutive appearances in Panther blue. But he appears healthy and more than eager to get back under center. Delhomme also has the support of the front office -- for now.

"(Carr) understands Jake’s our starting quarterback," Panthers GM Marty Hurney told reporters after signing Carr in April. "And everybody in our building knows that."

That doesn’t mean Delhomme isn’t tempted to look over his shoulder. ‘Cats supporters have gotten used to thinking of their team in Super Bowl terms; missing the playoffs last year has not gone down very well with fans and players alike. And while Delhomme has been solid at quarterback, he throws too many interceptions (58 in four years) to be included among the league’s elite. Not even Delhomme’s charisma will prevent fans from demanding a change if he strings together a couple of bad games.

As it is with most people, Delhomme’s future is largely out of his hands. Carolina’s offense was a broken-down lemon in 2006. The main culprit was not Delhomme, but injuries on the offensive line and the predictable play-calling of coordinator Dan Henning. That job now belongs to Jeff Davidson, and the team has responded positively to his more complex zone-blocking schemes.

"It takes a little more time in your playbook, but it’s only going to help us," guard Mike Wahle told reporters.

Wahle appeared very pleased with the change in coordinators. He should; Wahle’s mobility is his best asset, and zone blocking depends on speed. Provided left tackle Travelle Wharton has recovered from last year’s knee injury (his practice time is being limited at camp), Jordan Gross will be able to slide back over to his natural right tackle position. Add the return of center Justin Hartwig, and the Carolina line should be able to make Delhomme’s life much easier in 2007.

Carr’s best chance to get in the game might be if the Panthers clinch a playoff spot and are able to rest their starters in Week 17 against the Buccaneers. However, the Carolina over/under this year is only nine, and there will be stiff competition from the New Orleans Saints to win the NFC South.

That +250 for 'No starts' is beginning to look pretty tasty.

[JBC77]

I always thought Carr was a good QB........he covered for me on more than one occasion with those big point spreads the Texans used to get. I know they can't give Jakes job away just like that........anyone think Carr is the starter by seasons end?

[goldengoat]

i've never thought carr was a good qb

dude holds onto it forever and can't read more than 2 receivers

[JBC77]

Originally Posted by goldengoat

i've never thought carr was a good qb

dude holds onto it forever and can't read more than 2 receivers

The guy had absolutely zero defense.

Do you think he's better than Delhomme?