The Carolina Panthers are the final stop on our tour of team-by-team mailbags.
Al in Washington, D.C. writes: Pat -- The Devery Henderson scamper last week is the first time I remember Chris Gamble really getting beat all season. I was not a proponent of the contract extension the Panthers gave him, but it seems hard to argue that he's not earning it so far. Do you agree? Also - no one has said it, and I've only seen one Panthers game live this year, but is it possible that Steve Smith is losing a step? It's not like this is the first time that teams have double covered him, and it seems like he used to get open a lot more.
Pat Yasinskas: Chris Gamble is a solid No. 1 cornerback and those guys are tough to come by. The Panthers locked him up with the extension last year and I can’t argue with that move. As far as Smith, I don’t think he’s losing speed yet. He is 30, but I don’t think he’s slowed down. I think it’s a combination of inconsistency at quarterback and not having any other threats at wide receiver. Also, I haven't been crazy about the play calling on offense.
Kevin in Cullowhee, NC writes: I am not one to give up on my team. But from where we are in the season right now, can you give Panther fans a reason to look forward to the off-season because that seems that is the only thing we have left. But even then we don't have a first round pick. Lord help us if Steve Smith gets fed up with not being used and wants out, Peppers is gone. This season just seems far too difficult to salvage with the way the passing game is going and injuries. Give Panther fans a reason to be excited about free-agency, Bill Cowher, something!
Pat Yasinskas: I understand your pain. But it’s not over yet. If the Panthers can beat the Falcons, they’re at least in the playoff race again. I know they’d almost have to run the table from there, but there is plenty of talent on this team. Hang on a bit before you write the Panthers off.
Al in Washington, D.C. writes: Pat -- The Devery Henderson scamper last week is the first time I remember Chris Gamble really getting beat all season. I was not a proponent of the contract extension the Panthers gave him, but it seems hard to argue that he's not earning it so far. Do you agree? Also - no one has said it, and I've only seen one Panthers game live this year, but is it possible that Steve Smith is losing a step? It's not like this is the first time that teams have double covered him, and it seems like he used to get open a lot more.
Pat Yasinskas: Chris Gamble is a solid No. 1 cornerback and those guys are tough to come by. The Panthers locked him up with the extension last year and I can’t argue with that move. As far as Smith, I don’t think he’s losing speed yet. He is 30, but I don’t think he’s slowed down. I think it’s a combination of inconsistency at quarterback and not having any other threats at wide receiver. Also, I haven't been crazy about the play calling on offense.
Kevin in Cullowhee, NC writes: I am not one to give up on my team. But from where we are in the season right now, can you give Panther fans a reason to look forward to the off-season because that seems that is the only thing we have left. But even then we don't have a first round pick. Lord help us if Steve Smith gets fed up with not being used and wants out, Peppers is gone. This season just seems far too difficult to salvage with the way the passing game is going and injuries. Give Panther fans a reason to be excited about free-agency, Bill Cowher, something!
Pat Yasinskas: I understand your pain. But it’s not over yet. If the Panthers can beat the Falcons, they’re at least in the playoff race again. I know they’d almost have to run the table from there, but there is plenty of talent on this team. Hang on a bit before you write the Panthers off.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Pat Yasinskas
Yasinskas joined ESPN.com in January 2008 after covering the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer for nine seasons. He began his journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990.
