Why Panthers Fans Still Have Reasons to Gripe

In his Q&A Forum on the Charlotte Observer's web site, columnist Scott Fowler was asked why so many Panthers fans seem to be complaining after a rather dominating 15-0 victory. Here was his reply:

Panther fans do have pretty high expectations these days, don't they? All sorts of franchise records set in this one, but there will be a lot of grumbling because of only 15 points, three offensive turnovers inside the 20, conservative play-calling, etc. I would say this franchise doesn't have nearly enough history to be anything but satisfied with a win of any stripe -- it's not like this is San Francisco, Dallas or Pittsburgh during the glory days and the wins come in so many dozens that it make sense to compare them, like a box of Krispy Kreme assorted. Panther fans should be happy right now and not look a gift horse in the mouth.

For the record, yes, I am happy for a win, and I am happy that this team's defense has rediscovered its awesomeness. Defense wins championships, and this Panther D has that look about it.

But.

I can't just sit here and ignore the mistakes the Panthers' offense made yesterday -- mistakes that have been plaguing this team all season. There were 4th-quarter turnovers. There were some really silly play calls. Even Fowler admits Keyshawn Johnson's option pass was poorly timed. ("Keyshawn had just come off a very physical play -- long run, penalty, all that stuff. I don't think you go right back there on the next play and ask him to do something he normally doesn't do.") He also admits that offensive coordinator Dan Henning is misusing DeShaun Foster. ("I think he's tried to make DeShaun Foster too much into a between-the-tackles runner, which is fitting a round peg into a square hole.")

Why shouldn't we as fans come right out and say we want our team to perform better? Yes, the defense couldn't perform any better than it did, but this offense still has lots of room for improvement, and just being happy with a W isn't enough. This franchise has been to a Super Bowl once. We want it to go back.

So let's congratulate the D and keep riding the offense until it shapes up, because until it does, this team might not get past the Bears in Chicago a second time. Yes, it's great that the Panthers are winning and that they have a shot at a first-round bye. What's a bye when it's at home turning the ball over twice in the fourth quarter?