Freedom News:Delhomme impressive, but Panthers to focus on ground game

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http://www.newbernsunjournal.com/Details.cfm?StoryID=12120

Delhomme impressive, but Panthers to focus on ground game

By Steve Reed/Freedom News Service

CHARLOTTE -- When the Carolina Panthers look back on Sunday's 27-24 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers they might remember it as the game little Jake Delhomme finally grew up.

Carolina's young signal caller overcame two horrible interceptions and led the Panthers on an impressive 78-yard game-winning touchdown drive to beat the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers and take a nearly insurmountable four-game lead in the NFC South.

The Bucs spent most of the game with eight men in the box shutting down the running game and forcing Delhomme to beat them.

And he did.

"I think it speaks a lot to the character we have on our team, in particular our young quarterback," Panthers head coach John Fox said. "Jake had a couple of rough plays prior to that drive. I thought our offense grabbed the bull by the horns.

"We protected well, we made some nice catches and Jake made some nice throws. It should do a lot for Jake's confidence."

Just as he did earlier this season against Jacksonville, Delhomme proved he can be counted on to win a football game when given the opportunity.

Nevertheless, don't expect much of a change in Carolina's offensive philosophy the rest of the season.

The Panthers are still the league's third-best running team and that is what they do best.

"I know people have been bashing our pass offense for some time now," Fox said. "I think there is a time and a place (to throw the ball). Yesterday's situation was the time and the place.

"(But) I don't think I'm going to turn around and do that for four quarters just because we did that in the last two minutes of the game. That's not our style and I don't believe it's the right style to win. But when need be, he can do it - and I think he proved that on Sunday."

Also, the Panthers hope to get running back Stephen Davis back this week against the Washington Redskins.

Davis sat out Sunday with what Fox described as a mild ankle sprain. He will be listed as day-to-day this week.

"He is progressing well," Fox said. "There's no structural problem with the ankle. It's just a matter of rest and some healing involved. We'll know more on Wednesday."

However, it may be tough keeping Davis out of the lineup, especially since this is a game he's had circled on his schedule since the schedule came out. Davis spent his first seven seasons with the Redskins, but was let go earlier this year because he wasn't a good fit in Steve Spurrier's Fun-N-Gun offense.

During an appearance a couple of weeks ago on ESPN's "Hot Seat," Davis said he'd like to run for about 150 yards and three touchdowns against the Redskins.

But right now all of that depends on his ankle.

"When we evaluate our players medically we will do what is right for the long term," Fox said. "I can't speak too much until we get on with our week's work. But it's something we'll look at. If we deem he can't play, he won't play."

If he doesn't the Panthers will have to get by another week behind the strength of Delhomme.