Turnovers End Giants, Titans, and Panthers Season
Whether it was fumbles, interceptions or not converting on 4th down situations, this past weekend was bad timing for turnovers. For the New York Giants, Tennessee Titans and Carolina Panthers, turning the ball over during the playoffs ended their dreams of being Super Bowl Champions. All these teams worked hard to gain a bye in the playoffs, but it did not matter as a result of the turnovers.
For the defending Super Bowl Champions New York Giants, even though Eli Manning did throw two interceptions in their lost to the Philadelphia Eagles that was not the major factor that doomed them. The Giants inability to get the 1st down when they tried to go for it on 4th down was very costly. The Eagles stop them a couple of times in the 4th quarter and would then capitalize by scoring a touchdown and then eventually winning the game.
As for the Tennessee Titans, they lost only 3 games all season, but the curial turnovers by the Titans would lead to Baltimore Raves 13-10 victory. Titians quarterback, Kerry Collins, had a costly fumble when the Titans were driving in the 2nd quarter. Later in the quarter, Kerry Collins threw an interception that could had lead to points for the Titans. Towards the end of the 2nd quarter, Titans running back, LenDale White, would also fumble the football, which gave the Titans no chance of getting any points in that quarter. The final turnover that was very costly for Titans was when Alge Crumple fumble the ball at the 5-yard line when the Titans looked like they were going to score. Without these turnovers, the Titans could have scored several times, but it was not meant to be.
Finally for the Carolina Panthers, coming into their game against the Arizona Cardinals, the main issue was if the Cardinals were going to able to handle the Panthers offense, but it was the Panthers that had the issues. The Panthers main issues was their turnovers, especially during crucial times in the game by Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme. Jake Delhomme threw five interceptions, which helped lead to the Cardinals victory. After falling behind, the Panthers tried to get back into this game, but interceptions stopped any chance of that happening and they would lose 33-13 to the Cardinals.
Now, as these teams looked back, they had a great season, but their mistakes in the playoffs will haunted them until next season. Tough break for Giants, Titans and Panthers to gain home field advantage and a first round bye and have it all end in one game. These teams should be back next year, hopefully for them, next time, it will be their opponents that make the mistakes.
Panthers Get Ugly Win Versus the Raiders
The Carolina Panthers looked good early against the Oakland Raiders as the got their first touchdown. However, the game would turn into a defensive struggle. Panthers’ quarterback Jake Delhomme threw four interceptions and for the Raiders, Andrew Walter did not fair much better throwing two interceptions himself.
In the end, the Oakland Raiders could not stop the Panthers running game. DeAngelo Williams had 140 yards including a 69-yard touchdown run to help the Panthers win, 17-6. The schedule does not get any better for Raiders. Next up for the Raiders is the Miami Dolphins and the “Wild Cat” offense. The Raiders will need to play better on offense to have a chance, if not, this will be a long game and even longer road trip for the Raiders.
Chargers lose 26-24, No Pressure, No Win
It was nice game, but not for the San Diego Chargers. The Carolina Panthers made the plays when they needed to help them win in the game. The last drive was typical of what happened to Chargers’ defense last season. No pressure on on the quarterback. Jake Delhomme, of the Carolina Panthers, seemed like he had all day to pick apart the Chargers’ secondary. The San Diego’s secondary did make some plays, but there was no enough pressure. Eventually, the Carolina Panthers offense got into rhythm, which would help Carolina score on that final drive.
On offensive, the Chargers were able to move the ball at times. Vincent Jackson made some great plays and Chris Chambers made a nice touchdown catch. But, LaDainian Tomlinson only had an okay game. The defense for Carolina seemed like they wanted it more and won the battle upfront.
All the Chargers can do is go back and study to film to try to improve. The key thing for the Chargers for the next game is to execute and put pressure on the quarterback. Pressure allows the defense do what they do best, turn the ball over and giving it to the guy who should have it all the time. LT!!