FleaFlicker
10-02-2007, 06:15 PM
Look around at every team in the NFC South and not just the New Orleans Saints for a minute. While last year's division champion may be the only winless team after Week 4, they aren't the only ones in the NFC South in a state of uncertainty.
The Carolina Panthers, the Saints' next opponent on Sunday in the Louisiana Superdome, may be in more disarray after Sunday's unflattering 20-7 loss to Tampa Bay than any other team.
Panthers defensive tackle Kris Jenkins voiced his anger and disappointment without even being asked a question.
"As a team, collectively, we have no heart," Jenkins told reporters. "We have no energy. We have no drive... . I'm going to be honest. I think the players owe the fans an apology.
"I would be as upset as they are if I had to sit in the stands for four quarters and look at that garbage. I'm going to be honest with you, it was what it was, garbage."
The Panthers were without starting quarterback Jake Delhomme as David Carr replaced the former Saints backup.
But the Buccaneers were missing numerous key players and lost running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams and left tackle Luke Petitgout to season-ending knee injuries.
Carr couldn't finish the job, though, and his Pro Bowl wide receiver Steve Smith exploded before the game was over. The Houston Texans first-ever draft pick went 19-for-41 for 155 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
According to several published reports, Smith shouted on the phone to the coaching staff during the third quarter. Smith caught five passes for 32 yards as the Panthers fell to 1-3.
Delhomme's throwing elbow remains a problem, and Carr may get the start in New Orleans on Sunday. Carr said Monday that he and Smith have to solve their issues, and fast.
"We just have to get a little brainwave going between me and some of the wideouts," Carr said. "That's just going to take time. I told Smitty (Smith), 'If you're not talking to me this week, then we have problems because I should be in your ear all day and know exactly what you're thinking next week, and you should feel the same way.' It will be better next week. I know that.
"That was one of the worst games I have played in a while. It didn't feel like I was comfortable back there. I never really got in sync. I blame myself."
The bickering hasn't crept into the Saints locker room despite being one of only three winless teams in the NFL. Saints quarterback Drew Brees sang a far different tune during the bye week than some of the Panthers' players.
"We will all take a step back and take a deep breath," Brees said. "I don't think we can feel any worse then we feel right now. So it can only go up from here."
The Carolina Panthers, the Saints' next opponent on Sunday in the Louisiana Superdome, may be in more disarray after Sunday's unflattering 20-7 loss to Tampa Bay than any other team.
Panthers defensive tackle Kris Jenkins voiced his anger and disappointment without even being asked a question.
"As a team, collectively, we have no heart," Jenkins told reporters. "We have no energy. We have no drive... . I'm going to be honest. I think the players owe the fans an apology.
"I would be as upset as they are if I had to sit in the stands for four quarters and look at that garbage. I'm going to be honest with you, it was what it was, garbage."
The Panthers were without starting quarterback Jake Delhomme as David Carr replaced the former Saints backup.
But the Buccaneers were missing numerous key players and lost running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams and left tackle Luke Petitgout to season-ending knee injuries.
Carr couldn't finish the job, though, and his Pro Bowl wide receiver Steve Smith exploded before the game was over. The Houston Texans first-ever draft pick went 19-for-41 for 155 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
According to several published reports, Smith shouted on the phone to the coaching staff during the third quarter. Smith caught five passes for 32 yards as the Panthers fell to 1-3.
Delhomme's throwing elbow remains a problem, and Carr may get the start in New Orleans on Sunday. Carr said Monday that he and Smith have to solve their issues, and fast.
"We just have to get a little brainwave going between me and some of the wideouts," Carr said. "That's just going to take time. I told Smitty (Smith), 'If you're not talking to me this week, then we have problems because I should be in your ear all day and know exactly what you're thinking next week, and you should feel the same way.' It will be better next week. I know that.
"That was one of the worst games I have played in a while. It didn't feel like I was comfortable back there. I never really got in sync. I blame myself."
The bickering hasn't crept into the Saints locker room despite being one of only three winless teams in the NFL. Saints quarterback Drew Brees sang a far different tune during the bye week than some of the Panthers' players.
"We will all take a step back and take a deep breath," Brees said. "I don't think we can feel any worse then we feel right now. So it can only go up from here."