The New Guys

You have your work cut out for you if you are the starting Quarterback against a New York Giants defense. Chris Weinke had that last Sunday on his first start in over 4 years. He made mistakes, admitedly saying "I cannot go out there, turn the ball over three times and still expect to come away with the win. It was fun to get back out there. I love to compete and I had my opportunity on Sunday." Weinke is starting in favor of an injured Jake Delhomme who is recovering albeit slowly. It does not look like he will be at a pro level by this weekend but he talks of the swelling going down. A thumb injury for a quarterback is hard when that digit is the main strength and grip on the ball. Injuries like that have plagued the Carolina Panthers as of late but that is not always a bad thing. With both normal starting cornerbacks, Ken Lucas and Chris Gamble, out with injuries, an up and coming star of a rookie, Richard Marshall, has been able to show off a bit more. With 5 starts he has pulled down 3 interceptions, 2 defensive fumble recoveries, and, while on the special teams, has tied the record for most tackles at 12. The team will need all of these guy playing thier best and helping in any way they can as the defending Super Bowl Champions, The Pittsburgh Steelers, travel to meet The Carolina Panthers in the Bank of America Stadium this Sunday @ 1:00pm.