My team is the Carolina Panthers. Yes this is the same team that went 1-15 last season but we will actually double our last season's record if we win next week versus the Detroit Lions. We had an interesting game last week as Coach Fox decided to bench our starting Quarterback at the last minute. My theory as to why he did it follows.

Look, my "theory" goes like this. Fox just saved Weinke's career.

The reason I believe this is complicated but I'll try to explain. I think there are many reasons that culminated in this last minute decision so I'll break them down individually. It is important to note that any one of these would probably not be enough for Fox to make the change he did but as a whole...

1) Dallas game: I was there. The largest applause from the Panther fans in the stands came when the announcer stated that Fasani was now in the game. Hmmm. Well, he had just orchestrated an outstanding come-from-behind against the Redskins the week before. Add to that, Fasani has been gaining popularity from both fans and sports writers alike since the Cleveland victory. He offers the kind of excitement that a Steve Young or Brett Farve has in making things happen. Problem is that he's still young and unproven versus a first team. He is the "new flavor of the month" that fans adore. Fox said it when he made reference to the "what have you done for me lately" mentality. Look at this board. You now have people arguing that Peete shouldn't get the nod but Fasani should. What sense does this make? Fasani has now twice had the opportunity to come in late in the game and be a hero where as Weinke hasn't been allowed to finish a game. The worst thing that could happen is that in our first home game, Weinke struggles through the first part of the game and the people in the stands start chanting "FASANI!!!" If this happens, Weinke's career with the Panthers is over. If, however, Peete struggles (be it this second game or third even), Fox can introduce Weinke in the mix giving HIM the opportunity to be the hero.

2) The System: I agree that Weinke is not yet comfortable with this system and (except when he was hurt last year) has never spent any time on the sideline holding the clipboard. His rookie year was complicated as he didn't know he was the starter till the final cuts occurred. He was handed the reigns and told to be the leader. Yeah, well who is he emulating? He has never seen from the sidelines how someone else leads the team to victory when it gets hard. He needs some seasoning and a bite of humble pie. 1-15 is a big bite to be sure but he could argue that he: was a rookie, was new to the system, or prefers the shotgun. You name it. He has stated over and over that he is comfortable in the new system. Great. But I'm concerned he too comfortable out on the field and lacks the sense of urgency needed to, through leadership, bring everyone else's play up on the field. This brings me to my next reason.

3) A Message: I believe in the power of sending a message through "touching" an untouchable. The message here is clear. No excuses, play above what you think you are capable of, and remember that your actions (and inactions) effects those around you. Moose knows he has dropped the ball way too much, thus making Weinke look bad. Others aren't running their routes well when they know their numbers haven't been being called. Terry and Humphrey (who got canned) can't seem to lineup correctly while others, like Donnalley, are getting personal foul calls for stupid late hits. When a team fails, the leader takes to blame. When they succeed, he gives credit to everyone else. I believe Fox wants to send a message that says play tough and smart or sit down. He can't bench the whole team so he makes an example. Peete may have what it takes to win but he can't do it if the rest of the team isn't giving it their all.

Personally, I believe Fox put Peete in because he DIDN'T want a QB controversy. Had he put Fasani down as the starter against Baltimore, the message would have been clear. I believe he is giving Weinke (and the team) a wakeup call. The first team in Cleveland looked horrible. For whatever the reason, that "formula" was just not working. The momentum caused by the win in Cleveland all belongs to the 3 teams...not Weinke's Warriors. So Fox changes the formula at the last minute hoping to get a reaction that stirs the pot and makes players uncomfortable. Good. I'm for it. To the player I'd like to say, "Remember that you disappointed your fans last year and still have not redeemed yourselves. You BETTER be concerned about your jobs as you still haven't shown me shit. I'm holding out 'hope' as you have been requesting but you damn sure better give us what we pay for...your best game every game."

If Fox believes Weinke is the future, then he needs to create a situation that enables Weinke to develop and win. Back in Montana's rookie year (thank you NFL Extras), the coach refused to put Montana* in to get "experience" in the game even though it was already a blowout. He didn't want to start Montana's career with insurmountable odds and impossible tasks. He held him out till the situation was right to maximize his potential for success. If Fox allows Weinke to start and he doesn't think he's ready but can be in the near future, well then he is harming his chances of proving himself. If Fox pulls Weinke for a couple of weeks, Weinke redoubles his efforts, gets pissed, and goes out to prove him wrong.

If I were to bet, I'd say the current plan is to bring Weinke back in at a point where he can be a "hero" so that fans will forget the 3rd stringer (for now) QB and put their faith and "hope" into Weinke. My bet is that it won't be until our first away game, but probably when we are down but not out of a game.

Anyway, for them what care, that's my theory.