Cameron Jones

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Wow.

Is it really possible?

A Chris Weinke sighting?

I never though it could happen again after what happened five years ago during Weinke’s only year as a starter. 1-15. That’s all I have to say and Panthers fans know exactly what it means.

Back in 2001, Carolina drafted Heisman winner Chris Weinke in the fourth round despite criticism of his age at the time (28) since it meant he wouldn’t be in the league as long as a normal draft pick. Things started off fine though as Weinke played solid in a win over the Vikings in the opening game. That’s when the whole season collapsed. Carolina’s fans watched in horror as despite them leading in the fourth quarter in seven games, they lost all of them along with the rest on their way to 15 consecutive defeats and the worst record in the NFL since the 1-15 Colts in 1991.

Needless to say, not the happiest times in the Carolinas. Much of the blame was placed on Weinke. The offense averaged seven points a game but that wasn’t the only problem. The defense was atrocious and the play calling was just plain awful leading to the firing of George Seifert at the end of the year.

Last year against Detroit, Jake Delhomme pulled a Trent Green and Weinke came in with the Cats down six with four minutes to go. He successfully led the offense down the field and threw a touchdown to Ricky Proehl for the game winner. For the first time, Panthers fans could feel comfortable in case Delhomme were to be benched or get hurt.

That brings us to this week. It seems Jake’s sprained thumb has not gotten any better and there’s a good chance Weinke will be starting against the Giants. But is it so much the injury or that the organization has heard the upset fans call for Delhomme to be benched for at least a game to calm him down? Personally, I believe Coach Fox when he said that the only reason Delhomme wouldn’t start is due to his injury because the staff is not one to bench someone for a couple of mistakes.

I have confidence in Weinke if he does start. After all, if our injury list is bad, we just have to look over at New York and feel a lot better about ourselves. I think Eli just tripped down some stairs and broke his leg. Seriously, this weekend we could see a real live version of “The Replacements.”  And who knows, maybe Chris can actually get us a win and turn around the season.

Get ready as the do or die game of our season kicks off at 1 pm on Sunday on Fox.