Bills notebook: Delhomme could get back on track
Published: October 22, 2009, 11:22 pm
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The Jake Delhomme that Carolina Panthers fans have watched this season is not the one the Buffalo Bills are preparing for Sunday.
Although Delhomme has gotten off to a horrid start — he's thrown 10 interceptions, tied with the New York Jets' Mark Sanchez for the league lead, while his 56.8 passer rating is 33rd in the NFL — Bills players see a quarterback capable of turning it around.
"Yes, he's had his difficulties," cornerback Terrence McGee said. "We all have our difficulties during a 16-game season. He's definitely a guy who can hurt you."
Panthers fans have been calling for Delhomme's head, but Carolina coach John Fox has been steadfast in support of his quarterback.
"I think the issue with Jake being under fire comes with the territory," Fox said. "When you're the head coach or the starting quarterback, you get way more credit and way more blame when things go bad than maybe really right, but that's what you sign up for. He's doing fine. He's not wavering whatsoever. He understands what we need to do to improve."
There are a couple more reasons Delhomme isn't likely to be yanked from the starting lineup. One is the five-year, $42.5 million extension he signed in the offseason, while the other is a lack of a real threat behind him in Matt Moore and A.J. Feeley.
The Panthers rank 29th in the NFL in passing offense, at 158.8 yards per game. That has drew the ire of All-Pro receiver Steve Smith, who said he was "no longer an asset to the team" after catching just one pass for 4 yards Sunday against Tampa Bay.
"I've been around him a long time. Steve cares about winning. It's frustrating because last week he wasn't able to get the football much but I think that helped us in rushing the football the way we did," Delhomme said after the Panthers ran for 267 yards in a 28-21 win. "We haven't been that good in the passing game for whatever reason, be it the quarterback, be it the protection, be it receivers, backs. I think it's a combination of everything. We're working on it very hard."
Bills quarterback Trent Edwards moved another step closer to officially being ruled out for Sunday's game after not practicing for a second straight day. Coach Dick Jauron said Edwards was feeling better, but not so much that he's able to return to practice. Edwards did report to One Bills Drive on Thursday to meet with the team.
"He's been over here to see [head trainer] Bud [Carpenter] and to visit with our doctors," Jauron said.
Safety Donte Whitner and right tackle Jonathan Scott missed Thursday's practice with ankle injuries, while Kyle Williams was out with a shoulder injury.
Tight end Shawn Nelson and running back Xavier Omon were not at practice as they deal with flu-like symptoms.
Defensive end Chris Kelsay (eye), safety Bryan Scott (ankle) and cornerback McGee (knee) were limited in practice, although McGee said after the workout he expects to play Sunday.
Linebacker Thomas Davis was added to the Panthers' injury report after not practicing Thursday because of a hamstring injury. Kicker Rhys Lloyd (ankle) also missed practiced for Carolina, which got linebacker Na'il Diggs and running backs Brad Hoover and Jonathan Stewart back after they missed practice Wednesday.
It's been a season of frustration for wide receiver Roscoe Parrish, who spoke Thursday on being demoted from his role as the team's primary punt returner.
"You and I know I can help this team when my opportunity is given," Parrish said. "I made a bad decision in the Cleveland game but every guy has made mistakes, you know?"
Parrish said the team has not spoken to him about its decision.
"Not to bad-mouth nobody and not to bad-mouth Jauron, but my resume speaks for itself. When you see my resume and just see me not returning punts, it's kind of like, "Wow, what is going on?' " Parrish said. "What can possibly be said to a guy that's been leading the league? What can possibly be said? I'm not doing a good job because of one game? It's a long season."
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