Pro. Jake Delhomme

[NewsCopy]

Jake Delhomme established a record in 2005 for the most consecutive starts by a Panthers quarterback. That streak is up to 47, not including the postseason, and reflects quality as well as quantity. Delhomme posted the highest passer rating of his career, completing 262-of-435 passes for 3,421 yards and 24 touchdowns with 16 interceptions for a rating of 88.1. "Jake had another very productive season," said quarterbacks coach Mike McCoy. "He led us to a lot of wins and did a great job throughout the entire year. He had a Pro Bowl season. The one thing we have to do with Jake is eliminate or avoid some of the interceptions and sack/fumbles." Delhomme's value goes way beyond his numbers, something the scouts told the coaches before he was even signed by the team three years ago. He possesses many intangibles such as leadership, poise and the ability to perform under pressure. "He's the leader of the team," said McCoy. "He's very well respected by everyone. You can definitely win the big game with him. He's at his best when the game is on the line. He's one of the best in the business in that situation." Delhomme's ability to make plays comes from six years of watching and learning from the sidelines with New Orleans and two seasons playing in NFL Europe. Another tool in his arsenal is the ability to step out of the pocket and make plays. The rest of the story By Brett Borden Panthers.com

[NewsCopy]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - In their quest to assemble the right ingredients to win a Super Bowl, the Carolina Panthers might have found the Key. That's wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson, who the Panthers believe might be enough to boost their offense to the next level. Johnson and the Panthers agreed to terms on a contract late Thursday night after meeting for much of the day. The deal is for four years and includes $5 million in signing bonus money. A press conference to officially announce the signing is expected on Friday. Johnson seemingly would help solve one of last season's biggest problems. Wide receiver Steve Smith led the league in catches and receiving yards, but the Panthers had few other offensive weapons. Johnson could change that dramatically. Although Smith, who lobbied Johnson to sign with the Panthers, will remain the No.1 receiver, there's likely to be much more diversity in the passing game. Keary Colbert, last year's other starting receiver, had 25 catches and is likely to compete for the third receiver spot. "I think the biggest thing is Keyshawn's a proven winner," quarterback Jake Delhomme said from his offseason home in Breaux Bridge, La. "I know (offensive coordinator Dan) Henning has some familiarity with him from when they were together in New York. Steve Smith and I talked (Thursday) for a little while and Smitty has no problem with this, he's all for whatever makes us better. Keyshawn's a proven winner, a veteran who knows how to work hard and a big target for me as a quarterback." Pairing Johnson with Smith could give the Panthers one of the NFL's top receiving tandems. Although Johnson will turn 34 in July, he remained productive, catching 71 passes for Dallas last season. Known throughout his career as an excellent possession receiver, Johnson could take defensive pressure away from Smith. He also is known as a strong blocker, and that's something the Panthers have been missing since Muhsin Muhammad left. The rest of the story PAT YASINSKAS Knight Ridder Newspapers

[PantherCanada]

Jake is doing another Q & A on the Panthers.com site.... post your questions here and I'll get them to the writer.

DEADLINE IS SUNDAY MIDNIGHT (April 2nd).

[PantherCanada]

No questions?

[Zeebart21]

No questions?

J. D., does Keyshawn have enough gas left in the tank to actually help you guys in 06'?

Also, he has been known to be a "Me" player in the past. Will YOU be able to keep his ego in check?

Z in Lafayette, LA

[Turbine]

Jake do you look for Smith & Johnson's 2006 reception production to equal or surpass the 2003 totals of Smith & Muhammad.

Thanks

and Thanks PantherCanada

[PantherCanada]

Thanks guys, I'll get them to Brett ASAP - I think he's asking sometime over the next couple days

Watch panthers.com, I will come back here and post though when the article is up

[PantherCanada]

Well, the Q & A is up. Unfortunately those two didn't make it - Brett said he had about a hundred questions....

He did answer my "proudest moment" question though....

The tongue one is pretty good too...

Check it out at panthers.com.

[Turbine]

I always enjoy the Q&A sessions.

I see Brett sort of stayed away from the X and O questions and instead went the lighthearted "off sesaon" route.

Thanks PantherCanada

[NewsCopy]

Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme still spends a significant portion of his offseason mucking out his horse stalls back home in Breaux Bridge, La. He could pay someone to do it, of course. He could gather enough guys with shovels and pitchforks to storm the castle in a Frankenstein movie, but that misses the point. "That's just part of it, you get in and you do it," Delhomme said after a Panthers workout last week. Then he offered a sweat-streaked grin. "And I like to look at it like, if we have a good game, people think you're the greatest thing. If you play bad, they think you're lower than dirt. Well, when I'm shoveling some manure, it's hard to get any lower than that, so it keeps me grounded." It also keeps Delhomme around his other passion, horses. Delhomme, his father, his brother and a family friend raise and race Thoroughbreds. They have eight currently, Delhomme said, and six of them are Jake's. "Our stable is named Set Hut," he said. "I wanted a name that had to do with football, because football has given me a chance to maybe do this when I'm done." It's in Delhomme's blood. His grandfather trained horses, and he and brother Jeff took to the sport at an early age. "Both the boys live and breathe it," said Jerry Delhomme, Jake's father. "And the track is a safe haven for Jake; people don't look at him as an NFL quarterback there." Then Jerry Delhomme laughed. "We do try not to let Jake get stepped on (by a horse)," he said. "Something like that happens, our horses won't eat nearly as good." The rest of the story STAN OLSON charlotteobserver.com