Posted on 7/31/2007 7:56:42 PM

NFL Betting 2007 – Carolina Panthers Quarterback Futures

By Tim Furious

There are a bevy of quarterback questions in NFL betting circles for the upcoming 2007 season, but none of them intrigues me more then the situation brewing in the deep south of Carolina. The Panthers have been led by the thirty-two year old Jake Delhomme for the past four seasons. But this could be Delhomme’s final season.

Delhomme enjoyed his best season in 2004, when he notched 3,886 yards with 29 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. That year he led a surprising squad to the Super Bowl, where they eventually lost to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Last season Delhomme notched 2,805 yards with 17 touchdowns and 11 picks and missed three games at then end of the season due to injury.

His problems, however, took a turn for the worse when Carolina went out and signed David Carr, unquestionably the most beat up young quarterback in the game. The top pick in the 2002 draft spent his entire career underachieving behind misguided coaching and an offensive line made up of four slices of Swiss cheese. As such, he ended up on his back with a mouth full of dirt for his troubles.

With Delhomme’s skills and totals taking a dip last season, and the talented Carr looking over his shoulder, there is plenty of reason to bet on Carr taking over the reigns in Carolina very soon. Carr still has plenty left in the tank and now has a chip on his shoulder to boot.

So why will Delhomme falter? His temper is the first major reason. Known for his fiery competitive spirit and his short fuse, Delhomme plays with a deep passion to win. Last season, that got him in to just as much trouble as it did help him. It is both his greatest strength and his greatest weakness.

Second, the Panthers did not spend all that free agent money on Carr to just watch him hold a clip board. The head honchos in the office will be pushing Coach Fox to start Carr if Delhomme stumbles. For years, Delhomme has had the unbridled confidence of the franchise, but bringing in Carr is an obvious sign that that confidence is beginning to fade.

The most important reason, however, is that Delhomme has never had to play with someone looking over his shoulder. That can wreak havoc on a quarterback’s psyche, and the NFL odds say that the emotional Delhomme is not the kind of player who stays inside himself easily.

I know what you are saying. “Fine, so Delhomme may begin to suck a fat one this season. What makes you think that Carr will succeed when he bombed in Houston?” Great question.

Carr is a prototypical pocket passer who stands at 6-foot-3 and a hefty 230 pounds. He has undoubtedly proven his durability and is a team player. You never heard the twenty-eight-year-old complain once about the coaching, the offense or his horrid offensive line. The guy is a pro.

Carr faltered in Houston because the coaches tinkered with his arm mechanics, which is a simple no-no. The tinkering was a necessary evil since the o-line could not protect their quarterback. The reason Carr signed in Carolina is because the quarterback coach emphatically stated that he would never, ever mess with his arm.

Beyond that, the offensive unit in Carolina is far superior to Houston’s. Carr will have time to read defenses, slinging the ball downfield to Steve Smith and Dwayne Jarrett. In other words, he can spend more time picking apart defenses instead of picking turf out of his teeth.

The fact remains that Carr has the potential to be a standout player in the NFL. The Panthers know this, and that’s why they signed him. Delhomme is obviously on his last legs, and the Panthers can still be extremely competitive with their amazing defense and their various offensive weapons.

For now, Carr has played his cards right. He has said he just wants to help Delhomme be a better player and is content to be his second fiddle. But the best way he can help the team is by getting under center as soon as he can.

So the question is not “if,” it is “when.” You can agree and assume Delhomme will be ousted somewhere down the line in 2007. Or you can disagree and bet your money that Delhomme will be at the helm throughout the season.

Go to the BetUS.com sportsbook now and place your wagers on this upcoming battle. In the Future / prop section, under NFL Specials is where you will find this fun prop.

Carr to start Week 1 game +600

Carr to start by Week 4 game +500

Carr to start by Week 8 game +300

Carr to start by Week 16 game +100

Carr not to start a game in 2007 +200

The choice is between an emotionally petulant and aging quarterback who took a big step backwards last season, and a talented, professional kid who has never been able to show his full potential. The Panthers may not have to choose for a while, but your chance to choose is now.

With 2007 NFL games still a ways away, we at the BetUS.com sportsbook will keep your interest high throughout the NFL offseason with the most exciting and innovative NFL props and NFL futures on the online sports betting market. In the Sportsbook in the Future / Props section, you will see NFL Futures, Specials and Week One NFL Lines for all your favorite NFL teams.