Scattered Thoughts
Posted December 10, 2006, 8:26 PM ET

I've got a lot on my mind as we head into the holiday season, and that's probably a good thing. Beginning Monday night, I'm expanding my "Packman on Sports" TV commentary to five nights a week on the News at 10 on WJZY.

Let's start with the biggest bust of the NFL season: our very own Carolina Panthers. What else can you say after watching another lifeless effort by John Fox' guys? The Panthers lost their third straight, and in all likelihood have dropped off the NFC playoff radar. Can you believe that this group of players is 6-7 heading into the last home game of the season?

By the way, just a reminder to all of you loyal PSL'ers....today is the last day to send your playoff money to Jerry Richardson. Be sure you mail it to the almighty JR, if not...your PSL rights will be revoked. What a joke, and so are the Panthers.

The Panthers have so many issues and problems, I really don't know where to start. This team has been a total disappointment in every phase of the game. Offense, defense, special teams and coaching....you name it, and the Panthers have screwed it up in 2006. It is so ugly in Pantherland, that the thought of a Super Bowl appearance is embarrassing. I think it is safe to assume that Dr. Z and Sports Illustrated have officially marked Carolina off their Super Bowl list for life.

John Fox was quoted after the Giants game as stating, "I told the players that there will be people on the outside selling us down the river." Well, coach...you got that part right. Quit worrying about everybody jumping off the bandwagon, and try to figure out what went wrong....it probably will start with you looking into the mirror and realizing that there needs to be some changes with your staff.

The good news for the Richardsons is that the final home game of the season will still be a tough ticket. I suspect Pittsburgh Steeler fans will be flocking to Charlotte to see their team play. I wish I could say the same for the locals, but I have a feeling that the attitude that thousands of fans had walking out of the stadium on Sunday will continue throughout the remainder of the regular season as the Panthers close out the year in Atlanta and New Orleans.

Here's some good football news in the Charlotte area. The Independence Patriots won their record seventh consecutive state title. That is simply amazing. Independence has now won 108 consecutive games, which is the longest current winning streak in high school football. Ironically, their record win took place at Duke University at Wallace Wade Outdoor Stadium....Independence has now won more football games at Wallace Wade this season than Duke.

I couldn't help but laugh when I saw the advertising campaign for the much anticipated Muffler Bowl in Charlotte. The catch phrase is "Come Hungry". What? Hey guys, it is Navy against Boston College....Come Hungry? Hell, I've lost my appetite just thinking about it.

I must be losing my mind. The University of North Carolina announced last week that they were going to spend $75 million dollars in upgrades to picturesque Kenan Stadium. Part of the upgrades includes adding over 8,000 seats to the "Aluminum Jungle". I know Butch Davis was recently hired and Tar Heel fans should be excited with his potential to turn things around for the football program. But UNC needs 8,000 new seats at Kenan like the Panthers' Dan Henning needs to devise another 3rd down draw play.

Tom O'Brien became the first ACC football coach to move directly from one member institution to another since Jim Tatum did it back in 1956 when he vacated Maryland for UNC. O'Brien did a terrific job at Boston College where he has been coaching for the past ten years. He really is the polar opposite of former Pack coach Chuck Amato. In fact, he is very similar to former State basketball coach Herb Sendek. Did I just write that? Maybe that's why we were kidding around on the air that he is Tom O'Sendek. Personally, I think he will be a good fit for the Wolfpack.

Can Alabama hire anybody? Remember when the Tide was one of the elite football programs in America? After the surprising firing of alum Mike Shula, the boys in 'Bama have been turned down by everybody....including a last-minute change of heart by West Virginia coach Rich Rodriquez. I know this much, if I were the President of Alabama, I would have fired Athletic Director Mal Moore on the spot after the Rodriquez fiasco last week.

Allen Iverson, the malcontent of the Philadelphia 76ers, wants to be traded. Word has it that Michael Jordan (remember him?) wants to kick around the idea to bring AI to Charlotte to play for the Bobcats. There is no question that the Bobcats have room under the cap since they haven't spent a dime and currently have millions of dollars to play with in free agency....but can you imagine AI in Charlotte? I think it would be great, because the guy is an incredible talent and as a host of a radio show, I can assure you that he would absolutely give us some fodder during the season. I just wonder if Jordan realizes that he has a couple of solid guards on the roster in Raymond Felton and Brevin Knight? Either way, the Bobcats have to do something to energize a lethargic fan base. The good news for the Bobcats is that the their crosstown professional sports competitor has already turned up lame, and Charlotte is ready to latch onto a winner....now, they just have to win.

And right now, that looks like quite a task for both the Panthers and Bobcats....since neither one wins with any consistency.

Happy Holidays.