Panthers' Testaverde to start Sunday; WR Smith questionable
Nov. 16, 2007
CBSSports.com wire reports

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Quarterback Vinny Testaverde will start Sunday for the Carolina Panthers against the Green Bay Packers.

Coach John Fox chose the 44-year-old Testaverde over a healthy David Carr, but declined to name him the permanent starter for the Panthers (4-5). Both Carr and Testaverde are 1-2 this season as the starter.

"He had a good week of practice and was able to get through the week, and I think that's good for him and good for us," Fox said Friday.

It's unclear if Testaverde will have his top offensive option, wide receiver Steve Smith, who is listed as questionable after missing his third straight practice Friday with a shin contusion. Fox said Smith will be a game-time decision.

Also on the injury report: defensive tackle Damione Lewis (shoulder) was questionable; cornerback Ken Lucas (hip), running back DeShaun Foster (toe) and safety Deke Cooper (shoulder) were probable.

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At the very least, does not sound like Smith will be 100% if he plays. If he's out, Vinny's options on offense get that much worse and it's a huge break for the Pack.

wow. vinny at lambeau. never thought i'd see that again. gotta think the pack will get some sacks on sunday.

quote:

At the very least, does not sound like Smith will be 100% if he plays. If he's out, Vinny's options on offense get that much worse and it's a huge break for the Pack

Brad Hoover.

quote:

Originally posted by DH13:

Brad Hoover.

Never mention that name again!!!!!!!!

quote:

Originally posted by PackerRuss:

quote:

Originally posted by DH13:

Brad Hoover.

Never mention that name again!!!!!!!!

How about some stats then:

November 27, 2000

Carolina Panthers
RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD
B.Hoover 24 117 4.9 35 1

Brad Hoover. Ha! These ain't your older brother's Packers!

Last I saw Testeverde was when Vinny and the Jets won the opener in GB in 2000

It was the beginning of the Sherman era

http://www.packers.com/gameday/2000/09-03/

Who is Smith's replacement?

Drew Carter
Keary Colbert
Dwayne Jarrett

IOW, bums.

No disrespect, but our secondary should be able to handle those guys.

quote:

Originally posted by Satori:
Last I saw Testeverde was when Vinny and the Jets won the opener in GB in 2000

It was the beginning of the Sherman era

http://www.packers.com/gameday/2000/09-03/

Guess you must have missed this one...


http://www.packers.com/gameday/2004/10-24/

quote:

Originally posted by Vincent Vega:

Guess you must have missed this one...
http://www.packers.com/gameday/2004/10-24/

Regretfully, I miss most of them.

Living out west I am lucky to get to one per year

Interesting turn of events if Smith can't go with Vinny starting, hopefully the Packers won't go into the game thinking they've already won.

quote:

Originally posted by johnnie gray:
wow. vinny at lambeau. never thought i'd see that again. gotta think the pack will get some sacks on sunday.

Didnt the Pack actually wear white at home onetime because everyone thought Vinny Intecepeverde was color blind? Could be wrong but I thought I remembered something like that.

Believe it or not, David Carr has been sacked twice as often (in terms of sacks per pass attempts) as old Vinny. We'd probably sack Carr more often, plus the guy's a loser.

Smith is Carolina's only good wide receiver. If he's out they'll have no passing game whatsoever.

quote:

Originally posted by Max:
Believe it or not, David Carr has been sacked twice as often (in terms of sacks per pass attempts) as old Vinny. We'd probably sack Carr more often, plus the guy's a loser.

Smith is Carolina's only good wide receiver. If he's out they'll have no passing game whatsoever.

Max,

If Smith can go, couldn't the Packers game plan and take him out of the game via 2x coverage, bracket coverage?

Smith has basically been their only decent wide receiver since they let Muhammad go. Every team doubles him, sometimes they have success. I think we'll be fine regardless, but it definitely will be easier to stop their offense if he doesn't play. Jarrett's not ready, Carter and Colbert drop about 1/3 of the balls thrown their way. If Smith's out (or even if he plays) their tight end, Jeff King, will probably see a lot of throws (especially considering our defense has had problems there).