Poll:
Who would you rather see return to the Carolina Panthers next season?
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Quarterback Jake Delhomme said Monday morning he doesn't expect to be anywhere else but with the Carolina Panthers next season.
"I didn't get into any of that with coaches today, but I anticipate to be here, I expect to be here, I want to be here," Delhomme said.
But Delhomme also said he understands that Matt Moore -- who replaced Delhomme for the season's final five games after he broke his finger -- deserves a shot at being the starter next season. Moore led the team to four victories and threw just one interception. Delhomme threw 18 interceptions through 11 games before he was injured.
"Matt played outstanding in the last few games for us. That’ll be the big question and rightfully so. Whatever coaches and management decide, whether it’s in my favor or not in my favor, I’m going to keep my mouth shut and come to work. We’ll see what happens.
"Whatever way management and coaches want to go, you have to live with the consequences. I’m prepared for anything. It won’t stop me from getting ready to play next season."
Other highlights from Delhomme's interview:
Q. Do you like you've done enough in his career to still be considered the team's starter?
"Absolutely, but we’re a two-week business. You’re good for 2 weeks, you’re great; you’re bad for 2 weeks, you’re lower than you-know-what. It certainly hasn’t been good this year, my play. But I made the bed and I have to lie in it. I believe in taking the high road, keeping my mouth shut and working."
Q. Can you pinpoint the team's problems, especially early in the season?
A. "We started on a bad note against Philly, starting 0-3 didn’t help. It was up and down, we never got anything going. The biggest thing was we weren’t consistent in the passing game, that really affected us a good bit. That led to the problems we had. I pressed a bit and (as a) quarterback, that’s not a good thing."
Q. Should coach John Fox return?
A. "To me that’s not even a question. I think that’s almost comical, I really do."
Q. Will he be back?
A. "I certainly hope so. John does a great job of being a head coach, of taking a lot of pressure off players and putting it on himself. To say I know what’s going on, I don’t, but I have every reason to think he’d be back.
"It’s ludicrous to think he shouldn’t be back, that’s just my opinion. In our society, the grass is always greener, especially in this business."
Q. How's the finger?
A. "It’s good. Had an x-ray again this morning. It’s getting close. It’s been five weeks and it’s getting better."
