By now, most sports fan know the story of Current Phillies and formers Astros closer Brad Lidge. He gave up one game-tying home run and he took three years to recover. Is Jake Delhomme doomed to same the fate?
In that 2005 NLCS, the Astros ended up winning the series but losing the the Chicago White Sox in the World Series. Lidge was never the same. His saves dropeed drastically over the next two seasons and he was eventually traded to the Philadelphia Phillies.
He seemed rejuvenated for the 2008 season where he converted 48 out of 48 saves, including the postseason, and won the World Series. But again, Lidge seemed to lose control this season and he has been removed of his closer role for the WFC.
So what does this have to do with Jake Delhomme?
In the NFL Divisional playoffs against the Arizona Cardinals, Delhomme threw FIVE interceptions and lost one fumble as the Panthers were routed 33-13 by the Cardinals.
As the saying goes the NFL is a forgetful league. Meaning that nobody remembers what you did last week and they only care about what you do this week. So Carolina opened the season at home against the Philadelphia Eagles. It was a new season but it felt like last year’s playoffs all over again. Delhomme was picked off FOUR times and lost one fumble.
That’s NINE interceptions in the last two starts for Delhomme. The Panthers aren’t worried though. They’ve gone on record saying that they’re planning on sticking with Delhomme. For his sake and the Panthers’ sake, I hope he turns it sround like Lidge did but if he doesn’t then it’s gonna be a long season.
Need More? Brad Lidge, Jake Delhomme, NFL
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