Game 2 - Panthers ar Titans

[Jim Fitzpatrick]

Last year's last place New League team, the Panthers, at the Old League champion Titans.  This was almost an upset, as the lowly Panthers came into the 4th quarter with a 17-13 lead, largely due to the Titans having missed an extra point and a chip-shot field goal early in the game. 

The first half was marred by sloppy play on both sides.  The Panther's rookie QB, #17, opened up with an 80 yd TD pass to WR #16, who wound up the game with 4 catches and well over 100 yds receiving.  As expected, the Titans relied on their running game, and FB #39 finished with 112 yds on 12 carries.  But starting QB #18 had a bad day, eventually throwing 2 interceptions, to Panther FS #42 and CB #37.  He was finally pulled in the 4th quarter for #15, who went 5 out of 7 and the game tying TD, to TE (and wingback) #84.  Earlier, #18 had thrown a TD pass to WR #87 on what should have been an interception, the ball deflecting off CB #43 on hitting #87 on the fly in the endzone..  FB #39 also had a #13 yd TD run in the second quarter.

The Titan defense pretty much controlled the Panthers' running attack, but had some difficulty against the pass.  Despite throwing an 80 yd TD pass to #16 on the first play of the game, #17 completed not a single pass for the rest of the time he was in.  He also threw an interception to Titans' SLB #55.  He was pulled late in the first half for veteran QB #11, who, although not outstanding, made some critical throws, including a 37 yd very tight throw to #16, just before the half, which set up the Panthers' first FG.  In the third quarter, Panther HB #25 scored on a 6 yd run, giving them a 17-13 lead.  Early in the 4th quarter, the Panthers kicked another FG, giving them a 20-13 lead, and 2 drives later, Titan QB #15 threw his game tying score to #84.  The extra point was good, and since I only have OT games in playoff or championship games, the tie remained.  Even though a tie, it has to be regarded as a major upset for the Titans and something of a moral victory for the Panthers.  Those extra points can be critical.  DT #92 had a rare sack for the Titans, and DE #96, who brought pressure the entire game, had one for the Panthers.

Next up, Warriors at Gladiators.