CHARLOTTE -- It was hard to ignore the difference in the passing game's production in the final five games after
The fans obviously noticed; the roar for Moore during pregame introductions at the season finale was arguably the loudest for anyone on the starting offense. Such a reaction was understandable to Delhomme, who has seen and experienced both sides of such a situation.
"We're a two-week business. You're good for two weeks; you're great. You're bad for two weeks; you're lower than you-know-what. That's kind of the way it goes," Delhomme said. "But certainly it hasn't been good this year for me.
"I made that bed, I've got to lie in it. That's fine by me. Whatever I have to do, I'm going to do. I believe in taking the high road and just keeping my mouth shut and working."
That can be said of Moore, who handled all queries about his December ascension and status for the coming months with a relaxed shrug.
"We'll deal with that next (summer)," he said. "If I'm on the field, I'm going to give it my best shot regardless of when that is.
"There are quality guys in that quarterback room. That stuff will all unfold next (summer). I'll show up to training camp, play when I play and won't play when they (the coaches) tell me to sit. There are no expectations."
But for those watching from a distance, expectations are understandable. During Weeks 13-17, the only quarterback who started at least three games and a had a better ratng than Moore's 104.9 rating was San Diego's Philip Rivers, who logged an 111.5 rating in that span.
Further, Moore was ninth in yardage per attempt (7.9 yards), tied for ninth in touchdown and passes and -- most significantly -- first in interception percentage, with only one interception in 126 throws in December and January.
And for those who disdain the passing numbers and focus on the winning percentage, there was only one quarterback who had a better record as a starter than Moore the last five weeks: the afore-mentioned Rivers, the only man with a higher rating.
While 2009 was a struggle for Delhomme, his long-term résumé remains that of a winner; his 58-40 career record as Carolina's starter offers simple but meaningful evidence. But his 4-7 mark in 2009 was his worst.
"We weren't consistent in the pass game," Delhomme said. "That really affected us a good bit. Certain things led to problems that we had. I probably pressed a whole lot playing quarterback this year, and certainly that's not a good thing."
For now, Delhomme can only wait for redemption, while Moore must work to ensure his momentum doesn't dissipate between now and the summer.
"It doesn't mean anything if you go out in training camp and can't hit anybody," he said.
