Delhomme's fiery style suits Panthers

Carolina quarterback isn't about to rein in his emotions

CHARLOTTE -- Near the top of the "Things the Carolina Panthers Love" list is quarterback Jake Delhomme's heart-on-his-sleeve leadership style.

He holds nothing back on the football field, running to celebrate scores with teammates, flinging his hands in exasperation after some sacks, talking openly with officials about their calls and at least once beating his chest with a fist after getting hit hard by a defender.

"I like him that way," fullback Brad Hoover said. "He's a fiery competitor, and that's just his competitive edge coming out."

But is it ever a detriment?

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen said after the 20-10 win over Carolina on Sunday that he respects Delhomme's enthusiasm but that opponents can use it against him at times.

"Maybe they can, I don't know," Hoover said. "But I like that he's spirited. I think that's what this offense thrives [on]. I think when he's like that, he plays better."

Delhomme said Wednesday he wasn't aware of Allen's comments. But he said Allen complimented him about his passion after the game.

"Who knows, maybe that's what he feels," Delhomme said of Allen's quotes. "Maybe [he means] because I'm emotional, I can let one thing lead to another. But I think I do a decent job of harnessing that. I can understand how people say that. Guys say things after wins sometimes. It happens."

Delhomme said he won't change and that he's been enthusiastic and hard-charging "since I came out of the birth canal."

His teammates wouldn't dare change him, saying it's part of what makes him special.

Cornerback Ken Lucas likens Delhomme to quarterbacks Philip Rivers of the San Diego Chargers and Brett Favre of the New York Jets, who both lead with fire.

"This is a very emotional game," Lucas said. "Quarterbacks are the leaders of your team most of the time. Guys look to them to get that motivation. When you see your quarterback out there playing hurt, or out there pumped up, you feed off of that type of stuff. You love that."

Lucas said the turning point of Carolina's come-from-behind win over the Chicago Bears came when Delhomme pumped his chest after scrambling, sliding and getting hit by linebacker Lance Briggs.

Lucas said the message Delhomme sent to the Bears, and his teammates, with the gesture was "You can't faze me," which resulted in a Carolina uprising.

"Most everybody saw that," Hoover said. "That's just the way he is. When your leader, especially your quarterback, is playing emotional like that, guys get involved and say 'We're not going to let this happen again.' "

Outside of coach John Fox, Delhomme is probably the Panthers' foremost advocate with game officials. He talks to them frequently and doesn't hesitate to protest calls if necessary.

"I don't look at it that he's complaining, I think he's working the refs," Hoover said. "In this league, you have to work them some. You're not going to get all the calls, believe me."

Left tackle Jordan Gross said Delhomme sometimes gives officials "a hard time," but is never disrespectful and is actually well-liked by them.

"He's a talkative guy, to anybody," Gross said with a laugh, "whether it's about horse racing or late hits."