Brunell didn't look so great either. Eli was a victim of the game plan against the Panthers, I've been saying that in his defense for a long time now.
Though the performance was pitiful, you have to consider the circumstances more. I was saying for the days leading up to the game that we should come out throwing on first down. You watched the game right Lockhart? We came out running, and running unsuccessfully. Why? Because Hufnagel refused to change around the gameplan more and throw on first down. When we did, Eli was 2/2 when it was a close game for something like 30 yards (which btw was in the first 3 quarters). And then when the game was too out of reach to run, they rushed 4 every time where the line sucked and left 8 men in the secondary to cover some players who they would even admit weren't trying their hardest. Eli was a victim of the gameplan when you consider it.