EAST HARTFORD, Conn. – You didn’t show up for postgame interviews for the second time this season, Perry, and instead left your teammates to explain a devastating 26-7 loss.

How bush league.

In the few times I’ve talked to you, you seemed like a nice guy – a responsible, humble team player – but how can your teammates trust you as a leader when you don’t take any of the blame publicly?

Perry, I know what you would’ve said. In a hushed tone you would’ve explained that you couldn’t find open receivers, that the running game couldn’t give you any relief and therefore it was hard to get in a rhythm. You would’ve said the rain wasn’t a factor, though it undoubtedly accounted for a few incomplete passes.

I know the loss hurt and that you’re taking it harder than anyone, but you need to show your team how to act. You’re not a senior, you’re not a captain, but you’re the spokesperson for the offense.

The herd follows you and you need to lead.

This isn’t about football, it’s about accountability. Of the 98 players on the Syracuse football team, you are the one guy the media will want to talk to after each and every game. In the half dozen football games I’ve covered at SU, you’ve been there through thick and thin (except for the West Virginia game earlier this season) answering questions about your offense, saying that it’s all going to come together.

Well on Friday night it didn’t and your teammates took the blame for you.

James Wyche, Anthony Smith, Ryan LaCasse, Curtis Brinkley, Tim Washington, Damien Rhodes and Kelvin Smith were all there.

Sophomore Joe Fields spoke to the media despite the fact that he only attempted three passes and threw one for an interception. This is the guy you beat twice for the starting quarterback position. If I didn’t know any better, I’d assume he wanted it more than you.

After the Carolina Panthers lost Super Bowl XXXVIII on a last-second field goal, losing quarterback Jake Delhomme stood on the sideline for several minutes, watching the New England Patriots celebrate their win. When asked why, he said, ‘I just wanted to watch the celebration and let it hurt even more. In two days when I am going to be complaining and whining, I am just going to keep on working and try to get back here and be on the other side of the rope.’

Friday night wasn’t the Super Bowl, Perry. It was a loss to Connecticut. If you still want the starting quarterback job, act like it.

Tim Gorman is the sports editor of The Daily Orange, where his columns appear regularly. E-mail him at tpgorman@gmail.com.

Published on October 9, 2005 at 12:00 pm