Jeremy Igo

Last year around this time, the New England Patriots embarrassed the Carolina Panthers. On August 22, 2014, the Patriots took Carolina behind the woodshed in the third preseason game of the preseason and administered a 30-7 beating. But it was really never that close. The Patriots held the Panthers scoreless for 58 minutes and sent the Panthers home with an injured Cam Newton. This game ended up being an omen for the 2014 regular season. Many, myself included, brushed aside the 30-7 domination as preseason silliness. Turns out, Carolina was on the losing end of those types of blowouts early and often in the 2014 season. Meaningless? Not so much. The Panthers do not want to be embarrassed again this week. This week, it is personal. For the first two days of practice this week, scout teams have been used. Yes, they are game planning for Friday night. The Panthers are installing plays they feel will be successful against the Patriots. The players have spent time in the film room. Cam Newton and the starters will be playing into the third quarter. This is as close to the regular season it will ever get in August. This week we have our first real look at the 2015 Carolina Panthers. Whether the performance is outstanding or dismal, it will be difficult to brush aside the results as "only preseason." I learned that lesson last year. View full article

The Huddle Podcast is back! This week we talk preseason with The Charlotte Observer's Jonathan Jones about the Panthers preseason and more. Topics include - - Panthers rookies - Preseason performance - Mike Tolbert - More We are joined by the guys from Brewpublik , a new service in Charlotte that delivers delicious beer to your home, work, or tailgate. Check it out. Subscribe via iTunes -> Click Here View full article

As part of their Undrafted series, NFL Network is spotlighting Panthers RB Brandon Wegher. It seems Wegher is getting more than just local attention for his late game heroics. Parallels have been drawn between him and another undrafted running back, Arian Foster of the Texans. There is a path for Wegher to make the Panthers 53 man roster. I have it detailed here on a possible projected roster. View full article

There has been a lot of talk about the Panthers roster at certain positions and the likelihood of some of the bubble players making the team. But what if the Panthers decided to go all out and install another youth movement on the Panthers roster. Here is what it could look like.... Offense - 26 Quarterback - 3 Cam Newton Derek Anderson Joe Webb Note: Panthers can keep all three QBs still as they have said they would. Running Back - 4 Jonathan Stewart Cameron Artis-Payne Jordan Todman Brandon Wegher Note: Possibly the strongest lineup ever seen from top to bottom in this group. A lot of people see Wegher as in a roster competition with the other backs. He is not. His actual competition comes from one of the linebackers.... Jason Trusnik. Wegher wins the position by filling the special teams designated roster spot that Rivera has alluded to multiple times. Wegher has looked fantastic in special teams this preseason. Fullback - 1 Lee Ward Note: Not a popular move with most fans, but Ward could possibly move the pile on the 3rd or 4th and short. Tight End - 3 Greg Olsen Ed Dickson Marcus Lucas Note: Could be Simonson here instead of Lucas. Simonson looked pretty good against the Dolphins. Wide Receiver - 6 Devin Funchess Corey Brown Ted Ginn Brenton Bersin Jarrett Boykin Damiere Byrd Note: The youth movement is strong here. Good mix of size and speed with fresh legs all season long. Cotchery is the odd man out. Offensive Line - 9 Michael Oher Andrew Norwell Ryan Kalil Trai Turner Mike Remmers Daryl Williams Chris Scott Amini Silatolu Nate Chandler Note: Nothing changed here. Defense: 24 Defensive Line - 9 Charles Johnson Star Lotulelei Kawaan Short Kony Ealy Dwan Edwards Mario Addison Kyle Love Terry Redden Rakim Cox Note: Cox replaces Alexander. The rookie Redden over Colin Cole. Cole is one of the oldest players on the roster currently. Linebacker - 5 Thomas Davis Luke Kuechly Shaq Thompson AJ Klein David Mayo Note: Jason Trusnik removed here. AJ Klein allows the Panthers to keep only 5 linebackers with his ability to play every position as a backup. Safety - 4 Roman Harper Tre Boston Kurt Coleman Colin Jones Corners - 6 Josh Norman Bene Benwikere Charles Tillman Teddy Williams Melvin White Carrington Byndom Note: Byndom quietly impressive Saturday night. Special Teams - 3 Kicker - Graham Gano Punter - Brad Nortman Long Snapper - JJ Jansen Practice Squad - 7 David Foucault Adarius Glanton Dean Marlowe Martin Wallace TJ Heath So what do you think, would this be a Panthers roster that a) you could get behind and support fully and b ) has a chance to win? View full article

I'm used to it. No matyer what I do on here there are certain miserable guys that complain. Their time would be better spent actually being productive. If people had any idea of the time and expense it takes to produce such a thing they would feel silly for complaining about clicking a mouse button.

how about WWE

This may be bannable.

Not that I saw.

lol, my opinions have as much to do with what Gettleman does as an old shoe does.

After the Carolina Panthers preseason game on Sunday night, I took to the locker room to speak to two players I felt made a tremendous difference in the second half. Brandon Wegher and Lee Ward. Both hard nosed throwback runners. Both undrafted free agents. Both fighting tooth and nail for a Panthers jersey this season. These commonalities have allowed Wegher and Ward to develop a common purpose on the field and a friendship off of it. Wegher on Ward "He is a bulldozer man!" Wegher said with excitement. "Anytime he is in front of me I know I can follow him and we are going to pickup yards." Ward was seen on the field Friday night effectively blocking linebackers and even defensive ends. It was Ward's blocking that sprung Wegher free on more than one occasion. "Lee is a great player, great teammate, great friend" he added. Ward on Wegher "He is a great guy on and off the field. Probably my closest friend right now on the team. We have a strong chemistry on the field. He has had two great games in a row. I've enjoyed blocking for him and opening up holes for him." And on Wegher's future? "I think the sky is the limit with him. I think he is a starting running back in the NFL. You hear a lot of guys talk about how good he is as a running back, but they fail to mention he is a baller on special teams too. He is fast, he sheds blocks, he does it all." Ward understands it is a numbers game right now, and neither player is guaranteed a roster spot. It remains very unclear if both, or neither, will have a locker in Bank of America Stadium this season. "I'm excited to see what the future hold for both of us." View full article

These are full HD images. They appear to be worth the click to 95% of visitors so far.

mobile carrier considerations have to be made. These pics are pretty large file size.

appreciate u doing that

Thanks, already working on it

This year on the Huddle I am introducing a new feature on the Huddle I think you will love. I will be displaying some of my favorite photos from each game along with commentary in "Along the Sidelines" in hi-definition. This method is optimized for HD viewing and retina screens. I hope you enjoy the first installment. Along the Sidelines - Dolphins at Panthers View full article

Here she is. You know the rules. begin.

You ever been to SC? Saying they support the Panthers is a bit of a stretch. Heck, most of eastern NC is redskin country still.

Those were Rivera's MVPs... not the huddle's.

Panthers.com writer (and friend of the Huddle) Max Henson gives some solid insight here.... http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/2015-Training-Camp-Awards/802035ec-580f-48bc-928b-e3ede924c71e Definitely worth your clicks to read his analysis. Here is my take on his picks.... Offensive MVP: KB No question. KB looked primed for an All-Pro year. Defensive MVP: Luke Can't argue this. Standout Newcomer: Oher Oher started shaky but finished strong as he acclimated to the left. Hard to argue this. But I might give the nod to Peanut Tillman also who forced many a fumble and looked solid all camp. Most Improved: Corey Brown Corey did improve over last camp, that is for sure. I am tempted to give this to Josh Norman though who is really coming into his own. Pleasent Surprise: Kurt Coleman Can't argue here. Coleman is this year's Mike Mitchell, but perhaps even better. Hustle Award: Norwell and Todman Yep and Yep. Norwell is always running to the ball downfield. Go watch the last preseason game again. The guy has a motor. I have been preaching Todman for weeks now. The guy is going to really turn heads this year. I would also add.... Best Rookie: Daryl Williams - As of today, Williams has stood out as the most consistent rookie on the field in addition to playing at a very high level. Only a matter of time folks.... View full article

Lucas has put on a good 15 pounds of muscle from the looks of him. Not sure he is fast enough to run some of the WR routes now. Dude is pretty jacked now.

Bersin has been practicing as punt returner and gunner.

Boykin, Cotchery, Bersin.... same guy Panthers learn from last year with the same issue.

IR The only reason he isn't on IR already is that he could be picked up by someone else. Wait a few weeks and the Panthers can IR him without placing him on waivers.

Unclear. Just depends on the plays being called. Brown goes over the middle of the field more. Aside from Funchess, I really don't think the depth chart means much. It will be WR by committee. None of the guys are good enough to demand a spot full time on the field, will be put in on plays that they are strong in.

I should probably add Cox and Miley to the PS. Good call. I will add them next week.