top dawg

He's not. Those are in reference to his injuries the last couple of seasons. He's 100 percent healthy (knock on wood).

Whether you like it or not, CMC won't be put in bubble wrap. But, honestly, he's paid to play. Steve Reed's latest article should answer the question as to whether Christian McCaffrey will be purposefully limited in any kind of way this season. If Rhule has any say about the matter, which we all know that he does, it's full steam ahead. “I’m not spending my time worrying about, ‘hey, will Christian get hurt?’” Panthers coach Matt Rhule said. “We are thinking about Christian in one way only — and that’s attack.” For Christian's part, he has done what he can to lessen the potential for injury, including modifying his offseason workout regimen, but he's all about playing as well. “If I’ve learned anything in terms of techniques, it’s just not overdoing it,” McCaffrey said. "I think that has been my issue — overdoing it sometimes. But you can’t prevent everything. Football is a tough business and a tough sport.” I've heard Christian say earlier this offseason, that he's had few little nagging injuries that take time to heal, but nothing major. And along with that train of thought is the notion that he's doing what he can do, but some things just aren't preventable (and bad luck). “I had a couple 300-pound guys fall on my ankle while I was already down,” McCaffrey said. "... I would love to know if there is a drill someone has got out there to prevent that from happening, because I would do that every day.” So, good or bad, McCaffrey looks to get his touches. Let's hope that CMC's bad luck with the injuries is a thing that's mitigated. https://www.wralsportsfan.com/panthers-to-attack-with-mccaffrey-not-worry-about-injuries/20411727/

You lucky fug. Yeah, I'm hating. Don't try to go, just go! And enjoy your good fortune.

To be fair, we really haven't heard about many rookies. What we've heard has been basically by people not officially associated with the Panthers, other than a mention in a random presser when asked. We've heard a little more about Ickey because he's a presumed starter.

The team looks to have some heart. I couldn't say that last season, especially as it went on. If nothing else, I don't think that our new veteran additions, particularly Mayfield, are going to go down without a fight. And for the vets that were already here--like Donte said, "It's year three." The guys are on a mission.

Point taken. We'll, that's your prerogative, and it's even a rationale one--moreso if it's about Rhule's performance and your belief in him to improve, and not just because it's simply Rhule (if you get what I'm saying). Only you know if you're being honest. We'll, Donte didn't even mention "Super Bowl." There's a difference between belief and hope, as your comment denotes and perhaps even connotes. I just think that Jakson's words speak louder than words. They have a chip on their shoulders that we (perhaps) didn't even know that they had. And that gives me a little more optimism.

Honestly, we know enough. From NFL.com: Reports of angst between Mills and the defensive line surfaced this offseason after the group underperformed in 2021. But Rivera noted that the decision to fire Mills stemmed from more recent philosophical differences. "It's about this offseason and training camp," Rivera said. His firing probably stems from underperformance, and Rivera didn't like the way things were progressing during the offseason and camp. It sounds like it was a long time coming. Rivera was reticent to just fire his friend so easily, so he gave him a chance, but things didn't work out.

Throughout his career, Rashad Higgins has never proved to be anything more than a WR4. And now you magically think he's going to be a WR2? TMJ hasn't proven anything yet, not even the ability to stay on the field. Do you really want to risk D.J. being doubled and maybe even tripled into ineffectiveness? We have some good talent in our receiving room--not necessarily to include the TEs--but it is largely unproven without the presence of Anderson. I'd rather take my chances with the underrated LB group than mess around with a skill group position. Unlike what you've heard on the Huddle all offseason, Robbie is important (if not a key) to the success of this offense...at least until TMJ or someone else breaks out this season.

Ben McAdoo's presser today was entertaining for sure, and I think people should listen to it, as it sounds like an experienced NFL guy who knows what he's doing, but if there is anything that will make you believe that this team will be better than most people project, it will be listening to Donte Jackson. "That's what we do out here, you know. All of us are not submitting to being a team that everybody looks down upon. We're not submitting to that." The team is gelling according to Jackson, and people aren't just working for themselves, they're working for their teammates if you believe Corey Littleton. And Phil Snow essentially told us not to underestimate the sharing of knowledge and experience of Xavier Woods and getting all the guys on the same page by demanding communication. But listen to Donte; the 2022 Panthers aren't satisfied with being a joke. And don't let it get by you that he mentioned a few players on offense, including Baker. They also are aware of Rhule's situation (if you listen to what he said), and they're going to do what it takes to keep him around. I'm not making any grandiose claims about the postseason, but I will say that those thinking that our ceiling is 5 or 6 games might want to rethink that a bit. We'll know more by the end of next month.

I didn't know we picked up Kamal Martin. Solid pickup provided that he's over his injury.

Every day is a good day to be a Matt Corral fan.

Not enough.

Pretty absurd considering their career stats.

At least Rivera waited until after the induction. This is much ado about nothing.

Honestly, we'll likely never know.

Facts mean nothing to him pertaining to Mayfield. I've learned that you can't take him seriously.

Yep. I had seen all that poo before. Maybe they only pay them so much.

It's a stretch to suggest that knowing the playbook doesn't matter. It's bordering on the absurd. Knowledge of the playbook speaks towards the successful execution of on-field reps.

Good Lord! I've never seen that pic.

It's really a side issue too. But that being said, Simms isn't the only NFL person who has said that Darnold should have a sizeable lead in his knowledge of the playbook. On an off note, Mayfield is believed to have a photographic memory, though I don't know if it's ever been confirmed.

No, he has all the weeks since OTAs.

I know that many are complaining about the reps, but Simms says there are enough reps to go around. He and Florio of course, just like everyone else at this point, believe Baker should come out victorious, but Simms said that this wasn't ever a situation where Mayfield would just be handed the job. Though Darnold has been rightly given the benefit of doubt because of the sucky teams that he has played for, including the disaster of an offense that we had last season, which Simms references, this is likely his swan song as a full-time starter. Just be patient. I think that some people are kinda freaking out (or just being critical because it's en vogue) for little reason. I tend to take Simms' word on it, as he was an actual pro QB.

Darnold has shown his true colors, and Rhule is showing his. I remember toward the end of last season when Rhule (and Fitt, really) were damned near showing disdain for Darnold (if you read between the lines). Then, after seeing how horrible the O-line was, Rhule kind of let up on him. Short of a Baker meltdown during the preseason games, this competition is over. Darnold just doesn't have it in him.

Basically, like with most stats, context matters. On an off note, the most definitive stat I can think of in terms of markedly affecting win-loss record is the turnover ratio. Most of the times if you lose that battle, you're going to lose. That's why a QB that takes care of the ball is so important.

It's the ghosts, dude.