top dawg

That's not usually the watermark of a healthy professional NFL franchise. Like Shaq basically said, you keep those things in-house.

I've been critical of Shaq Thompson on occasion, but not as nearly as some who've repeatedly tried to push the narrative that he's been essentially JAG, or grossly underperforming. He's been solid over the years, and now that he's no longer in the shadow of Luke or TD, his growth is evident. His maturity and willingness to lead is as evident as ever, so much so that maybe some other people on the sidelines should learn from Shaq's leadership. There are a few things Shaq had to say during his presser, but this was the most telling in my opinion: "Like I keep saying, this is our job, we get paid to do this. If you don't love it, then don't play. If you aren't going to have passion regardless if you're losing then don't come to work. Like honestly, we don't need you." https://www.si.com/nfl/panthers/gm-report/shaq-thompson-voices-frustration-calls-out-repeat-offenders Like I was telling someone yesterday, for me even Tepper seems to be going through the motions, and I certainly get that vibe from Rhule. And, it's been suggested that these two aren't particularly wed to the #KeepPounding mantra, but apparently they should be if this six-game losing streak is an indication. Everybody's just going through the motions, except for a few like Shaq that realize the bigger picture. We certainly need to cut the fat and employ guys that don't accept mediocrity, much less accept a culture of losing in similar fashion week after week or season after season.

People bring up those years, but this 2021 team was really supposed to be better considering the talent. And, the thing is, I'm not sure that this team beats either one of those teams. It would be at least questionable. That speaks to Matt Rhule.

In Rhule's world, Rashawn Slater's arms are too short to play LT. Slater is lucky not to have been picked here. Rhule's mishandling of him would've been criminal.

Something every Huddler has been saying for a decade...

As long as Rhule is HC, I wouldn't get too excited. Rhule generally just doesn't believe in BC at LT, and that's not a recipe for long term success. The coach has to believe.

This offense is historically bad from a franchise perspective. Break it down by games, halves, quarters and series, and we are terrible.

That's been the case in roughly a half dozen games this season. I was prepared to say more than a half dozen, but I looked at the final scores and couldn't justify it (though I watched all the games and it just seems we could've been in several more with any type of legit offense).

Shaq. He was our most consistent player on defense, and his presence is sorely missed when he's out (like game-changing).

Come on. The comparison is not even close. But, Nixon has only had a few games, so I'll give him that excuse (along with a lost HC)

No adjustments at all. I never thought I'd see that in the NFL.

They'd still prefer to play in Tampa with the second seed before they get to Green Bay (assuming the Packers take care of business). Home games still matter.

One thing that I'm not going to do is excuse this train wreck of a season.

It's the Rhule Effect.

Not just for the OP, but everyone: We already know that we suck. Are we really going to micro-criticize every little thing? Why magnify the misery?

Hell naw! That didn't happen.

Sam really should keep "Cam" out his mouth.

I was thinking that Tepper is as guilty as anyone of going through the motions.

I was rooting for us to win, but ain't heartbroken that we lost. It's not about draft position either; at this point I'm expecting us to lose, so no big deal.

And there's the WTF moment.

Ha! The obvious answer is the Cowboys.

Smdh

Wouldn't you be?