top dawg

Peoples runs high (not necessarily a death knell), is not known for a lot of shake-and-bake, hasn't displayed the ability to consistently catch (so currently his three-down prospects are questionable), and perhaps most importantly is sketchy at pass blocking. I don't think that we're ready to rely on People's.

He's likely alright as he played a couple of snaps the other night.

That's the best laugh I've had during the preseason.

Nothing wrong with being positive. I'm a realist by nature though. I will say that predicting wins and losses is not necessarily an exercise in futility, it's just a general way to frame expectations. Admittedly, I don't engage with a crystal ball to this degree. I just thought that it was necessary in my quest to figure out why some of the people that I've grown accustomed to displaying reasonable minds are declaring "Playoffs, or bust!"

Probably because he needs a lot of work.

Ankle injury?

I've been trying really hard to see what others see, and I can't do that without making assumptions, taking a giant leap of faith and basically just throwing better judgement out the window, but I'm willing to play a game. I'm looking at our schedule and assuming that we're going to split with our division rivals (which is reasonable, though not guaranteed), how are we getting to the playoffs? How does our all-star, know-it-all, can-do-no-wrong, perfection-personified of a coaching staff full of football gods improve upon a 7-10 season last year? Don't get me wrong! I've told you many times over the years that historically we're likely not going to have an inkling of what we have until probably mid October. So, anything is possible! It really is. But on this day, pre season, I can't see us winning more than 7 (maybe 8 if I'm hedging) games, and a lot is going to have to go silky smooth for us to do it. Again, I'm assuming that we split with our division rivals. I think that some of you playoffs-or-bust people must be assuming that we're going to ride roughshod over the NFCS (which has really only happened once if you think about it), and that not only are our division rivals not improving, but all of our other rivals this year have stayed in a state of inertia, and that we're the only ones that have improved. Most people outside of Carolina---err, the Carolina Huddle, just don't believe that. So, take some time and explain to me why you believe that we're going to do something that almost never happens in the division and/or look at the opponents below and tell me why you believe that we're going to beat them, and try to do it analytically without all the emotions and grand generalizations. Homer glasses off! Week 3: 9/24 at Seahawks L Week 4: 10/1 vs. Vikings. W Week 5: 10/8 at Detroit Lions. L Week 6: 10/15 at Dolphins. L Week 8: 10/29 vs. Texans. W Week 9: 11/5 vs. Colts. W Week 10: 11/9 at Bears L Week 11: 11/19 vs. Cowboys. L Week 12: 11/26 at Titans. L Week 16: 12/24 vs. Packers. W Week 17: 12/31 at Jaguars. L

Oh. Alright. Makes sense...Damn, I was all fuged up.

My son's at the gym, so I don't want to bother him, but I have a question. What the fug is "touching grass?" Is it toking on a blunt or something?

People talk as though it's just one continuous season, and like the schedule is a carbon copy, and like all the other teams are just standing still. I know damn well that the Saints are farther along on the curve to legitimacy than we are this season by virtue of their talent and experience alone, not to mention their staff and coaching continuity.

He may have even done the math. Regular season = Preseason x 10

I get it. The Panthers are a part of me too, but I just have to keep it all in perspective, especially considering the world that we live in.

I ain't mad atcha. I understand how you feel, but I feel that it's way too soon to be giving up on our current staff and personnel. I'm not going to go through the reasons why, because you are obviously in a different place. I appreciate that you actually give a damn though.

D.J. has a good approach to the game, and a good perspective on the preseason. Plus, he wears flashing glasses while catching a tennis ball to prepare for the game. He is thoughtful and mature about his answers. His demeanor kind of makes me think that he'll one day be on the sidelines. If you haven't listened, you may find the young man enlightening.

Now I'm really not a betting man, but I surely wouldn't bet on us making the dance if I were. https://www.oddsshopper.com/articles/nfl/nfl-predictions-2023-nfc-south-preview-futures-picks-b41

I mean, there may be some talking heads who picked us, but those that run the numbers in Vegas did not.

You have to get the trade value, and it should be immediate. I think that smart people are expecting growth within two years. One year, is a great expectation.

Waller is a stud (when he's on the field). He was the one making the plays (along with Jones). Let's not forget that an O-line (and one that doesn't really have to face above average rushers) plays a vital roll in the success of the offense as well.

Sub par players?

Well said. I was going to say something similar, but thought, "What's the point?"

I had scrolled too far down to see who made the post, but I said, "This must be CRA." You're killing me with the Fox/Rivera comparison.

When I was researching Reich, I'd say that his play calling was probably what led to the most criticism of the then Colt's HC. Some of the writers and fans weren't really impressed. Perhaps someone who follows the Eagles can discuss the seeming disconnect of Reich's play calling as the Eagles' OC versus Reich's play calling as the Colts' HC. Was Doug Pederson the better football mind there? Anyway, I think that we'll really find what kind of coach we have based upon when he allows Thomas Brown do his job unfettered. I can't remember who said it in the game thread, but Brown's play calling actually looks like it's geared for today's modern NFL. That's a good take in my estimation.

Well, our best players aren't even playing, so maybe in September. I saw some good things out there from the second and especially the third string. It's obviously a work in progress, but I still believe it will come together.

To answer the question: he's missing an assignment.