Saca312

Great hire! Panthers made the most sense from a talent standpoint if he wants a HC gig in the future. Now get us a good upcoming OC and this team truly has some "rockstar" coaches!

They had one of the worst point differentials at -3, essentially meaning they had by far the closest wins in the NFL history for a 13 win team. With only two wins being above a one score game and half their losses being blowouts, that is a recipe for decline this upcoming season. Without anything more exciting to expect defensively and a high chance of further decline due to being strung on aging veterans, they're the easiest candidate to regress to the mean. They were an outlier this season with their record. To expect similar results next year would be ill advised. It would take a lot more luck too, as their talent is far worse than their record overall and their defense is on the decline. If Evero looks past the record and recognizes each team's talent as is, Panthers edge out easily defensively and have the most potential. If he wants the best shot at HC, the Panthers are more complete. If he wants that connection of coaching with the Vikings, then that'll be why he chooses them. He's also known to be very loyal to his guys, even turning down an interim role when Hackett was fired. He may opt for personal connection over talent, which while ill-advised if he wants to be HC since the Panthers are more talented, it may be what he wants.

For background, Irsay makes Tepper look like the best owner in NFL history. From what I've seen from multiple people, he heavily pressured Reich for a win now QB, hence his trend of retreads. Not sure how much is on Reich or ownership for that, but something to note. He did, however, try to hang his name on Wentz which backfired heavy.

Definitely agree it's hard to neglect defense, but you need a complimentary offense that isn't one dimensional. Additionally, with Holcomb at DC, it was kind of jarring seeing the defense deflate as the season went on. His concepts weren't good, and while I was on the Wilks train a while ago, seeing how the season progressed I do think there was deficiency even with a defensive minded coach on that side. Simple defensive concepts that got picked on. Saints exposed the simplicity of our offensive schemes and ensured no one was open in the passing game. Some spark needs to come or this team won't exceed mediocrity.

lol there's quite a distinct difference between myself and Billy, @elliswould easily verify that, and I have my own twitter I don't really post as much on anymore. but good to see you again fitz!

Very true. Rhule misled Tepper with that and Tepper gullibly went with his snakesoil pitch. All we can hope is he's learned. Looks like he's turning away from the college scene and keeping firmly on NFL success this go around, which is a good start.

Scrolling through twitter, I took note of one particular statement that really sums up the coaching search so far: Seems David Tepper is in line with the fans with wanting an identity change. With the amount of offensive minded candidates they are interviewing, looks like the Panthers are seeking to revamp their image and come up with a new identity. Not one of ground and pound and pray the defense holds up enough, but one where the offense is their own weapon to compete in a league where Mahomes, Burrow and Allen are lighting it up through the air. A change in philosophy, and that's the direction Tepper clearly wants the Panthers to go and one I hope they do as well. In particular, like what Billy wants, I'd love to see Ben Johnson coming in. He elevated the Lions offense beyond their talent to compete at a high level despite their deficiencies. Would be beautiful to see similar results in Carolina, and of course beautiful to upgrade from Al Holcomb's straighrforward defense as well. A change in identity. Hope this rings true when the next HC is announced.

Ignore. Double Post.

Another fumble in the 1st quarter to change the tide on an offense that was driving. Now if Panthers respond, could look like last week again!

Baldy does a nice breakdown on the effectiveness of the Panthers run game against the Lions. Dominance from the o-line is the true reason for their success. Beautiful stuff. Helps the Lions were nickel for most of the first half too - arguably put they should have at least added an extra linemen or linebacker down and focused in on the run for more plays than they have. But even so, just goes to show how dominant the offensive line is and can be. Absolutely physical and punishing all the way through. Love to see it.

Well, some interesting tweets from one former Panther starter and great on this topic. Looks like some fun banter, but man even if just for sentimental reasons it'd be beautiful to see Smitty in 89 once more.

Thought the Falcons were mathematically eliminated already I believe. I think all three NFC South teams hold tiebreakers over them.

Easy. McVay is putting Baker on rollouts and utilizing his strengths to the maximum. McAdoo tried to fit Baker into a system he isn't strong in, hence why he struggled. Props to the Rams, as if anyone could turn around a QB, it'd be McVay.

Lions have a great head coach for many years to come. Respect to Campbell and how he handled this loss, absolute class all around.

Given the Panthers have beaten the Bucs and Saints in the past this year, the playoffs via winning out is a very distinct and not very unlikely possibility. Now, succeeding in the playoffs is a different story. But deluded in making it, yeah there's a high chance Carolina's in.

Please show some contain dear god

Abusing our edges god. We have zero integrity there.

Funny thing is this oline would be lightyears ahead of what he had last year. That Dolphins game was malpractice in oline play. Made Cam look far worse than he ever has. Quite frankly though, I'd rather see Cam with a full offseason and another bring him back last minute hurrah is tiring. He's likely rusty and will do him zero good if he even is thinking about an NFL return mid season. While I'm one of the lone guys who still believes Cam's still got some throwing ability that's better than anyone on this roster, I don't think he'd be a positive addition at this point in the season.

I took that NFC South line at +1800 last week, based off how we had by far the easiest SOS out of all the NFC South teams. A gamble before our biggest test with Seattle, but looks like it may pay off. Keeping it going until we hopefully hoist the division title.

The Carolina Panthers made a statement win in Seattle today against the Seahawks. At one point boasting one of the worst records in football, they've turned around and shown life these past few games. The next four games on their schedule will be telling on whether they make the playoffs or barely miss it. With the NFC South in a race to the bottom, anything is fair game. Mathematically, the Panthers are in if they win out. Here are the next four teams on their schedule: Week 15 - Pittsburg (5-8) at Carolina A home game for the Panthers, but of course Steelers fans will certainly travel well. At 5-8, their season may end up being one of the worst under Tomlin. Their QB room is atrocious, featuring a first round bust in Trubisky and a raw and struggling rookie in Pickett. They most certainly have contributed to much of the demise of this team. Defensively, they have been one of the better ones in the league, ranking in the top 10 in various stats. However, after their rushing defense got gashed by the Ravens, perhaps they are not as lock tight as they seem. A decent matchup but very winnable on paper. If the Panthers capitalize on their QB carousel defensively and maintain a ball control offense, they have a shot. And a very good one at that. Week 16 - Detroit (6-7) at Carolina Now this is a matchup to watch out for. The Lions truly are more deceptively good than they look at first glance. With their offense flying on high gear, much like the Seahawks they have a lot going for them. Their defense is nothing too special, albeit they have played better than they did at the beginning of the year. However, their offense has been solid and high flying, scoring big points in most of their games. Goff has looked surprisingly decent despite being a bridge QB, and they will be no easy victory. I feel this may be one of the toughest challenges left on the Panthers schedule, and a hard fought victory. Don't overlook them just because they're the Lions. Week 17 - Carolina at New Orleans They're the lone team Carolina has beat under Rhule. While it is on the Saints home turf and I'm sure they'd love to play spoiler, they have only gotten worse since we beat them. Should be an easy victory if the Panthers hope to make any noise in the playoffs. Week 18 - Carolina at Tampa Bay Well, this may in fact be for the division title for the NFC South toilet bowl. Tom Brady - knowing that the postseason is on the line - will likely do his utmost to spoil any chance the Panthers may have at reaching it. But, this team just got curb-stomped by this year's Mr. Irrelevant at QB. The Bucs are as low as they can go under this new coaching regime. At the same time, the Panthers gashed the Buccaneers the first go around on the ground. This time, they may very well do the same again. This should be a win, even with the playoff implications, de facto because the Panthers are a more complete team. --- And with all that being said, what say you? What record will the Panthers achieve in these last four games. Are they in the playoffs, or are they securing a high pick? Let those on hopium and the tankers debate.