Captroop

Cam was. Given the choice between the two...

He can run good routes. He can get open. But he needs to work on his hands. Some of the catches he made this year were routine catches that for some reason he makes look like circus catches. You see Bryce favoring Thielen in the highlights when both are open, or sometimes even when AT isn't open. I think it's fair to say even Bryce is questioning his reliability, and that's going to hamper his career if he doesn't tighten up that aspect of his game. XL is miles away from a "bust" conversation, but the fact is down the stretch he was outplayed by and trusted less than the UDFA WR on the roster.

Well if it's a done deal, I'm gonna lean HEAVILY on the copewagon that he was without Derrick Brown and Shaq. The biggest knock against this D was the utter inability to stop the run, and the centerpiece of our defensive line and the only non-JAG LB in our corps probably had something to do with that. Hopefully we address the lack of talent in FA and draft and with the right pieces, Evero can put together a solid D. It's a tall order to turn around in a year, but again, we're DRAMATICALLY improving our defense just by getting 2 linchpin pieces healthy.

Among the unrestricted: Keep: QB Andy Dalton - He's good for Bryce's development, and great to have as a backup TE Tommy Tremble - Good locker room energy. And we will need a run blocking TE once Ian is finally gone. LB Shaq Thompson - Home team discount CB Mike Jackson - Was asked to do a lot. I like how he plays. P Johnny Hekker - If the price is right LS JJ Jansen - No one better suggest otherwise. This man is a legend! S Sam Franklin - Good depth for the right price Pound Sand: C Austin Corbett C Brady Christensen - He's already talking about wanting to make the move that's best for his family. Let him test the waters. I don't see commitment to the team here. TE Ian Thomas - F***ing FINALLY TE Feleipe Franks WR David Moore - Good player, but ultimately a JAG. Replaceable. RB Mike Boone DE DeShawn Williams OLB Cam Gill CB Caleb Farley S Xavier Woods - Unfortunately he's an ideal player for a bygone era. I feel like I remember more penalties against him than positive plays. And more than once I saw him wind up for a Madden 2004 "hit stick" tackle only to completely whiff. The entire safety room needs a refresh. We need guys who force fumbles, not punishers. S Jordan Fuller S Nick Scott S Lonnie Johnson K Eddy Piñeiro - Sorry, I want a kicker who's good from 55+. I saw too many games this year decided by a last-30-seconds-of-regulation drive to the opponent's 40 to set up a game-winner. Eddy is never gonna be that guy.

Although he lost his best player on Defense and overall was dealt a tough hand, I don't see how you don't move on from the architect of the defense that allowed the most points in NFL history. If being literally the worst at your job of all time doesn't get you fired, what does?

He's already playing like a veteran. He could climb the depth chart next year. Maybe challenge XL. Because one thing he's definitely got going for him is sure hands. And if we can work some trick plays into his repertoire, he's setting himself up to be a long time Panther.

Listen to this guy. He's smart.

That's right D!

Okay Bryce! I love the swagger!

Honestly I'm okay with this outcome. The offense is showing up. The defense is hot trash. But that's not a surprise. Lock up a top pick, now! As Buzz Lightyear might say, "Lose, with style!"

All. Defense. Draft.

I'm ready to go back to a base 4-3. A big, 4-man front just seems like the quintessential Panthers defense. But we need a stud MLB again.

That's really cute! Hope you had a great time despite the dismal showing. And yeah, dinner and a night at the theater are in order after this.

I was gonna say, the real losers today are anyone who bet to cover the spread.

Something warms my heart about someone wearing #88 making a clutch grab on the sideline.

I'm only subjecting myself to this because I hope to see some Coker action in garbage time.

This is a preseason game. We shut down our actual talent. Today is to evaluate who is worth keeping.

Two solid open field tackles by Richardson. Keep him around.

As is tradition, the Panthers win an entertaining game when I'm unable to watch. Sigh. Highlight pie it will have to be!

This. How we respond to an abortion like last week tells me a lot more than a W.

Having first round picks is one thing. Using them wisely is another. You're giving us a lot of credit by not assuming we'd end up squandering that king's ransom.

In retrospect, knowing who Tom Brady always has been, do you think an extra 20 yards would have really denied him from field goal range in a Super Bowl? Cotchery on the other hand. If they get that call right, the sack/fumble never happens.

I'd bump ILB up higher. S and CB can be easily plugged in via free agency. And I'm so gun-shy about spending draft capital on CBs after the experience with Horn. He's a stud when healthy, but we spent the bulk of his rookie contract with him on IR, and soon we won't be able to afford him. I think I'd much rather pick up a 4th or 5th year man with a proven track record of availability. The inside of the defensive line, just like the inside of the offensive line is what it all hinges on. So a solid DT and a field general MLB are thing we've sorely missed since the KK/Star/Luke years. Frankly, I think EDGE is overvalued these days. Sure, sacks are nice, but unless you're causing turnovers, it's just one play. And 2nd and 14 doesn't mean dick if you then give up a couple of 10 yard runs. Shut down the run, and the QB pressures will follow. It's basically exactly what Dallas did to us.

Why blow the whistle? That's supposed to be a free play!?

Offensive line being beat like a drum.