KSpan

Express and KOSS (closed at $58 today, was $3.50 a week ago) have been hit up as well. The whole thing is fascinating.

I watched that... the host stammering and at a loss for words was great.

Agreed on all points. The short vs float is what makes this so interesting and could seemingly have a massive ripple as funds adjust to make sure they aren't caught in a similar situation in the future.

Truly crazy stuff, just printing money right now. I've no illusions about the stock's true value once the war on hedge funds ends but sure is fun in the interim.

Chiefs really toe the line and cross into being a little cheap at times. Poor decision by Buffalo players but KC is not clean by any means.

Falling down and 50+ yards in the air... geez.

Also agreed, but the added complication this year is that there are also a ton of teams who are openly QB-needy. It's a seller's market, and while that doesn't impact Carolina's specific need it does add a layer to.make sure they aren't mortgaging a still-developing future.

I disagree not with the notion that QB needs an upgrade (it absolutely does), but that those are the only options for 'success'. Call me optimistic but if the FO and staff feels another option/path not listed here is the right one, as long as action has been taken (ideally a clear step away from counting on Teddy as the unchallenged starter), I want to give the benefit of this specific doubt.

I don't disagree. Just sharing a thought as a Panthers fan.

Like, I know it's Tampa Bay, but it just feels like a mercenary team this year and some key guys just happen to be wearing those jerseys.

I'd like to see the Packers go but I think Tampa has a (marginally) better chance of beating either AFC team at this point. The NFC South troll in me though hopes the Bucs lose in spectacular fashion.

How does that refute anything I'm saying? I would bet big money that those 12 hours were as full of detailed prep as physically possible. He does not get the job without understanding as much about organizational specifics as situationally possible, period. Will be very interesting to see how things shake out this offseason.

So a professional like him decides to make a move up the ladder into his first NFL GM role and doesn't put the time in to do his due diligence? Interviewing 101 is to understand the specific challenges facing the role at the place you're interviewing and have somewhat specific plans on how you'll address them if/when the conversation turns that way. I know how I prepare for a job interview and this type of role is on another plane so yeah, I disagree with you there. Dude knows what's up even if it's just top-level understanding.

I don't believe that at all. Sure, he hasn't had a chance to go full-on into things but there is a near-zero chance he didn't evaluate the team, the core players, and recent overall team performance as part of his own decision-making process. Given that Tepper is still a relatively new owner I'd be scrutinizing that stuff even more. If he truly didn't do those things then that's a red flag in and of itself IMO.

Mannnnn... perhaps it's just my own confirmation bias but shots fired in his answer about what makes a franchise QB. Elevate the team, win games in the 4th quarter...

And here's the question asking Tepper if he'll be involved in the QB selection process. His answer is that he's much more interested in making sure the right processes are in place rather than the decision itself. Also said he's "not the evaluator Matt and Scott are".

That encapsulates the entire experience though with this type of QB. Their team can win when they're surrounded with excellence, but they can't/won't elevate the team when they're not: we saw that time and again this year. With the nature of the NFL (injuries, roster churn, etc.), IMO that's simply not acceptable for a full-time starter of a team that wants to compete year in and year out. "Possibly good enough when everything goes right" can't preclude striving for better, particularly when the weaknesses are so glaring and easily exploited.

I think this is precisely why there is so much focus on the QB position. The team wasn't expected to be nearly as competitive, and even at what should be 'the bottom' for the roster they were still competitive. A more effective player at the QB position definitely changes the story of the season.

Exactly. Also, looks like 23 of the Week 17 starting QBs (I'm including Mahomes, Burrow, and Ben here since they'd typically be starting) were all drafted in the first round (I'm also including Brees since he was pick 32, but that was top of Rd 2 back then). Another 2 were picked at picks 35 (Dalton) and 36 (Carr); excluding Dalton since he's a backup would drop the total to 22. From there guys like Lock, Henne, and Hurts were 2nd round picks. Wilson, Brady, and Cousins are the only quality starters chosen outside of the first round. I'm not making any definitive statements, but the Week 17 data support your premise.

Brady's also 43 years old and has struggled his way to 4600 yards and 40 TD passes. Not too shabby.

I daresay that Rhule and Tepper were setting the bar low with these quotes. After the performance this year and a few specific glaring weaknesses being clear limitations I want to believe they're smart enough to not play dumb and try to ignore them. Even if the wins weren't there this team showed too much promise and quicker than expected.

This new ownership, coach, and FO sticking with Teddy would be an incredibly huge red flag signalling zero change . I've been a diehard fan since day 1 and this would be hugely disappointing. Nice attitude, btw. Y'all are welcome to enjoy perpetual mediocrity if such low-hanging fruit like not starting Teddy is ignored. Been a fan since day 1 and it would be a huge gut-punch.

I really dont see how this staff trots him out again. If they do I may completely lose interest in this team.

There are 23 Assassin's Creed games? Jeebus... I lost track somewhere around 3 and 4.