NanuqoftheNorth

Brady's safety blanket, CMC, was just taken away from him. Not only that, CMC's backups will now get some playing time/experience before the team reaches the more challenging part of the schedule. None of that is a bad thing. Also, Sam will have to rely more on the rest of his numerous weapons, hopefully developing a stronger chemistry with them. Yeah, the learning curve just got a little steeper for several Panther players and coaches, but it's not insurmountable and could set this team up for success later this year. Being less dependent on CMC in order to win will make this team more flexible and dynamic. Finally, when CMC returns, hopefully we won't have to run him into the ground, allowing him to remain healthy and fresh down the stretch and into the post season.

Halftime reality check for Rhule and the Panthers. Better come out with a plan for scoring that doesn't include CMC.

Early in the game take the points.

Sadly, still appears to be better than the Panthers current kicker.

Yeah, I realize that, and yet somehow Panthers managed to sign a guy that still can't manage to kick the ball beyond the back of the end zone (and bonus, misses pats too). Our kicking game seems to be stuck in reverse.

It was definitely a Fox thing. Now, while I don't recall Rivera doing it, it may have happened. Both John Rivera and Ron Fox were so similar it is easy to get them confused with one another.

The secret to success in the NFL: Win all the games you're supposed to win and a few more that your not. Hopefully the many years of watching the Panthers playing down to their competition are over.

There was a time when kickoffs traveling beyond the opponents end zone was uncommon. Seems like most kickers these days can do it if called on to do so. Doesn't seem like it would be in the Panthers best interests to commit to any kicker that is incapable of doing it consistently (if at all).

So, knowing what we know now, should the Panthers try to resign Joey Slye when the Texans Fairbairn comes off IR? Might only be another week or two before that happens. https://www.si.com/nfl/texans/news/meet-houston-new-kicker-joey-slye-news

This "one player away" thinking is what got the last GM fired (twice).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9e0gIX3oAI

Ok, I'll do it. I don't think it's going out on a limb here to say: The Panthers D is very much improved and the O much better than last year. If Carolina can tighten up that O line and special teams, Panthers will be in contention for the post season.

This! I appreciate QBs that don't let occasional turnovers rattle them. Turnovers are gonna happen, it's part of the game.

Phil Snow is the secret sauce on the Panthers pie.

D was outstanding today! O had some good drives and put points on the board when they were needed. D kept Saints on their heels for most of the game. We're watching this team grow up before our very eyes people!

Meh, he's a rookie and there is still a long season ahead. If Deonte doesn't see the field before mid season that'll be another subject.

Classic Norm...

Norm Macdonald, the acerbic, sometimes controversial comedian familiar to millions as the “Weekend Update” anchor on “Saturday Night Live” from 1994 to 1998, died on Tuesday in Los Angeles. He was 61. His manager, Marc Gurvitz, confirmed the death. Lori Jo Hoekstra, his longtime producing partner, told the Hollywood news outlet Deadline that the cause was cancer, something he had been dealing with for some time but had kept largely private. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/14/arts/television/norm-macdonald-dead.html

You know we'll be in trouble when... Saints announce that their backup QB will be starting.

Maybe you've already heard this one? Six offensive coaches, a player, and a nutritionist were in a bar when...