SOJA

You know the more I think about it the more I actually buy the conspiracy that Reich really wanted Stroud or Richardson all along, and maybe to prove his point stubbornly refused to change his offense to suit Bryce's needs despite evidence that he needed to. Here's my evidence: 1- Tepper admitted that for a long time the Panthers actually planned to trade to 2 to get Stroud, aka during the hiring process of Reich this was likely 'the plan' 2-Despite trading up to one, Stroud was the overwhelming favorite to go to the Panthers for *months* it took up until a week or two before draft week once the leaks started the Bryce became the favorite. Now Vegas does NOT intentionally lose money. Plus there are a ton of reporters who say the talk around the league was that Reich loved Stroud 3- Now here's where it gets tricky. I think they traded up to one and never really thought about it until it finally happened. Well when it did Fitterer, Tepper and likely a lot of other people in the building had Bryce as QB 1 which was not a preposterous take at all. But I think Reich never *really* got on board. He said all the right things because he realized the ship was already in motion but I think he still really wanted Stroud 4- Cut to this year, Bryce is obviously struggling in our offense while Stroud looks incredible. This is obviously not all Bryce's fault and there are multiple systemic issues that would make it impossible for damn near anyone to overcome but I think it secrely made Reich a little annoyed. So instead of changing himself for Bryce he said you know what fug you guys. I wanted Stroud, that's what I signed on for and then you made me draft a guy I didn't want, no I won't change. Cut to starting1-10 with the worst offense I've ever seen... Here's a final thought: Everyone talks about how impatient Tepper is but it could be argued he kept Hurney, Rivera and Rhule all one year too long. Reich he definitely didn't wait too long, why? Because Reich basically wanted to get fired.

I wouldn't want Bill the GM but Bill the HC for sure. He could instill a culture we desperately need here. Also he would have absolutely no problem telling Tepper to fug right the fug off lol

Frank Reich just being extremely burnt out at his job is the most relatable I've ever felt to an NFL coach lmao

i'm growing very very tired of tepper but this article actually doesn't paint him in a terrible light which makes me believe there's a lot more to the story here

I truly believe all three wanted Bryce: tepper, Fitt and Reich Look I was a Stroud guy but almost every single analyst and scout in the league viewed Bryce as the number one prospect outside of his height. It's not hard to believe all three of them liked him.

good post I would be ecstatic with Ben Johnson, he's the guy I wanted last year

I read this more as the Panthers really wanted Young, the Texans did too but the Bears were holding them up for way more than trading up one pick was worth. But oh man would could have been bc despite what Texans fans say I know they would have taken Young with the number one overall pick

I've said this a few times but not only is this the worst position this franchise has ever been in terms of talent but we're kinda fuged with coaching too. What awesome coach is going to want to join this team? I know no one wants to hear this but I could see Reich getting another year esp if there is minimal improvement over the next few games. It's not the way I would play it but I can see that happening. Also if we do fire Reich we need to fire Fitterer too and completely start over

oh I totally agree, I'm more than tired of meddling tepper

Fixed us without giving up next year's first

fuging SIGH

my new secret fever dream is that Drake Maye or Caleb Williams shocks the world and stays in college an additional year for us to draft them in 2025

1 WR - Tee Higgins 2 WR#2- 2nd round draft pick 3 NT - FA 4 EDGE- FA 1 year deal Marcus Davenport maybe 5 TE- Draft 3/4 the round 6 O line - C and G - FA/Draft 7 LB- Draft 4/5th round 8 NB- Draft 4/5th round I think those are all positions of need. TBH an argument could be made that almost every single position on offense needs to be upgraded besides RG and RT. Above are realistic targets I could see us going after

Frank seems like a good human being but at this point I think he's proven he can't coach

To be clear this would not be my plan HOWEVER what GM and HC combo wants to come to the Panthers this offseason. Chicago is a vastly more appealing destination for a HC and almost every GM spot that will be open in the league will have the benefit of having a first rounder and won't be on the worst team in the league. If we make Fitty swear not to trade future picks CAR will be MUCH more appealing as a destination the year after regardless of how next season goes.

I'm not ready to grade Bryce yet. That being said I was a Stroud guy from that Rose Bowl game when he was a sophomore and JSN went off, you could just tell he had it. My biggest issue with Bryce moving forward is that while this offense is TERRIBLE and impossible to grade a rookie in, Bryce's path to success in the NFL is narrower than imagined. I am praying he succeeds because all these hypotheticals will only drive you crazy at this point.

I'm honestly glad we didn't we can still get Tee this offseason without sacrificing draft capital. If/when Fitt and the coaching staff gets let go we need to make ourselves as appealing as possible so we don't end up with complete poo at both GM/HC

This is the worst Panthers team I've ever watched including the Clausen year. I wanted Stroud and he would have been the right pick but even he would be struggling. We need to upgrade every single position on offense besides RT and RG. Absolutely pitiful

Only way I trade Burns to the Bears is if they give us our first round pick back plus something else.

no chance, denver clearly isn't getting a deal that good offered right now or jeudy would be long gone Most I'd give up is a fifth rounder at this point

this sucks for the league, I really liked richardson and honestly would have been happy had we drafted him. That being said it is ironic that Bryce was pegged as the injury prone one and Richardson was viewed as this tank and now he's got a bad injury.

Re-sign Burns and Luvu and Henderson Trade Chinn Donte and Marshall now Sign Tee Higgins, Stephon Gilmore, Kendrick Bourne, DJ Reader Draft Troy Franklin in second round, CB in the third round, O-line depth in later rounds Cap will be absolutely maxed but we have to go all in on Bryce's rookie contract

You would trade Bryce and draft the generational talent, unless someone offered the king of all kings deals.

Think it's way too early to call this, but if he ends up being a below average QB (think it would take three seasons to determine that). Then I agree with you. I'm not giving up yet, Bryce doesn't look lost out there he just needs better protection and WR play before I believe we can judge him. That being said I was a Stroud guy from April of 2022, that's who I have always wanted so it's hard to see him doing so well

I mean you're not wrong but also we had seen five years of middling QB play. I'm fine with the aggressiveness to secure the most important position on the team