Panthers Rhule

Hahaha, that's funny. Next season

I'm sorry, I'll admit that I'm a naturally positive person and bit of a Homer and I do try to recognize that not everyone is the same. I was also raised not to give up, quit, or whine. I guess I'm just becoming an old man but I swear it just seems to me that people have zero faith in anything and only want something if it's shiny and easy. Last season this team played WAY better than I expected and really played hard. I was proud of that team even if we were 5-11. I'm excited about next season no matter what happens between now and then because they proved to me that I should be. As long as they never quit, I'll never quit on them. I mean really, we're the Panthers aren't we? What's our motto? Keep Pounding? That doesn't mean anything when it's easy. It's value comes from the will to fight on no matter the situation. That's what Keep Pounding is all about. It's in memory of Sam Mills. He never quit, kept fighting and always believed. I think we as Panthers fans need to remember our motto and what it means. KEEP POUNDING!

I don't know if this counts but Elway played baseball his rookie season instead of playing for Baltimore

Yeah I kind of think that now too. Texans are going to be Texans

Yep, it's also another move that limits possible trading spots for a big name QB if one were to become available. If the Texans do trade Watson, it's looking more and more like they will have to take their trade partners QB as part of the deal as their partner will have no other options with their current starter.

To be honest, for me the most disappointing moment so far has been Fitzpatrick to WFT. I had this stupid little fantasy in my mind that we could somehow trade Teddy to WFT for a 3rd or 4th and then sign Fitzmagic to play for our beloved Panthers. Now, before you criticize me, I will openly admit that it was illogical but I will defend myself by saying it was my fantasy. I've always liked and respected Ryan and have always cheered for him. I like that he was drafted in the 7th round and yet he's still here. He's played for 8 different teams, yet he's still here. He's always played for bad teams, yet........, you get the idea. He finally played for a half way decent team and had his best year even when the team didn't really want him. I like that he graduated from Harvard yet looks like me and my friends. He has a large family and gets along with everyone. He is an underdog that never stops smiling. I really wanted to call that man my QB for at least 1 season. Instead he goes to one of the teams I least wanted him to go to. I still wish him the best and will still secretly root for that guy. I think he would have been fun to watch with us next season.

Sorry, I read that backwards. Dumb comment. My apologies. I sometimes see things backwards. My bad.

Wow, so I don't know how the contract is written but just for the sake of discussion, his contract and Wilson's contracts combined equal almost 1/3 of the Seahawks cap space this season. I imagine it's structured in a way that saves them some space this season but still. No wonder they have no money for their OLine.

This is a great and honest evaluation. It's also what I was saying yesterday. He fits our zone blocking scheme and could do really well here as he can play to his strengths

No, but if you're bringing him in to compete for that spot but not strongly then making him the cheapest LT isn't unreasonable especially if he ca play other positions too. I don't pretend to know what's right or wrong, better or worse, I only try to put things into perspectives.

Perhaps, although since we were a 5-11 team last year I'm really not sure how many of those players we really should bring back. I mean, if we're gonna suck we might as well suck a different way or it could get boring.

I had noticed that too actually. I have no idea what it means other than I'm thinking there are some very apprehensive new Texans with their heads in their hands.

Yeah, and OL rarely start rookie season so it makes sense to have people in place to hopefully be replaced by better and have decent OL depth

*insert sarcasm font here* The Texans really wanted him. It was the deal breaker. Watson is going to be a Panther *insert sarcasm font here*

And they agree with you probably which is why they are changing lineman, no?

Yes, and also everyone says how bad our OL was last season but if I remember correctly we finished 18th overall? So we were average even with all the injuries. One that about ZBS is you don't necessarily need the dominant maulers there. A ZBS line works as a Unit and their success isn't based on the individual player's dominance but the success of the Unit working together properly.

Another thing that I think is important when considering the signings is that beyond their obvious versatility on the line is that we use a ZBS or Zone Blocking Scheme. Most of the NFL doesn't. There are characteristics that coaches look for in ZBS. Flexibility, the agility to move and high football IQ are important in that scheme. Most people know that schemes can effect a QBs performance like with Tannehill but perhaps don't know that it can effect a lineman's performance as well. If any player is being asked to do something that doesn't fit his skill set then the result won't be their best possible. Putting the right players into the right schemes is what makes for great teams. Neither of these guys played under a ZBS system before. Now I'm not saying what these guys will do for us next season or beyond. I don't have a crystal ball. However, both exhibit qualities that could be successful in the scheme that Carolina uses. I believe, and that they signed them so quickly gives it weight, that Carolina thinks they can fit into what they are doing here and offered them a good opportunity to be successful and reach the potential that people believed they had when they were drafted. They are young, cheap, versatile and still have potential upside. They are not homerun signings but not necessarily stupid ones either.

I was just about to point out that very thing but saw that you already did. Thank you. Seemed obvious to me.

84? That's pretty smart isn't. I mean 84 out of a 100 is a B. I bet most of y'all even went to High School huh? Cool. I'm with the smart crowd!

Finally a response not based on quick emotions

Pat Elflein, another high football IQ, hard working guy. Should fit our zone blocking scheme again STRENGTHS Tremendous run blocker Quick feet Versatile, can play both center and guard at the next level Aggressive Strong hands Footwork High football IQ Powerful Good technique Experienced Strong Sustains blocks Finisher Excellent work ethic Durable Very physical High upside

Cameron Irving was a Center who can play OG and OT. He's a nice fir theoretically in a zone blocking scheme which is what we use. Strengths: Superb athletic skill set for a center Quick interior lineman Strong; can move blockers at the point of attack Can single-block defensive tackles in pass protection Very fast to the second level Agile Plays with excellent technique Pad level Good balance Snaps the ball with good velocity Can match up on speed rushers Anchors well against bull rushers Effective in double-teams Pulls well Makes impact blocks on the second level to spring running backs Scheme versatile Conditioning Experienced Intelligent Work ethic

They don't pass the ball

Definitely a solid outside CB over a slot guy. Slots are important but shouldn't cost too much unless they are a TD machine. Would much rather have a good TE.