CarolinaLivin

Especially since we've basically gotten everything we spent back except the 2nd rounder

I am worried about his injury history, but I think that would be the only thing holding him back from being a great talent for us. I think the only odd guy out would be David Moore (not DJ). I think production and time will tell

He could very well be a CAP casualty But i think it depends on what we pay DJ and how much robby is asking for. He took less than what NY was expecting when he first signed with us (i believe)

If Darnold puts up those numbers... It is likely because of one of the following: 1. Brady becomes a solid LT for us 2. CMC has comeback player of the year type year 3. Joe Brady is the "great" OC that most fans think he is 4. DJ Moore has a "breakout" (top 5 receiver) type year 5. Our defense is at least an overall top 15 defense and top 15 in takeaways/turnovers the after effect 1. Joe Brady will leave and become a head coach elsewhere 2. Darnold is QB1 but QB2 is addressed next off-season 3. Maybe Robby stays to keep the connections alive.

I honestly think that stat-line is highly likely to happen. But looking at the other predictions they made, it doesn't look like their projecting bad QB play from really any QB and obviously not all 32 teams have that position figured out.

The article includes predictions on all starting quarterbacks. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2943381-2021-stat-predictions-for-every-projected-starting-nfl-qb Sam Darnold Sam Darnold should show signs of promise after three inconsistent years with the New York Jets. Darnold will throw to two starting wideouts who eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in 2020. He also played with Robby Anderson between the 2018 and 2019 campaigns, so their chemistry should ease the signal-caller's transition to Carolina. DJ Moore became a big-play receiver last year, averaging 18.1 yards per catch. In order to build Darnold's confidence in a new system, offensive coordinator Joe Brady can lean on the short passing game early in the season. Just two years ago, running back Christian McCaffrey logged 116 catches for 1,005 receiving yards and four touchdowns. The Panthers need to develop a consistent playmaker at tight end, but they selected wideout Terrace Marshall Jr., a 6'2", 205-pound target who can become an asset in the red zone. Between his 2019 and 2020 collegiate terms, the LSU product caught 23 touchdowns passes. Although the Panthers will likely run their offense through McCaffrey, Darnold has the weapons to top his career passing numbers across the board. Projected Stats: 339 completions, 526 attempts, 3,988 yards, 27 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 38 carries, 221 rushing yards, three touchdowns

For comparison... Below is what CMC said about Teddy prior to the 2020 season... McCaffrey spoke with Jonathan M. Alexander of the Charlotte Observer about all things Panthers heading into the 2020 NFL season, including the arrival of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, saying: "I love Teddy. I'm extremely excited to work with him. Obviously he's had success in the past and what he did last year. But also just being able to get to know him this offseason, seeing the way he approaches the game, seeing the way he goes about his business, it's exciting and I'm really excited to share the backfield with him." https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2903206-christian-mccaffrey-discusses-cam-newton-teddy-bridgewater-panthers-offense

No matter how high we try to get on SD... PFF will come running with the ole "stat analysis" https://www.pff.com/news/fantasy-football-are-we-really-buying-a-sam-darnold-bounceback

I think I'd switch Marshall and Horn. Just because of Marshall's injury history and Horn just has that alpha swagger to him. High hopes for that guy.

The Carolina Panthers are looking at starting off afresh. With a new quarterback in Sam Darnold, the franchise will hope the former Jets QB is the final piece in the puzzle to unlock their versatile offense. With a star running back like Christian McCaffrey in their ranks, one can only imagine the sort of damage Darnold and McCaffrey can do to opposition defenses. McCaffrey missed out on the majority of the 2020 season due to injury. First, a high-ankle sprain in Week 2 kept him on injured reserve. Returned in Week 9, he once again had to sit out after injuring his shoulder. Edging close to a return in Week 14, McCaffrey injured his quad which ultimately saw him sit out the rest of the season. Now back to the training field, McCaffrey looks forward to getting to work with Darnold. Sam Darnold possesses the right intangibles Speaking to the Panthers website, McCaffrey talked about the relationship he’s built with his new QB. “I’ve gotten to know him really well in the last few months,” McCaffrey said. “Just getting together throwing with him and hanging out off the field. He’s an incredible talent and an incredible teammate already, so I’m super excited for him. With new players needing time to fit in, McCaffrey feels Sam Darnold is acclimatizing well to his new surroundings. “I think he’ll fit in great. Already fits in great,” he said. Talking about the intangibles that the QB possesses, McCaffrey said that Darnold is the sort of leader every team needs. “He’s very laid back, but he’s definitely a leader too,” McCaffrey said. “And he knows when to put his foot down when he needs to and be a leader when he needs to. I think that’s something that makes all quarterbacks great,” he added. McCaffrey who earned his first All-Pro selection in 2019 talked about the importance of a QB and how Darnold will play a key role in rallying the side to achieve their goals. “Just demanding attention to detail. Demanding a sharp practice and demanding a sense of urgency and that all starts with every individual. But the quarterback touches the ball every play. And so if he shows it, then everybody else will rally behind it.” The Panthers are set to take on the New York Jets in their opening tie of the 2021 season. Hosting his former side at home, a win over the Jets will provide Darnold with a world of confidence going forward. Link: https://www.essentiallysports.com/nfl-news-hes-definitely-a-leader-christian-mccaffrey-talks-about-carolina-panthers-new-qb-sam-darnold/

The pressure will be there regardless. 1. because its the QB position. 2. because of this being a "prove it" season no matter how you look at it. 3. because now there's pressure on the coaching staff who may or may not know how to evaluate a QB Buttttt... the Panthers organization has done a great job of building confidence in him. They 100% believe in him (until they don't, saw that with teddy). Also, we aren't a big market team even if the media always does what they can to make a story, but being in Carolina won't include having the spotlight on Sam 24/7 (like NY)

Stupid autocorrect, I hate when that happens

I think there is a caliber of player that can carry a team, and a caliber of player that is carried by his team. the 1%: Some players shine in the dark.... the Deshauns, the Peytons, the Brady's the average starting QB: Some players shine brighter when you add light. the Bust: Some players don't shine at all.

There are only eight NFL teams that have enough cap room to trade for Jones without making any other moves. The Jaguars, Jets, Broncos, Bengals, Lions, Chargers, 49ers and Browns could absorb his $15.3 million salary for 2021. https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/gm-report/eight-nfl-teams-have-the-cap-space-to-trade-for-julio-jones

For Matt Rhule... I think if does indeed turn out to be the wrong guy for the job, I don't think he'll be fired for anytime soon. He was brought in as a guy that is known for rebuilding and not winning now. His resume shows that is takes him about 3 years to change the culture of a college team. This time, he has to adjust his self to the NFL as well as try to change a culture. So.. he will likely have that on his side and likely will be in Carolina for some years to come even he isn't the guy.

I didn't paste full article.

Bridgewater on Monday was asked twice about his time in Carolina and whether he felt he was a scapegoat for any of the team’s shortcomings and if he thought he was given a fair shot. “It is what it is,” Bridgewater said. “I’ve got nothing but respect for those guys in that locker room — Joe Brady and those guys.” Full article: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article251643888.html

Understood on his end. Not on ATL's end.

I agree with everything except the very last sentence. I think Sam will either Match Teddy's stats or produce slightly more with an improved roster and players that were injured and/or opted out returning.

This would never happen.

anyone thinking otherwise will be deemed a Teddy burner account and will be banished lol

via Joe Person Twitter... ...Teddy Bridgewater doesn't have much to add to his previous comments about the Panthers, although he does say his comments about Joe Brady were taken out of context. "Joe is my guy."...

For this, lets look at one player on the roster (choose 1) that you are feeling high on, one that you are on the fence about, and one that you just plain don't feel good about (prior to the season starting). ***For this scenario choose a player that was added to the roster vis draft, trade, or free agency in the last 1-2 years. High: Chuba Hubbard: I think this was a good pickup because I believe we definitely will need our RB room to take a lot of the pressure off of Darnold. However, with the injuries that killed CMC's season last year, we really needed to add quality depth to this group (losing mike davis didn't help). Not sure: Sam Darnold: There's a lot to like when you look at what this kid COULD develop into, but there's a lot on tape (3yrs) that shows that maybe he just isn't that guy he was scouted to be... busts do happen and more often than not. Low: PJ Walker: Sam has had enough injuries in his 3yrs in NY to make me think that our QB2 position needs attention. Hopefully our line and play calling (getting rid of the ball faster) can keep QB1 healthy. Kind of rushed this, but hope you enjoyed! Post below.

1. D.J. Moore vs. Jaycee Horn The Carolina Panthers got their man by taking Jaycee Horn at No. 8 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. The cornerback was reportedly top of their big board and Matt Rhule called the South Carolina product the night before to say they would be taking him if available at this stage. Now that Horn is on the roster, it’s important to get him as much experience as possible to avoid the complications that rookie corners normally go through in the NFL. Fortunately for the Panthers, they have an abundance of talent at wide receiver to put against their latest first-round recruit, so expect to see D.J. Moore lining up opposite him plenty during OTAs. Moore is one of the league’s best young wideouts, even though he didn’t make the top-32 rankings published by Pro Football Focus. He’s recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons despite less than stellar quarterback play and his matchup with Horn could be mutually beneficial during OTAs and beyond. 2. Brian Burns vs. Brady Christensen If the Carolina Panthers want to find out just how good Brady Christensen is, they’ll have the perfect chance to do it at OTAs. The BYU prospect is clearly highly thought of by those in power within the organization, but there is no margin for error if the player wants to assume command of the left tackle spot for their Week 1 encounter against the New York Jets. The Panthers used Christensen in multiple positions during rookie minicamp to get a broader indication of where he’d be best suited in the pros. However, it would be a big surprise if they didn’t give him a shot at being a productive blindside protector considering how well he manned this position in college. Putting him against Brian Burns might be a baptism of fire for the rookie. But it will help Carolina in their decision-making process. The edge rusher is poised for great things in 2021 with more in the way of talent around him. Burns possesses explosiveness that is hard to find and Christensen will need every tool in his arsenal to hold his own against such a disruptive figure in opposing backfields. There is more pressure on Christensen than most heading into his rookie campaign. He will be 25 years old just a couple of weeks into the season, which only increases expectations even though he has no experience in a professional environment. 3. DaQuan Jones vs. Pat Elflein DaQuan Jones might be been a late arrival to the Carolina Panthers in free agency. But this was an area of significant need and could see the defensive tackle become the starter alongside Derrick Brown on the defensive line interior. Jones made a solid impression with the Tennessee Titans in 2020 and it was a surprise they didn’t offer him an extension. However, this should benefit the Panthers enormously providing he can enter a different environment with a chip on his shoulder. It remains to be seen just who is going to be starting at the guard positions in 2021. Carolina brought in plenty of new faces who will all fight it out for spots on the depth chart, with Pat Elflein having more in the way of pressure on his shoulders than most. The former Ohio State standout has been lackluster at best over the last two years with the Minnesota Vikings and New York Jets. So his arrival early in free agency wasn’t exactly met with a positive reaction from Carolina’s loyal fanbase who were hoping for someone a little more reliable. Elflein does have the versatility the Panthers clearly love. But how he performs during OTAs and training camp will ultimately define what role he will play in 2021. Performing well against Jones or possibly even Brown will be a strong start for Elflein. But just how much his confidence has been knocked in recent seasons is another matter entirely. 4. Sam Darnold vs. Jeremy Chinn The stakes could not be higher for Sam Darnold in 2021. His trade to the Carolina Panthers gives the quarterback an opportunity to prove beyond all doubt that he was a victim of circumstance with the New York Jets, but he’ll need to hit the ground running during what looks to be a good opportunity to get some early wins on the board. Darnold has to stamp his authority from the outset at OTAs. There will be plenty scrutinizing his every throw, so providing consistency and authority under center is something that will stand him in tremendous stead moving forward. One player he’ll have to account for on every snap is Jeremy Chinn. The stud defender is set to revert back to his preferred position of safety after a sensational rookie campaign at outside linebacker, which should provide more athleticism to the backend after Tre Boston and Juston Burris failed to meet expectations last season. Chinn is a threat to make plays all over the field, so Darnold will find out quickly just how fast his reactions are. There is an incredible amount of talent in the passing game for the signal-caller to utilize, although much will also depend on how his protection holds out. Link: https://catcrave.com/2021/05/24/carolina-panthers-4-individual-matchups-otas-2021/4/

I don't think there is a better week 1 matchup than the Jets for our Defense. Regardless of if Darnold plays bad, I just don't see a week 1 loss.