MHS831

lotta appreciation for you and Ricky for working so hard to keep the preseason info flowing. I'd give you 30 pies and Special Juan's credit card numbers if I could.

I give up. I can't figure out what they are looking for.

I am trying to keep up with what the Panthers might do--and with so many injuries on offense, this has been difficult to gauge. The chart below and the descriptions tell the story so that you can share your opinions--it helps to hear from others. So this is where my thinking is a week from cutdown day-- Offense (25 Active Roster Spots) PURPLE shaded box indicates players in danger of being cut/waived, possibly being placed on the Practice Squad. Names in Italics are not part of roster–competing for a spot. RED–draft Picks; BLUE-Undrafted Free Agents; GREEN–free agents. Left Tackle Left Guard Center Right Guard Right Tackle Ickey Ekwonu Damien Lewis Austin Corbett Robert Hunt Taylor Moton Yosh Nijman Chandler Zavala Andrew Raym Jack Anderson B Christensen Wide Receiver Running Back Quarterback Tight End Diontae Johnson Jonathan Brooks Bryce Young Ja’Tavion Sanders Xavier Leggette Chuba Hubbard Andy Dalton Tommy Tremble Adam Thielen Miles Sanders Waived QB Ian Thomas Jonathan Mingo Dillion Johnson Jordan Matthews T Marshall Jr I Smith-Marsette D. Moore Jalen Coker Offensive Commentary: At the moment, several players would not be active, so this list is fluid. This list is to assume all are healthy, so some players I have earmarked for the Practice Squad or being cut might appear on the opening day active roster. As I consider how this list may play out (there are 29 name on this list–I may have missed a prospect—but if so, we need to put 4 on the PS (again, assuming all are healthy day 1). Offensive Line: Some of this is being hopeful, but if Zavala and Anderson continue to step up in a big way, we could be solid at G for several years. About Zavala sucking last year–did we change the offense 3 times? Wonder if that was confusing for the OL? Anderson played a lot Saturday and earned a 90 PFF score. I watched the replay telecast–he was very good. Raym was better, but if BC continues to work at C, Raym could be stashed on the PS. Tight End: As much as I want Jordan Matthews to make the team, but cutting Thomas gives the Panthers zero cap room and over $3m in dead cap. Still, Matthews’ work ethic is a great example. Sanders and Tremble are probably safe. I do not see carrying 4 TEs. Wide Receiver: Most teams carry 5 or 6 on the active roster. Johnson, Thielen, Legette, and Mingo are safe. Based on the fact that Marshall Jr. took the pads off in the second half Saturday while the others played, I sense that he may have secured a roster spot. He had a great practice vs. the Jets and he caught 2 balls Saturday. I see Coker going to the PS at this point, grooming him for next year when 3 of the top 5 WRs could be gone (Johnson, Thielen, TMJ). That leaves the sixth roster spot for Smith-Marsette or Moore–for now. Watch the waiver wire next week, especially if a KR/PR emerges . Running Back: With Brooks healing for several weeks, I see the future backfield of Brooks, Hubbard, and….Dillon Johnson? Miles Sanders will be active during week 1, but he will probably be on the trading or cut block soon. Blackshear to the PS again this year. Quarterback: Bryce is a lock. However, here is an interesting conspiracy theory. I have predicted that Zappe will be cut by New England. He is on a rookie contract through 2025, He has starting experience and played on a bad team. Dalton (37) is gone after this year. Cutting him saves $2m–signing Dalton costs under $1m. If Bryce does not do well in 2024, do you want three new QBs in 2025? Keeping Dalton is probably what we do, but if we take Zappe, we probably keep 3 on the active roster if we do not cut Dalton. I don’t see anyone on the current roster serving as QB3. Other QBs such as Thompson-Robinson from Cleveland is possible, of course. Prediction: Since we know that Brooks is out for some time, three names need to be cut/waived from this roster if everyone else is healthy. I have no confidence predicting the sixth WR spot, assuming we keep 6. I am going to suggest that David Moore is cut. Coker is waived and put on the PS. Smith-Marsette currently holds the sixth WR spot, but I think they scan the waiver wire next week. I also (and I hate this) predict that Jordan Matthews is cut,but they could release Sanders and take the dead cap hit when Brooks is ready to play.

Or bring in entertainment to appeal to a wider audience base--have some local bands, activities for kids (before the game) fireworks--make it fun and attractive for people who aren't football fans. Might recruit a few fans. I am not sure what they do now--so this could be a mute point.

I don't know how many of you played football, but every week, your body is beaten up. In college, Sundays and Mondays were training room days (ice buckets, treatments, etc) You did not start feeling better until about Wednesday. Some ouches and bruises heal completely, but others are irritated each week and seem like they never heal until the end of the season. They add up--even if you can dress, you still have soreness. By the end of the season, (and we played 12 games, not 17 with three preseason games) you are holding the rails going down steps on your way to practice. You groan when you drop something and have to pick it up. This messes up your technique and makes you more vulnerable to injury. Maybe I was doing it wrong, but I understand the wear and tear and see no real benefit for extending the contact when you can take a look at the depth players. The huddle in college used to smell like Atomic Balm--we painfully laughed about it. The tape lines and ice tub lines are longer. And in the NFL, after 17 games it is possible to play 3 or 4 more. I literally do not see how they do it. Preseason games are more dangerous. You have guys with nothing to lose playing like it. You have second or third team players blocking for you. No thanks.

It is not game 1 that is the problem with injuries if you play starters in the preseason--it is game 20

What did we learn from playing the backups? Offensive LIne C Andrew Raym stepped up. I wonder if an UDFA at C could help us? RG With Zavala backing up LG, would it not be nice to have a reserve RG? Jack Anderson might earn himself a job if he plays well next week. Why is this huge? Brady Christenson can play behind every position, but it could have him focus on RT. Nijman is coming back soon, so the depth at OL is quite possibly set if this continues. Running Back We could use a bruiser--man, Dillon Johnson sure acted like he wants some work. Quarterback We are nearly certain to grab a QB off the waiver wire in a little over a week. OLB Edge Leota got a low score because he missed two tackles, One was underneath him on a pass rush--his responsibility is outside contain. He was still pressuring the passer (bull rushing mainly) I think the score is a bit harsh. Defensive Line TJ Smith is getting middle pressure and has had 2 good games. However, as a reserve for the Vikings in very limited play, he never got a sack in like 4 years. Not sure, but maybe a PS assignment? Gotta learn more about Palmore. Inside Linebacker If you had asked me last month, I would have told you that we are terribly weak at ILB. However, with Wallace, Cherelus, and now Barrett showing some promise, you have to feel good about ILB and special teams. I am happy going into the season at ILB. Defensive Back Corner: I am liking what I see from Bootle, Jackson, and Smith Wade. Still cautiously like Jamison. With Dane and Horn and Hill, this could be a good group. Safety: Richardson and Jammi played well. Not sure where they are playing Jammi at S or Nickel. So, assuming all come back from injuries quickly, I am more encouraged about the depth now than I was a month ago. Of course, vs 2s and 3s is hard to gauge, but I look for stuff like mis steps at ILB, speed and power from OLBs, OL technique--primarily footwork and balance. I would say "better" if giving them a team grade. From a D- week 1 to a C week 2.

Since the depth is lacking, I understand why they are playing the bench during preseason. A. Starters are thin and injuries happen; B. You get to see if a player emerges. So far, I can say that the DB play has lessened the urgency to get deeper there. I noticed that we are really looking for depth at OT--looks like BC is the utility OL and Zavala is going to be the depth at LG. Njman is coming back--so maybe the OL depth is getting there. At WR, we need to see the bottom of the Roster--Coker, Smith Marsette, maybe Marshall Jr, but we have 4 who are locks. TE? Sanders has been impressive. OLB/Edge? Leota has shown out. DL---who is Smith and what is he capable of? At RB, you had to love 28's (Boone) performance last night--he wants a job. #3 QB? We know he is not on the roster--maybe headed for PS anyway. ILB---to me, the depth is exciting. So when we say, "I hope our coaches can develop them," I agree, and I can think of no better way to get film and experience than the preseason. In my estimation, we will take a few off waivers---I think Zappe from New England, a WR (I think the Packers are a team that is loaded--watch that roster), and maybe an OL. A CB could be in the cards, but I saw solid play from the secondary. An Edge? Maybe, but that would mean they do not like Barno and Chaisson.

Someone had to do it (did not read entire thread, so maybe there is another Huddler characterized by his or her taste in celluloid excellence. Mic dropped.

The way I understand it, we only have our choice with the players on the waiver wire--4 years or less experience---and not the veterans who are cut and become immediate free agents....Not sure I would do this, but if you took Zappe you would have a backup for 2 seasons--cutting Dalton who is gone after this season. You would also add over $1m to the salary cap--again, probably not worth it....I think QB 3 is going to be a PS player.

they are undoubtedly waiting on the waiver wire. I think they will pick up the Pat's Zappe or maybe Milton, depending on who they cut

I had the same thought--or open them up to people who can't otherwise afford a Panther ticket--admit them for $5--they have people who pay for these tickets as part of packages and dont attend. If they donated these tickets back to the team, they could admit them for free, sell them for $5 to support a local charity, and make a ton more on parking and concessions.

But since they can do nothing about it until the draft, why do you play him in preseason? It seems to me that you have 17 games to see how bad he is if the draft is the answer.

I did not read the thread, so excuse me if I steal an idea-I think I will here. Too many zingers and repeated sarcastic attempts at humor that victimizes the favorite team--so here we go: 1. Injuries 2. They have the inter-squad scrimmages where you have 1s vs 1s that protect the qb and the players are not finishing plays (tackling) with a lot of aggression. In the preseason. Remember when that asshat Bill Romanowski for the Broncos broke Kerry Collins' jaw in a preseason game? You have 1s vs 2s or 3s and it gets dangerous. 3. You really do build the roster from the bottom up. By giving the bottom half of the roster extended reps in a game, you see what you have--less likely to make a mistake when you have to waive / cut players. Other teams get more extensive tape on these players. I would like to add that three games is not necessary if teams are going to do this. 2 practice games are enough.

I think both will be cut. (one has already, I think)

If I am Canales, I have my future DC learning all he can from Evero.

I realize that it is the second team and so much depends on the pass rush, but I have been quietly impressed with the depth--Jackson, Smith-Wade, Bootle, Jaminson even. I have also been happy with the depth at ILB. Hard to say until the starters vs starters are out there. I imagine there will be a player waived who we pick up, however, and likely a CB. I liked when Morgan said, "Its like a second draft" referring to released players.

He gave my son his gloves after signing them. In the car, we could not believe how small they were. He was about 12 and they fit. I felt sorry for him--very nice guy.,

that is pretty much what he told me then. He said it was like learning a new sport when you are competing with pros who have done it their entire lives. He did not talk about Fox not liking him, but I thought so at the time.

I thinkthere is a football game being played between these meaningless interviews. Damn--

The panther tackling has been really good. If the starters are as effective, it will be an improvement. I realize we are seeing second and third teams, but the secondary is pretty good. Why are we not playing Marshall all the time? Luton is going to give us a TD--mark my words!!

Didn't Gantt go to App St.? I think that could be part of it.

I talked to him a few times during OTAs. He was overwhelmed and told me about it. Fox had little to do with that draft (he was a lame duck, if you recall) and Hurney did not get his input. I literally heard Fox put down Clausen while talking to another coach (in Spartanburg later). At that time, he saw Armanti drop a punt from the jugs machine. He just started shaking his head, walking away. Nice guy--no better.

I want to see Bryce Young running the Wildcat. Who's with me!?

teams dont really show players loyalty unless you are a core player--the rest are temps. If I were 34, Id be going after a last payday too. But yeah, he did say that stuff-I think his wife did too