USA Today on how the Panthers are absolutely dumb for not playing Curtis Samuel

[trucpfan]

33 minutes ago, AceMan said:

Actually glad this is getting National Attention. Rivera will either be forced to adjust or fired. 

 

4 minutes ago, thebigcat said:

You know Mr. Tepper saw this article

 

Bye Bye Ronald

Yuppp I know he's reading this article thinking dam why aren't we playing the best wr and Ron mumbles some weather formation bull... lol this isn't a 85 year old heart transplant owner he actually has a very clear understanding on the does and donts can you imagine not playing a JuJu last year after we knew he was a bonafide star only Ron and Norv guys who love making the job harder then it should be.

[parker]

What is a reason for Samuel not to see the field?  His blocking?  Health issues?  Is there something we aren't seeing?  And wouldn't player packages be Norm's call?  Playing Devil's Advocate.

[shaqattaq]

38 minutes ago, Billy Love said:

I’m afraid we’ve allowed Ron and his coaching limitations to squander our championship window of opportunity. Next years team may be without key veteran leadership: Ryan Kahlil, Peppers, Thomas Davis and Olsen. 

 

Actually Olsen is under contract through 2020, but your point absolutely correct.

[tiger7_88]

1 minute ago, Mr. Scot said:

I think we do, but we stubbornly insist on keeping him on the right while Chris Clark makes "lookout" blocks.

Our top priorities in the draft next year will likely be defensive end, center, and (sadly) linebacker... especiallly MLB.

[pantherphan96]

If you couldn't see that Rivera would side with his vets so far as to the detriment of the team you haven't been watching this team very long. Norwell would have never started in 2014 without the multitude of injuries that preceded his inclusion in the OL. 

Some folks around here are so blinded by Cam's ability to drag this offense to victory and the fact that the defense has been adequate enough for us to have a respectable record since 2013, that they think our record from 2013-present is because of Rivera, and not in spite of him.

[AggieLean]

4 minutes ago, tiger7_88 said:

Our top priorities in the draft next year will likely be defensive end, center, and (sadly) linebacker... especiallly MLB.

probably need to include DT in there, as well. Butler isn’t anything worth writing home about, and I believe I read we could make KK a June 1st cut and save some money. With his lack of production, I’d consider it. 

Probably need to retool most of the defense, honestly.

[LinvilleGorge]

10 minutes ago, Snake said:

Trickle down effect. When Ron first became coach he excepted responsibility and had fire in his belly. That led to a team that was tough as nails. Somewhere between then and now he's fought so hard for him and his team to show no emotion that we have a flat no fire team. Even Cam doesn't get upset anymore. 

Yeah, it's hard to have a team of individuals who hold themselves accountable when the coaches stand up there after ever loss and blame player exectution on everything. If they don't take any accountability, why should the players?

[tiger7_88]

Just now, AggieLean said:

probably need to include DT in there, as well. Butler isn’t anything worth writing home about, and I believe I read we could make KK a June 1st cut and save some money. With his lack of production, I’d consider it. 

Probably need to retool most of the defense, honestly.

Damn, wish I could say you were wrong.

And if it turns out that the team has a new HC/GM next year, they will likely be of the non-Rivera category that actually places VALUE in the safety position, so add that one to the list as well.

Considering Bradberry as adequate-to-good (I know many will disagree) and Jackson as a future star, we'll still need better depth at that position than we currently have.

In other words, under Big Bad "Mr. Defense" Ron Rivera, the damn defense is a mess.

[Mr. Scot]

12 minutes ago, tiger7_88 said:

Our top priorities in the draft next year will likely be defensive end, center, and (sadly) linebacker... especiallly MLB.

I'd rather replace our defensive tackles first and see if that allows Luke to return to form.

I'd throw safety in there too.

[ncfan]

Just now, Mr. Scot said:

I'd rather to replace our defensive tackles first and see if that allows Luke to return to form.

I'd throw safety in there too.

Replace LB with DT

 

This is  a Strong STRONG.  Interior DL class, and Poe isnt quite living up to his hype since he's came in.    If all the top 4-3 edge rushers are gone.  I wouldnt be mad one bit if we drafted Dexter Lawerence 

[GRWatcher]

8 minutes ago, parker said:

What is a reason for Samuel not to see the field?  His blocking?  Health issues?  Is there something we aren't seeing?  And wouldn't player packages be Norm's call?  Playing Devil's Advocate.

Good questions. And I do believe that there is something else Rivera is hiding. I'm leaning towards a precautionary health issue. Specifically a heart issue. Samuel's heart is no longer normal. They made it seem like a minor thing but he had heart surgery. Just 7 weeks ago. They may not yet know if it fully fixed his heartbeat and an irregular heartbeat can kill and is nothing to fool around with. Because it is a personal medical issue, Ron can't talk about it either. So we get, "He'll get more opportunities" ..... [unspoken: as we make sure his heart can handle it.]

[trueblade]

1 minute ago, CamandLuke159 said:

Anyone else ready for an offensive minded head coach?

I think most teams looking for coaches this offseason will go that route. It could lead to some stiff competition and perhaps not getting our first choice ( although the Colts seem to be doing okay with their plan B).

[Mr. Scot]

3 minutes ago, GRWatcher said:

Good questions. And I do believe that there is something else Rivera is hiding. I'm leaning towards a precautionary health issue. Specifically a heart issue. Samuel's heart is no longer normal. They made it seem like a minor thing but he had heart surgery. Just 7 weeks ago. They may not yet know if it fully fixed his heartbeat and an irregular heartbeat can kill and is nothing to fool around with. Because it is a personal medical issue, Ron can't talk about it either. So we get, "He'll get more opportunities" ..... [unspoken: as we make sure his heart can handle it.]

I honestly don't give Rivera that much credit, especially given that it's not like everyone doesn't already know about the issue Samuel had earlier in the year.

[Mr. Scot]

3 minutes ago, CamandLuke159 said:

Anyone else ready for an offensive minded head coach?

That was never an option under Jerry Richardson, but it might be now.