Couple of quick things from Henson's notes yesterday

[top dawg]

It's almost that time of year when we're going to have absolutely nothing to really discuss regarding our favorite team, and perhaps that time is already here, but we still can fool ourselves (or not) that something could be halfway notable and important. Yesterday, Max Henson (via Panthers.com) noted a couple of things among others.

"First-round pick Brian Burns was all over a reverse to Samuel, stopping the play behind the line. Good to see the young edge rusher hold his ground and not get fooled. Burns later showed great pursuit chasing down Moore after the wide receiver caught a short pass and was weaving his way into the secondary."

Burns is apparently already showing why he was our first round pick, and obviously showing some explosiveness, anticipation and meaningful pursuit.

The second thing that Henson noted was perhaps a coming of more competition at the TE position. No, I'm not suggesting that 88 or Thomas are affected at all, but injuries can be a bitch sometimes, and capable depth that has believability is always the goal.

 

"With veteran tight end Greg Olsen taking it easy and Thomas still rehabbing a leg injury, tight end Temarrick Hemingway is getting a lot of opportunities. And he’s earning them. The recent waiver claim made a number of catches over the middle. It wasn’t all perfect, as he had a frustrating drop, but overall he’s been pretty impressive."

 

It's May of course, so we must take everything with a grain of salt, but nice to see that TE is still on the minds of the coaches, and it really has been a point of emphasis to upgrade the position on the cheap (even if these extra TEs ultimately turn out as just camp bodies). Hemingway must be getting a serious look though. Perhaps Ethan Wolf and Jason Vander Laan will get their turns. Chris Manhertz better not get too comfortable.

 

[mc52beast]

Hoping Burns will help return our D to its regular dominance. As long as Washington isn’t calling plays I think we’ll be much better.

Would really like to see Thomas on the field. Olsen is one play from being done for the year so Ian is going to have to show he’s up to the challenge. 

[LinvilleGorge]

Always take it with a huge grain of salt when speed rushers are looking good in non-contact drills. If speed rushers DON'T look good in non-contact drills then that's a HUGE red flag. We already know they have a huge speed and quickness advantage over OL, what makes or breaks them is whether or not they have the ability to translate speed into power and non-contact drills don't give any indication of that.

 

[t96]

I’d love to have Thomas and someone else as a long term 2TE set pair when Olsen hangs them up. If we can get that guy now in Hemingway that would be awesome.

[L-TownCat]

3 hours ago, mc52beast said:

As long as Washington isn’t calling plays I think we’ll be much better.

If he isn’t going to do the thing that DCs do?  Why in the actual fug is this walking dumpster fire our DC?

[MasterAwesome]

9 hours ago, L-TownCat said:

If he isn’t going to do the thing that DCs do?  Why in the actual fug is this walking dumpster fire our DC?

You paying his salary or something?

[L-TownCat]

36 minutes ago, MasterAwesome said:

You paying his salary or something?

Huh-huh gOoD oNe DooD...

[Eazy-E]

If we can land a guy like McCoy or Alan Bailey and add a FS our 3-4 defense will be scary. 

[MasterAwesome]

7 hours ago, L-TownCat said:

Huh-huh gOoD oNe DooD...

Just trying to figure out why Washington’s inconsequential job title triggers you so much.

[heel31ok]

10 hours ago, MasterAwesome said:

Just trying to figure out why Washington’s inconsequential job title triggers you so much.

He made a legitimate point...

[MasterAwesome]

9 minutes ago, heel31ok said:

He made a legitimate point...

Let’s take this step by step and one of you guys can educate me on where the problem is:

-Washington was promoted to DC.

-Washington turned out to suck as a playcaller.

-Rivera took over playcalling duties, vastly improving our defense.

-Now Washington has the figurehead title of “defensive coordinator” but doesn’t actually call the plays.

So where are we now? With Rivera essentially taking the role of “acting DC” during gamedays, which is about as good as it gets.

Hey, I’ll even walk through the hypotheticals for what would happen if we fired Eric Washington and promoted/hired someone else.

1. Rivera will continue calling plays but someone new will have the same figurehead role of DC. Lateral move of no consequence.

2. Rivera will hand over full control of the defense to the new coordinator. With Rivera already having proven to be a top defensive coordinator/play caller, this in all likelihood will be a downgrade for our defense.

Now bringing it full circle...are we just complaining to complain? Or can you formulate an argument as to why Washington having the meaningless *title* of Defensive Coordinator is bad for our team? Unless, of course, you’re paying his salary...which was my original question.

 

[Basbear]

I am very impressed with how quickly the Panthers added talented DE/OLD/Edge players. Normally it takes years and you may never get a full boat. Burns, Haynes, Miller, Addison, Irvin could be a special bunch. A great mix of old and new too.  

[rayzor]

On 5/29/2019 at 2:53 PM, L-TownCat said:

If he isn’t going to do the thing that DCs do?  Why in the actual fug is this walking dumpster fire our DC?

There are several HCs who will be the ones running the offense or defense and the person with the title of coordinator basically just makes sure the right things are done in practice and the right guys are on the field. They are basically just glorified OC or DC assistants. I don't have a problem with this concept. If you are really good or one of the best at calling an offense or defense, why in the world would you hand that responsibility over to someone else even if you're HC? 

Rivera is/was one of the best DCs in the game.  Norv is a legendary OC. Best way to ensure we get the best from both sides of the ball is to have the best person making the calls for them.  

[Black&BlueBubba]

On 5/29/2019 at 2:53 PM, L-TownCat said:

If he isn’t going to do the thing that DCs do?  Why in the actual fug is this walking dumpster fire our DC?

That is only one component to what DC’s do.  They just don’t sit around all week twirling their thumbs.  They have to come up with and install the entire defensive game plans.  The only part we get to see is game day.  While RR thought he was ready it is a huge learning experience to call plays.  He obviously wasn’t ready for that one component of the position. It doesn’t mean he is the shitty at the other components. 

Belichick is calling plays this year.  That’s what happens when other teams pilfer your staff. You have to groom guys.  

None of us are perfect at every part of our job. We are still growing and learning to get better at some aspect.  No difference here.