A couple thoughts from a bored man

[King Schhit]

I was bored. I’m here reading all the time. Wanted to share some thoughts. Here ya go....

 

We got what we asked for.

We wanted a more offensive minded coach and philosophy. We got it. This is why our offense looks hella better than our defense on paper. Even during a tank/rebuild type of season an offensive minded coach or philosophy would let the offense lead the way to “eventually” becoming a playoff contender and then SB contender. Minus OL concerns our offense looks like it would give us “a chance” to win any game we play. I wouldn’t say the offense is playoff ready though. For 1. We haven’t seen a snap yet, 2. Even if they prove to be able put up good numbers and TD’s it’ll still take a level of chemistry and gel that isn’t possible to reach full potential in one season. 

The defense is where we are really going to struggle. I believe the coaching staff knows this. They haven’t forgotten about the defense, but having an offensive minded coach means the offense is first priority. Practically, Rivera/Hurney (Hurney’s still here smh) era in reverse. Our defense under them got most of the attention while Cam had to carry the likes of Byron Bell, Ginn, Lafell, Edwards, Bersin, Philly Brown, etc...But I believe the defense will not be a neglected step-child under the Rhule era. Like I said earlier, priority is the keyword here with an offensive minded staff. So for this upcoming season I believe just as the offense probably gives us “a chance” to win any game, the defense is going to make that chance slim to none. Even with a defensive heavy draft, if that’s the case. Due to growing pains, chemistry, and gel. Like I pointed out about the offense but with way lesser of a solid foundation.

What direction are we going?

I know a lot of you are looking for definite labels like tanking, rebuilding, or retooling. But I think we’re coming up with our own formula for a rebuild that’s frustrating to some fans that’s used to seeing it done a certain way. And with an owner like Tepper (love him or hate him) I’m not worried about having the #1 pick for drafting our future franchise qb. I believe if Bridgewater is too mediocre to get us over the hump and too mediocre to not get us to the #1 draft spot, Tepper has the balls to get us a qb that will. Whether it’s trading up in the draft, signing a proven elite free agent, or any other move we’re not used to seeing this organization make. With that being said, I see us as a team that is building “right now “ based on philosophy and culture cultivating. We’re not trying win a SB this upcoming season and not trying to start our new era sucking for an unproven draft pick neither.

How to feel?

Me personally, I’m optimistic. I’ve been a panthers fan since 2001, so my optimism is a little more cautious than a patriots fan. But I can make sense out of all of these offseason moves we’ve made so far. It sucks that Cam is gone, but that’s really the only downer for me until the draft and until next season plays out. I’m still excited about Tepper, although he isn’t perfect. His desire to win is a breath of fresh air. Just hopes he doesn’t get out of hand. So far so good for me though. I’m excited about Rhule. He’s unproven but he’s said all the right things and has an enormous coaching staff. You don’t hire that many coaches and assistants to just get enough wins to keep your job(cough Rivera). So yea, I’m more so enjoying the newness of all of this than being super critical and pessimistic towards our new leaders and decision makers. The time for that will naturally come if need be. 

 

Y’all be safe! Peace.

[CardiacCat]

Well-written opinion.  I pretty much agree.  We can only speculate about the Cam situation. While I always have been very impressed by Cam, and will always remember the excitement that he brought to the Panthers' games,  retaining him would have created a distraction from the path to a "new" Panthers team.

[musicman]

Yes well written and I am optimistic too. If you can see beyond the immediate moves, you see a culture change, which was needed. It does suck about Cam, but it only went down this way because of his health. A healthy Cam would be on the team this year and probably beyond. A good draft with the defense and who knows, with some spunk and determination we win some games or at least make some games exciting to watch and build a culture towards playing hard and winning going in 2021. 

[King Schhit]

6 minutes ago, CardiacCat said:

Well-written opinion.  I pretty much agree.  We can only speculate about the Cam situation. While I always have been very impressed by Cam, and will always remember the excitement that he brought to the Panthers' games,  retaining him would have created a distraction from the path to a "new" Panthers team.

Thanks man. And I agree. That and the risk of unknowing his health status until well after the start of FA.

[saX man]

If this staff shows they can put together a team that flirts with a wildcard spot up until the latter half of the season, it will be super promising.  We have a tough schedule though and a completely new team but I can see us packing some punch.  

I totally agree with the sentiment about a future QB.  If they identify the guy they want to lead the franchise next year, Tepper is going to get him. 

[King Schhit]

2 minutes ago, saX man said:

 

I totally agree with the sentiment about a future QB.  If they identify the guy they want to lead the franchise next year, Tepper is going to get him. 

This is the best part about it all. If JR was still in control I’d be scratching my head with these moves.

[saX man]

1 minute ago, King Schhit said:

This is the best part about it all. If JR was still in control I’d be scratching my head with these moves.

He wanted Rhule, and was like, well here's the money you scrappy Texas lad, come lead this franchise.   I see that happening with QB (even though that's not like coaches where you can use your financial backing haha).  I can see him mortgaging our 2022 1st if he wants to get Trevor, Fields or Newman.  The Saints did it recently for a freaking DE so why not if you think it's the right guy to lead the team.  

Also, the way he talks about Hurney is almost in jest so you know he's not really in a true GM role so that really doesn't bother me as much as it did.  Even though he has the title, Hurndog and Morrow are pretty much demoted as is.