Thoughts on Fitterer's press conference

[Leeroy Jenkins Ph.D.]

Listening to Scott Fitterer address the media yesterday felt like a breath of fresh air.  The man clearly understands football and gives me a lot of hope for the organization moving forward.  I absolutely agreed with the majority of his points in regards to roster building and his plan moving forward. 

Two things stood out to me that may be interesting to discuss.

First, it was apparent that he did not have the same philosophy as Rhule in regards to which players should have been starting on Sundays. His comments about how "arm length" is not the best determining factor of an offensive tackles skill set was evidence enough after hearing Rhule parrot an alternative talking point throughout the season. Similar to Deonte Brown's ability to get to the second level, regardless of his body weight. 

Second, it was also apparent that Fitterer wanted to separate himself from the current coaching staff and staffing decisions. When asked about the Offensive Coordinator search, he clearly stated that this was Rhule's staff and his staffing decision.  He went on to say that if Rhule wanted his input, he would gladly offer it.  I was amazed at how fast and precise he was with this statement and how it appeared he had not even been in talks with Rhule about this as of yet.  I was under a completely different assumption that these decisions were being shared and discussed at length between the owner, GM, and coach, but it appears there is a much clearer separation than I realized.

Even with some clear early blunders in Free Agency I am still excited about Fitterer and what he offers this team.  He is active (sometimes to the teams detriment), but seems to have a plan and at least appears to be learning from his mistakes.  Here is an interesting look at some of the financials of next season. 

In 2020, the Panthers led the NFL with 54 million in dead cap money (26% of the cap) thanks to contracts still being paid to players like Matt Kalil, Trai Turner, Eric Reid, and Luke. 

In 2021, the Panthers again had 54 million in dead cap (29% of the cap), thanks to contracts still being paid to Teddy Bridgewater, Kawann Short, Luke, and Tre Boston

In 2022, the Panthers are only set to have 7 million in dead cap (3.3% of the cap).  Yes, he may have overpaid Robby Anderson and picking up Darnolds option barely makes sense even when he tries to explain it away, but at least the money is being paid to players who are on our roster, performing for our team. Unlike the past few years when over 1/4th of the cap was being paid to players who were not good enough to make a roster or playing for another team. 

Just wanted to try and give a bit of a positive spin on the future of the franchise.  Fitterer appears to know what he is doing and seems like the kind of GM who can learn from his mistakes. He is clearly separating himself from Rhule, and I believe he will be here long past Rhule's tenure. 

[therealmjl]

A breath of fresh air until you hear him gloating over Sam Darnold and emphasizing the need to prop him up with top tier talent literally everywhere in order to get an resemblance of consistent success out of him.

This front office is willing to ride the Darnold decision to their deathbed.

Edited January 11, 2022 by therealmjl

[MHS831]

I appreciate the post/thread.  When Fitterer said, "When Rhule asks me for my input, I'll gladly offer it."  That not only distanced him from the mess, it also may have been a statement about including the GM.  Could be reading too much into it, but I thought the comment was odd compared to my impression of how it should run.  It is like the scouts report to Rhule, not the GM, and the GM is out of the loop.

[WarPanthers89]

2 minutes ago, therealmjl said:

A breath of fresh air until you hear him gloating over Sam Darnold and emphasizing the need to prop him up with top tier talent literally everywhere in order to get an resemblance of consistent success out of him.

This front office is willing to ride the Darnold decision to their deathbed.

He was not gloating over him. It was typical gm fluff speech and no one committed to him being the answer 

Edited January 11, 2022 by WarPanthers89

[X-Clown on 1]

Fitterer is smart enough to understand the iceberg has already been hit, and Rhule is trying to convince the band to keep playing.

[WarPanthers89]

[Jon Snow]

...unless Rhule fires him first. Remember,  he works for Rhule. 

[WarPanthers89]

I loved the Fitt interview. He is a breath of fresh air 

[therealmjl]

Just now, WarPanthers89 said:

He was not floating over him. It was typical gm fluff speech and no one committed to him being the answer 

It was a stark contrast to how they (Rhule) was ready to throw Teddy B out into the street last season. 

Until we do something else at QB, I’ll refrain from giving him the benefit of the doubt.

[Toker Smurf]

I also got that they will try to bring DJ back but Gilmore, Reddick and Cam are gone.

[Cdparr7]

I think the plan is to just survive next season. 

[Captroop]

Fitt's aggressive and savvy. I love his maneuvering in the draft and his "in on every deal" mentality.

He hasn't hit on every one of his FA/trade moves, no. But at least he's making moves. And in spite of what the doom and gloomers think, we really haven't given up that much to make these moves. I'm not even completely soured on Sam. Henderson could end up being a steal.

I'm fully on board with Fitt and am genuinely excited to see what he does this off-season.

[PandaMan]

44 minutes ago, WarPanthers89 said:

It’s uncanny

[Leeroy Jenkins Ph.D.]

45 minutes ago, Toker Smurf said:

I also got that they will try to bring DJ back but Gilmore, Reddick and Cam are gone.

Technically, I do not believe we have to worry about DJ until next off-season, as we signed his 5th year option.  He is under contract for 11 mil next season, but I could see us extending him.