5 Things After Half a Season

[Carl Spackler]

I defintely foresee No. 33 and 2025 No. 1 overall going for a cornerback at 17

[Knaakedup]

3 hours ago, CRA said:

I mean, and I think it still even goes back to the Matt Rhule era.  Cam Newton spoke on what it was like re-entering Carolina.  No one knew how to act.  There was no pulse.  Say what you want about his game at that point, but I really think Cam came in and was Mr. Everything. 

You're dead on here. We don't have the authority figure (HC), or over the top personality (Cam), to really be creating the next era of the Panthers. 

I have mentioned it before in another thread, but so far we have had two defining eras that both led to Super Bowls and they both had core players and strong coaches (for the time) that were integral to the success and identity.

John Fox era -

• Jake Delhomme
• Steve Smith
• Julius Peppers
• Kris Jenkins

Ron Rivera era -

• Cam
• Luke
• TD
• Greg Olsen

Right now... Frank Reich is the uncle at the end of Thanksgiving who's had too much to drink but won't go to bed. Bryce? I just don't see that personality or play like any of the players mentioned above from him so far, or magically appearing in the future. Brian Burns has never impressed me and he should have been cast off for the picks last year.

We have no identity or real leadership right now.

[CRA]

20 minutes ago, Knaakedup said:

You're dead on here. We don't have the authority figure (HC), or over the top personality (Cam), to really be creating the next era of the Panthers. 

I have mentioned it before in another thread, but so far we have had two defining eras that both led to Super Bowls and they both had core players and strong coaches (for the time) that were integral to the success and identity.

John Fox era -

• Jake Delhomme
• Steve Smith
• Julius Peppers
• Kris Jenkins

Ron Rivera era -

• Cam
• Luke
• TD
• Greg Olsen

Right now... Frank Reich is the uncle at the end of Thanksgiving who's had too much to drink but won't go to bed. Bryce? I just don't see that personality or play like any of the players mentioned above from him so far, or magically appearing in the future. Brian Burns has never impressed me and he should have been cast off for the picks last year.

We have no identity or real leadership right now.

I’d swap Jenkins out for Minter or even Buckner/Rucker.   But yeah, there has been a void since Cam, Olsen, TD walked.  And it’s big IMO. 

[Knaakedup]

30 minutes ago, CRA said:

I’d swap Jenkins out for Minter or even Buckner/Rucker.   But yeah, there has been a void since Cam, Olsen, TD walked.  And it’s big IMO. 

Until the correct leadership is implemented with a real plan on how to build this new era, we are going to remain status quo

[Knaakedup]

4 hours ago, stratocatter said:

There was tangible ‘bad’ in the team that fisrt game.

And I am a huge don’t put stock the the first game, in a new year, but it was shocking to me.

It didn’t look like anyone wanted to win anything.

Like it was all some laboratory in which they could tune their quarterback for his real mission which won’t come for a few years. 

I mean, we literally still look like we did in the terrible first preseason game.

[mickeye76]

1 hour ago, Knaakedup said:

You're dead on here. We don't have the authority figure (HC), or over the top personality (Cam), to really be creating the next era of the Panthers. 

I have mentioned it before in another thread, but so far we have had two defining eras that both led to Super Bowls and they both had core players and strong coaches (for the time) that were integral to the success and identity.

John Fox era -

• Jake Delhomme
• Steve Smith
• Julius Peppers
• Kris Jenkins

Ron Rivera era -

• Cam
• Luke
• TD
• Greg Olsen

Right now... Frank Reich is the uncle at the end of Thanksgiving who's had too much to drink but won't go to bed. Bryce? I just don't see that personality or play like any of the players mentioned above from him so far, or magically appearing in the future. Brian Burns has never impressed me and he should have been cast off for the picks last year.

We have no identity or real leadership right now.

I disagree I think we have leaders. Derrick Brown, Frankie Luvu, Adam, and Shaq Thompson all are leaders. 

I disagree with your assessment of Burns and Young. I hope they improve with better talent around them.  Our makeshift secondary doesn't help Burns who would feast with coverage sacks if our corners covered.  Young and Reich need time before passing judgement.  I think we are being very impatient as a fan base and our nostalgia for Fox and Ron is blinding us of their flaws.  

You want to talk bout old school offense to a fault. Fox wrote the book. Ron had golden tickets yet still couldn't cash in. Cam had a weak oline and questionable WR's most of his career.  He still produced but was ran into the ground by Ron without proper protection or quality weapons.  Most of the fans had  pitchforks out the year before Ron and Co put it all together. Fox hindered rookies developments by his lack of trust. 

Coaches and QB's take time to properly evaluate. 

[Basbear]