ALMOST there!

[PhillyB]

The bright side is we're contenders again. We've finally got the right pieces in place... we have the right core of players. Look at what we've accomplished this season:

1) We've established what's arguably the NFL's most feared rushing attack. Next year J-stew will no longer be a rookie. Most likely he'll improve to the point of being a capable starter on most teams... so we'll have both him AND d-will.

2) Jeff Davidson drew a lot of flak in the 07 season when his new schemes supposedly failed, but they came through in spades this year.

3) This year we FINALLY got a number two reciever to compliment Smitty, which opened up the passing attack, which opened up the running attack, which further opened up the passing attack. Jarrett developed very well, getting some playing time in a number of games.

4) On defense, we solidified a linebacking corps that'll be fearsome for years to come. Our depth and experience there is spectacular.

5) Our defensive potential. With Godfrey's mistakes comes learning, and next year he'll be fantastic. Harris has had another year in the system with the Panthers... and man... the dude can HIT! I seriously thought Hightower wasn't gonna get up after that helmet-to-helmet late in the game. Glorious! ...i digress. Chris Gamble's stepped up big time, locked down a new contract. Peppers has had a HUGE year. Charles Johnson has been a nice surprise as well, and even Tyler Brayton is something solid to work with.

6) Mark Jones. Need I say more? For all the flak they were given (and rightfully so) during the first few games, the special teams have developed to an unexpected level of potency. I wish Jones would actually break one when he gets out in an open lane, just ONCE, but our returns are FINALLY fun to watch. In fact, they tend to be electrifying. I no longer fear when kickoffs come.

Are there blatant problems? Of course. Last night highlighted those problems. We either need a new defensive coordinator, or some serious changes in the schemes. I think Fox is regarded as one of the best coaches in the league for a reason, and getting rid of him isn't the way to go - I'd like to see Davidson given a heavier hand in the offensive playcalling, and Fox insert his will on defense a little more. Personell-wise, we clearly need a beefed-up D-line that can actually get some pressure. We need to look at other QB options as well.

But in the end, the 08 Panthers are the best in team history. We've built something special... now we just need to make it even better. See y'all in seven months. :patriot:

[Delhommey]

There is nothing to be excited about. Nothing.

[Panthers128]

not if you're a delhomme fan

[George Shinnsplints]

I agree with pretty much all of this post, we were one extremely untimely Jake Stinker away from the NFCCG and rendering these doomed discussions of the future mute. I want to see some big changes in the off season, but even if there aren't a whole lot of moves made there's no reason that this team won't be contending for another NFC South title in the fall. Jake should have to battle it out in camp for the starting job but if he can bounce back from this and the team can rally around that bounce back (or whoever the new QB is) the team COULD be as good or better in '09.

[Wither]

The bright side is we're contenders again. We've finally got the right pieces in place... we have the right core of players. Look at what we've accomplished this season:

1) We've established what's arguably the NFL's most feared rushing attack. Next year J-stew will no longer be a rookie. Most likely he'll improve to the point of being a capable starter on most teams... so we'll have both him AND d-will.

2) Jeff Davidson drew a lot of flak in the 07 season when his new schemes supposedly failed, but they came through in spades this year.

3) This year we FINALLY got a number two reciever to compliment Smitty, which opened up the passing attack, which opened up the running attack, which further opened up the passing attack. Jarrett developed very well, getting some playing time in a number of games.

4) On defense, we solidified a linebacking corps that'll be fearsome for years to come. Our depth and experience there is spectacular.

5) Our defensive potential. With Godfrey's mistakes comes learning, and next year he'll be fantastic. Harris has had another year in the system with the Panthers... and man... the dude can HIT! I seriously thought Hightower wasn't gonna get up after that helmet-to-helmet late in the game. Glorious! ...i digress. Chris Gamble's stepped up big time, locked down a new contract. Peppers has had a HUGE year. Charles Johnson has been a nice surprise as well, and even Tyler Brayton is something solid to work with.

6) Mark Jones. Need I say more? For all the flak they were given (and rightfully so) during the first few games, the special teams have developed to an unexpected level of potency. I wish Jones would actually break one when he gets out in an open lane, just ONCE, but our returns are FINALLY fun to watch. In fact, they tend to be electrifying. I no longer fear when kickoffs come.

Are there blatant problems? Of course. Last night highlighted those problems. We either need a new defensive coordinator, or some serious changes in the schemes. I think Fox is regarded as one of the best coaches in the league for a reason, and getting rid of him isn't the way to go - I'd like to see Davidson given a heavier hand in the offensive playcalling, and Fox insert his will on defense a little more. Personell-wise, we clearly need a beefed-up D-line that can actually get some pressure. We need to look at other QB options as well.

But in the end, the 08 Panthers are the best in team history. We've built something special... now we just need to make it even better. See y'all in seven months. :patriot:

This is a nice post. There was another like it; both need to be stickied.

Anyway, I agree 100% on Jones and special teams. I HAD to update my Madden 2009 roster (I hadn't done it all season since I got the game when it came out) just to get this guy so I could play as him on the returns, ha.

[God]

There is nothing to be excited about

[Wither]

There is nothing to be excited about

Get a life?

[PhillyB]

There is nothing to be excited about

I'm thoroughly disappointed too, and right now i'm completely sick of football. i've been immersed in it every single day since the draft in April, following every move, watching every game. i need a break. i'm not excited at all right now.

but in six months when things start to pick up again, i'll be incredibly excited. i'll be excited because of this groundwork the 2008 campaign layed. and that's exactly why we should be proud of what we've done this year. next year will be even better.

[panthersphan]

"Jeff Davidson drew a lot of flak in the 07 season when his new schemes supposedly failed, but they came through in spades this year."

Where was it when we needed it?

I don't get why we didn't run the ball after the 1st quarter...that's my biggest problem with the whole game.

[PhillyB]

"Jeff Davidson drew a lot of flak in the 07 season when his new schemes supposedly failed, but they came through in spades this year."

Where was it when we needed it?

I don't get why we didn't run the ball after the 1st quarter...that's my biggest problem with the whole game.

I agree, that was my main beef. We've run all year long with success, then we come out passing. the run sets up the pass. im with you there.