Don't overlook the value of consistency

[Mesmer]

Since the loss, there's been a lot of things said on this forum. More of them have been negative, and a lot of people are calling for drastic changes. While some of these changes may have some merit, you guys need to consider the value of consistency.

What the hell am I talking about? Whether you're willing to acknowledge it or not, consistency from year-to-year with the coaches and player personnel can really help a team succeed. In today's NFL, it's borderline impossible to keep the same exact team around for multiple seasons. For 31 teams, that's probably a positive thing. However, keeping the core of a team together is incredibly important. We all know this..

But what about coaches?

There's been a ton of talk about firing Mike Trgovac. While I have to say, I'm on this enormous bandwagon, there's something you need to consider. If Trgovac is replaced, this defense will have to go through a learning period. Most likely, even if the scheme appears to be similar, the players are going to have to learn how to play in it. There will be an adjustment period. Is this potential adjustment period worth it? I'd say yes.

But what about Jeff Davidson? What about John Fox? While I can agree that both of these men made their share of monumentally boneheaded moves recently, the same criteria must be considered. Is it really worth it to start over offensively, after just two seasons? In only one of these seasons did Davidson have his QB.

I firmly believe that this offense will improve under Davidson. Yes, we saw improvement this past season. Sure, some of it had to do with the changes in personnel. But some of it, had to do with being under the same coach for another year. It's the same concept of offensive lineman gelling. People talk about this all the time, but most people have no idea of what it means.

I'm almost done rambling, but now it's time for the take home point.. (If you're going to read one thing, read this).

This isn't Madden 09. You can't change things without cost. (And no cost isn't just measured in a dollar value) Whether it be the offensive schemes, a couple linemen, your QB..etc..without there being some kind of cost. In the real world, outside of our know-all, see-all minds.. consistency can bring improvement. When players get more comfortable with who they're playing for, playing with, and what they're doing..they get better.

So ask yourself.. Is it worth it? Are you ready to throw it all away and start over? I for one, am not ready to do so with Fox, Davidson, or Jake. I think if you all really give it some thought, you'll realize that in all reality, Mike Trgovac is probably the only major guy on this team that warrants discussion about replacement.

[CharlotteBeer.com]

I think if you all really give it some thought, you'll realize that in all reality, Mike Trgovac is probably the only major guy on this team that warrants discussion about replacement.

I really agree with this.

Though I wouldn't be disappointed in seeing an open competition at quarterback, but I'm starting to lean more to your argument that it would be better to stay with him.

Good writeup.

[Zod]

The defense has been getting worse every year, consistently.

[Kurb]

^

[Mesmer]

The defense has been getting worse every year, consistently.

Notice, as conservative as I am about changes with this team, I think Trgovac should be canned.

[guyinchesapeake]

Teams play to a season nowdays. As recent Panther years show, a successful season is always followed by a down year, or years. We were built to this season in many ways, and came up (embarrasingly) short. We continue to have the same problems year in and year out under Fox: no imagination on offense, we're way too predictable with the ball (especially when we have the ball deep in our own territory, and especially when we throw an incomplete pass on first down - you can get rich betting that second down will be a run between the tackles). We have no wrinkles on special teams (did we even TRY to block a punt this year?). You do not and should not 'live' by wrinkles, razzle dazzle, etc., but absolutely you throw some out there once in a while to give the other side something to think about. We don't do that enough, and the very few times we have under Fox, when they didn't work, they are never tried again.

Above all, under Fox, we don't have that 'killer instinct', that ability to absolutley put teams away, ESPECIALLY when we have a big lead on them. I've said this many a time, if the games were only 3 quarters long, we would be mighty close to being undefeated in recent years. But they're 4 quarters long, and we just seem to play with an attitude of 'hoping' we pull it off, instead of doing everything possible to ensure that we do.

I don't know if a guy like Cowher is the answer here, but his record speaks for itself, when his Steeler teams had leads of 10 points or more, they rarely lost. This team has some marvelous weapons to use on both sides of the ball, but we appear to not be able to pull it all together, and that's a coaching failure. Good points have been made about consistency on this thread, but the most obvious consistency under Fox has been how underachieving we are. My own personal feelings about this: let him go, give someone else a chance. Maybe that person is already on the staff, but start the process now of replacing Fox.

[KillerKat]

Delhomme is inconsistent as well and costs this team tremendously. I think its time for change under center.

[King Taharqa]

2002: 7-9

2003: 11-5

2004: 7-9

2005: 11-5

2006: 8-8

2007: 7-9

2008: 12-4

2009: 7-9

I value consistency. Fox is not consistent, thats why he must go.

[SKULL]

The value of consistency

Is what caused the arse kicking by the CARDS

Fox and Trog got together in their by-week and decided to stay with their consistent defense BEND DON't BREAK.

Fox and DAVIDSON decided to be unconsistent on offense and shelve the most consistent running attack .

Jake stayed consistent throwing the ball into double coverage hoping SMITH or someone would jump up make the catch and bail him out

Jake consistently had all his facial expression and hand jesters after each turnover

Panthers have never had back to back winning seasons

They shin in seasons against the weaker teams and next season against

Cowboys, Giants,Eagles,Cards,Pats, Vikes,Dolphines,Jets,Redskins,Falcons,Saints,Bucs

They will be 8-8 or less

Panthers if nothing else are consistent

[Debil]

Well, if you're talking about consistency, then you're gonna have to explain the new HC's Smith, Wisenhunt, and Hairball

[Mesmer]

You guys are just missing my point entirely. I'm not saying replacing a coach spells certain doom for your franchise...

Forgive me. Let me speak in a language you can understand.

*** JAKE HE SUX LOOL

[ShutDwn]

2002: 7-9

2003: 11-5

2004: 7-9

2005: 11-5

2006: 8-8

2007: 7-9

2008: 12-4

2009: 7-9

I value consistency. Fox is not consistent, thats why he must go.

As soon as I see this thread, I think of the consistency of winning season, poo season, winning season, poo season. Notice none of those even have nine wins, it isn't like they were borderline playoffs.

Only one of those 7-9 teams was worth a damn, that being 04, the others resembled 4 win teams in terms of effort, and preparation.

Next seasons schedule will be incredibly hard to reach 10 wins.

I would like a coach that doesn't only win every other year, it seems to me John Fox is a one trick pony, he has proven that he is extremely bad when he is expected to win or do well. Like every year after we did well, every game against shitty teams we make close calls, the ONE play off game where we have been the favorites and didn't lose the first time we played the team in the regular season.

Think of how many times our playoff games have been rematches.

It isn't as hard to motivate guys who are tired of losing as it is to go out and beat players gunning for your crown. That is why the Patriots are so amazing, as well as the Colts.

[Snake]

Notice, as conservative as I am about changes with this team, I think Trgovac should be canned.

Really I would agree with your first post 9 our of 10 times but this is the 1%. Our Defense this year looks as if we had gone to the 3-4 or was using a different scheme. Lost faces on the field blown coverages and just the lack of trust in the plays. Thats a bad thing and is the reason why he need to be canned.