Carolina Panthers owner Richardson to PSL owners: I take full responsibility

[Sam Mills Fan]

I mean, can you imagine if somebody like Tampa cut most of its vets, didn't pick up any major free agents, went to the lowest cap number it could without being penalized and promoted its defensive line coach to HC to avoid paying a high price tag?

You don't see a team like Dallas using the uncapped year to absorb some of its bad bets on contracts while letting its offensive line and secondary wither away because they didn't want to bring on new free agents do you?

Oh. Wait. You mean I'm supposed to actually do 10 seconds of research before I post?

Dude, when other posters are defending ME against you, does anything else even need to be said?

I literally lol'ed when reading your post, so congrats.

When the Falcons (#1 team in the NFC currently) pound us on Sunday using big-time free agent and trade acquisitions like Michael Turner, Dunta Robinson (acquired THIS offseason), Tony Gonzalez, John Abraham, and Mike Peterson...this just kind of writes itself doesn't it?

[Sam Mills Fan]

Tampa went cheap and young last year. And no, we didn't go cheaper.

You're so adorable Delhommey. I just wanna pinch your little cheeks!

[Delhommey]

Dude, when other posters are defending ME against you, does anything else even need to be said?

I literally lol'ed when reading your post, so congrats.

When the Falcons (#1 team in the NFC currently) pound us on Sunday using big-time free agent and trade acquisitions like Michael Turner, Dunta Robinson (acquired THIS offseason), Tony Gonzalez, John Abraham, and Mike Peterson...this just kind of writes itself doesn't it?

Why are you changing the subject? I mean besides the fact your "original NO other team but us goes cheap" was sublimely idiotic and you want to distance yourself from it by changing the subject and creating distractions?

[Sam Mills Fan]

I like how you put in "quotes" something not found in my post lol.

[panthers55]

Give me a break.

Hardly anyone thought we would be the bottom of the league bad this year.

Most predicted between 9-7 and 7-9 with some extremes at 5-11 and 11-5.

There was reason for hope entering this season. We had gotten rid of Jake and Moore had showed a ton of upside. We had taken Clausen in the second to ensure Moore had healthy competition. Our offensive line was viewed as dominant in the rung game, and Otah was not injured. We had two Stud running backs and two other guys in Sutton and Goodson who could step in if need be. Smitty would get more looks, and everyone fully expected the tight ends to be Matt Moore's saving grace.

On the defensive side we were expected to be competitive, all be it, a little less powerful than last year. Our secondary was to be very solid again, our linebackers were going to be beastly, and our front four had the potential to get after a QB.

All signs pointed to at least us being a competitive middle of the pack football team.

Even during the first game of the year against the Giants, we were competitive and took a lead into halftime, playing Panther Football. Godfrey had a pick, Williams was running up the field, and Moore was completing passes.

Then the wheels fell off.....

That isn't true at all. GO look where all the talking heads minus Peter King had us in preseason and even the offseason. Every article I read said that we would be bad and they ranked us in the bottom 10 teams. Preseason just confirmed it. The only people who were crowing about how good we would be were people on here. And they were wrong.

Here are a few to remind yourself that most folks said we would be bad.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2010/08/nfl-preseason-power-rankings-cowboys-cant-shake-colts-from-top-spot/1

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8184857e&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true

[DR_DIGH]

Of course you take full responsibility. Who else owns the team? Everybody knew you caused this mess and then on top of that went up on ticket prices. What will comfort fans is not taking responsibility, but rather telling us how you plan to fix it in the years to come. Taking responsibility does nothing for the fanbase. A plan does wonders.

[rayzor]

Of course you take full responsibility. Who else owns the team? Everybody knew you caused this mess and then on top of that went up on ticket prices. What will comfort fans is not taking responsibility, but rather telling us how you plan to fix it in the years to come. Taking responsibility does nothing for the fanbase. A plan does wonders.

this would be beyond stupid if you want to have a competitive team.

[Zod]

"and said he hasn't talked to the media because comments from ownership are a distraction"

Are we looking for distractions at this point?

[MadHatter]

Give me a break.

Hardly anyone thought we would be the bottom of the league bad this year.

Most predicted between 9-7 and 7-9 with some extremes at 5-11 and 11-5.

There was reason for hope entering this season. We had gotten rid of Jake and Moore had showed a ton of upside. We had taken Clausen in the second to ensure Moore had healthy competition. Our offensive line was viewed as dominant in the rung game, and Otah was not injured. We had two Stud running backs and two other guys in Sutton and Goodson who could step in if need be. Smitty would get more looks, and everyone fully expected the tight ends to be Matt Moore's saving grace.

On the defensive side we were expected to be competitive, all be it, a little less powerful than last year. Our secondary was to be very solid again, our linebackers were going to be beastly, and our front four had the potential to get after a QB.

All signs pointed to at least us being a competitive middle of the pack football team.

Even during the first game of the year against the Giants, we were competitive and took a lead into halftime, playing Panther Football. Godfrey had a pick, Williams was running up the field, and Moore was completing passes.

Then the wheels fell off.....

Exactly...it is easy to sit here as Monday Morning QB's and point to all of the mistakes that the team made.

Based on all of the moves, we SHOULD have been a middle of the pack team at worse.

But, the QB play sucked and the OLine has struggled all year.

[Zod]

I don't see how going into the season with one legitimate NFL WR is a middle of the pack team. Sounds to me like asking for trouble.

[bigdog10]

That isn't true at all. GO look where all the talking heads minus Peter King had us in preseason and even the offseason. Every article I read said that we would be bad and they ranked us in the bottom 10 teams. Preseason just confirmed it. The only people who were crowing about how good we would be were people on here. And they were wrong.

Here are a few to remind yourself that most folks said we would be bad.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2010/08/nfl-preseason-power-rankings-cowboys-cant-shake-colts-from-top-spot/1

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8184857e&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true

And those same pre-season power rankings hand the likes of San Fran, Cincy, and Dallas at the top. While Chicago, Tampa, and Kansas City can be found near the bottom of every list.

I put no credence in media power rankings.

I was more pointing out the mind set of nearly every poster on this board prior to the season. If you want proof of that, go pull the "Predictions thread"

There should be a laugh or two at some of the 13-3, 12-4 predictions that came about.

Let me ask you this: If Moore plays the same type of football that he played during the last five games last year, are we a 1-11 team.

I'm willing to bet we have wins against, New York, Cincy, TB (once), St. Louis, @NO, Cleveland, and San Fran.

Now I know we could play the "ifs and buts" game all day. I just wanted to point out that this team wasn't expected to contend for a number one pick. I think that's fairly evident by the Armanti trade. Hurney expected to be picking in the teens at the very least, hence why he took the chance on Edwards. No way he makes that deal if he thinks we are "top 5" pick bad

[RockECU]

I don't see how going into the season with one legitimate NFL WR is a middle of the pack team. Sounds to me like asking for trouble.

Not to mention having a stable of QBs (2 rookies, 3 if you count ASU boy) with a combined # of starts at what, 4 games?

[RockECU]

we have not performed at the level we had planned for and expected.

It would be interesting to hear what Jerry "expected" this year in terms of results.. especially without extending the contract of the head coach...

[Jbro]

lol

perhaps the best example of the disconnect with his coach came as John Fox was asked about that letter sent to permanent seat license holders.

Fox said Wednesday, "I have no idea what you're talking about."

http://www.wcnc.com/sports/football/Fox-unaware-owner-sent-apology-letter-to-Panthers-fans-111550484.html