Anyone Find Coach's Comments About Smitty Interesting?

[Proudiddy]

I thought his comments regarding Smitty were really interesting because it sounded as if he was trying to sell what he would be doing to Smitty. Maybe I was reading too much into it, but I thought that was one of the few times he stammered because he said something about he wanted to sit down and talk to him and let him know what they wanted to do, and he hoped he had a chance to do that, and he had nothing but good things to say about him...

Just really sounded like he (Coach R) was trying to talk him up out of a decision that he (Smitty)may have already made... Anyone else get that feeling? I really hope Smitty sticks around for the new regime, b/c the way Riv was talking, I think the new philosophy is definitely going to play into Smitty's favor in a more dynamic offense...

[CRA]

Gantt or someone reported/tweeted that mngt has already told him if he is comfortable and wants to stay then great.....if he wants out then they will trade him.

Rivera's comments mesh w/ that.

[Panic]

Smitty is easy to influence He would run through a wall after that presser.

[Proudiddy]

Gantt or someone reported/tweeted that mngt has already told him if he is comfortable and wants to stay then great.....if he wants out then they will trade him.

Rivera's comments mesh w/ that.

Well, I'm sure that after the season he was ready to go, I think the presser softened him up, but I'm willing to bet that he wants to see us bring in talent at QB before he makes a final decision.

[Zod]

Smitty to Atlanta....

lol

[PanthaSan]

Smitty to Atlanta....

lol

Not funny....

ok, maybe a little

[CatMan72]

Yeah, Rivera said something to the effect of wanting to meet with Smitty and "see how he's feeling".

[BountyHunter]

I think Smitty's closed door meeting with JR has been relayed to RR. He knows he will have to mend some fences between Clausen and Smitty or replace one or the other. That might be his biggest challenge. Did Smith tell JR " either Jimmy goes or I go"? That we do not know. But we can assume that Smith wants some one that will reassure him that he will be a viable part of this offense going forward.

Either way he needs to try pump up Steve and make him excited about football again.

[Catalyst]

I found it interesting that he mentioned LaFell & Gettis first and then Smith, almost as an afterthought, like he wasn't sure he was going to be here.

Honestly, I really do feel like trading Smith is the best bet for both us and him. His deal is up in 2 years and he won't be re-signed them at any rate. Odds are we'll be a lot better by then, but probably not an out-right contender.

And honestly, I think it'd make things better for Clausen. He never seemed to gel with Smith and I think the best move for his development would be to trade Smith and take A.J. Green. Or if we take Fairley then sign a good WR in free agency.

He's going to be gone in 2 years regardless; why not go ahead and draft his replacement now and get what we can for him? It just makes the most sense.

[Cyberjag]

How many drops did Smith have this year again?

[grateflday]

Bottom line is there is a glaring need and hole on the Panthers and that is at the position of QB!! Whether or not Clausen ever becomes a good starting NFL QB there is nobody else on this roster that can be should he not develope at all next season. Even if Clausen does develope some it is still very possible the team does not win many games in 2012 unless his and this offenses turnaround is significant.

That is Smitty's problem and unless it gets corrected or he sees hope I dont see him wanting to stay.

[BountyHunter]

How many drops did Smith have this year again?

Too many. But I think that was a product of him not being focused because of the direction that the team was going. With a new regime and direction I could see him turning around from last season. Unfortunately, a trade might be the only thing that can refocus him. Only the coach and GM can make that determination.

[Jase]

The front office has already decided to deal him and he's an afterthought when talking about the offense. What smitty wants is of no consequence to the situation.

[HSCBandit07]

I don't think we have a choice other than to draft Green or a QB. Our offense is just horrendous and our defense was #8 overall per play (takes into account how long they were on the field)