Analyzing Rivera

[The Saltman]

He does have a military background yes but in his first interview he talked about treating his players like men and not like privates in boot camp. He'll have to walk a thin line but from all the players that talk about him they do say he is a players coach. If thats the case I dont worry that much.

[Seamonk]

He said he was a good listener.

[Snake]

The word is though he is hard not to like. Has good people skills but is def an x's and o's guy and great teacher and leader. I think fundamentals will be drilled in day one.

[Mr. Scot]

It is a very tough line to walk.

Tom Coughlin used to have the "concentration line" drawn around the field, and every time you stepped inside that line, you had to be at full concentration. And of course, there's the whole "if you're not five minutes early, you're late" thing. That stuff is a little overboard.

Bill Parcells used to break guys down so completely that some felt like they couldn't play for anybody else. They believed they were no good without his guidance. It's why some of the same guys used to follow him from team to team. Mike Ditka called him out on that once. To my knowledge, Parcells never responded.

So how will Rivera walk that line?

Will he allow guys to showboat? Will he impose super strict rules? Will he expect a higher standard of behavior? All unknown, but for now we can theorize.

I do think it's good that prior players consider him likable. That's a sign to me that maybe he does know how to walk the line without crossing it.

We'll find out soon enough.

[Highlandfire]

That old military saying will only get you so far, especially on a pro sports team where quite a few players are more popular and wealthier than the coach, in particular a new HC who hasn't proven anything.

Great leaders get people to WANT to follow them into battle, not because they said so.

Old saying that is true today, Leaders need their subjects to love and fear them. If you have a choice between the two? Choose Fear every time.

[Mr. Scot]

Good read Mr. Scot...Im hoping Rivera is not as intense as Singletary though. He isnt right?

I have no problem with him being as intense as Singletary. Just hope he's a better coach.

(and keeps his pants on)

[RWatson43]

Agreed Snake - I like the fact that he is x's and o's, fundamentals need to be drilled everyday. I hope that is what he does. The results of just that will be evident on the field. If he can lead and teach he will earn the respect. If he can get the guys winning the respect will come a lot easier as well. Been pleased with the staff brought in. He is surrounding himself with smart and like minded individuals.

[OneBadassCat]

Rivera is gonna be good.

[Edward Teach]

He has a super bowl ring. As a player. He wore the shield. He respects it.

I think that might get the players' attention and respect.

[Mr. Scot]

A little more insight from the radio interview...

When people asked John Fox a question, you might get a few sentences in response but it was rarely long or drawn out. On the flipside, I got the impression more than once today that Frank and Moose had to break in because Rivera was going long.

When they cut it off, it seemed like they wished they'd have budgeted more time. Maybe they set their expectations based on what they knew from Fox.

To tell you the truth, I don't remember Fox ever being on FNZ since I've lived here, so just having Rivera appear is kind of a coup. I find myself wondering if Rivera might not be far more media-accessible than Fox was in his time. That also makes me ponder whether perhaps the organization's rep for being tight-lipped might have been exaggerated somewhat because of Fox's personality.

That's not to say that I think the Panthers will be an open book from here on out, mind you, but I do think that with the transitions that have occurred, there will definitely be changes. Specifically, I expect the combo of Ron Rivera and Danny Morrison to be much friendlier all around than that of John Fox and Mark Richardson.

[frash.exe]

One thing I know about Rivera

he learned under some of the best guys in the game. he played on the 85 bears defense. he tutored under Jim Johnson. The offensive coordinator he hired (Chudzinski) has prior experience at that position and has worked under one of the best Offensive coaches today (Norv turner). The defensive coordinator he hired has prior experience at that position and has worked under one of the best DCs in recent history (Jim Johnson) for like 10 years.