Observations from the GB game

[paulSM]

CJ was worth the money

Lafell just might be turning the corner and become a good positional receiver... stay tuned. Nanee needs to go away. NOW. But other than that I’m VERY comfortable with a Smith, Gettis, Lafell, Pilares, and Edwards receiver corps next year.

I like our defense. I think we’ll be one of the best next year… as long as we fill the HUGH, REDICULOUSLY LARGE WHOLE IN OUR SECONDARY! Captain, I like you, I like your style, I like that you’re a fighter, I like that you think you can do anything at your size… unfortunately, you can’t. I really wanted it to be true, but it’s not. We need a new #2 cornerback immediately.

Obviously a ton of positives and some rookie mistakes from Cam… the only thing that has me worried is his inability to throw a touch pass. I read that the touch pass is something people either have or don’t… I don’t really believe that. I think he’ll work on it and develop, but I’m afraid that if he chucks a few more of those into the dirt at the goal line it’ll get into his head.

Cam, you’re not in college anymore. Throw it away. It’ll come with time though.

Starting to get a little concerned about the running game. I think Gross was right though about more reps. If we commit to the run and keep pounding till it works for a game we’ll be back on track and like Rivera said “it’s going to pop”

Anybody hear anything about TD’s knee?

Overall, Morale victories are starting to pile up. I’m ready for a win, but at this point I’ve pretty much already reach my expected excitement level for the year. So, the rest is gravy.

[Easyt65]

Did we have any other WRs on the field besides Smitty and LaFell? Didn't notice...

Ditto on the defense.

For his 2nd game in the NFL against the defending Super Bowl Champions, being asked to carry the team on his shoulders without a running game, and being called upon to throw the ballsomething like 45 times...Cam did darn well. Yeah, he reminded us all that he is still a rookie on several plays, but he is doing far better than I thought he would at this point.

Starting to get concerned about our running game? WHAT running game? Good on Gross for getting angry about it - now he, and the team, needs to do something about it!

[adub2b23]

I think the td throw to lafell would qualify as a touch pass

[Floppin]

Captain has played remarkably well, I don't understand what you guys are talking about. Jennings made one really amazing catch over him but Captain had great coverage, he out jumped him and had his arms all around the ball, Jennings just made a remarkable catch.

[caatfan]

I think the td throw to lafell would qualify as a touch pass

Agree on that. As for the running game, the OL isn't moving the D much yet. And maybe teams will quit daring us to throw all the time, now that it's obvious that Cam can get it done.

[chknwing]

yep, other team gets paid to make plays too. no way a cornerback or safety can 100% contain any wr for an entire game.

[Kyle82]

I'm excited for our team this year,,,they are young and hungry and they played a SB team really close but the bottom line is you can't commit 4 turnovers to anyone, especially the Champs, and expect to win. This team will only get better. GO PANTHERS!!!!!!

[Seltzer]

My observations from the game...

First off, the crowd was very good, easily the best crowd since 2008. The last time I remember a crowd this big was the 2009 opener against Philly when everyone realized the Delhomme had lost it and we were in deep dog poo QB wise.

There were a lot of Cheeseheads there, but I chalk that up to PSL owners selling the tickets before the first game when they realized we might have a good team. As is almost always the case, the Packer fans who are actually transplants from GB-area are much more football intelligent, cordial, etc. than the bandwagoner rednecks "who have always pulled for GB despite having a zip code that starts with 28***.

Anyway, the game was very exciting. I want a real victory instead of a moral victory, but it's hard to be too down about anything given how remarkable the team has looked when you think about the odds they were against coming into the season.

To put a product out there like we've seen in just 7 weeks is amazing. All the nick picking complaining can't change that.

There is a part of me that wonders if the Panthers had had just a little more time if they could have been more on the same page to have eliminated the mental errors that have led to them being 0-2.

Because the Panthers have been in and could have won both these games. Don't need to add anything more to everything about Newton, but it does feel nice to have a franchise caliber QB. I'm not going to annoint him "franchise" QB yet, after the QB experiences over the past 16 years, but he has the most talent of any QB to line up under center here ever.

Only guy even in the same area code talent-wise was Collins, and obviously he had too many off the field issues to be that guy here. Delhomme was a gamer and had some big games under pressure. Forever grateful for the '03 and '05 runs. It may be lost in the annuals of history, but Jake had one of the best SB performances ever that didn't end up with a win. Beuirlein was good, but on the tail end of his career- Steve and Jake didn't have the overall talent of Collins and definitely not Newton. But both guys gave their all on the field.

I know I'm digressing, but back to the team yesterday. CJ and Hardy are going to be good together, and I think McClain and Fua will get better. Still need to add a draft pick next year, but not as big of a concern as secondary.

Linebackers played pretty well, but the injuries are piling up. Hope TD's injury not serious. Great group, but don't know if we will ever get to see Anderson/Beason/Davis lined up together for an extended period of time.

Gamble and Munnerlyn played well. But the Panthers are still giving up absolutely back-breaking plays in the passing game. Blame Pugh, or whomever, but this is the one area of the team where they needed an upgrade and didn't get it. I don't know who's coming out next year in the draft, but unless there is a can't miss prospect at another position where they draft, I think they've got to take a CB.

The breakdowns in the secondary are the reason this team is 0-2 in my opinion more so than anything else. There have been mistakes other places, but giving up 50+ TD passes is completely demoralizing and overshadows the fact the defense has played pretty well otherwise.

The offensive line has been surprising well. I know the running game hasn't looked good but it will. That is a function of a lack of practice as much as anything I think. Stewart has been outplaying Deangelo so far. I enjoy the passing, but great teams have to be able to run effectively and especially so in the fourth quarter trying to close out games.

And finally, the receiver corp. Shockey and Olsen are solid. You can tell the Packers tried to take them away in the second half and make Cam go to the wideouts. Smitty definitely still has it, but that fumble along with the 2 long TD throws were the difference in the game. Even more so than the rookie picks by Cam.

I have been impressive with LaFell. Don't know if he's a #2, but he's definitely #3 worthy and maybe more. Wish they still have had Gettis. Not at all impressed with Naanee, sorry.

Overall a great game. The Panthers are setting the groundwork to have a good team over the next few years. I'm trying to be patient, but I want to see W's this year too since I know this team can be good.

[Jackofalltrades]

Captain has played remarkably well, I don't understand what you guys are talking about. Jennings made one really amazing catch over him but Captain had great coverage, he out jumped him and had his arms all around the ball, Jennings just made a remarkable catch.

He did give up that 80+ yard TD on a slant, but I think the whole team was looking for them to run the clock down.

[KSpan]

I think the td throw to lafell would qualify as a touch pass

Agreed, and I would add two of the throws to Shockey on the first drive, or the throw to Olsen in the second drive, or the second TD to Smitty last week...