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Something I've Noticed About Our Team

fieryprophet

By fieryprophet,
in Carolina Panthers

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fieryprophet Newbie

fieryprophet

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There's a lot of frustration and downright anger about the current trend of close losses, starting with Newton, Smitty, Shockey and all the way down to Rivera. As toxic of a potential mix that these feelings can engender, I have a feeling that in the end these emotions will be channeled in the right way. Cam is learning very early on just how excruciatingly hard it is to win in this league, and as long as he responds to these losses with the desire to work harder and improve on his already impressive skills, things will not only look up in the future, but will translate into the cutthroat sensibility a team needs to dominate in this league.

Rivera has said repeatedly that he views the team as the little brother that always gets beat up, but will soon grow up to punch back, and reiterated that view with his comments that the team will move on but not forget these losses. He also spoke of how proud he was that the team rallied around Smith after the cheap shot from Harper, and frankly said that we will not tolerate that kind of disrespect from our opponents.

In other words, when the pieces come together, you can look for this team to be absolutely ruthless, running up the score and imposing our will on our division, and playing with a massive chip on our shoulders.

Frankly, I think the rest of the league is already starting to get the message: enjoy your wins while they last. We're young. We're growing up fast. We're looking forward to ripping your heads off.

Oh, and Saints fans: enjoy Brees while he lasts. You have squat behind him, and it's a hard fall without a great QB at the helm. I think, deep down, you guys know what's coming down the pipeline ;)

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dbeat Newbie

dbeat

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There's a lot of frustration and downright anger about the current trend of close losses, starting with Newton, Smitty, Shockey and all the way down to Rivera. As toxic of a potential mix that these feelings can engender, I have a feeling that in the end these emotions will be channeled in the right way. Cam is learning very early on just how excruciatingly hard it is to win in this league, and as long as he responds to these losses with the desire to work harder and improve on his already impressive skills, things will not only look up in the future, but will translate into the cutthroat sensibility a team needs to dominate in this league.

This IMO is what's going to make or break our team.

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fieryprophet Newbie

fieryprophet

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This IMO is what's going to make or break our team.

It really will. In a lot of ways, we've gone extremely high risk/high reward with the way we've handled Newton so far. He's getting tons of reps and experience, and had the entire team molded to fit his skills as a rookie. We've had a lot of success with it, but there is also a tremendous amount of pressure on this kid's shoulders (and realistically, in so many ways, he is still a kid.)

I love the fire that Cam has for winning and competing, and I think it will continue to be a positive force in his development, but the fact is that emotions can be extremely destructive if they ever run too hot. These are dangerous times for Cam, because the pressure can become debilitating if you let it. What gives me hope is that, in the end, he is still his biggest critic, and I think that is the crucial factor that will allow him to handle the rigors of leading a team. He cannot close himself off, however. As he grows, he will have to learn to pick up his teammates after a bad play or a loss, and to take himself out of the heat of the moment and dispassionately analyze his performances.

These are things that will come with time, but again, I cannot stress how important these next few months of his life will be: the NFL thrives in adversity, and the winners are decided just as much by their response as they are by their ability to play.

The reward factor is this: if Cam can come through the tough losses intact, then we will have a battle-hardened leader for years to come, who will shine on the biggest stages.

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Herbert The Love Bug Newbie

Herbert The Love Bug

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I don't doubt Cam. I will never doubt Cam. He is doing everything he can possibly do to win. It will take time for him to master the NFL. He has never seen anything like this and got thrown straight into the fire with barely anytime to prepare. He has blown away everyone's expectations. He is going to leave his heart and soul on the field and do everything in his power to get us a Super Bowl. Some of you want it right now, I do too. But let's not be so negative if it takes time. It is a process. This team will be scary very soon. Already is without the self inflicted wounds.

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section543 Enthusiast

section543

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There's a lot of frustration and downright anger about the current trend of close losses, starting with Newton, Smitty, Shockey and all the way down to Rivera. As toxic of a potential mix that these feelings can engender, I have a feeling that in the end these emotions will be channeled in the right way. Cam is learning very early on just how excruciatingly hard it is to win in this league, and as long as he responds to these losses with the desire to work harder and improve on his already impressive skills, things will not only look up in the future, but will translate into the cutthroat sensibility a team needs to dominate in this league.

Rivera has said repeatedly that he views the team as the little brother that always gets beat up, but will soon grow up to punch back, and reiterated that view with his comments that the team will move on but not forget these losses. He also spoke of how proud he was that the team rallied around Smith after the cheap shot from Harper, and frankly said that we will not tolerate that kind of disrespect from our opponents.

In other words, when the pieces come together, you can look for this team to be absolutely ruthless, running up the score and imposing our will on our division, and playing with a massive chip on our shoulders.

Frankly, I think the rest of the league is already starting to get the message: enjoy your wins while they last. We're young. We're growing up fast. We're looking forward to ripping your heads off.

Oh, and Saints fans: enjoy Brees while he lasts. You have squat behind him, and it's a hard fall without a great QB at the helm. I think, deep down, you guys know what's coming down the pipeline ;)

Agreed. At one point yesterday, I had flashbacks to the '03(?) game when we finally beat the Bucs on the blocked kick. The team showed heart and toughness. Just wish we could have held that lead.

I do feel confident it's coming though.

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