The enthusiasm gap

[Darth Biscuit]

Cam has to be that guy on offense.. just the way it is. Beason, Gross, whoever needs to have a long discussion with Cam about how to be a leader on the sidelines and that he needs a short memory..

seems to me no one is talking to him about this.. this is a player to player issue. a coach doesn't have the same effect IMO..

I think he will be... he's still very young and learning and will grow into that role... you're right, that's what's expected of an elite NFL QB. He has to be the boss on the field.

[jtnc]

Cam knows how this defense works, once he turnover the ball it's all downhill from there.

[mmmbeans]

is this like a mineshaft gap?

[Dpantherman]

Area of improvement, but fug I can understand to an extent. This is the second game where he's drove us down the field late, and something fuging crazy happens.

-Missed FG

- 4 bogus throws with only 5 yards needed.

Cam had a miserable 2nd half. Miserable, but for goodness sakes, its like the team doesn't rise to the occasion. I don't want to deflect blame, because it spreads. But just think about everything that goes on in that 2nd half. Its not just him, the entire team folds under pressure. I think Cam has it in him, but he can't be the only one. Everyone else has to bring it as well.

[Dpantherman]

I would be more concerned if the rest of the team was ready and Cam was just not getting it done and dragging us down.

[jtnc]

Area of improvement, but fug I can understand to an extent. This is the second game where he's drove us down the field late, and something fuging crazy happens.

-Missed FG

- 4 bogus throws with only 5 yards needed.

Cam had a miserable 2nd half. Miserable, but for goodness sakes, its like the team doesn't rise to the occasion. I don't want to deflect blame, because it spreads. But just think about everything that goes on in that 2nd half. Its not just him, the entire team folds under pressure. I think Cam has it in him, but he can't be the only one. Everyone else has to bring it as well.

We need Steve Smith to start being vocal with this team and try to lead it.

[AviationMX]

It was a strange day all together. the crowd was noticeably subdued on the way in and never really believed we had a chance. Unlike the GB game, where the team and BofA were much more energetic in the first half...I'm not sure why, even with Smitty's 10k yards and Cam's record we never seemed to get loud.

I take way pictures this year of the opposing fans quietly waiting for the 3rd quarter not sure if they can pull out a win...and then panthers losing all confidence...and giving it way.

We need to start believing in our team more and start making noise on defensive 3rd downs and stand up for our team. Those runs by Olson/Williams were just beautiful...

It's a young team and we had a bunch of injuries, but a decent season compared to last season and there's much to look forward to next year...at least we're not the cowboys:D

[Snake]

If we fix the defense next year we want see such wild swings in games. Cam knows as well as all the players on offense if they dont get it done, its not going to get done. This is why you need balance on a team so your players know that they can lean on the other side for help.

Cam is not much different than Delhomme in how he takes losses and holds himself accountable but Delhomme had Defensive leaders to right the ship when he made a mistake, Cam does not have that. This is also why it was a high stakes gamble for Hurney to purge all vet leadership and rely on solely young players to lead this team.

[ShutDwn]

Cam knows how this defense works, once he turnover the ball it's all downhill from there.

I think it definitely gets in his head.

It's all speculative when we try to psychoanalyze him, but his interviews really do make me think that he believes he has to be superman for us. He has come out and said I'm trying to change the culture now. I think he needs a shorter memory, he beats himself up way to much for these mistakes. There is such a thing as trying to do too much.

Again, I think these problems are ones that are rare for a rookie because they basically never have the ability to even attempt to win games for a team. The mental aspect of weathering a game is where he needs to learn the most.

You look at a guy like Eli Manning, I've never really been a fan of his demeanor, but it really works for him. The guy has games where he makes mistakes that would crush teams and yet he can still rise to the occasion at the end. Look at last week against the Packers, look at last night. (I don't want to hear any bullshit about The Golden Calf of Bristol)

I hate these losses, but these lessons are so valuable. They pay dividends in the future when the team will draw from this experience and know how to handle it better. Understanding the momentum shifts of a game and how to handle it is the hardest part of football.

[jtnc]

I think it definitely gets in his head.

It's all speculative when we try to psychoanalyze him, but his interviews really do make me think that he believes he has to be superman for us. He has come out and said I'm trying to change the culture now. I think he needs a shorter memory, he beats himself up way to much for these mistakes. There is such a thing as trying to do too much.

Again, I think these problems are ones that are rare for a rookie because they basically never have the ability to even attempt to win games for a team. The mental aspect of weathering a game is where he needs to learn the most.

You look at a guy like Eli Manning, I've never really been a fan of his demeanor, but it really works for him. The guy has games where he makes mistakes that would crush teams and yet he can still rise to the occasion at the end. Look at last week against the Packers, look at last night. (I don't want to hear any bullshit about The Golden Calf of Bristol)

I hate these losses, but these lessons are so valuable. They pay dividends in the future when the team will draw from this experience and know how to handle it better. Understanding the momentum shifts of a game and how to handle it is the hardest part of football.

Yep, Cam has seen the film and knows the story. He thinks the game ends the same way everytime he commits an interception. Panthers are 0-8 when he commits a turnover.

[Marguide]

If you missed what Muhsin Muhammad said on WFNZ this morning, I suggest you check it out. He said that the biggest problem the Panthers have is the lack of enthusiasm at the first sign of adversity in the second half. He talked about how amped the team always is in the first half, but when Cam or someone has a big gaffe in the second half, things spiral out of control. He brought up Cam's demeanor after the first pick and said it affected him mentally where he needs to have a short memory. Then the rest of the team sees Cam start spiraling and they know what's coming.

Very interesting. I recommend checking it out because it makes a ton of sense.

If I'm Rivera and for whatever reason feel I can't effectively advise Cam, then I ask those closest to him to help out. Maybe his family, maybe someone like Smitty or Gross, or whoever. Someone needs to work with Cam at maintaining a positive mental attitude during the game. Post-game he can do whatever he wants, but during the game, he has to keep it together.

I don't worry about Cam's accuracy, or him getting hurt (not too much), or him going Hollywood, or him leaving, etc., but I do worry a lot about his mental attitude. As the head coach, it is Ron's job to get him help with this. And if Ron needs a push, then MH and JR should provide that.

Every team, young or old, goes through tough times. Their leader in the huddle cannot go into his shell; he is the one that should be pumping guys up and reminding them that they are just a few plays from success.

[Darth Biscuit]

I would be more concerned if the rest of the team was ready and Cam was just not getting it done and dragging us down.

Yeah, me too... as this is certainly not the problem.

[CatMan72]

Sad as it is to say, I think a combination of the cold yesterday + our record kept some folks away and caused others to bundle up rather then stand and cheer...

[LiQuiD]

It seems as soon as Cam coughs the ball up, mentally he feels like he's let everyone down and throws his hands up as if all hope is lost.

If there's one thing about Jake (except for the very end) is that he would relight the fire under his team in the face of adversity.

I'm sure, with time, Cam will do the same. He's just gotta learn how to pick himself and his team back up, chins held high, and brush off those mistakes and plug along. He doesn't realize how his attitude affects the team, as Cam does so do they.