Rivera to Players: Jobs On the line

[Razzy]

Rivera has used this entire year as an extended training camp. If we aren't in the playoff hunt down to week 17 next year I will be very disappointed.

[panthers55]

I honestly believe if this team simply groom Cam to be a real sit in the pocket and run when need be QB, he'll be the best. The problem is not his defense reading or any of the repetative flaws always being pointed out on this site, Cam is simply trying to do to much. And when you try to do to much, you tend to make more mistakes. Even the talking heads are starting to state the obvious.

The Panthers need to step up and help Cam more or else he will form some seriousl bad habits that will hurt this team in the long run.

How do you not try and do too much when you realize that no lead is too large to blow. What will help Cam and the offense the most is knowing that a 10 or 14 point lead is enough to win the game. I remember to the defense in 96. Everyone knew that if we had a lead going into the second half and the fourth quarter in particular, that there was a strong chance we were going to win. What do we believe this year? No matter what, the offense will sputter and the defense will suck in the second half.

[weymouthst]

If this is the case, solve the WR problem. Now is the perfect time to start giving AE, Pilares, even Adams some play time to see what they make of it.

Get these guys some time in, see what he have going into the draft and FA.

[Proudiddy]

There have been plenty of moves showing that nobody's starting job is set in stone with questionable performances....but are you saying cut these names? The rookies? Captain? There isn't an endless supply of upgrades waiting on the sidelines to move these guys in and out like fast food employees.

No, I'm not saying cut them at all. But when you say "jobs are on the line" and player x is a current starter who is struggling and clearly hurting our overall performance in his current role... demote him.

The only guy I really wanted cut out of that group is Mare. I've said how much I disagreed with that signing and the strategy behind it since day one. Horrible decision. Then I got flamed for making a thread saying we should cut him after a couple misses in key situations... Look at where we are now.

The rookies are rookies, and traditionally, rookie DTs take at least a year to develop and catch up to the pro game (unless they are just absolute beasts). Fua and McClain may very well be good next year, but at best I see them as rotational guys. They were killing our defense all season and it took Rivera until last week to finally "bench" them, essentially.

Now the guys that were sitting behind them that were on the inactive list most of the season are playing admirably and a WHOLE LOT better than the rookies were.

Captain... I'm a fan, but he's suited for the slot. He has been getting abused all year on the outside, especially on crossing and drag routes. He's given up a lot of plays in crucial situations as a result. Butler should be starting there and put Captain where his strengths are.

This has gone on all season and that's why I just don't put a lot of weight into what Coach is saying. We didn't have a camp and installed a new defense and offense, so I'll give him a pass for this year. But still, that doesn't negate the time management and personnel flubs throughout the season. I just hope it pays off next year.

[g5jamz]

hehe..love it, but why's he looking at that guy's butt.

[Snake]

If this is the case, solve the WR problem. Now is the perfect time to start giving AE, Pilares, even Adams some play time to see what they make of it.

Get these guys some time in, see what he have going into the draft and FA.

As much as I dont like AE I agree with this. Lets see if he can play WR because if he cant catch the ball there is no reason to have him hanging around next year just to return punts. Let Capt do that and hold down the nickle position.

On another note, I really would like us to try to get Marcus Trufant. He is not a lock down CB anymore but would be an excellent #2 CB that would allow us to groom the Rookie we draft this year.