Draft Positioning

[Jesse]

To be fair, half of our team (*caugh* DEFENCE *caugh*) are "bench warmers".

See: Gamble, Johnson, Hardy, Anderson, Godfrey

[RockyTopVol]

To be fair, half of our team (*caugh* DEFENCE *caugh*) are "bench warmers".

Sorry to be "that guy", but this part made me laugh.

[rayzor]

See: Gamble, Johnson, Hardy, Anderson, Godfrey

see: the rest of the guys.

how many are backups getting the start?

crap...we've even got guys starting that got pulled off the practice squad.

[rayzor]

a win is a win.

it's much better for a team to end a season on a high note than losing for any reason.

[MHS831]

a win is a win.

it's much better for a team to end a season on a high note than losing for any reason.

It is better for a win any day, but beating Chase Daniel (QB) should not be a cause for celebration or confidence building.

Funny thing is, this thread was never about a desire to lose. It states both sides, wins and losses. Since it came up, however, I can say that beating a team where the starters are on the sidelines in chaise lounges signing autographs etc. during the game should not build any momentum or confidence. The only way we do that is to beat the starters. Period.

[MHS831]

I would much rather win and build confidence for the current team than throw away a game for an unproven commodity.

Your comment about the "New Orleans' practice squad" makes me chuckle though, especially with how some "fans" here have consistently devalued the teams' wins this season. Carolina wins a game, it's because of some deficiency on the other team. Yet, when Carolina loses, I see posts that look like they've been typed with one hand and eyes full of tears.

I just can't see how it's possible to undermine the value of a Carolina victory. Two of the 3 starting LBs done since early on, starting DT down, rookie QB, two rookie DTs, revolving door @ #2 CB, rookie head coach, new coaching staff, no offseason, etc. Yet, nobody seeks to undermine an opponent's victory at worst. At the very least, the fact that the team is starting to gel together the way it is, and the way they've gone from one of the worst to one of the best offenses without that offseason and all of the other question marks is pretty fuging impressive O_O

It only matters if you beat the starters. I hope the Panthers would not build confidence by beating a team that is intentionally rolling over.

I will literally not feel good if we beat their bench. The players won't either. This is about our best beating their best. If our best is as you describe, then how can you feel good about a win if they are not the players who will be on the field next year?

If we lose a shot at a top LOT (assuming we want the LOT) because we wanted to beat a team practicing scrubs and loading their guns for the playoffs--if that victory is worth it to you--then I would argue that the instant gratification of a meaningless, shallow win overrides the long-term benefit of the team. It is the same as winning preseason games, if you ask me. I only care about wins in January that either send me to the playoffs or advance me in the playoffs.

[MHS831]

To be fair, half of our team (*caugh* DEFENCE *caugh*) are "bench warmers".

So our scrubs (who probably won't be in uniform next season) beating their scrubs will build momentum? Winning "The Battle of the Bench Warmers" is the elixir we need? The final score is a punchline, nothing more.

I am not saying do not win, I am saying the win has little to no meaning when everyone knows we played their minor league team, even if it with a roster full of players we called up from the minors, to use a baseball metaphor that I am sure someone will not get.

[Cam's New Arm]

So our scrubs (who probably won't be in uniform next season) beating their scrubs will build momentum? Winning "The Battle of the Bench Warmers" is the elixir we need? The final score is a punchline, nothing more.

I am not saying do not win, I am saying the win has little to no meaning when everyone knows we played their minor league team, even if it with a roster full of players we called up from the minors, to use a baseball metaphor that I am sure someone will not get.

No, but thank you for putting words in my mouth to further your point.

I never once mentioned a thing on playing the saints. Simply playing devil's advocate.

[rayzor]

It is better for a win any day, but beating Chase Daniel (QB) should not be a cause for celebration or confidence building.

Funny thing is, this thread was never about a desire to lose. It states both sides, wins and losses. Since it came up, however, I can say that beating a team where the starters are on the sidelines in chaise lounges signing autographs etc. during the game should not build any momentum or confidence. The only way we do that is to beat the starters. Period.

no. you go in there and you humiliate them. you always try to be excellent regardless of who the other team puts on the field. you always do your best.

you are setting the tone. settling for anything less than your best effort is a sure way to have a mediocre team.

regardless of who the saints start, we should go out there and put our best effort in the game and take pride not in that you beat a bunch of benchwarmers, but that you went out and did your best and you didn't settle for anything less.

[GotSwag?]

With the talent on this team, Ill definetely take no worse than the 13th pick. This team went from 2 wins to 6 wins with a slew of injuries and letting more than a few leads slip.

Give this team 2 of the top 45 players coming out of college, with another offseason of getting better and FA acquisitions and im confident we are a playoff contender starting NEXT season.

[MHS831]

No, but thank you for putting words in my mouth to further your point.

I never once mentioned a thing on playing the saints. Simply playing devil's advocate.

Actually, maybe you need words put in your mouth. It is exactly what you said, mentioning nothing about devil's advocate. And read the thread beginning--who said lose for draft picks to begin with?

[mountainpantherfan]

The worst the Panthers can pick is 12th not 13th. At least based on my math skills.

[Urrymonster]

Surely we cheer for the Panthers to win along with Kansas, Buffalo and Arizona?

I would love to see us finish the season strong and with us picking in that kind of region, I trust Hurney to make a good decision. Pretty darn good record in the early double digits.

On a side note, interesting to see the SoS. A lot of teams around us have had a much harder schedule, so beyond this season I am not going to assume we fly out the gates and trust in the long term plan for the franchise.