Q&A with Jerry Richardson

[Woodie]

Those fines he received really seemed to take away much of his aggressiveness. I do think he is still struggling to learn this defense, but he seemed to be playing much more tentitively this year. Nevertheless, this is his make or break year...and I don't mean he gets another season, I mean this offseason and training camp.

[Dpantherman]

One thing I've always loved about JR is that hes 100% real. He doesn't hold back.

[bleys]

Those fines he received really seemed to take away much of his aggressiveness. I do think he is still struggling to learn this defense, but he seemed to be playing much more tentitively this year. Nevertheless, this is his make or break year...and I don't mean he gets another season, I mean this offseason and training camp.

that doesn't explain his coverage skills... and also, you see players get fined over and over again because you can't force FOOTBALL out of them, so Martin is going to turn Deon Sanders? sounds like a bigger issue than just being worried about fines.. and regardless, if he makes tackles, he gets paid..

now I know everyone wants to ignore this, but the last 2 games (maybe 3) I have noticed some hard hits from Martin.. they only happened maybe 2 times a game, but allow me to digress..

[Woodie]

that doesn't explain his coverage skills... and also, you see players get fined over and over again because you can't force FOOTBALL out of them, so Martin is going to turn Deon Sanders? sounds like a bigger issue than just being worried about fines.. and regardless, if he makes tackles, he gets paid..

now I know everyone wants to ignore this, but the last 2 games (maybe 3) I have noticed some hard hits from Martin.. they only happened maybe 2 times a game, but allow me to digress..

No, it doesn't explain everything. But it is a piece of the puzzle as to why he seems to have regressed. Also, I wouldn't compare him to any other player either. Yes, other players handle fines and rebukes without their game being impacted, yet, I do think it has effected Martin. Unfortunately, that might be an indication of a lack of inner strength and mental toughness...which may be the most concerning aspect.

No matter the cause, Sherrod has to step up or he will be shipped out (at least from the starting lineup)...I think the gauntlet has clearly been thrown.

[CPF4LIFE]

The crazy thing about Martin is the Saints game wasnt the first time he gave up a big play at the end of the half for a TD like that. Remember the Jacksonville game when that wr caught that hail mary from Gabbert short of the end zone but he managed to run it in because Martin missed on the tackle. Smh, right now i just dont know how anybody can justify him starting next year, he has taken too many steps back in a short amount of time. He definitely needs to be re-evaluated tho.

[bleys]

watching that SoundFX, he got picked on all day.. gave up 3 TDs in the air, could have saved a 4th if he hadn't taken (what appears to be) a bad angle...

if we expect to be a playoff team, the coaching staff better expect him to grow by leaps and bounds or look for a better solution..

[MHS831]

So who are the "tough" players that would be on the board at 8/9?

Riley Reiff, OT

Maybe not Jonathan Martin

Dre Kirkpatrick.CB

Longshot: Kuechly LB

That word makes you think defense, doesn't it?

Do you guys really thing the Panthers have any idea yet? Is it like Richardson to get involved?

[MHS831]

The crazy thing about Martin is the Saints game wasnt the first time he gave up a big play at the end of the half for a TD like that. Remember the Jacksonville game when that wr caught that hail mary from Gabbert short of the end zone but he managed to run it in because Martin missed on the tackle. Smh, right now i just dont know how anybody can justify him starting next year, he has taken too many steps back in a short amount of time. He definitely needs to be re-evaluated tho.

I have been griping about Martin all year.

Poor tackling

Poor angles

Slow reaction time

Slow helping over top

Stupid (football sense)

Very Stoopid

[MHS831]

Panther draft:

1. Dre Kirkpatrick CB

2. Markelle Martin S

[chknwing]

uhh, Jake Delhomme was a free agent, and he took them to the superbowl.

[chef17]

We can build depth there but we need a starting safety. We just got hogan who showed alot of promise at the end of the season. Our higher draft picks would be better used on other needs than corner.

Just saying, how often does a safety have first round talent. How would you like to have an "ed reed" roaming the back field?

I really feel like Hogan will be starting next year, or at least have the opportunity to lose the job should we draft a CB high in the draft.. he has the edge over a rookie and from what little I've seen, it's been solid.. with more experience, I only expect him to improve on that..

Munnerlyn is a decent option at nickle.. Butler too..

I would think they have to try it before they release a decent draft pick... at least the start of TC..

Hogan played in the last two games in which we gave up 275 to Freeman and 400 to Brees. Hard for me to catch the games here so I don't know how Hogan did individually but I think it's too early to pencil Hogan in as a starter when the secondary as a whole did terrible.

[bleys]

Hogan played in the last two games in which we gave up 275 to Freeman and 400 to Brees. Hard for me to catch the games here so I don't know how Hogan did individually but I think it's too early to pencil Hogan in as a starter when the secondary as a whole did terrible.

Martin (responsible for 3 TDs) got abused all day, as well as our LBers... By that logic, Gamble isn't a good corner either. Hogan has played very well anytime I've seen him at #2..

I'm confident he'll be starting next year and will play well for us...

[Marguide]

Leaving the safety discussion for a moment...

Anyone else noticed that Richardson has talked more this year about putting an exciting offense on the field than he has about wins? I don't know that this is significant as I know that coaches are ultimately graded on W's, but it is a change for JR.

So as long as JR is around, expect a strong emphasis on offense.

[panthers55]

Leaving the safety discussion for a moment...

Anyone else noticed that Richardson has talked more this year about putting an exciting offense on the field than he has about wins? I don't know that this is significant as I know that coaches are ultimately graded on W's, but it is a change for JR.

So as long as JR is around, expect a strong emphasis on offense.

JR said it plain and simple, if you score 35 points and lose people feel better than scoring 7 points and losing. Obviously wins are most important but how much better did most people feel when we lost this year versus last year? He is obviously in the business of filling seats and selling tickets.

I am sure that he is going to do everything he can to fix the defense this season though. That is one of the reasons he hired Rivera to begin with.