Ron Rivera Comes To Defense Of Tackles

[iampantherman]

I mostly agree with what the coach said. We will have to give our DT's time, and having Edwards back could be big.

But I do have to point out that our last 6 games included two against a struggling tampa team, one against the worst team in the league (Indy) a team that was without its starting qb and threw a rookie against us (Texans), and two teams that put up 30 plus on us (Atlanta and the Aints). In the Texans game, Foster abused us, but fortunately Yates screwed it up for them. In the Saints** game, Ivory abused us. Not sure if our tackle play really improved overall, or the competition just got weaker. IMO, its probably some combination thereof.

I was thinking the same thing. When we consider the competition, it doesn't look quite as impressive. However I do believe in RR's defensive acumen. He's proven his mettle before and I think we'll be better this year.

[R0CKnR0LLA]

time to check the prescription on those glasses ronny

[MadHatter]

RR just bitch slapped half this board.

Lol

Yep....right square on the mouth.

[Actionman0z]

I've said that we would not draft a DT, and that was why.

[Hairless Cat]

I mostly agree with what the coach said. We will have to give our DT's time, and having Edwards back could be big.

But I do have to point out that our last 6 games included two against a struggling tampa team, one against the worst team in the league (Indy) a team that was without its starting qb and threw a rookie against us (Texans), and two teams that put up 30 plus on us (Atlanta and the Aints). In the Texans game, Foster abused us, but fortunately Yates screwed it up for them. In the Saints** game, Ivory abused us. Not sure if our tackle play really improved overall, or the competition just got weaker. IMO, its probably some combination thereof.

I think Rivera realizes who we played the last 6 games.

smokescreen

[megadeth078]

time to check the prescription on those glasses ronny

"I study Panther's defense on youtube".

[Kuech the Sneak]

Ron Rivera was the one who saw the potential in Garay all those years..turned out to be pretty good

[PFFC]

[Ivan The Awesome]

This needs to be sticked...

In Rivera I trust.

[markbm62]

If I was a player and he was looking at me like he is in that pic, I would just say " yes sir" and start busting my butt to do what he said and how he said to do it. I think this is going to be a very good year my friends :D

[raleigh-panther]

I mostly agree with what the coach said. We will have to give our DT's time, and having Edwards back could be big.

But I do have to point out that our last 6 games included two against a struggling tampa team, one against the worst team in the league (Indy) a team that was without its starting qb and threw a rookie against us (Texans), and two teams that put up 30 plus on us (Atlanta and the Aints). In the Texans game, Foster abused us, but fortunately Yates screwed it up for them. In the Saints** game, Ivory abused us. Not sure if our tackle play really improved overall, or the competition just got weaker. IMO, its probably some combination thereof.

Couldn't agree with you or this post more.

I'm sorry. I need to see improvement before I drink the Rivera Kool-Aid.

The fact that it took his 3rd round draft picks to go out hurt before a change was made is just maddening.

Best players, play. Not fair to the other players otherwise.

Regardless, no excuses this year:

1. not his 'first' year anymore

2. not Fua / Mcclain's first year anymore

3. full season

4. starters back.

Now, win games.

[Marguide]

The fact that it took his 3rd round draft picks to go out hurt before a change was made is just maddening.

Best players, play. Not fair to the other players otherwise.

I agree that it was bull headed to keep those guys in when they weren't performing. It was even more idiotic, imo, to go into last season with just 3 DT's on the roster. And no, it's not just b!tching in hindsight, as I was complaining about it at the time. Along the same lines, it was an error imo to keep playing Naanee, or at least it was a mistake to throw to him so much, when LaFell performed better.

However, I do trust Rivera in general, so I'm sure in his mind he had good reasons to do what he did. But those of you who said "no more excuses" are correct. This is a win now league and the D has to show significant improvement this year.

[ed bell]

I already respected Rivera as an HC, now I think he's poised to gain the respect of the entire League. This guy is tough as nails and I'm really looking forward to seeing this Defense become his own. It's going to work and it's comical for anyone to second guess his personnel decisions at this point. I'd say we'll have a pretty good idea of his abilities at crafting a defensive unit by the time this season is half over. I can't see him letting it be anything like last year, not even close, and the bichin' about the DT position will be a distant memory. Not because it's going to be an all-pro position for this team, they will simply get the job done and allow the other position players to shine...bank on that.

[panthers55]

Do people think Rivera knows defense or not?? Do you think he knows defensive talent or not?? For those still not believing him, tell me one credible reason why if he thought our DTs couldn't do the job why would he not draft 1 or 2 of them?? He had the opportunity and surely could have drafted Cox for example. Why didn't he?? Is he stupid, a poor judge of talent, or what. If he believes that the DTs did a good job at the end of the year instead of trying to find fault with his statements why not consider that he knows something you don't. I know a novel idea..... A professional coach might know more than an armchair quarterback armed with a few colds one and you tube at the ready..........

Nah......... Couldn't be that...............