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12-4 this year and we're a winning franchise

Fiz

By Fiz,
in Carolina Panthers

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joemac Grand Master

joemac

Posted
Posted

God. I am so tired of reading about the schedule in posts from Gman was right.....its actually making me sick. Its like hes a broken record.....all that his fingers can type is "cupcake schedule." Gimme a fuging break!

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The NFL Shield At Midfield Grand Master

The NFL Shield At Midfield

Posted
Posted

That we lost thousands of posts on this exact topic when the server got rooted has been the biggest boon to the trolls on this site. I want to build a time machine so I can go back to June 2008 and tell everyone about how the next offseason would be spent talking about what "cupcakes" the Chargers, Packers, and Bears were/are.

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X-Clown Mentor

X-Clown

Posted
Posted

Oh just shut up and quit being an ignorant tool. Last year everyone thought we'd suck because there was no way we could deal with the Chargers, Packers, Saints, Bears, etc because the strength of schedule heading into last year wasn't favorable. And on top of that we supposedly at this point last year had no offensive line, didn't know if Jake could even play, had no defense, didn't know of JP could bounce back, had no running game, and we were unsure if we even had a capable receiver on the team other than Steve Smith despite the return of Moose. Only a minute portion of the people on this board actually picked us to go 12-4, most expected 7-9, 8-8, or 9-7. What does all this mean? It means trying to predict how we will do in 3.5 months is entirely meaningless. Quit trying to be the counter-fan and for once actually cheer for this team, people like you make me sick.

Oh yeah and heading into the Packers game last year many people, Panthers fan or not, doubted we'd even make the playoffs let alone finish 12-4. So again, please keep your mouth shut.

Let's not forget the outcry of Fox being a moron for suspending Steve Smith for the first two games of the season against the Chargers and Bears. All the pundits around here were sure that we were going to start 0-2 and it would end up costing him his job. Wouldn't be surprised at all if Gman rode to shore in that boat...

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Fireball77 Newbie

Fireball77

Posted
Posted

Even the win over the patriots wasnt really impressive because it was only matt Cassells first start. They feasted on average and cup cake teams just like the panthers did last year.

Uhhh... #1 the Fins game was not Cassel's first start. #2, the Pats lost that game because of their DEFENSE. They have a tough time with the Fins any year and usually lose one game/year to them anyway.

The Panthers were 4-4 vs quality teams last year. Not superior but not bad.

To discount the SD win because they were 8-8 is crazy talk. That team won a playoff game last year against the Colts.

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rayzor Grand Master

rayzor

Posted
Posted

Boy you're really in denial arent you? No one thought we were going to suck last year because we had the 23rd hardest schedule going into the year. It would have been impossible not to win at least 10 games with the cup cakes we had to play. So quit making stuff up and hiding behind your embarrassment. We took advantage of a cup cake schedule and that is a fact! No cup cakes this year buddy! And we were 9-3 going into the packers game. Dont tell me no one thought we wouldnt make the playoffs. Thats a lie and you know it! You are just living in denial!
from NFL.com last year

Vic Carucci: It's pretty simple: If Jake Delhomme is fully recovered from the elbow injury that shortened his 2007 season, the Panthers contend; if not, they don't. Prediction: 9-7

Thomas George: Panthers remain a force on occasion but not consistently. Prediction: 8-8

Pat Kirwan: Jake Delhomme looked sharp this summer and should return to where he left off last season when he threw 8 touchdowns to 1 interception before getting hurt. The Panthers could make the playoffs, but New Orleans and Tampa won't make it easy. Prediction: 9-7

Gil Brandt: Think they missed Jake Delhomme last year? Delhomme had 8 TDs in two-and-a-half games; the backups had 11 TDs the rest of the season. Still, the key in 2008 will be whether or not DE Julius Peppers can return to form. Prediction: 8-8

not exactly brimming with confidence. two 8-8s and two 9-7s.

from ESPN:

Jeffri Chadiha

ESPN.com

DIVISION FINISH: 1 The key to their success is the health of quarterback Jake Delhomme. He has missed 16 of the Panthers' past 20 games, and Carolina has fallen far short of high expectations as a result.

John Clayton

ESPN.com DIVISION FINISH: 2 The return of Jake Delhomme makes the Panthers one of the surprise teams in the league. He can put up 25 points a game for a team that has one of the easier schedules. Unfortunately, Steve Smith's two-game suspension might mean the Panthers start 1-1 or 0-2.

Tim Graham

ESPN.com

DIVISION FINISH: 3 Steve Smith is the Panthers' best player, and he's ripping the team apart from the inside-out. The vaunted John Fox two-back system will need to be even more productive.

Jeremy Green

Scouts Inc.

DIVISION FINISH: 2 The Panthers learned the hard way last season that a backup QB is invaluable. Veteran QB Jake Delhomme's elbow is healthy, and he is showing good pop. Unfortunately, coach John Fox is on the hot seat, and that means the Panthers must be a playoff team in 2008.

Paul Kuharsky

ESPN.com

DIVISION FINISH: 3 Maybe I underestimate Jake Delhomme and overestimate the effect of Steve Smith's season-opening two-game suspension. But the bigger issue is the defensive line, which has been a strength on John Fox's best teams and won't be on this one.

Matt Mosley

ESPN.com

DIVISION FINISH: 3 Steve Smith already has set the tone for the season -- and it's not a good one. Losing your best player for the first two games is not the quickest route to the playoffs.

Mike Sando

ESPN.com

DIVISION FINISH: 3 The Panthers have been known to disappoint. They've posted two winning seasons since 1997. The burden of proof is on them.

Kevin Seifert

ESPN.com

DIVISION FINISH: 3 The Panthers are taking a risk with Jake Delhomme's elbow. What do they do if he can't cut it for the whole season?

James Walker

ESPN.com

DIVISION FINISH: 3 The Panthers have too many questions marks: a quarterback (Jake Delhomme) coming off major surgery, a star receiver (Steve Smith) who is suspended and a defensive stud (Julius Peppers) who has lost his mojo. Did I mention this team also has chemistry issues?

Seth Wickersham

ESPN The Magazine

DIVISION FINISH: 2 Nothing's improving in Carolina until its sack total (23 in 2007) does. Julius Peppers' reputation has been denigrated enough that he'll be motivated enough to help the Panthers back into playoff contention.

Bill Williamson

ESPN.com

DIVISION FINISH: 3 If Jake Delhomme is healthy, the Panthers should be competitive. They had better be or John Fox, one of the better coaches in the league, could see his time expire in Carolina.

Matt Williamson

Scouts Inc.

DIVISION FINISH: 3 There are a lot of shootouts in the Panthers' near future. This offense (with a healthy Jake Delhomme) will score plenty of points. But the defensive line -- outside of Julius Peppers -- is very weak.

Pat Yasinskas

ESPN.com

DIVISION FINISH: 2 If Jake Delhomme's arm stays healthy and defensive end Julius Peppers shows up, the Panthers could challenge for the division title. If not, coach John Fox will be in trouble.

CONSENSUS DIVISION FINISH: 3

try something else...google 'carolina panthers 2008 season preview' to find out what things people were looking at and writing about the season. tell me what the balance is between favorable (9-7 or better or top 2 in the NFCS) and not (8-8 or worse or bottom 2 in NFCS). i promise you that there won't be any solid majority of non-fan comments weighing in the panthers favor.

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rayzor Grand Master

rayzor

Posted
Posted

just for comparisons sake take a look at what they were saying about the chargers going into last season:

from NFL.com

2008 forecast

Vic Carucci: Riding the momentum of last year's appearance in the AFC Championship Game, the Chargers are poised to take the next step. Philip Rivers has come back stronger and sharper from a torn ACL. Other physical issues (such as linebacker Shawne Merriman's knee trouble) shouldn't be a problem, but also can't be ignored. Prediction: 11-5.

Thomas George: This team has it all. None is more talented except Dallas and that is not by a wide margin. Prediction: 13-3

Pat Kirwan: The Chargers have a deep roster, playmakers on both sides of the ball, and could once again go deep into the playoffs. Prediction: 10-6

Gil Brandt: Every starter returns from a team that finished very strong last year and should get better in Norv Turner's second season. The key is keeping LaDainian Tomlinson and center Nick Hardwick healthy. Prediction: 12-4

and from ESPN

Jeffri Chadiha

ESPN.com

DIVISION FINISH: 1 They might have reached the Super Bowl if injuries hadn't caught up with their stars (quarterback Philip Rivers, running back LaDainian Tomlinson and tight end Antonio Gates) in the AFC Championship Game. If they avoid those health woes, they're the team to beat.

John Clayton

ESPN.com DIVISION FINISH: 1 The Chargers have the second-easiest schedule in the league and one of the most talented teams in the league. That could translate into a 13- or 14-win season and homefield edge in the playoffs.

Tim Graham

ESPN.com

DIVISION FINISH: 1 As long as LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates are on the field, the Chargers are dominant in the division. But the Chargers won't get unlimited chances to reach the Super Bowl.

Jeremy Green

Scouts Inc.

DIVISION FINISH: 1 On paper, I think the Chargers are the best in the NFL. They are loaded on both sides of the ball and have great depth. However, for them to take the next step, QB Philip Rivers has to become more consistent, TE Antonio Gates must get healthy and Chris Chambers must become a No. 1 WR.

Paul Kuharsky

ESPN.com

DIVISION FINISH: 1 They won't miss Michael Turner much. As sure to win this division as New England is to win the East. It's time to jump all the way through their window.

Matt Mosley

ESPN.com

DIVISION FINISH: 1 If everyone can stay healthy, the Chargers should challenge for the AFC title again. Norv Turner got off to a rocky start, but now players are buying into his offensive philosophy. He needs to keep LT fresh so he doesn't wear down in the playoffs.

Mike Sando

ESPN.com

DIVISION FINISH: 1 Beating the Colts in Indianapolis last season was huge. The Chargers probably would have won in New England had Philip Rivers, LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates been healthy.

Kevin Seifert

ESPN.com

DIVISION FINISH: 1 Provided Philip Rivers recovers fully from knee surgery, the Chargers are on the short list for the AFC championship. One question: Can their defense stop the Patriots and/or Jaguars?

James Walker

ESPN.com

DIVISION FINISH: 1 Barring major injuries, the Chargers should cruise in this division. The "Super Chargers" are super deep and primed to be a Super Bowl contender.

Seth Wickersham

ESPN The Magazine

DIVISION FINISH: 1 All that's left is beating the Patriots and reaching the Super Bowl. Having picked off Tom Brady six times in two playoff losses, the Chargers have to like their chances.

Bill Williamson

ESPN.com

DIVISION FINISH: 1 There is no team in the NFL that is this far superior to the other three teams in its division as San Diego is. The Chargers could win this division by five or six games. It would be a complete shocker if they don't win the division.

Matt Williamson

Scouts Inc.

DIVISION FINISH: 1 Catastrophe would have to strike to keep the Chargers from winning the West. Even with injury concerns to major players entering the season, San Diego should have little problem getting double-digit wins. Expect the Chargers to end up with a first-round bye.

Pat Yasinskas

ESPN.com

DIVISION FINISH: 1 This team is loaded, and this could be the year the Chargers get by the Colts and Patriots. LaDainian Tomlinson has to stay on the field every game (regular season and postseason) for that to happen.

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rayzor Grand Master

rayzor

Posted
Posted

how about the saints?

NFL.com

Vic Carucci: The Saints' defense should be better and their offense got a big lift with the addition of game-breaking tight end Jeremy Shockey. If Deuce McAllister can regain the form he displayed from 2002-04, they should be a force. Prediction: 10-6

Thomas George: NFC Championship Game two seasons ago, a flop last season. The Saints return to winning form with a rejuvenated defense complementing a big-play offense. Prediction: 11-5

Pat Kirwan: The fourth-ranked offense in 2007 gets better with Jeremy Shockey, a healthy Deuce McAllister and an improving Robert Meacham. The defense will be better up front. Prediction: 10-6

Gil Brandt: The Saints were doomed by an 0-4 start last year but looked strong in the second half. Key additions on defense and the return of a healthy Deuce McAllister should allow the Saints to pick up where they left off at the end of 2007. Prediction: 10-6

and espn

Jeffri Chadiha

ESPN.com

DIVISION FINISH: 2 They have an explosive offense, but they need running back Deuce McAllister to bounce back from his second ACL operation in three years. If he can't, that running game has a major void.

John Clayton

ESPN.com DIVISION FINISH: 1 Drew Brees has good blocking, an improving group of wide receivers, a one-two punch at running back and one of the game's best tight ends as toys in Sean Payton's offensive playground.

Tim Graham

ESPN.com

DIVISION FINISH: 1 With names like Manning, Brady and Romo getting the attention, Drew Brees gets overlooked. Signing Jonathan Vilma sustains the D.

Jeremy Green

Scouts Inc.

DIVISION FINISH: 1 After their injury-riddled 2007 season, I like the Saints to bounce back in a big way. Offensively, they will be explosive again, but it's the defense -- bolstered by the additions of rookie DT Sedrick Ellis and OLB Jonathan Vilma -- that has the Saints in Super Bowl contention.

Paul Kuharsky

ESPN.com

DIVISION FINISH: 1 A huge rebound season. Drew Brees is as valuable as anyone in the NFC. They'll score a bunch, and free agent Jonathan Vilma and first-rounder Sedrick Ellis solidify the defensive middle.

Matt Mosley

ESPN.com

DIVISION FINISH: 1 Another sexy choice after the disappointing start in 2007. Everyone says Reggie Bush is a new man (physically), but he's still not the type of player who needs 20 carries. Will Deuce McAllister return to form after a serious knee injury? I have my doubts.

Mike Sando

ESPN.com

DIVISION FINISH: 1 The Saints have the potential to field one of the two or three most explosive offenses in the league. The defense improved on paper, but can Jonathan Vilma hold up for a full season?

Kevin Seifert

ESPN.com

DIVISION FINISH: 1 The addition of Jeremy Shockey should make this a dynamic offense once again. Put it together with an improved defense, and now you're talking.

James

Walker

ESPN.com

DIVISION FINISH: 1 The Saints are flying under the radar after a disappointing 7-9 season in 2007, but a lot of talent remains. Expect New Orleans to get closer to its 2006 form, especially with the upgrades made to the defense.

Seth Wickersham

ESPN The Magazine

DIVISION FINISH: 1 With new D-line coach Ed Orgeron and LB Jonathan Vilma helping out the defense and a healthy Robert Meachem teaming with Marques Colston, the Saints just need Reggie Bush and Jeremy Shockey to step up. They will.

Bill Williamson

ESPN.com

DIVISION FINISH: 1 If the Saints can show consistency this year, they should be a clear favorite in the division. New Orleans has some firepower on offense and is well-coached. If the defense can show progress, this is a legitimate playoff team.

Matt Williamson

Scouts Inc.

DIVISION FINISH: 1 Don't be surprised if the Saints are the best in the NFC. They are a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Adding a disruptive defensive tackle in the middle of an ailing defense can make a lot of problems go away. The defense will be night and day from last year's, and Drew Brees might make a case for league MVP.

Pat Yasinskas

ESPN.com

DIVISION FINISH: 1 A good offense got only better with the addition of Jeremy Shockey. If the defense is decent, this team could go a long way.

CONSENSUS DIVISION FINISH: 1

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