Props to Rivera

[Montsta]

I remember Rivera saying they wanted to attack on D last year but when Beason went down it kind of killed that. Maybe now that they've got Keek and TD back on the field looking like studs they actually have the personnel to carry out the D he originally wanted?

[Ivan The Awesome]

It was a good challenge on that catch that was over turned. It was a crucial challenge too. I was proud of Rivera for throwing that flag and also for letting Medlock try that 50 yarder. He trusted his D to keep the Skins out of the end zone and gave Medlock the go ahead. Even though he didn't make the kick, I was glad to see that they were confident enough to let Medlock try.

[Gabeking]

watch when they lose the next two games by 1 point each

[RelaxImaPro]

Well Rivera didn't look like a statue out there today and he called a good game. Maybe there's a connection there?

Props to him for the awesome fist pump he did at one point in the game.

[AceBoogie]

Their playing better because their playing for their jobs. The GM was fired you know what that means? The man that drafted you is gone. The man that gave you that huge contract is gone. They know their being evaluated so of course they aren't quiting or giving up.

[Marguide]

It took me a while to reach the conclusion that Rivera wasn't ready, so it's going to take me a while to conclude that he has developed enough to keep around. However, nothing would make me happier than for him to succeed. It would be the best thing for all concerned, especially considering how well our D has been playing.

The thing I'm least comfortable with is his lack of knowledge about offense, leading to him giving Chud too much latitude. And Chud is the guy I have the least confidence in. He may have modified the O because the heat was on, but I question if he'll fall back into his bad habits once the team has a bit of success.

The best thing that could happen? We go on a nice run to finish the year with some confidence, Rivera gets another year by the new GM, and someone hires Chud away to be their HC.

[TonyN]

It took me a while to reach the conclusion that Rivera wasn't ready, so it's going to take me a while to conclude that he has developed enough to keep around. However, nothing would make me happier than for him to succeed. It would be the best thing for all concerned, especially considering how well our D has been playing.

The thing I'm least comfortable with is his lack of knowledge about offense, leading to him giving Chud too much latitude. And Chud is the guy I have the least confidence in. He may have modified the O because the heat was on, but I question if he'll fall back into his bad habits once the team has a bit of success.

The best thing that could happen? We go on a nice run to finish the year with some confidence, Rivera gets another year by the new GM, and someone hires Chud away to be their HC.

Well the last thing will never happen...lol...but I understand what you mean...

[NanuqoftheNorth]

Based on the team's performance in Chicago, I liked their chances against the Redskins. Loved the win Sunday, but the offense was anything but dominant.

Denver will be a better test of what the rest of the season holds for the Panthers.

This team has hung with some of the better teams in the league for about 3 quarters and some change. Unfortunately, when crunch time arrives, they have wilted like a bunch of violets under a hot summer sun due to a series of mental lapses on the part of players and coaches.

The Broncos will be a good test of how mentally strong this team has grown in the last few weeks.

I am sure they will be physically prepared to win, but will they be psychologically prepared?.

[TonyN]

Based on the team's performance in Chicago, I liked their chances against the Redskins. Loved the win, but the offense was anything but dominant today.

Denver will be a better test of what the rest of the season holds for the Panthers.

This team has hung with some of the better teams in the league for about 3 quarters and some change. Unfortunately, when crunch time arrives, they have wilted like a bunch of violets under a hot summer sun due to a series of mental errors on the part of players and coaches.

Next week will be a test of how mentally strong this team has grown in the last few weeks.

I know they are physically capable of winning are they mentally capable?.

Nice post.

The Offense still has major problems.

They made one of the worst defenses in the league look pretty good today...

But they didn't give the ball away and that means a lot...

I think they have to play pretty much mistake free next week AND stay on the field longer...

It is going to be a tall order...

[CPF4LIFE]

Hell no, they should have been doing this from the very beginning of the season it shouldnt have took the GM getting fired and other turmoil for this to happen. Getting in sync early has been a big problem for this team the last couple of years and Rivera hasnt done anything yet to change that he pretty much shoved it down our throats that they were ready at the start of the season. And we still only have 2 wins out of 8 games. If JR brings Rivera back next year i wont be to upset but if he decides to cut ties than im good with that. At this point i would rather just wait till the end of the season to give him any props for improvement.

[NanuqoftheNorth]

Nice post.

The Offense still has major problems.

They made one of the worst defenses in the league look pretty good today...

But they didn't give the ball away and that means a lot...

I think they have to play pretty much mistake free next week AND stay on the field longer...

It is going to be a tall order...

Next week is the best last chance to make something out of this season.

I still have a flicker of hope that can be rekindled with a win against Denver.

[Match.com]

Blah! Fuc Rivera

[Matthias]

Rivera is perfect in coach challenges!

Yet I don't know if I want to continue with him as coach, because I don't trust him with our offense. He should have gotten a real fullback, to help with the running game. I realize he is not John Fox and play Foxball, but man we got some real talent at running back. Cam is throwing way too much, and his footwork is not solid from the lack of pro-style snaps. That is why his passes are a little off at times. Smitty could have had a 100 yards receiving if Cam's footwork was solid.

I wouldn't mind Rivera stay, if he gets rid of Chud and bring in a cat that runs a pro style offense. That has balance between running and passing.

[Icege]

I want a few more wins before I give Rivera the benefit of the doubt again, and not just wins. I want to see improvement as well.