Expectations for next year?

[FirstRoundPick]

I've been a glass empty guy/Debbie Downer since 2010, or a realist as I look at it. When it comes to Panthers sucess, it turns out I have been very realistic. I see a Ted Ginn signing and I don't a number 2 receiver but a kick/punt returner. That is still good but when I tell someone he isn't a number 2, I'm hating.

[ladypanther]

I understand this thread may be a little premature, but just wanted an opinion, or feedback on everyones predictions for this season. I am going to miss the majority of the season as I will be heading to Afghanistan again in June. I realize that I am new here, but figured I would create a profile to keep me busy in my down time. Any comments are greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your incredible service. Will look forward to hearing from you while in Afghanistan.

At this point, I have to say what I have is hope rather than expectations. I realize some are afraid to hope, but for me that is no fun as a fan.

I was not in favor of Rivera returning. Since he did, I am hoping he surprises us all. I hope he learns from his mistakes. Not sure he had any guidance with Hurney. Gettleman said his job was to make everyone better. Got to think he has reviewed lots of film with Ron. If RR is open to learning and making adjustments, he will be a better coach this year.

Shula. Lots of people down on him. Why not believe he has learned a lot since his last OC job? (Likely given to him prematurely because of his last name) I am sure the read option will not be the base offense, and we all know how the Panthers improved when that strategy was dropped last year. I believe he will make better use of the RB's.

Cam will be better.

Gettleman has made some solid moves in FA. Best possible outcome giving the cap situation. And I like the fact he is not sacrificing next year for this one.

The draft is of course very important. I agree with whoever said we need to get 3 starters out of this draft. I would not bet against the Grinder getting this done.

Bottom line, I see no reason not to hope for improvement. My hope is for the playoffs. I also hope we surprise a few people. I hope Rivera surprises us all.

[tiger7_88]

Well, first I want to see how the draft goes.

But if I *did* have to guess right now, I'd guess 9-7.

[TheRed]

Well it's still March unfortunately. This should be a thread for the end of April when we at the absolute very least know our schedule and draft picks.

I witnessed the hilarity of certain characters here declaring Cam Newton a bust during the 2011 preseason only to disappear the entire regular season. So needless to say, I don't take much of the huddles knee jerk predictions too seriously.

[CarolinaCoolin]

10-6 get bounced wildcard weekend

[ncguy2184]

6-8 wins.

[Chief_Chokeaho]

I honestly feel like if we can just close out the close games (essentially every game) we have a realistic shot at making the playoffs. 9-7 can get you there in today's league. If we do get there, and the team is streaking as they usually do towards the end of the season then we could possibly "upset" a team or two. Of course all of this depends on different variables like the draft, and the remainder of free agency.

Thanks for your comments.

[Chief_Chokeaho]

I'm not expecting a break out season by any means. I will be dissapointed however due to the fact that it's been a while since we've had a relevant season, and I feel the potential is there. At least we aren't Browns fans.

[rayzor]

It doesn't matter what we think. Last season it was 13-3 and we got 7-9

This season our expectations are piss poor it seems but now watch us go 11-5 or something

unless rivera has learned to quit being a moron and giving other teams the ball and inviting them to score under some misguided and antiquated notion that proper game management in close games is trusting your defense to "protect" your lead, we're gonna end up giving close games away just like every other year.

the only hope we have is getting a big enough lead that his game management doesn't end up handing the game away. with shula as OC and if he brings back a more traditional ground and pound offense like many think, then you can say good bye to big leads amd any real hope of a winning season.

[rayzor]

I'm not expecting a break out season by any means. I will be dissapointed however due to the fact that it's been a while since we've had a relevant season, and I feel the potential is there. At least we aren't Browns fans.

the browns will finish with a better record than us. more has to do with inferior competition, but they took big strides forward. we didn't.

[Leeroy Jenkins PhD]

I expected you to say a 33.33% chance (repeating, of course) :unsure:

As for me, I expect improvement. Not ready to go beyond that this far out.

If 12 teams make the playoffs in a 32 team league, I think we have better than 1/3 shot

[Chief_Chokeaho]

the browns will finish with a better record than us. more has to do with inferior competition, but they took big strides forward. we didn't.

That's fine, and understandable. However the point I was referring to was their lack of making the playoffs in a very long time.

[FirstRoundPick]

08 was a long time ago to me.

[rayzor]

If 12 teams make the playoffs in a 32 team league, I think we have better than 1/3 shot

that's assuming all things/teams/coaching staffs are equal, which they aren't.

our chances would be better if we were in the afc...or had a better coaching staff and access to better FAs than we could currently afford.