Category: Sports

Panther Football

Take Leggette, as in bet on nose – OTA, Good Coaching, McMillan as Double Trouble, Lot Better in Year Two

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Take Leggette, as in bet on nose – OTA, Good Coaching, McMillan as Double Trouble, Lot Better in Year Two
Things will be less gloomy in Charlotte, with a brighter offensive-defensive energy, a newness reboot of franchise.

Celebrating start of personal 31st year in Charlotte, arrived 1995, same as Panthers, and similarity of high energy and ‘newness-reboot’ on team pride for 2025 is legit. By most estimates, Panthers have six solid, multi-skilled WRs, with a quantity of attention on Xavier Leggette, after four opportunities to show off his Dollar Bill gallop as TD celebration.

He’s honest and right about several non-catches costing team football games, and being the other side from 6’4″ Tetairoa McMillan, the Panthers #1 pick from Arizona, teams are going to have trouble doubling size and speed on both.

OC Idzik – ‘First time same position for me too’

When some NFL analysts have evaluated the Panthers upgrades in personnel as only worth a single victory more – 6.5 – than last season projection, believing the best receiving room talent accumulated since first Super Bowl is in direct line with best practices by football operations is easy. https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2016/2/7/10902996/carolina-panthers-2003-new-england-patriots-super-bowl-XXXVIII Add three tight end targets and a couple backs, Bryce Young’s options behind a well-tested offensive line will mean undeniably bigger numbers offensively. In documented production of every free agent and draftee in 2025, the WR array is beyond solid, on offense and defense.

https://www.si.com/nfl/panthers/low-ranked-nfc-south-ripe-for-panthers-picking-going-into-2025-nfl-season-01jwre9ydzx7

There’s no reason to doubt the Truth of Leggette’s POV, that doubling he and McMillan will be difficult. Any footage of the AZ All-American looks like a physical overmatch on size, especially when he high-points many receptions, and his yards after catch are substantial. As a 227-pound speed burner, Leggette is more basic than saying ex-Panthers favorite DJ Moore was ‘tough to get on the ground,’ whether he’s tough to catch, he’s statistically easier (less YAC) to get on turf than a speedy/studly guy should be.

Expectations for improved concentration and hand-catching vs. body is a definitive second year goal, and camp coaching plus Leggette’s attention to task, will be evident. Naysayers regarding XL’s Must Achieve production or risk being lost in WR group are dumb, that he’ll become a lesser option for targets because of Panthers wealth on that front, what ‘many less’ constitutes in an expanded playbook with better personnel, the fannies haven’t seen anything to base a bust tag on.

Offensive Coordinator Brad Idzik was solid on fact of 2025 as second time around in same system after a couple years of plug-play adjustments himself, before coming from Tampa Bay with Head Coach Dave Canales last year. Don’t expect Panthers will abandon an excellent offensive line operation with Chuba Hubbard at core of ball control to sling footballs around BOA Stadium.

Expectations for improved concentration and hand-catching vs. body is a definitive second year goal, camp coaching plus Leggette’s attention to task will be evident. Naysayers regarding Xavier Leggette’s Must Do production or be exiled to end of WR line are dumb. His becoming a lesser option for targets because of McMillan and Panthers wealth on that front, what ‘many less’ constitutes in an expanded playbook with better personnel, the fannies haven’t seen anything to base a bust tag on.

6/1/25 – GlennS. Just sayin,’ I saw Xavier doing a pre-Kentucky Derby interview, and whether he was coached on speaking slower or not, IMHO, no great effort was required to understand him. Now, Jerry from poker, when he gets excited, even though I know I asked him something, yikes! (If you pay attn, XL does fine in this 12 min. clip)

Panthers GM Dan Morgan made Leggette his first Big Boy decision, trading up with Buffalo to draft Leggette in first round, when *everyone* knew Panthers didn’t have a #1 pick going in. That’s not a pressure point, nor is McMillan. He understands and is practicing exactly what coaches emphasize, that becoming a better receiver entails instead of what sort of fantasy football numbers he generates.

In the bigger Carolina Panthers picture, the off-season improvement of Ejiro Evero’s defense got the lion’s share of emphasis with free agent signings, then Tet-Mc’s semi-surprising pick at #8, and the anticipation of the WR1 the NFL world knew they sorely needed probably AFTER they got another defensive asset, but Sports Illustrated and I are on same wave about XL’s higher productivity potential.

Could elevating his stats from 49/496 yds/4TD to 70/750/7 TDs ever be considered a negative? If both reached over 1,000 yds., would anyone doubt they’d be a playoff team? https://www.si.com/nfl/panthers/nfl-analyst-names-2nd-year-wr-panthers-top-summer-breakout-candidate-01jwrj1pfb51 His YAC wasn’t exceptional (112.3 yds. ranked #92) for his documented speed. Carolina Panthers fans will recall Curtis Samuel’s crazy speed (4.31 in 40) for several years, and going free agency after one full season of injury-free production. As noted, at 6’1″, 227 highly motivated pounds, so catching AND on the ground equation changes when he catches in stride.

Catch, then be Special. – HC Dave Canales, early comment about Leggette’s catching.

Panther Football

Panthers in Position with Better Personnel, Mini-Camp (three weeks), Home Opener v. ATL Week 3

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Panthers in Position with Better Personnel, Mini-Camp (three weeks), Home Opener v. ATL Week 3

Professional (and otherwise) opinions regarding 2025 version of Carolina Panthers cover the spectrum, with NFC South division rival Tampa Bay as a primary threat to a breakout year for Bryce Young, how complete a defensive resurgence for DC Ejiro Evero’s unit an elementary part of the equation. ‘Chilling’ will be tough on fans, nothing to watch about Panthers training camps for two years, no new indoor facility yet.

All the rooms Head Coach Dave Canales indicated he likes well populated – WR, RB, TE – are loaded on body count, and for a Quarterback Whisperer to have a full playbook to work with target-wise, the operational word is still a ground attack with Chuba Hubbard, Rico Dowdle, and plus Corbett and Christiansen, a respected again offensive line. BUT…if size matters, Tet-Mc and XL are *big* receivers.

Names & Nothing More

Three weeks until a three-day mandatory mini-camp (June 10-12), and no real visibility to what newbies on Panthers roster are possibly looking like compared to ESPN clips will probably be a long yawn. GM Dan Morgan has done research and other best practices to identify at least the ninety people now officially linked to Panthers.

The names of free agents and drafting additions will be parsed regularly until at least July, although there won’t many opportunities for seeing any actual feats, even if Panthers don’t have indoor practice facility.

DJ Moore in his first Spartanburg camp, coming down with a throw, immediately motoring to sidelines and faking-running into a defensive back to finish. ‘Tough to get on the ground’ was his rep – I saw that. The legend of ‘how hot’ Spartanburg was, Tet-Mc won’t need to know.

Can newbies #1 Tet-Mc as the All American stud receiver from AZ, and #6 Jimmy Horn, Jr., who was the Other receiver at Colorado, across from Heisman winner and #2 overall NFL pick Travis Hunter, become productive NFL pros? Are two Notre Dame tight ends in Charlotte better than one?

Objecting to fantasy stories of incredible trades the Panthers might attempt in a fever dream makes this a silly season. *Everyone* knows how high-tightly Morgan holds draft capital, nor are Panther football operations going to throw massive contracts at anyone. None include wooing Aaron Rodgers, which is the Steelers silliest story.

Lots of people may wonder why Clowney – and before him, Jeremy Chinn – can’t find a place on an Ejiro Evero team is kind of out there. Yes, Ohio St. safety Nathan Ransom (4th) is above average in coverage, but also the stud thumper they’ve lacked at back of defense. He and Moehrig should help change the ole! defense (180 ypg rushing) in run support as well.

S Demani Richardson made the roster in 2024 as an UDFA, had 26 solo tackles and an interception, and the Panthers secondary doesn’t need to consider divesting itself of any budding talent.

The names that will come up and pass away before mid-June camp and July reality are a shedding process, and off-season workouts in late May shouldn’t affect the ninety in short term. For what its worth, the run of injuries that sidelined multiple defensive assets as players, they may have an experience and recognition factor, mas o menos, with coaches if not fans. Goodbye to Shaq Thompson was adhering to past production as GM Morgan’s stay-go criteria.

They make a fuss about players like QB Brock Purdy (Mr. Irrelevant last in draft to 5 yr/$265MM) or Jalen Coker (WR, Carolina Panthers) beating THE ODDS because, factually speaking, the failures of X number of previous people to level up means doing More, now, with THIS opportunity, or become the statistic. You and I might get an attaboy! for Attitude.

An example of Panthers mishandling a Heisman Trophy QB wouldn’t be Cam Newton, whose size and speed in the RPO offense were the epitome of QB position with Russ Wilson, RGIII, Kapernick et al bumfuzzling defensive ends and blowing away secondaries. Chris Weinke would be Charlotte’s poster child for that. He holds the record for oldest player drafted at 28 years, 284 days, coming out of Florida State with the Heisman after years of minor league baseball.

On a 2001 team lacking very much firepower, he surpassed enough escalators to trigger rookie contract increases, then was shelved for two years behind Rodney Peete, who had no gas left in his tank. Weinke wasn’t given a second contract because $5M for an almost thirty-three year old backup hadn’t been invented back then.

There’s nothing like that in 2025 Carolina Panthers operations. Yes, they have their quarterback.

6.5 and Beyond

This is a minimalist POV by some measure, of Panthers making smallest level of on-field progress despite recent accumulations of markedly stronger talent as than last year. No defense then, LOTS of documented production defenders were signed. Roster turnover? Deserved and necessary, count on it.

While everyone in NFL felt Panthers had toooo many holes after 2023, their being tied for not first (5-12 with ATL and NO) record in NFC South suffered greatly from a brutal ‘no video’ decision of a Thielen TD-catch *I saw* from upper bowl other end of stadium. Being stiffed by lack of a replay became an overtime loss to Tampa Bay, when Chuba Hubbard’s fumble – practically the only negative in a superman effort season – turned the ball over when offense was driving.

If Xavier Leggette has thicker skin than most, terrific! because judging his first year a bust and now ‘just’ a sidekick to Tet-Mc is brutally stupid. Canales as QB Whisperer is more relevant to Leggette’s Year Two, surprises can become facts, coaching-reps count. GShork 5/20/25

Jonathan Brooks won’t be part of the critical mass of talent teams must gain to achieve more wins than losses, at least no contributions on the horizon. I’ve got a DeAngelo Williams jersey from when he and John Stewart tag team were very effective ball control factors for Panthers, so a 1000 yd. guy like Dowdle that Cowboys didn’t protect, yay! Oh, and thanks again to dah Boyz for 6’6″, 328 lb. roadblock Cam Jackson, that #4 for Mingo trade fits the nose guard need hugely.

Can Etienne possibly figure in? will make his and Blackshear’s names pop up regularly on media. Clowney not sticking for two years – I haven’t seen any ‘this is why’ opinions, only a $7.8M cap figure, hmmm. Shy Tuttle is continuing as a defensive piece, just not being forced to play inadequate nose guard is a net positive.

Jacksonville to open season away, Arizona, Week 3 home vs. ATL, New England there, Dolphins Week #5 is how early schedule lays out. This NFL season, #MrTeppers$ seventh year as owner, has been less miserable by many standards, and relying on his football operations people, Canales-Morgan-Tilis group, verdict about having nailed the personnel side better than expected in Panthers GM Morgan’s time is an NFL truth.

No Jalon Walker? Let it go.

Any eyeball assessment is there’s more *documented* quality bodies on hand now – by a lot – than after 2-15, and beyond the numeric negatives of last season’s 5-12. Saying the Carolina Panthers are in the same boat as ATL and NO, with Carr retiring on Saints and Cousins presence-contract still part of ATL’s $$ predicament, means things aren’t nearly as solid elsewhere as in Charlotte.

microeconomy, POV - Content Creation, Sports

Hockey goalies are inspirational, LL triple headers for a Blue, PWHL goes 5 OTs, Congrats!

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Hockey goalies are inspirational, LL triple headers for a Blue, PWHL goes 5 OTs, Congrats!

You couldn’t go wrong in describing Montreal Victorie-Ottawa Charge game as a 3-2, five OT rock fight, with real anticipation of more coming. Names and logos and toughness in Year Two is all any sponsors could’ve asked for. With all the acrobatics professional goalies perform, and Maple Leafs Joseph Woll got shelled (37 shots on goal) while surrendering a pair in 2-0 loss to defending NHL champ Florida Panthers, LeSharque’s (moi) #1 Hockey Memory is still being clipped back of elbow by slap shot *first time ever in goal* and thinking it was dislocated while kicking the equipment to side of rink.

Flashed on that when a side-squatting catcher allowed a wicked foul tip to score a direct hit, *just* above knee protection during a Little League triple-header Saturday. At 68, ducking high, wild pitches launched by ten-year olds happens often, and quality level of catchers rotating is a huge variable. Okay, maybe a macho content in my microeconomy still involves taking hits, even if I rubbed it a little. FYI – If you hear it hit, the Blue is usually okay, though umpire support is appreciated.

Calling a player out! immediately for diving head first into home plate was about Best Practices. Its a safety factor discussed before every minor league game. Whatever else is going on in world, the Great American Family Experience continues full speed ahead.

Calling a player out! immediately for diving head first into home plate was about Best Practices. Its discussed before every minor league game. Plays at the plate are why Blues get the Big $$$, right?

Told kid parked next to me post-game Wed. ANY pitcher had most of plate because he stood so far away, so Sat. he stepped right to line, looked at me, went 4-4, and hit every one hard. Yay me!

–5/10/25 Micro-sessions of work, like 6 vs. 8 hrs. for a Work Day seems fine. I rolled 10a-4p Saturday at $30/hr. Outside, sharing the Great American Family Experience – terrific! Foul tip in knee, less fun.

Pro Hoops-Hockey Extravaganza Weekend

Its not some voice saying it, its two voices, just saying same thing about a cold one waiting.

With plenty of snacks and the promised cold ones Saturday, and then a Sunday evening of similar inaction, the question of how much importance should be attached to such athletic events arose. The affirmation was being a sportwriter, and content analyst gig required the input, it wasn’t just surrendering attention all weekend to trump’s minions, which never seem to miss an opportunity to step wrong.

Uh huh, Johnson says you’ve got that Medicaid slash piece ready. But this is about sports, right?

Running back the most recent events, the Celts are still down 2-1 after opening a full can of whupass on Knicks at MSG, before settling for a 115-93 thumping. Having coughed up 20-pt. leads in two game with faulty 3-point shooting, Celtics 50% rate Saturday (20-40) looks like they’ve fixed things. NBA 6th Man of Year Payton Pritchard stroked 23 for Celts, who are favored -6.5 pts, -260 for Monday’s game, O/U 208.5

Out West, Anthony Edwards plunked down his reputation and best practices at clutch time, putting a 36-Pts/4-R/4 Asst line hurt on Curry-less Warriors, even with Playoff Jimmy (33-Pts/7-R/7Asst) Butler and Kuminga contributions (30-Pts/6-R/3Asst) in 102-97 loss. Indiana Pacers breezed, and Cleveland is looking very mortal without Donovan Mitchell (12 pts.), losing 129-109 and facing a 3-1 hole.

Honestly, the Nuggets-Thunder game was unwatchable, the lack of professional flow must’ve set NBA hoops fans back a decade. The 92-87 finale was appreciated more for finality than affirming victory. A similar unfortunate who cares slighting is the timing factor for Edmonton Oilers-Vegas Golden Knight series, stuck in a 10:00-plus start time zone that makes caring about the Knights 2-1 lead difficult.

For all the Caniacs in Raleigh, an SRO crowd roared throughout the game, as their team strutted Warning Flag black outfits and totally muffled the Capitals 4-0, goalie Frederik Andersen stopped a mere 21 shots. https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/car-vs-wsh/2025/05/10/2024030223 The 2-1 Florida Panthers throttled the Maple Leafs 2-0 to create another gut-check moment in the Leafs best season in quite a while. Its a similar same situation for the Winnipeg Jets, down 2-1 in series with Dallas Stars after 5-2 loss. The Jets took the NHL Presidents Cup in 2024-25 as the top regular season point-getting team (56 W-22L-4T), but last NHL team to win regular season points trophy and Stanley Cup was Chicago Blackhawks, 2012-13.

OMG! The PWHL goes into 5th OT

It took 135 minutes for the Montreal Victoire to shake the Ottawa Charge loose 3-2, tying their series at 1-1. In the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s second year of life, the teams have identities vs. just cities on their sweaters, a TV contract, Olympic pedigreed players, and a planned expansion (Seattle, Vancouver) product both America and Canada love.

Four of the six original (2024) teams became playoff teams this year, Montreal-Ottawa in one semi-final, the Minnesota Frost-Toronto Scepters in the other half of draw. Minnesota tied the series 1-1 with a 7-5 win Sunday. The other two original teams are Boston Fleet and NY Sirens.

https://www.thepwhl.com/en/stats/schedule/all-teams/6/all-months?league=1

I’m a fan from way back

My Little Part for Womens Sports, then Boom! (45 Years later) Pro Women’s Hockey League
Panther Football

Panther roster A+ improved, Fans happier – ‘Meh’ for projected 6.5 Ws, No LBs Drafted

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Panther roster A+ improved, Fans happier – ‘Meh’ for projected 6.5 Ws, No LBs Drafted

It seems unseemly to knock any part of what Panthers GM Dan Morgan has accomplished through free agency signings and draft (won’t be me, especially two stud pass rush defenders) by saying they missed on picking a linebacker in draft. If Pro Football Focus says he rocked Panthers football operations, there’s plenty of credibility in that source.

FYI- When you have a laundry list of holes for filling – nose guard, weak pass rush, safety – like Panthers, and after three days there is wild praise for efficient selecting, but *somebody* says, ‘Uncool, you missed picking a linebacker!’ its okay to take a couple sips of your lemonade or whatever, and just keep working The Plan.

5/1/25 GShork – Opinions on a team’s football operations are generally fine, calling out a draft because an NFL GM didn’t do what Fred on next stool (but with an online voice) thought was more important, no.

Clowney a trade piece, Leggette a ‘lesser’ #2, A’Shawn Robinson

Two players with small clouds overhead as result of Morgan’s recent efforts on building a better roster are DE Jadevon Clowney and last year’s #1 WR pick, Xavier Leggette. Why does Panthers *finally* getting a quality WR1 type (like fan favorite DJ Moore, lost in trade for #1 pick Young) mean Leggette is diminished or ‘only’ a sidekick? Panthers will need both to improve to competitive status.

If Tet-Mc’s 2025 stats are close to AZ numbers (84 catches, 1300+ yds., 8 TDs), yes, chances of Leggette being a 1000 yard receiver will go down. If both hit those standards, the Panthers are probably a playoff threat.

A’Shawn Robinson tied for top sack number (5.5) for Panthers, but was clearly worn down as a rusher by playing so many snaps on basic defense. Shy Tuttle didn’t cut it as a nose tackle, but as a defensive player, he’s still worth keeping. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3054857/ashawn-robinson

Its been brought up numerous ways, how better offensive time of possession changes the defensive equation positively, so Tet-Mc’s (Tetairoa McMillan) presence, including signing bonus (almost $17MM), base-salary guarantees, offseason workout per diem, performance incentives and roster bonuses, is a four-year deal worth $27,887,104.

With a rookie salary of $4,519,501, and NFL players getting 18 game checks, McMillan will earn about $251,083 per game.

If his third-down catch factor keeps Bryce Young’s offense on the field instead of defense getting ground into dust, that’s worth doing, so Morgan-Canales-Tilis did it. Adding a true WR1, which many KNEW was as necessary as defensive help in the trenches, was excellent.

Thats why so many are concerned with rookie contracts. What does a proven NFL receiver like DK Metcalf (Steelers) command? Four years, $132MM, $30MM signing bonus, $60MM guaranteed. Expensive? Do the math, but understand that if your team doesn’t pay ‘the going rate’ for talent that blossoms – and the Steelers have often lagged badly in that area – year after year of losing well-cultivated people because the $$$ is elsewhere, often equates to NFL losing.

Don’t sweat the D, appreciate the Good Next Steps

Rozeboom’s 135 tackles with the Rams last season sounds close to how many total tackles Panthers might have made while giving up 179.8 ypg – nobody should disparage a linebacking addition like that. Trevin Wallace only had 30 solo tackles as he worked his way into rotation, but with faith in Morgan’s eye for talent, put an asterisk next to his name as watchable. DJ Wonnum has several good years (8 sacks in ‘23, ’21) in Minnesota on his resume before coming to Charlotte, but only played in eight games for the Panthers. Josey Jewell had a solid track record as a coverage LB in Denver, and 3.5 sacks in 12 games here.

Never doubt Morgan is willing to haunt NFL waiver wires for linebackers or whatever else, like basic bodies to finish last season. The Panthers have a number of unknown names with OLB/LB designation who will have difficulty making the 2025 roster (Barno, Basham, Dyson, Incoom, Rhattigan, DJ Johnson, Windham), and International selection Mapalo Mwansa. Last season’s break out FA was WR Jalen Coker, who made original 53-man roster, was let go when Morgan pulled eight final cuts by other teams onto Panthers roster, then brought back from taxi squad to do solidly good things in creating hope late in season.

Clowney was labeled ‘a generational talent’ when drafted (Texans, 2014), but moving his contributions on to another team now because two stud DEs were drafted, why? When so many laud the Eagles for keeping extra pressure on opposing offenses with a strong ‘second’ defensive group, Clowney can hunt for sacks and TFL (tackle for loss) instead of being The One to try slowing whole running attacks down.

Defensive Coordinator Ejiro Evero reclaiming his professional shine quickly with this influx of new, well-documented personnel is a clear expectation, and projecting a one game uptick in wins isn’t how things are looking to fans.

Bringing it comes down to $$$ part, +400 is the line on Panthers to win NFC South, meaning WAY more sports bettors believe its a better team compared to +1500 to win in 2024. Tampa Bay is favored to win the division again at +115.

Panther Football, Sports

‘No excuses’ is NOT Attitude Evero’s defense will play with, Production Emphasis Draft Produces Two Edge Studs-Plus

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on ‘No excuses’ is NOT Attitude Evero’s defense will play with, Production Emphasis Draft Produces Two Edge Studs-Plus
A long time since being this good, defense rises in Charlotte
Classic Season One, 1995, Sam Mills v. Steve Young at Clemson.

Had the Panthers taken a dangerous step in keeping DC Ejiro Evero’s leadership of blown-up 2024 defense after losing LB corps from #4 rank year before?

In short, no. Given A-1 new pieces in exactly the most necessary places – edge rusher, nose, safety – doesn’t throw shade at anyone, pros like Clowney and Wooten understand accumulating better personnel is the nature of NFL business. Clowney feels like on a mission, same for Thielen (and his mini-me, #6 Horn, the other Colorado WR from Hunter).

HC Canales said on arrival that he liked full TE and RB rooms, call it accomplished. O-line and Chuba are a given, yes, Brooks is going to be a moot idea in 2025, Dowdle the leader in clubhouse for near future…Based on straight up Quality picks and deals made, with an A+ rating from Pro Football Focus, #MrTeppers$ might want to ease into some picture taking of ‘non-meddling billionaire owner, with GM Dan Morgan, April 26, 2025.’

YES! on Production

The most impressive numbers so far was free agent Rozeboom (‘FlowerPower’? nah) and his 135 tackles, and he didn’t start until mid-season. On a Panthers defense where ‘pressure’ wasn’t an often-enough accurate event, his projected run-stopping cred, and obvious plus-power of #2 Nic Scourton and #3 Princely Umanmielen https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/panthers/2025/04/25/nfl-draft-expert-grades-panthers-tetairoa-mcmillan/83267508007/ represents how WAY high on the organizations radar it was regarded. To say Morgan has the respect of the room for making that double-dip, a bullseye clear checklist of Successful Hole Filling tour-de-force, yep.

Coming right back with a bookend, certified productive, mobile-agile-hostile from other side or interchangeable power rusher – along with good news from FA spending, esp. Moehrig at safety https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/44194862/sources-trevon-moehrig-agrees-3-year-51m-deal-panthers was good. Getting Ohio St. safety Lathon Ransome was a bona fide cherry on top at #122, they don’t make ‘soft’ safeties at THE Ohio State University.

Jimmy Horn, Jr. (Colo.) in sixth round, one can’t blame Panthers for working productive offensive vein, this wasn’t a help-Bryce-Young-lots-more-or else draft like 2024 though. If Thielen passes legendary slot skills to Jimmy – a great expectation for Mr. T’s return as a glue guy who always gets open – is operating in his favor. Tough to get on the ground? Nope, *catching* him is toughest part. Return guy? Job’s available.

Not being an over-wiseguy to noteTrevor Etienne, Panthers draft (#114), was #4 pick for Mingo trade to Dallas (and ‘Boyz really needed a good RB). Any piece about Morgan getting fleeced is delusional. Not Pete Buttigieg handling a ‘gotcha!’ level question by a Fox host, I just doubt Morgan actually smiles when sliding into four pick shuffles. In on all the conversations? Yep, agree, accurate. Successful football operations guy? Aren’t you watching?

Canales and DC Evero are certainly happy about whats coming, all max effective for Panthers position needs on defense, and #1 on WR1 Tetairoa McMillan, an All-American with HUGE production at AZ.

Could someday be regarded as Mike Evans-like? The Bucs (and Brady’s) favorite target and future HOFer is worth emulating. HC Canales knows about Mike Evans, so does OC Brad Idzik, with Canales in Tampa Bay before Charlotte, and then Bryce Young, who pounded the table for McMillan. Everyone’s happy.

-GShork 4/27/25 Instant NFL credibility with huge target. Spare me if it affects Coker-Leggette’s fantasy value. Canales says couldn’t imagine sweeping top objectives, A+ rating. Next up – Expectations!

6.5 Wins and Beyond

Starting with a $20 bet on Panthers for NFC South (9-8) wouldn’t be the craziest place to begin thinking differently. Last year it was about +1500. Why isn’t anyone talking about Panthers O-line? Old saw is O-line gets talked about until its not a problem – and that Truth is a core confidence.

While cutting my sportswriter chops for ITS SPORTS! magazine in Tampa, the 1982-83 Tampa Bay Buccaneers went from worst to first in NFL, all the way to NFC title game. QB Doug Williams, Ricky Bell from USC at RB, a stout defense led by LeRoy Selmon and Huuuuugh! Green changed the whole Suckaneers idea. Is this season after 5-12 an NFL Belief moment for Charlotte fans?

Kinda, and whose not behind city-county part of $850 million upgrading of BOA stadium being green-lighted already? Just sayin’.

Give due credit for team improvements all around. Adding coachable depth pieces like 6’6″, 328 lbs. Cam Johnson (FL) at #140 to what became a toothless Panthers defense against the rush after star Derrick Brown went down for season in game one, is flat out smarter drafting for needs. This 2nd pick in 5th round came from the Brian Burns trade (NYGiants), and mid-picks are the meat of NFL GM picking. After, or because, the year Evero’s 3-4 defense had in 2024 was directly linked to personnel, keeping the DC and man-upping body counts/pressures was a great read, and Morgan delivered NFL-level newbies. Morgan already bought a FA nose tackle, check for getting another tough guy as stopper in trenches.

The first time McMillan goes fifty-plus long-striding yards on an NFL catch-run, or he and Leggette score in same game, Morgan becomes ‘That Guy Who.’ For me, ‘Trust Year 2 picks will be of a Quality’ is operationally on the money.

Mitchell Evans at #163 is another Notre Dame TE to fill HC Dave Canales running back/TE groups, with continued eye to a run-heavy attack. Tommy Tremble is a 3rd year guy in NFL from ND, and Panthers just put $$$ into his new contract, but Panthers aren’t keeping three TEs just cuz. They must be targets and run blockers to stick, its Canales Seahawks-Pete Carroll DNA. Ja’Tavion Sanders will get more targets, perhaps the legend of a Ninja Olsen production comes around. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4431588/jatavion-sanders

NFC South – Legitimate Expectations?

Truth be told, everyone has heard about QB and cap situations in ATL and N’awlins, right? On PAPER they don’t look like much, but its too early on this path for Panthers fans to disdain the competitiveness of anyone in the NFL.

Production based picking vs. faux ceilings or question marks was overarching hallmark of Carolina Panthers draft. If these picks indeed perform well enough to be part of NFL 53-man rosters or taxi-squad personnel after August, right now they’ve passed an elementary sniff test. Mentioning a highly-rated QB prospect that fell in dramatic fashion, those divisional foes didn’t help their situations anywhere near as well as the Carolina Panthers.

Hopes restored in a major way though, yeah. People have Ifs and Buts about ‘Before,’ and while its not Steve Rogers-to-muscled-up-Cap’n America transformation, Panthers today have more documented good players than in a while. NFL Attaboys! aside about ‘draft larceny’ are taken modestly; that four draft pick switcheroo deal doesn’t happen all the time though. How many open mouths watched Panthers #1 get used on a WR1, or dared say, ‘I knew that was coming’?

How many open mouths watched Panthers #1 get used on a WR1, or dared say, ‘I knew that was coming’?

Will the offensive line require any tinkering, like contract year extensions for the exceptionally steady Taylor Moton? Its okay to have questions about what’s Next for Panthers, or accept best practices filled every acknowledged hole on defense, at least addressed in FA spending and NFL draft is legit. Its not staking out 9-8 as ultimate goal, and defense getting essential personnel, its easy-legitimate to expect matters drop from being a quarter-mile worse than anyone in 2024 (179.8 ypg/game level) back to Normal.

Just reasonable Next, over .500 bet. Ten wins – who said dat?

Panther Football, Sports

Trusting Morgan Yr. 2 Starts Way Different with Elite WR1, McMillan

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Trusting Morgan Yr. 2 Starts Way Different with Elite WR1, McMillan

After a constant drumbeat of drafting defensive help as absolute necessity, super-productive AZ wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan as Panthers #1 pick was kind of astounding, and worthy of an ‘A’ no matter who you talk to. (Cowboys wanted at #12, too bad.) Morgan has a *bunch* more picks to continue improving DC Ejiro Evero’s defense in Year 3.

What’s not to like?

Morgan-Canales made it clear since free agency success that productivity at collegiate level and elsewhere would be given primary consideration, and Tet-Mc, legit? put up numbers at Arizona, https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/panthers/2025/04/25/nfl-draft-expert-grades-panthers-tetairoa-mcmillan/83267508007/ especially in 2024 – 84 rec. for 1,319 yds./8 TDs. Whatever you might hear about his running style, at 6’4″, 219, he is going to become a problem as the best of size-speed improvements Panthers have brought together in receivers room any time recently.

TE Sanders and https://www.panthers.com/team/players-roster/ja-tavion-sanders/ Leggette have size and https://www.nfl.com/players/xavier-legette/ are burners, Coker is no slouch. McMillan declined to do a 40 yd. timing at combine, but Sanders has very similar catch radius, ‘near elite speed’ and 10″ hands as McMillan.

50/50 balls on ‘up’ routes will be in the Canales-Young red zone reads. – GShork 4/25/25

Its not jinxing anyone about Ghost of Olsen (just wouldn’t it be nice…), nor Steve Smith liking any new Panthers WRs, Canales says he likes full RB and TE rooms, and McMillan is certifiably best wide receiver in Panthers group since, well, Spartanburg ’18, watching DJ Moore and McCaffrey. (I predicted 100+ for C-MC, wound up 104 catches and that incredible 1000-1000 season.)

Is this a Homer talking about a designated Number One? No, its going to be a prevailing thought, and its definite, an accomplished, WR1 person has arrived. Most expectations are Leggette rides his Dollar Bill regularly as he’s rewarded for practices, extra coaching. Its not comparison shopping results or pre-judging any Cali Connection, but Year Two results are supposed to increase – coaches and players are graded on it.

The $$$ Panthers put into supporting offensive line for Young and NFL run game identity, its been done with a definite plan. So has McMillan, and yes, the free agent signings featured enough well-regarded NFL defensive support at specific points to allow for a stud receiver selection in Round 1. The focus on Walker as smoke? Meh. Its a deep defensive draft.

GM Morgan has eight more picks, six on defense okay? I suggested ‘Trust’ the other day, today I’m Justifiably Impressed with #1, not just drinking the Koolaid. How many more good guys can Panthers accumulate for 2025? Stay on path of best practices, Dan!

Panther Football

Don’t waffle on trust for Panther GM Morgan, Walker or trade down, Year 2 picks will be of a Quality

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Don’t waffle on trust for Panther GM Morgan, Walker or trade down, Year 2 picks will be of a Quality

After a relatively less newsworthy gap in football for fans, loaded with crackpot trade ideas online, the 24th draws nigh for Reality of Carolina Panther football operations.

At least nobody is suggesting they need to find a franchise QB in a draft with only two, and defense getting max attention is already a fact.

Spartanburg is in the rear view mirror for Panthers, Draft Day figures to boost DC Ejiro Evero’s defense considerably.

Nobody wants to Fail at Draft Picks

For any singular ‘expert’ who is naysaying the possible selection of Jalon Walker as a ‘tweener vs. the stud linebacker-edge rusher from Georgia HC Dave Canales and Morgan have both praised, did that young man do everything he was asked the last two years or not?

Just sayin,’ he’s nothing akin to the Shy Tuttle situation, where being a large individual was NOT the answer to being a nose tackle who could stop Panthers defense from giving up an unholy amount of yardage in 2024 season. (FYI – Bobby Brown III very possibly is)

With a solid belief in Morgan’s ability to judge talent and bring it home, the Panthers GM isn’t picking for the Cleveland Browns, whose success in digging out of a massive cap hit hole relative to QB DeSean Watson includes 40-year old Joe Flacco in the mix and *brutal*/astronomical numbers in next couple years. If they select Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter at #2 on Thursday, more bets would be on losing TWO positional starters to a freak accident than fixing offensive-defensive-economic situations.

Shedeur Sanders  (4,134 yds. 37 TD/ 10 INT, 75.5 QBR) to Cleveland, or Giants? Didn’t his Dad say NO! to option of Brownies already? Whatever he supposedly lacks, Colorado went from a ONE-win team to 9-3 and playing in Valero Alamo Bowl in two years. Sanders was an underwhelming 16/23 for 208 yds, 2 TDs/2 INTs, 3 sacks in that 36-14 whipping by BYU. Would he fit in the Giants QB room? Like a glove.

Panthers already have nine picks in a 7-round draft, and Morgan continues to let it be known he’ll answer the phone and trade down if someone wants to talk about Panthers #8 position and more picks. Having done an outstanding job on accumulating several high quality defensive players during free agency, Panthers will not be taking flyers on 19 year olds like Charlotte Hornets did with their 2024 #6, Tidjane Salaun.

For those who haven’t noticed, ‘meddling’ Panthers owner David Tepper *still* hasn’t uttered a single negative about the process that Morgan, Canales, and VP/cap expert Brandt Tilis have taken in putting his team back on (fairly) solid footing. Pick for Mingo to Dallas is going to be well spent. https://www.dallascowboys.com/team/players-roster/jonathan-mingo/

‘Realistic Optimism’ says better than 6.5 Wins

Most prognosticators were correct about Panthers not doing better than 5.5 wins in 2024 season, but tapping them as only one game better in 2025 sounds like zero respect for how Panthers played in second half of season. A fumble while driving for a score in OT (Tampa Bay), and games to the wire against eventual Super Bowl teams Philadelphia – a 22-16 loss to Eagles in Philly, with Barkley gaining 124 yds. and Leggette failing to hold onto a late pass for a first down – and Kansas City (last second FG for 30-27 win) meant they were real damn close to eight wins.

Yes, Adam Thielen will be 35 before season starts, and after missing seven games with a hamstring injury, he’s still caught 151 passes (1,629 yds, 9 TDs) the last two years on a team lacking in quality-experienced receivers, especially Young’s rookie season (2023) when QB was under constant siege. He’s a slot receiver vs. a primary, which is still a position that bears upgrading.

6’5″ free agent Jalen Coker (Colgate, 32 catches/478 yds./2 TDs), didn’t get on the field until a 3 catch-41 yd. OT win over the Giants in Munich (11/10), and Xavier Leggette https://www.panthers.com/team/players-roster/xavier-legette/ of South Carolina, who has blazing speed, had solid rookie years. With extra coaching and focus, its expected (fingers crossed?) Leggette becomes a full-fledged terror for NFL secondaries in 2025. Panthers signing thousand yard rusher Rico Dowdle https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/4038815/rico-dowdle from Dallas as a free agent was an understated but A-1 steal, adding a proven target (5 career rec. TDs) for Bryce Young in HC Canales’ offensive scheming as well.

Morgan might’ve reached a bit in drafting RB Jonathan Brooks (Texas) at #2, as he reinjured his surgically repaired ACL on a non-contact play during a late season ‘lets see’ appearance. The Panthers never rushed his progress, and while he might become another story like Panthers legend Thomas Davis, who had three consecutive ACL surgeries (2009-2011) and returned to play at an All Pro level, nobody can tell.

Dowdle has wheels, and should team easily with highly productive RB Chuba Hubbard https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4241416/chuba-hubbard in Panthers backfield plans. Rico is on a make-good contract, and Hubbard is an icon for exactly such economic dealings.

Neither Brooks selection, nor how Morgan handled the saga of Diontae Johnson, who Panthers got from the Steelers for about to be released cornerback Donte Jackson ($14.3M contract) in pre-season – and wore out his welcome here and with the Ravens with butthead attitude – was more best practices than a misjudgment of talent to be held against him.

Year 30 in Charlotte

That massive $$$ hole called the quarterback in Cleveland, where ex-Jet Aaron Rodgers winds up (if anywhere), or whether NFC South division rivals ATL and New Orleans get a grip on QB situations the Panthers-Bryce Young seem to have worked out, not our problem. – GShorkey Draft Week ’25

Having arrived in ‘The Buckle the Bible Belt’ in 1995 at same time as Panthers, and having seen considerable highs (two Super Bowl appearances) and earth-cratering lows that include current seven year stretch of uninspiring football, Charlotte still isn’t Cleveland. A non-winner since #MrTeppers$ purchased team from original owner Jerry Richardson, this years version could well make – if not the sort of ‘resurrection’ many believers here hold personally – a revival worth discussing.

How three days of drafting new talent from the 24th-26th works out on a roster that has jettisoned a number of unknowns (and yeah, Shaq Thompson) since last season works out, the smart $$$ will be on GM Dan Morgan getting the right people for HC Canales to coach, with Brandt Tilis paying appropriately. That massive $$$ hole called the quarterback in Cleveland, where ex-Jet Aaron Rodgers winds up (if anywhere), or whether NFC South division rivals ATL and New Orleans get a grip on QB situations the Panthers-Bryce Young seem to have worked out, not our problem.

Panther Football, Thought Leadership

A 15 Year old Time Capsule, Right on UConn win, A BIG Duke Win for Coach K and Schuyer, Zoubek Was The Man

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on A 15 Year old Time Capsule, Right on UConn win, A BIG Duke Win for Coach K and Schuyer, Zoubek Was The Man

I’d be tempted to throw in the link from 15 years ago yesterday, which credited UConn for its back-to-back titles, the obvious relationship for Duke coaches then and now, and the biggest Dookie, Brian Zoubek. Only time anyone recalls Coach K just pounding you with size, including two Plumlees.

While Kyle Singler and John Scheyer have been quality players for years, Duke wouldn’t have been in the NCAA Finals if Brian Zoubek hadn’t finally played a full, injury-free season. Duke changed from its usual defensive pressure to Playing Big, *really* big with the Plumlee brothers going 6’10” and jumping all over people, but this past month especially, Zoubek (that would be MISTER Zoubek to you Cal fans) showed exactly what being BIG and talented means. Rip down a rebound and everyone around you seems to be only armpit high, that is the epitome of Large. Singler was the MVP of the Final Four, but capping a college career the way he did was great for Zoo.

(Just how precisely the finale mirrored Duke’s loss this year shows how close winning-losing such events often is.)

No problem acknowledging how tough Butler played – even the great Duke champs of the past rarely played in-your-shirt, hand-to-hand-combat intense D better than the Bulldogs did Monday night.

Frankly, if that last half-court heave by Haywood banks in, all the air would’ve come out of Dookie Nation’s chest for well into the future. Nobody would be questioning whether Coach K was full of it by saying this was his greatest championship, though many consider it his best coaching job because the talent wasn’t as overwhelming as past teams…

The bottom line, 5th year useful guy Zoubek earned the ring so many expected freshman Flagg, and a superbly well assembled set of teammates, to emerge from a chalk walk of #1s to the Final Four March Madness in San Antonio with. One short-armed, fallaway J, one bummer of a foul call was the difference. No Mr. Big finale.

The air HAS gone out of Dookie Nation, how and when will anyone know whether Cooper comes back? Yeah, yeah about his NIL value at Duke, $4.8 mill you say? They hustled his incubation time to make him a stud professional NBA legend at 19, won’t another year put a beating on his Year 4 valuations…Blah, blah, blah. Love the commercial where he gets sweated up at bingo. Or did the first 999 times. NBA body and smarts, got it.

Tough to maintain focus in college fishbowl? NBA is eighty-two games, THEN the abuse of playoff *series,* not onesies. Doubters about being ready? Mostly no doubt. Bird-like? C’mon. Stay or go? Pull the ripcord my man, be a great student-athlete example. Hey, that twin of yours who didn’t push up a class, he got any game?

Plenty of time to What If –

Two weeks from NFL draft, the Carolina Panthers don’t have exactly the same falling off a cliff decision with #8 pick as Flagg to NBA. Still plenty of guessing about HOW MUCH defense is enough, enabling the drafting of other than necessary edge rushers and linebackers from a deep group.

The What If – Penn St. tight end Tyler Warren fell to #8 Panthers pick, would Morgan prioritize XYZ (Walker from GA) on defense ahead of selecting ANOTHER tight end who blocks and catches very, very well, and would continue filling RB and a tight end room just about like HC Canales has frequently stated? https://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4431459/tyler-warren

While there’s still a quantity of #MrTeppers$ available, Morgan paid up for a LOT of talent in the most necessary places during ‘legal tampering period.’ The Panthers Football Operations people kept Ejiro Evero as Defensive Coordinator after a brutal statistical season – and a previous #4 rated one, before a solid linebacking corps went free agent. Morgan provided the ONE absolute that 3-4 defense required, a nose tackle who is great on holding up double teams with physical dimensions.

If you haven’t heard about a signee from Rams name of Rozeboom, he notched about as many tackles as Panthers D-line had last season (135), you will want to see how he operates.

Don’t sweat the Eagles DT (Williams) who blew Panthers off for $104MM of the Patriots money, *that* friends, is what over-paying looks like.

The Great American Family Experience, 9 am Saturday version

A little Control on the world, maybe

It never hurts to call a high strike to make sure the batter remembers we talked about getting swings vs. looks before the game. I love covering specific situations in pre-game talks, which become easy judgements when they happen (recently). I listen to what a manager wants to fix about something I also witnessed to develop possible explanations/resolutions.

I’ve been the plate umpire every time out because as old-ish veteran, I have the equipment the 15-year olds I’ve teamed with recently don’t. I’ve made a difference with many catchers, telling them to get bats out of the way, so they don’t interfere with a play. I tell the crowd how catchers move the location of pitches (very worthwhile talk). I picked up three games this week, and maintain LL is a healthy outing after WFH writing and blogging.

Pass on a Friday nite gig to play poker? Nahh, no guarantee I’d win big, and there’s those taxes, about two terrific hours of community involvement with the Great American Family Experience will help pay for.

$600 into Umpiring this Spring, I’ve gotten hit kind of regularly, a couple of the ‘particularly close’ genre. When pitcher barely had enough juice to bounce it off the edge of the plate – then right past the catchers ear, never even got a glove up – it doesn’t hurt, but the streak has ended. 4/5/25

The NHL playoffs begin April 19th. Possible latest ending date – June 23rd. I’m not a hockey bettor. Charlotte Hornets (19-61) fans will have open schedules shortly, but they weren’t really bettable either. There might be a reason to talk about LaMelo shortly. Just sayin,’ if Mavs can pull the pin with Luka a season after Finals, LaMelo is not untouchable as Face of Franchise.

I will tell any nice ladies in advance of the much hotter part of LL baseball season, yes, I will always accept a Gator or PowerAde, any flavor. Here’s to the Great American Family Experience.

Two weeks to Morgan Draft #2, not so bad waiting for actual progress vs. fantastical trades and must gets online verbiage. Grab yourself an Ultra (or Dr. Pepper) like Billy Bob in ‘Land Man,’ hang with a bad enough Good Woman you’re sure there’s not a snowballs chance of Happiness ever happening with, but rest assured, Panthers GM Dan Morgan is doing a *fine* job of investing #MrTeppers$, not yours.

If that includes getting a super chunk of ath-o-lete as a first rate, NFL ready offensive weapon for Bryce Young’s upcoming third year, I’ll be good with that.

POV - Content Creation, Sports, Thought Leadership

March Madness sure, but call him out for ‘Winner gets X’ foul-shooting

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on March Madness sure, but call him out for ‘Winner gets X’ foul-shooting

Ladies, at this most NCAA hoopster-hysterical time of the year, why not – no, Definitely! – get your favorite gym rat out for a game of ’21’. Relax, its not breaking any Guy Codes to clue the ladies about this smaller than the bedroom (but potentially related) stroke problem.

Its easy to ride the testosterone train when hubby-boyfriend returns triumphant, victory setting off that adorable story-teller who wants to replay drives and rainbow jumpers, doling out three-beer kisses and tastefully sweaty manliness. Nobody likes a whiner, but when story-teller is bringing you a mental boo-boo like ‘I sucked’ because they missed a couple foul shots that meant staying out of two basketball games, and ‘We should have won’ but he missed a couple more unguarded shots from that distance, well, this is your time.

Consider this information relative to ‘Five Minute Great Abs!’ tabloid ads because you’ll feel show-offy smooth and quietly better, but recognize there’s a possibility that winning can go either way for all He/She battles.

Guys almost always assume victory, perhaps forgetting you were an All-State guard in high school, maybe All-Conference in college, have three brothers, was #1 scorer on your intramural co-ed team, or just how many hours you hoisted foul shots in the back yard while carrying a second child because it brought a measure of peace to your body, which otherwise felt seriously wonky-off kilter.

Free-throw shooting is a premium skill

Fifteen feet, up and in. Especially with any ‘small white guard’ tag attached, making free throws was integral to playing basketball at all levels during formative years, the lights and attention are just bigger-brighter at NCAA time. Those extra points are supposedly gravy, playing with house money, a piece of cake, punishing opponents for hacking the wrong guy. All kidding aside, foul-shooting is a legitimate point of pride and extremely fair way of judging oneself Better- its not just free throw shooting, okay?

Hoopsters believe free-throw shooting (the terms are interchangeable) is elementally linked to a Universal Cookie Jar-type reward system: Do well there, somehow earn (deserve!) goodies, from successful dates to 12-packs of Michelob Light to new jobs. Three nights before my 60th birthday, I missed FIVE in a row, totally dissatisfied with my shot and life. A few months later, having rediscovered effective shooting techniques during a just-sneakers-and shorts-lets-get-this-right-again session (after eight hours of retail laboring), damn straight! a terrific job offer dropped into the equation.

Coincidence you say? Not hardly.

Almost everyone understands the simple but absolute fairness of this elemental basketball situation. When a player has been fouled, the penalty is an uncontested shot (or two, sometimes three) from a line 15 feet from the backboard. ’21’ isn’t a me and you, dribble and shoot one-on-one battle, nor HORSE, where failure to make more difficult shots by one player adds letters to the others ‘total’ until a final letter (E) ends the game. ’21’ is about free-throw accuracy, not physical size and superiority.

Although players get a chance at a one-point layup if they’ve broken the ice (meaning made at least one free throw earlier), the best option is to make as many consecutive foul shots as possible each turn to end the game faster. As kids, making ten in a row (x2=20) put immediate ‘you miss, you lose!’ pressure on an opponent. (Couple years ago I strung together 14, something I hadn’t accomplished in decades; other guy made 13!)

Its supposedly gravy, playing with house money, a piece of cake, punishing opponents for hacking the wrong guy. All kidding aside, foul shooting is a legitimate point of pride and extremely fair way of judging oneself Better- its not ‘just’ foul-shooting, okay?

Battle of the sexes – depends how you play it

FTs are worth a single point in regular games – when you’re only counting what’s happening as just a game on the most ordinary plane. If, or probably when, you’ve heard your ex-gym rat express an “That idiot missed both and he’s been shooting the lights out! ANYBODY should be able to make one, everyone knows you don’t make foul shots, you wind up going home!” opinions, THAT would be the time to extend your challenge to ‘play for something.’

Does it matter what task or amount? Ohhhh, you BET is does for 97.4% of red-blooded males, but cash should be a secondary consideration. A primary concern for such challenges is/should be gaining the 100% attention of said male. Whether or not you get to uhhh, playfully, dog him about losing is up to you, but if its usually a hassle to get the garbage taken out, he’ll remember there are three more days left in your bet. As George (from Seinfeld) might complain, he’s got no (upper) hand. BUT…

Is he going to want another chance, probably sooner than later? You betcha.

You could just volunteer to chase misses while he works out some frustration about sucking, but if he WINS, isn’t everyone happier? (DO NOT TANK and think you rescued his ego!) Will he brag to his buddies about victory? Probably not, although guys do deserve a few props if She/you IS a former All-Something competitor.

Is it legitimate to talk smack, throw an errant pass back that makes them move off a good spot (very legit gamesperson-ship), maybe offer an immediate rematch? Absolutely, he can miss eight minutes of the second half and maybe you don’t care, especially when the next game is the one he’s really been psyched to see.

Bottom line, most guys are not snake-bite, 88% poison on foul-shooting like they might imagine. In another foul-shooting situation called ‘Rochester,’ its an everyone-against-everyone game, and when you score a basket, you get the chance to make up to three foul shots. Score 7-8-9 points without having to knock heads with six other dudes, that’s an incentive. Missing the ‘and one’ at 21 causes you to go back to 15, which is obviously not a best practices thing to do three or four times – you will get beat.

So March Madness can become a regular time for some extra competition, and he WILL appreciate the chance to shoot it out with you. You can also get out a bit and work on your stroke rather than just soothing his ego by losing. If he wins the right to have you bring him beers, is an empty hand raised and ‘Honey?’ the worst thing you can imagine, because win one and its negotiation time; you don’t have to take EVERY bet. Favorite dinner that YOU don’t make, or who takes carpool soccer duty this week? For sure.

Foul-shooting is 100% fair competition. Have some fun with it, don’t sweat your brackets either. If good ol’ Sunspot U. can’t do better than 8-22 from the line, be thankful you missed a bunch of that game. If he comes back laughing, bonus points.

Business, Panther Football

Thursday of ‘Legal Tampering Week,’ GM Morgan is Smokin’ on Defense

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Thursday of ‘Legal Tampering Week,’ GM Morgan is Smokin’ on Defense
I really do like the hat, here at Travers in Saratoga. GM Dan Morgan and I both have jaws, his FA signings in ’25 are looking about as good as me.

Thinking Panthers GM Dan Morgan has set DC Ejiro Evero’s defense up right already, with an honest to God nose tackle and hitting machine of a linebacker (135 tackles, 11 starts in 2024) named Rozeboom, and there’s still $$$ in the checkbook, so…

Whew! barely covers the first handful of Free Agent signees, and Morgan still plucked a jewel of a second running back from Dallas’ eye by adding Rico Dowdle https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4038815/rico-dowdle to improve Bryce Young’s potential targets. $16MM for two years of Tommy Tremble’s future is part of fuller tight end-running back rooms that HC Canales stated was run-first in Year One. Mission accomplished by Hubbard, who was everything Panthers wanted from leadership, and well worth rewarding contract-wise.

Good blockers who catch footballs? Fannies have been waiting (for anything close to Ghost of Greg Olsen), would Canales et al dare take that TE from Penn State? $16MM for Tremble and J’Tav Sanders already here says maybe not, three’s a crowd.

Rozeboom from Rams is a bona fide stud, up through the ranks quickly – Noo-buddy! gets to question Morgan’s ability to judge prime football talent AND get it back to the cave. And then there’s Tilis.

3/13/25 GShork on Panthers GM early success shoring up Defense and keeping their own FAs.

The literally biggest, at 6’4″, 332 lbs. of the FAs is Bobby Brown III, who signed on for 3 yrs/$21MM; DL Tershawn Wharton (3 yrs. /$45MM) and Patrick Jones II (3 yrs/$20MM), plus Safety Tre’von Nehrig (3 yrs/$51MM) who is a genuine thumper in the back line. Is that working or not? JC Horn’s 4 yr./$100MM is possibly an out-sized contract extension after first healthy year of lock-down reputation. I recall Horn getting three PIs against Chiefs and it was considered excellent, but $100MM, its #MrTeppers$.

Panthers defense was particularly woeful in the line without Derrick Brown, and giving up over 3,000 yards was legitimate burn, sorry Shy. Let’s just clarify the Worst part though – It was ONE POINT more at 534 than previous record, which was in a 16 game season (Colts, 533). Leave WORST at the door (32.5), life wasn’t good at all. Putting big bodies in with Mr. Brown in Ejiro Evero’s 3-4, that is the difference maker that WILL change absolutely everything.

Yes, expectations! of becoming a much better unit front to back started with a whoosh this week.

It’s Thursday, Dan is always in the discussion

A’Shawn Robinson had a bunch of sacks, then wore out with constant use against run, Rozeboom is a bona fide stud, up through NFL ranks quickly https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/panthers/2025/03/13/nfl-free-agency-panthers-christian-rozeboom-nickname/82384733007/ – but Noo-buddy! gets to question Morgan’s ability to judge prime football talent & get at least his fair share back to the cave. Will Trevon Wallace benefit from watching some (a ton) of film with Kuechly? NO DOUBT. Leggette with Stevie SuperStar? Again, have to believe that would be a goodness, even if he couldn’t turn Mingo into a route runner AND catcher.

Are the Panthers actually paying a premium, or has #MrTeppers$ become a non-factor? By all accounts, certain players are coming for Evero, previous experience positives https://www.panthers.com/team/players-roster/a-shawn-robinson/ Morgan showed he wasn’t actually a newbie last year just sitting in the big chair, getting an A-1 prospect in 1st round (Leggette) AND regaining a #2 pick for this year for openers. Verdict: Very much like Commanders rising from ashes, and Detroit as proof of scaling tough history, Success takes time and coordination. It is very definitely the Panthers defense’s time.

The old saw is that offensive lines get talked about until there ISN’T a concern-problem, and by all accounts, Christensen is a bargain-plus, https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/44210919/brady-christensen-agrees-deal-panthers, Mayes, Corbett (back from another injury year) are considered as a unit to be super-solid. Ensuring Bryce Young’s pocket safety (29 sacks, didn’t play 5 games) was a primary improvement of last free agency, and he scored six TDs, none of the Cam reaching the football over the goal line from HERE variety.

From thirty-four out means people are watching out for you. Trust is earned, there is a Leader, several of them in fact. Sunshine and joy in Charlotte? NC sunshine seldom leaves, and organizationally-speaking, Good is still the enemy of Great, but its still too early for philosophy. https://www.jimcollins.com/article_topics/articles/good-to-great.html

Salty lines love drive blocking, Chuba Hubbard and ANOTHER 1,000 yard guy who catches passes, yes, Panthers have a better batch of players coming to town, three year contract guys, not just ‘prove its.’ They did that elsewhere to everyone’s satisfaction in football brain trust here, go with it.

Morgan has talked early about excising emotion from In/Out decisions, and Shaq Thompson’s injuries finally put him over the bubble, even after buyer friendly terms last year. There was a single too-early rush about getting a certain nose defender who decided to take a bunch of Patriots money instead, and okay, as best practices Dan was in on that, and not long after, things worked out better on budget overall, thank you Bobby Brown III and Tershawn Wharton. By the time this blog-information gets read, you shouldn’t bet against more goodness happening.

The personnel is clearly better

Will Charlotte-Carolina people get crazy-hyped about Panthers resurrection of pride? No rush to judgement, but first batch of Year Two from Morgan has plenty of A-1 heft to it. Between today and first practice to see who’s who of additions to those bloodied and beaten through combat in the ring last year, there will be plenty of names forgotten as unnecessary.

Whatever I’ve said about Cam never throwing a receiver open, or putting a rainbow out there for Leggette or whomever to run underneath, its a part of the offense now. Stopping people from doing whatever they had in mind (almost certainly RUNNING the ball) is already a solid defensive proposal. Thanks Dan!

As a potential reporter on events of Season 2 of Canales, Morgan, Tilis (no #MrTeppers$), I’m okay with not having to visit training camp in the literal cauldron that Spartanburg was. The two times I journeyed to the Wofford campus, once to specifically see DJ Moore and C-MC, yow! This is what a best practices, successful rebuild should-does look like.

I was in Tampa ’81-’82 when the Selmon brothers, specifically LeRoy, who was All-Pro dominator-level defensive end in the day, Huuuugh! Green at other D-end (so fast, relentless), definite icon QB Doug Williams, and former USC star running back Anthony Davis, went all the way to NFC championship game, worst to first. My cousin Frank Ball was a drummer in Bucs band, for $5 I didn’t even use press credentials with ITS SPORTS! to get into Rowdies soccer games.

There’s that bitty little buzz in Charlotte, and just sayin’ – its NOT the Hornets https://www.espn.com/nba/team/_/name/cha/charlotte-hornets– but believing fans will be packing the Panthers practice site downtown this summer, when the new people are viewed as absolute positives (not like Diontae…), they’re mostly back and already happier.