Category: Sports

Business, Sports

Hornets are 13-41 at Break – What Have They Got in Year 35?

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Hornets are 13-41 at Break – What Have They Got in Year 35?

It’s reasonable to leave Panthers GM Dan Morgan, Head Coach Dave Canales, and Cap Specialist Brandt Tilis to the business of getting Burns and Luvu signed for Evero’s defense. Check out the Hornets, post-almost everyone you might’ve known, and welcome back, Miles Bridges.

Nobody can be sure what the cards portend for 13-41 Hornets, but most will settle for Miller scoring, Bridges holding the fort, and being competitive, in a year when not a lot of fans are feeling it cheering-wise for Panthers.

When its stated as ‘The Hornets are 13th in the East,’ the Detroit Pistons lost 28 in a row to start 2023 season, are 8-46 in Central Division, and the 9-45 Wizards are still in the NBA, if not noticeably better, behind them. Grant Williams, whom I disliked as a Celtic, may be an acquired taste if he becomes productive again in teal. ‘If LaMelo…’ and his almost 24 ppg when available overarches almost everything possible in Charlotte, Bridges and Brandon Miller are solid solid.

Goodbye to Gordon Hayward, a productive guy in many respects, a firebird from the ashes physical story to be hanging 14.5 ppg/4.7 reb./4.6 asst, and 46.8 shooting, but thirty-four and ending a 4 yr./$120M contract, Hornets got some resources for him, he should help in OKC too. PJ Washington to Dallas (for Williams) hasn’t impressed anyone in a while.

Gone also is Mitch Kupchak, long time Hornets GM/President. Things needed to change, Charlotte will always thank Michael, who is still a minority owner, but there is still a huge disconnect between the beloved Bugs of yore, who led the league in attendance seven straight years, and whats needed now.

The last exciting team Charlotte had was 2015-16, Jeremy Lin doing a flashback to his Lin-sanity year in New York. Clifford did get them to playoffs with defensive emphasis. https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/12/18/10575088/jeremy-lin-highlights-stats-hornets-helping

New Owners

Rick Schnall has been a minority owner of the Atlanta Hawks, and is co-president of Clayton, Dubilier & Rice LLC. Gabe Plotkin is the founder and chief investment officer of Tallwoods Capital LLC, had previously acquired a minority stake in the Hornets in 2019, and is now a majority owner. Both men previously served as alternate governors on the NBA Board of Governors. Without having checked any Forbes profiles, and having heard some plans about improving the arena area, deep pockets to improve team personnel and civic engagement are desirable traits.

Not dramatic histories compared to the early years at The Hive, no more GOAT who didn’t (usually) spend for stars to come to Charlotte. Okay, no more cheapo-creepo Shinn, or Bob Johnson wondering, “Where’s that local support I was supposed to get for bringing b-ball back?” (fyi -Hubie Brown said he didn’t want to coach any of the 12 over-priced guys on the roster, there was nothing special about product or the boxes either.)

Clifford has now logged eight seasons in the Hornets organization, perhaps a surprising 196-214 in first term (2013-2018), and  finished in the top 10 in both points allowed and defensive rating five times. Defense still wins games in the NBA.

Really, who is playing the next 28 games?

On the most positive side, rookie stud Brandon Miller is as advertised. He clearly has the tools to score twenty-plus every night, not afraid to mix it up on defense. https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/brandon-miller-proving-why-he-was-worthy-of-no-2-pick-just-a-minute/ar-BB1ikQe9 Hornets have a worthy pair of forwards with Miles Bridges on floor again. His 21.5 ppg/7.1 reb./3.4 asst. makes him the rock to build with, being an unrestricted free agent after this year is an interesting fact. (They will pay the man, count on it)

Two other ‘A’ grades will go to recently added Grant Williams, whom everyone hopes is now in a good place to blossom his leadership and game, and the hard-working Nick Richards, a true 7′ rim-runner who is putting up 10/8 nights off avg. 26 minutes, shooting 69% from floor. At 25, he is coming into focus as a strong role player, considered a bargain at $5M. https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4278076/nick-richards

There’s some hesitation in whatever gets written about LaMelo Ball as face of the franchise, and 7′ Mark Williams, both of whom are productive when on the court. Williams (12.7 ppg/9.7 reb) and shooting 65% has only been in 19 games (26 min. per), Melo (23.9 ppg/8 asst) only 22 games. Seeing some franchise-level production before his 5 yr./$205M extension kicks in should include on court minutes.

Appreciating their numbers doesn’t make them the primary assets they need to be, call them ‘teachers pet C ratings,’ and Williams more like a D for missing so much time. Its been a while since Hornets have produced a strong center presence, at twenty-two, Williams will continue to get some time to develop.

If anyone has seen Nick Smith, Jr. play in 37 games this year, he ran a decent point, good to know for future, because he’s going to get more reps in G-League for foreseeable future. Hornets like his 45% gunning on 113 threes, more is better, and he won’t turn 20 until April.

Sorry, then some Other Guys

Seth Curry, J.T. Thor, Tre Mann, Bryce McGowens, Cody Martin are bench players with lesser profiles. Mann is a 6’3″ guard, OKC’s #18 pick. We shall see, nobody would deny keeping anyone besides Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the bench. https://www.nba.com/thunder/news/afterallstar-240219

McGowens and Martin are B players, McGowens (6’7,” 21 y/old) out of Nebraska is seen as a rotational player fitting a ‘3 and D’ role, Martin has the physical part of guarding on the perimeter down, his 34% on 3s and 53% FT makes him an offensive liability. The 6’10” Thor is in his 3rd year, and hasn’t shown any defensive extra or battle on the board strength to make up for minimal offense – being 21 can’t be an excuse for nothing. Does Curry have anything left in the tank at thirty-four.

Coach Steve Clifford

Clifford has now logged eight seasons in the Hornets organization, a surprisingly decent 196-214 in first term (2013-2018), has finished in the top 10 in both points allowed and defensive rating five times with several teams. Defense still wins games in the NBA, especially when you haven’t had reliable 3-point scorers to keep other teams honest. Clifford has the career nuts https://www.nba.com/hornets/news/charlotte-hornets-name-steve-clifford-head-coach to indicate where Hornets are heading, and with proven scorers and some healthy added stats from Melo and Williams along the way, there’s still only 28 games to go.

New management is going to be careful, but ten more wins, 23-59, that might be enough to avoid Loserville tag.

POV - Content Creation, Sports

Super Weekend – Great Ride and Chili, Thrilling Game, A Val-Day Gripe

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Super Weekend – Great Ride and Chili, Thrilling Game, A Val-Day Gripe

San Francisco 49ers kicker Nick Moody will be facing immense, lets say ‘fan focus,’ for missing a PAT in Sunday’s Super Bowl that may well become as legendary as Scott Norwood’s misfire.

Buffalo’s Norwood, whose 47-yard kick passed wide right from being a game winner against the NY Giants, defined their first of four straight Super Bowl losses. In a commercial titled ‘Neverending Fan,’ from five years ago and still useful, his granddaughter models his jersey, just a flash of NORWOOD across her shoulders, with Grandpa’s wink to the salesman ending the ad…

Trust me, Buffalo fans know his name as surely as Cubs fans remember who messed up that foul ball, before the Cubbies gave up EIGHT runs in 2003 NLCS.

Poignant moment, *over thirty years* (1/ 27/91) after, Coach Marv Levy, Kelly and the K Gun, Brruuuuce! Smith, ‘Thermal’ Thomas, the estimable duo of Andre Reed and James Lofton, deserving of NFL adoration, no rings.

For those not inticately part of todays ‘Bills Mafia,’ Ancient History division, Scott Norwood is the standard for disappointment.

Now, with one missed PAT – Moody was 3-3 on field goals, two of over 50 yards – Nick becomes the Same Guy as Norwood, creating a proclaimed dynasty for the Chiefs, and massive disappointment for Niner Nation, again.

You have to be IN IT to WIN IT

The incandescent play of McCaffrey all year long, leading the league with 339 touches/1439 rushing yards/21 total TDs (67 receptions/564 yds/7 TDs), in a high octane offense and formidable defense, wasn’t San Fran being fitted for those rings that were destined in 2023, before Mr. Irrelevant, rookie Brock Purdy, about got an arm torn off last year vs. Philly in NFC Championship game?

The conspiracy people are going nutso about who was-wasn’t supposed to win-lose.

DunKings with Brady, Damon’s ‘This is anything.’ Killer line. The Hawai’ian football team post-fire story – yes, sports clearly lift communities.

On the basis of one missed PAT – 19-16 not 20-16 – and the rookie Moody was 3-3 on field goals, two of over 50 yards – he became the Same Guy as Norwood, back-back-3 in 5 years a dynasty prolaimed for the Chiefs, and massive disappointment for Niner Nation, again.

–2/11/24 I’m relaxed, awed about CMC’s manly efforts, agree -shut up Romo! great chili.
And I hit my book Submission clean.

As a writer, I’d take 2 million hits about my submitted online product any time possible. https://www.wattpad.com/myworks/218725526-a-triple-shot-of-karma-&-platinum-fury-focus In the NFL, in communications that Moody will get regarding one specific moment of defeat, snatched from the jaws of victory, its going to be, ‘What have you done for us lately (blank)?’ same negative stuff 2 million times.

Standard Buffalo Joke: They changed the area code in Buffalo, now its O-4-4.

Etheridge’s ‘I’m The Only One’ kicked it off

Blue-yellow for Ukranian solidarity, the antique Ferrari hat at Hotwalkers Ball post-Queens Cup, I am That Guy.

I haven’t cranked up tunes in my car and hollered along in a while. Just sayin,’ but after a great training ride with my fat wheel (10 mi. to Pineville line/back) mountain bike, and before I rewarded myself with a terrific crusted chicken breast and well-browned fingerling potatoes dinner, with a well-poured Guinness, I let myself pound the idea I’m still closer to getting a book published than holding a Good Woman.

As a Romance Writer, I present Marlena, as a worthy example of One Who Knows when the Universe has delivered Her Man.

–2/14/24 How’s LeSharque for a pen name?

That ride affirmed expectations of my physical strength at sixty-seven. I’m still a solid 190, fit my Hugo Boss suit well, take time for shooting hoops regularly, still have some tennis skills as part of bellweather activities. Friday night I accepted nomination for a club officer position with our Mens Club. Based on great vibes from those spoken with during recent Pierogi Night (> 600 served), I’m respected and thought responsible among my peers and community.

My physical-mental confidence, after a ten mile ride and full of that tasty chicken / fingerling potatoes dinner Saturday was excellent, with that mental confidence traced directly to hitting a single ‘here’ button for an online submission, a professional Must Do I need to accomplish more often. Submissions are like PATs, after tactical completion of the writing process, it hurts a bit when done unsuccessfully, but NOT trying is an operationl clunk.

Overall, what Norwood or Moody might stress about is miles from my own peace of mind. Except that its Valentines Day, and I’ve checked off all the other boxes involving deserving. Maybe I touched on something years ago, but shit! we had a pandemic since then. IMHO, ‘Healthy’ and ‘I promise not to poach your backhand’ should be way, way more positive factors in my favor.

The underlying question of “How’s your horizontal mambo going?” blew out with Melissa’s wailing about being The Only One, and DAMMIT! She’s right. I’m deserving of wanting the All That, super Great, everything you’d want in the Her of your life, emotionally ready for go with today’s flow, because we sure as hell shouldn’t be saving ourselves for anything after going through that pandemic, Woman. What the HELL else do I have to prove to the Universe to rate yelling Bingo!, if not literally aloud, then for physical accuracy?

Sex for a Past-60 Writer in #MeToo Era: Something is Amiss

Try bumping into me at Fresh Market tomorrow. I’m a Good Person, alive, ready to travel. Happy Valentines Day good thoughts for all. And the hollering, it works. Not bad at all, so I’m keeping emotions as part of New Normal and Social Goodness too.

Glenn

Business, Sports

‘Monsieur Spade,’ Would GM Dan Morgan-Burns Contract He Deserves Qualify for New Normal?

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on ‘Monsieur Spade,’ Would GM Dan Morgan-Burns Contract He Deserves Qualify for New Normal?
No, that’s not GM Dan Morgan, I do my own version of Sam Spade, hard-boiled detective.

Watched newest take on a hard-boiled detective series with Clive Owens, who, after putting a foot into bad guy’s face 7-8x during questioning, gives bloodied black ops guy instructions for his bosses, then answers question of ‘Why should they believe (you’re different)?’ with a simple, “Because you’re alive.”

‘Monsieur Spade,’ set in 1963 France, features political intrigue about guns, Algeria and constant subtitles. Spade disparages his own French along the line, but the overall story and action is strong enough to make watchers effort of necessary reading worthwhile. Sam Spades rep as not being shy with a gun from San Fran background is known.

Almost everyone in Charlotte who has suffered through The Tepper Years at helm of Panthers can get behind that Why should…? if not the because. In the short period of time since the Panthers 2023 season (2-15) mercifully ended – with enough media negativity about MrTeppers$ and meddling to sink a battleship – the operant feeling is a universal-deserved “Show us.”

A New Normal POV should include NOT being kicked around BOA Stadium.

GM Dan Morgan has the unenviable task of keeping defensive standout Brian Burns with Ejiro Evero’s #4 ranked squad, at a level of paycheck that should’ve been handled back in June.

Morgan is still remembered as a hitting machine on 2003 Super Bowl team, long before Luke Kuechly arrived. Whether he impresses his credibility on fans here won’t require literal boots to the face, but its not the time for being regarded as a nice guy either.

Head Coach Dave Canales

The departed Scott Fitterer proclaimed all Panthers needed to do in 2023 was plug in a good QB, even when it meant stripping the franchise of almost all offensive talent (and 2024 #1 pick) along the way. Most notable topper of course, DJ Moore moved to Bears (96 receptions/1364 yards/8TDs) and had a career year.

After giving Panthers credit for *finally* putting extra bodies in the O-line room instead of bouncing personnel around to cover injuries as operational theory, there’s no reason for piling on blame-wise when eight right guards and seven LGs passed through those positions. Bryce Young (thankfully) didn’t get broken, and since 62 sacks didn’t kill him, hopefully he learned lots.

That Panthers stole – a word that came up repeatedly – better personnel as entire NFL was searching for GMs, Head Coaches, and coordinator personnel outside their teams. Dave Canales came from Tampa Bay for the HC position, and brought Bucs receivers coach Brad Idzik along to be Offensive Coordinator. If they got All Pro Mike Evans to come too, THAT would be more than cool.

Being young, 42, and notably successful in getting well-dinged veteran QBs Geno Smith (Seattle, 2022 Comeback Player of the Year) and Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers) back on track, whether/how far Canales can move the whole Charlotte operation out of an extra nasty time since Tepper bought the team. https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/carolina-panthers-record-since-2018 There will be a plethora of free agent signings, Panthers will be looking at lots of extra possibilities. Haven’t heard a $$$ amount to go with six-year contract length yet…

Yes, you heard right, NFLPA team surveys rated Panthers facilities D-, with players 100% against the move from regular turf to composite because Tepper has a soccer team playing on same surface, and regular grass can’t take that.

Executive VP of Football Operations

New Executive VP of Football Operations Brandt Tilis, with14 seasons experience in the Kansas City Chiefs front office, three as Vice President of Football Operations (2021-23), will have plenty of input on Burns front, having served as the Chiefs lead contract negotiator for Patrick Mahomes 10 year, $450M contract.

There should be a huge organizational Whew! knowing they’ll keep Defensive Coordinator Ejiro Evero here another year. While still giving up too many points for an impotent offense to overcome – 24.5/game was 29th in league, barely behind Broncos 24.3 and Colts 24.4; Commanders were worst at 30.5), the 2023 Panthers ranked fourth in yardage (294 total yards per game, 122.4 rushing/171.5 passing). Panthers denying several teams requests to interview Evero for their DC roles was legitimate. https://www.footballdb.com/stats/teamstat.html?group=d&cat=t

Bill Belichick, Commanders OC Eric Bienemy, and Titans Mike Vrabel not getting new gigs in the significant number of changes is not Panthers problem now. To be a little snarky, that former Panther Coach Ron Rivera is interviewing for job swap as DC coach in Dallas, after Cowboys DC Dan Quinn went to Washington as Head Coach, thats two other organizations that have bigger concerns than Charlotte. Snyder is gone from Washington, so only Jerry Jones in Dallas has a twitchier reputation as an owner than Tepper right now.

Morgan, Canales, his overall assistants much more on same page than Reich’s all-star hires array. Cam Newton being an edgy dresser and great community ambassador means something less today. That Canales become the whisperer of QB touchdowns and wins from team is only valid concern.

— Jerry Jones didn’t keep McCarthy/Prescott because they’re good guys, 12-5 three straight years is a desirable level of winning, but its possible Belichick *didn’t* get a gig because he isn’t though.

Take the Points

While ‘No’ is going to be a common response for Panther fans on believing the next edition of team is going to be All That, its legitimate to take the relative points looking upward. Consider holding back any collective opinion that it *couldn’t* get worse than 2-15 felt for next two months to NFL draft, or seven months till home opener vs. Washington Commanders though.

Dave Canales has been given a six year contract (still haven’t heard a number to go with that), a decently different scale for a guy who made $400k as QB coach two years ago, but its kind of a penalty stroke on MrTeppers$. If Ben Johnson (Detroit) was putting a $15M per year figure on his candidacy, and the thankfully gone Matt Rhule got 7 years/$60M, midpoint on that would be $12M-13M+.

Many opine math of paying off a third big coaching contract, if he gets antsy about un-major progress, should give even a billionaire owner like Tepper reason to let his football people control operations and actually STAY in background, not just use it as a line with a reporter.

Sports

Super long off-season ahead for Panthers in 2024 (and Please! not Belichick)

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Super long off-season ahead for Panthers in 2024 (and Please! not Belichick)
Panthers face a murky, uncertain situation on the field and in the front office. Getting #MrTeppers$$ to take a seat vs. trying to run football operations himself, here’s hoping for more light and fun in the future.

So you opened Fansided mail Monday and found out Scott Fitterer is no longer a Panther management person. There’s a regular stream of departures on player side coming as well, not many ‘make good’ one year contracts panned out. (Perhaps I drank the KoolAid, *might* have thought so too), but guy who said, “All that’s necessary is dropping a good QB into mix for 2023 Success” is working same unemployment line as ex-HC Frank Reich.

A LOT of NFL teams aren’t happy with their results – Arthur Smith is gone in Atlanta (7-10 all 3 years), Chargers will continue getting blown out if Herbert doesn’t throw five TDs (give Dan Marino a call about Truth of that). If Belichick and Pats are calling it quits as dance partners, the joy of millions awaits official word of the split. Asking #MrTeppers$$ to not bring him here is legit – nobody liked HIM, just the rings Brady won for all.

That Detroit Lions are only #3 seed based on ref’s decision in Dallas game (sigh, this crew has a hoo-hah *every*week*), its still a considerable way up the professional mountain to NOT be considered the proverbial red-headed step-child (31-68) that the Carolina Panthers have become.

Admitting that dissing the Lions organization about the Matt Millen years (don’t ask) was always an easy blast, now I’m stuck with the Loser’s Refrain, “We’ll getcha next year.” Can’t knock their Pistons hoopsters, who recently recorded 28 straight losses for a single season record, when Charlotte (8-25) and San Antonio (5-30) have ugly as sin records too.

After Dan Campbell’s first year (2021), Lions were 3-13-1, getting Jared Goff and three high draft picks in return for long-suffering Lions QB Matt Stafford, who promptly won a Super Bowl with Rams. Stealing OC Ben Johnson from them (with considerable #MrTeppers$$), maybe call it payback for letting Panthers think they could do same thing by just adding a QB (and a coach for every position)?

Three Months to Draft

No sense getting cranked up about2024 draft when #1 pick Panthers clearly need is in hands of Chicago, who will decide to keep Justin Fields after last few solid games this year www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4362887/justin-fields, or trade current QB for more draft capital. The smart money is on them using that improvement as a solid rationale for trading Fields and selecting Caleb Williams (USC) at #1 this year.

Fields had a very different second half of the season, noooo doubt he has arm and legs to do even better, but if Tepper wasn’t happy with results of previous QBs Fitterer brought in, grabbing an iffy fourth-year guy who seemed on edge of gone in Chi-town won’t fly. Bears will want max return from in any trade, challenge (ha!) would be Panthers having no draft capital to work with.

Fitterer is GONE – Who’s in?

Welcome to the Carolinas, and top flight coach and necessary General Manager, know your boss will have you on speed dial.

I came to Charlotte the same year as Panthers (1995), saw my first game at Clemson, and getting a picture of Steve Young about to be met on a goal line quarterback sneak by a missile named Sam Mills, was a thrill. There have been two Super Bowl trips for Panthers, New England (Brady’s 1st win, 2003) and Denver (2016), neither of which ended in wins. The Cam-Olsen-Kuechly-Davis unit Charlotte loved (HC Ron Rivera, 76-63-1 has most victories) was cool, but 2023 was a HUGE trough for Panthers,

Since the offensive line was a primary sore spot, with Young frequently wearing someone with other teams jersey by time he took second step from center, thats GOT to be place to start. Ikem Ekwonu at OLT two years ago seemed like a godsend for stability, but a huge falloff in overall effectiveness (and brutal overall injury situation, just sayin’) was at center of Panthers pathetic output.

The difference in Newton at 6’5″, 260 running the RPO (run-pass option) with his size and speed from Game One couldn’t be further from the reality of 5’10” (maybe) 190 lb. Bryce Young being sacked *62 times.*

–Myself and EVERYONE in Charlotte, throughout 2023 season. Howell (Wash.) was a victim 65 times. 3rd was ol’ Zach W. (Jets, 46)

Yes, I thought off 7-10 record, with terrific running game results from D’Onta Foreman, and a solid defense would benefit the new quarterback greatly. How Foreman wound up in Chicago on a one-year contract is NOT what should have happened, and Fitterer was certainly the loser on that contract. How much $$$ did D’Onta want again? becomes relevant when he/Panthers were willing to part with their only talented receiver, DJ Moore, to get absolute #1 pick, and he had a career year with Chicgo https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoorD.00.htm .

If the Panthers find their Head Coach before Ground Hog Day (that’s fast), it will almost surely be because #MrTeppers$ whacked someone like Detroit’s Johnson with his checkbook. Best practices is using FOOTBALL PEOPLE to make such decisions, which would mean he really hasn’t chosen to use those resources yet. With the deepest pockets among NFL owners, that whacking is undoubtedly his (second/only) best route, because overpaying after the shine has come off Panthers in a big way seems mandatory.

Tepper gave up on Reich, but he can’t go after another QB in draft. For anyone who really thought the choice of Young was unanimous, that Tepper miiiiight have pushed for him will probably take a while to be outed.

Business, Community based pr, Sports

Fans and #MrTeppers$$ are Dissatisfied, Charlotte Teeters on ‘Loserville,’ Young survives 2023

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Fans and #MrTeppers$$ are Dissatisfied, Charlotte Teeters on ‘Loserville,’ Young survives 2023
Looking good for NYE always counts, but even Daddy Warbucks cut couldn’t save Panthers from a shaved monkey effort vs. JAX

Nobody is likely to say it out loud and proud, Charlotte area sports fans are having a crisis of belief in local teams. That the Pistons lost 28 in a row is only a distraction to our own situation (5-27). There’s Fields doubters and another #1 pick possible in Chicago, both NY teams, with $45M Rodgers and Zack the Unloved, plus Danny’s $40M ACL, are bigger deals, Discomfort with sub.500 in Charger-land with strong armed Herbert, and gutless-cheap leadership? We got a guy doing double duty here!

Cleveland? Yeah, $92M into Watson deal, still something seriously wronger there QB-wise, but congrats to Flacco and Brown’s defense. Patriots? (Bleep) Belichick.

Truly, a great many teams are dissatisfied with their football prospects this late in their seasons. Hey, they’re barking about playing bad for real in Philly, and Kansas City too. That 7’4″Wembanyama kid in San Antonio, getting 18.9 pts., 10.3 rebounds, 3 blocks, and Spurs are 5-27. Forty, maybe sixty more pounds, he’ll be the second coming of Ralph Sampson.

Saturdays dinner date seemed to hedge her approval on my acceptance of her poor USC (5-7) Gamecocks, so losers are everywhere, not just Panthers.

Chicago must’ve felt the love, at least they sent thanks again for officially gaining Panthers 2024 #1 overall pick – and of course, for DJ Moore having his best day ever.

Does the last game matter?

While a considerable number of teams are still technically alive in the NFL parity world, #MrTeppers$$ took an unkind swerve with what’s inevitably going to be labeled a #TepperToss while at game in JAX. Feeling foolish, maybe a little thin-skinned DT? Sure seems like it. Gettin’ whupped 26-0, with half-dozen sacks to finish out the Panthers 2023, some trash-talking Jax fans might push your buttons.

Whether Mr. T has become introspective about previous meddling as adverse to Successful Football Operations, or he still wants to ‘pair’ coaches is still in question. If Detroit’s Johnson was close last year, that $15M-plus payday could be real, but who feels good about a non-expert Boss standing on their turf? Evero will probably stay on defense vs. assume HC role, but as noted before, Sportwriter Guy me being wrong about every turn for three years, we’ll see.

Last games matter because its what everyone gets plenty of time to remember, players and fans, and coaches. People still say, ‘Cam didn’t reach for that ball!’ in the 2016 Super Bowl. In a 2-14, slow train wreck season, with busted expectations aplenty, players still want opportunities to do better. If your contract is up, can anything done *today* keep me in memory of those who might still have opinions about my playing anywhere again? Do Zack Wilson or Ken Pickett wish certain things hadn’t been said or confirmed about playing time?

Ask Russell Wilson how it feels to get benched for his last games in Denver, so he doesn’t get dinged! and Broncos wouldn’t be allowed to cut him to save a $54M contract year in the spring. Will Brian Burns *still*put himself on the line one more game without a new contract? Will Panthers defense want to mess with Mayfield getting a rich contract in Tampa? Could be a pride thing both ways.

Ask a long haul COVID sufferer about an old axiom about what fails to kill us only makes one stronger, 2-14 losing is bad losing. Steve Wilks got major credit for 2022 team‘s intestinal fortitude, amping fan interest, an effective, run-oriented offensive line, and team cohesion. Wilks was stiffed by Tepper, another choice is necessary, so WhoDat? in 2024.

–1/2/24 Glenn S. And Everybody wants who? and how much? so that’s where the betting sites are going overtime.

How many Oles! does Fitterer have?

Having admitted that Sportswriter Me left the sackcloth wearing and moaning to others most of this season, the question in bullfights and management moves is slipping the sword behind the animals strong neck to end things, hopefully with the elan-deadly seriousness of a matador. We’re talking about #GM Scott Fitterer now, because the talent level, albeit with a surprise or two, isn’t comforting to many. How many Oles! might be fulfilled by someone besides ‘the guy who wants to be in on everything,’ will be part of 2024 considerations.

I only caught pieces of the Jaguars game, was thrilled that the Kung Pao sauce I tried with chicken/broccoli stir-fry, and a bold California red from my arrived-for-New Years shipment from Nat Geo wines, was so tasty as a working lunch. Just my job to see the slog before the blog. No pressure to produce in the immediacy of a blitz like Bryce sees, a late, ugly crumbling by the Panthers just a feeling to be noted.

The good game against Green Bay, that last-gasp 33-30 loss, might have meant something…but no, goose egg.

I could afford to be civilized – a good game on another channel wouldn’t be a problem. Still had wine and good kung pao, no throwing laptops required. Brother and I later opined about relative calm of Mr. Richardson’s generous spirit over 25 years of Panther ownership and community, compared to the number of flawed, expensive relationships since Tepper. It still sucks he got run out, Daniel Snyder lasted 20 years.

Are we super aware #MrTeppers$$ supercedes all else over six years of ownership? Nope, just regular aware, and aware of his $875M Rock Hill facility deal blowing up too. I’m actually wondering who’d take the job here (Just please, not Belichick!)

Loserville? Check the numbers

For those who desire major league baseball here, an established and beloved team like the Hornets – rescued to some degree by Carolina hero Michael Jordan (who got paid off LARGE, and given an attaboy!) for trying so long with this franchise – the Hornets seem financially incapable of fielding a quality team. That said, there’s no real option for a bigger baseball stadium , and the $$$ for a lineup to fill a 45,000 seater with a *competitive* team would require *real* deep owner pockets for half of 162 game season is a fantasy. What new management can do about fanning interest for Hornets is also in question.

For seven years and 364 games, the Hornets led the NBA in attendance 7x, essentially sold out (capacity 23,819). Charlotte lost its team because Mecklenburg County taxpayers said NO! to a new arena for owner George Shinn. In 2022-23, their regular season average was 17,123 per game, (89.7% of 19,077). Now, LeBron sells out.

The sellers-scalpers don’t come down on prices for Steelers, Cowboys, Giants, Packers games at BOA. but even with a cheap flight and two overnights in Charlotte, the economics of tickets here aren’t a problem for those fans who can’t get tickets back home. Fans leaving at halftime because they have a 4:00 BBQ, *that’s* a problem.

  • Panthers (2-14) Still tough to believe Tepper yanked plug on Reich mid-season. Was there consensus on 5Ws of coaching hires, or BRYCE?
  • Hornets (7-23, 13th (of 15 in East) Scoring 110.6 ppg, allowing 121.4 ppg. This hasn’t been your Dad’s Hornets for a long time.
  • Knights Baseball (International League, 18-56 in 2023, 29.5 games out)
  • Checkers Hockey https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Checkers (16W-11L-3T, 6th in Atlantic Div. AHL – Hershey leads with 54 pts),
  • Charlotte FC (10W- 13Draw-11L) in 2023, 13-3-18, 42 pts. in 2022 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_FC. (Hiring 3rd coach, same as Tepper with Panthers last 3 years)

Give the Queens University Royals Mens team some slack for 6-9 record in second season of Division I basketball, but 0-8 on the road. Games on 6th, 10th, 12th.

#leadership thought, Business, Sports

Poof! Sportswriter expertise isn’t a sham, just MrTeppers$ has blown up predictions for years

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Poof! Sportswriter expertise isn’t a sham, just MrTeppers$ has blown up predictions for years
Fannies definitely weren’t this plentiful for 9-7 win vs. ATL Falcons. Terrible weather, but Young completes a 17 play, 92 yard drive, taking last 7:35 of 4th quarter, a max-gut check performance ending with Pinero’s winning boot.

Hunger Games attitudes about coaching fiefdoms? I’ll leave that for another day. Whether GM Scott Fitterer is going to be gone with a front office re-org isn’t known on my paycheck level, but dammit! the offensive line wasn’t supposed to be talked so negatively about six months ago. 8 right guards and 7 LGs later, yeah, its still going to be talked about.

A ‘walk-on-by’ non-destination for Head Coaches according to SI’s Peter King? Just PLEASE don’t let him pick Belichick)

I take the blame for accepting a LOT after McCaffrey escaped without squawking, and I’m much less certain about it being *unanimous* with the Brain Trust about Young as the Must Have QB (CMC and an MVP, I see it happening).

Also, I was positive 2022 #3 pick Matt Corral would get benefit of that good coaching coming in for Bryce. Good reputations, but who got extra coaching I approved of Tepper spending on?

–Glenn Shorkey – I have proof of lauding middling picks as small genius Fitterer, a cool #3, but given away in ’23 after broken ankle as rookie.

Mayfield-Rhule was worst prediction of 2022, but…

Last year I stated ‘Rhule probably needs to win nine to keep job,’ and he was bounced early in Year Three, a waaaay bad prediction. Then, can anyone forget how interim coach Steve Wilks and a run-oriented offense, with D’Onta Foreman and minimal quarterback output, won six of ten after they started running ball control to the max?

Except for DJ Moore’s helmet violation costing the Atlanta game, and a Tampa Bay loss in Brady’s semi-last hurrah, 4 TD day, Panthers could have taken the division. It was an outstanding coaching job, by a LOCAL HERO, a reboot on healing a losing culture and fanbase, mucho attaboys! across the league, and a can’t lose Head Coach choice.

That kind of thinking and $10.50 (plus tax, tip?) will get you a premium 22 oz. draft in Charlotte. Nothing like, y’know, Respect though.

Stiffing Wilks became a sack-fumble by #MrTeppers$$, hero winds up in San Francisco with MVP candidate C-MC, two guys waiting for a ring.

‘Yeah, I guess I must suck, I was only guy not to score.’ – McCaffrey, after *not* scoring a TD in 18th straight game for record.

(He’s still getting married to Former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo in the off-season.)

Absolute Biggest Miss 2023, Sorry to Mislead You  

Working Their Process Delivered Right Guy for Panthers – Expectations Start Early for #1

Draft-wise, everything was predicated on top pick, and when Young stopped doing visits, with lot of talk about how impressive he was, sure seemed obvious about done deal on franchise quarterback. Until then, I had said CJ Stroud, like everyone else would, now.  

Two specific expectations came through quickly at beginning of 2023 season. Offensive line was *covered* acccording to me, Panthers even signed extra bodies, had fixed long time ballet (jumping people around) they’ve used for injuries in past. OMG! I said “It’s talked about (as a problem) until its not, and now its not (a problem).” Could I *BE* any further from the truth (say like Chandler in tribute)?

Yes, throw $25 million free agent Sanders in as lot less satisfying run production by proposed tandem (Hubbard, 741 yards, 4 TDs season, a yay! for rainy second victory), and documented leaky pass protection into mix, what happened to that hard core, productive O-line?

People point out Young’s sack total weekly (7 against Dallas, 51 this season, Sam Howell/Commanders is most sacked, 59 times), that he barely gets second step from center before wearing other teams jersey on his back. How many Panther fans agreed that ‘All we need is someone who can throw the ball’?

Oh hey, its not the weak offense, but Burns STILL doesn’t have his contract either. Trades offers were ignored, will he decide for himself?

“Panthers don’t have anyone that can hurt you long.”

Easy to nod agreement to Comment #2, every other commentator and myself has noted, “Panthers don’t have anyone that can hurt you long.” 100% bingo! dead as a doornail fact. And if your secondary can handle anyone as a receiver, and Panther tight ends are invisible but not in a Greg Olsen-ninja way, loading the box and blitzing have been useful against rookie QBs forever.

Chark and Mingo have been injury scratches often, both were afterthoughts, like bandaids as useful when needed before this Sunday. You *want* your valuable new guy surrounded by capable support, but until Right Now, its been more like Notre Dame QB Rich Clausen’s rookie year here in the meat-grinder, never given a TE to dump passes to and being blitzed mercilessly.

Young found Chark and Mingo during final drive, elevating players who had low bars to meet, this might later be called a turning point for him.

While Cam arrived along with two All-Pros in Jeremy Shockey (former) and Greg Olsen (about to go Legend) from Chicago, the Panthers haven’t gotten production from TE position since (Ian Thomas, Tommy Tremble and Giovanni Ricci combined for 471 yards on 48 catches), free agent Hayden Hurst 18/184 yds, 1 TD, concussion), Tremble, and if I’m surprised Ian Thomas is still around as a pass catcher (since 2018), I’d concur he’s one of early cuts expected from roster after season ends.

We’ll see how potential people coming IN – both on the field talent and where the front office bears changes – stacks up with Panther needs, what those soon departing didn’t provide. Bottom line, Charlotte may not be as attractive a free agent destination as before. It seems like Fitterer has gotten whatever was tasked, including ‘the talented’ Darnold and ‘also under-loved’ Baker at a bargain price before. The All Defensive Draft (2020) including Jeremy Chinn is only shining moment for Panthers, and three years of stud-dom later, I question why there’s not a spot for Chinn?  

Mea cupa, about #MrTeppers$$

I didn’t write a lick about the Panthers most of year, not much of a homer-rah rah! guy, and little to add to the recent kicking that seems focused on #MrTeppers$$ and meddling. Yes, it’s a long-time axiom about $$$, it doesn’t equal brains nor guarantee Success.

‘A walk-on-by, non-destination for potential Head Coaches’ one sports guru says, requiring major cultural change capability (and please don’t let it be Belichick). Tepper has paid out a lot of good money while gaining some warts as an owner. He kind of owns the situation though.

Arriving in Charlotte at same time as Panthers, 1995, it was a revelation and on-going fact I relate, that until they whipped Dallas on Thanksgiving to go 10-0 that Super Bowl year (2015-16), Charlotte fans didn’t truly BELIEVE the Panthers success was for real. The collective ‘We’ thought being NC nice to Darnold might overcome those NY scars, getting another under-loved QB who also under-performed as a thrower, with no shiny, fast, super-good CMC to hand off to, ‘We’ haven’t liked things any better than Tepper.

That same collective was stunned big time when Wilkes wasn’t rewarded with a contract for that 7-10 finish off Rhule’s bomb of a start in 2022. Going from that splashy 6 year, $62 million or whatever bidding war with the Giants for Rhule, to a Hunger Games fiefdoms and SCHOLARLY approach with Reich and a highly paid patchwork of coaching philosophies? Geez, and I thought that was a GREAT use of his cash?!

Panthers coaching upgrades, Goal of #1 QB (CJ Stroud) makes sense, Tepper-organization $$$ speaks to cap, results

 Panthers last drive Sunday, THAT is going to stick in the minds of many though. Taking whole last 7:35, QB goes 5-5 in wind and rain, tippy-toe catches, and Chuba Hubbard! It was flag-planting time, and for all the attention given to fannies who braved the elements, yeah, I admit not being up for the nasty. I sat in some inch-deep gushing downpours on aluminum bench seats in Tampa, aware of ‘The Lightning Capital of the World’ fact all around, watching soccer games. Best of wishes, good for you all doing the deed.

The day BEFORE that finale for Reich, I stated definitively Tepper would NOT admit such a massive and expensive failure, again, at 1-10. Guess he forgot ‘We have full confidence…’ press conferences come first.

Sorry I couldn’t warn you sooner, Charlote, I drank the KoolAid. Quite a few teams will have top spots open in Coaches and Front Office Land, with names to ponder here or there. Specifically HERE though, will require someone who accepts the large on field challenge AND has ability to build a fence of mature outlook about their Football Smarts vs. Empire Operations Re: MrTeppers$. Four years for $50M *might* get some interest, probaly six would be ‘penalty stroke economics.’

FYI, nobody is going to let go of that $850 million fiasco in Rock Hill in the near future either. Tepper is a well-tarnished brand going into 2024.

Sports betting propositions will soon become part of my blogging expertise on MrTeppers$, Panthers, Rock Hill, microeconomy. My unofficial look at Head Coach candidates – and as of early January, a new GM in Charlotte.

I’d bet a chunk of change Mr. Wilks won’t be fielding any calls from Charlotte, Tomlin wouldn’t mesh well with a handsy, I’m-The-Decider owner, nor can I imagine how rebuilding here would be to his liking. If its just about MrTeppers$, and Fitterer gone as GM being a losing parlay, getting the guy from Detroit with OC Johnson as HC, they’ve already have success together, how high is up for Detroit guy is question. It’s not Question #2, its Fact #2, less people are going to give Tepper the benefit of personal, organizational doubts in 2024.

As of early March, speculation about tag and trade for Brian Burns is abundant, and THIS is when that extra $45M or so to distribute should show up, DO SO, DAN!

Panther Football

Pineiro kicks, Bryce leadership, defense come through for Panthers in 15-13 win over Texans

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Pineiro kicks, Bryce leadership, defense come through for Panthers in 15-13 win over Texans
Still an all-time favorite house in Monroe, from sidewalk to second floor, these people are exceptional. Plenty of time for regular football pictures, right?

Pineiro’s missed PAT before half was a matter of concern all the way to end of game. Young’s baptism of fire with last drive was the QB everyone thought Panthers had drafted #1. There were empty seats aplenty this week, 1-6 still looks better than it did in 2022 (or 0-7).

There’s a justifiable feeling of euphoria in Charlotte after Bryce Young’s first comeback win (22/31, 235 yds/1 TD) as a Panther. Noooo doubt about it being a total team win. The defense backed the offense when it faltered – a strip fumble by Jackson, a Burns sack – and how about a tight end catching a touchdown pass (Tremble, 1 yd.)! Add three more field goals, 24 in a row, for Pineiro.

Proposition bets were Panthers +3, over/under 43.5 (-112), and I definitely took that. Young was moving and throwing accurately today, and with the constant blitzing he’s gotten,that’s progress. Lets say his approval rating is markedly higher than before the bye week.

That #offensive lines are discussed regularly until they’re not for a good reason, the Panthers are still being discussed.

Young’s performance vs. Dolphins wasn’t bad either: 23 of 38 passes (60.5%) for 217 yards and a touchdown, with a still decent 85.1. Nothing spoke of panic. The first two scoring drives of the day worked smoothly, Panthers got a gift score with pick six off Dolphin’s QB White for a respectable 42-21 final score. Overall Young got a chance to drop back, assess, and throw plenty for a full, prime time game. Plus, he didn’t turn the ball over, and minimizing negative possessions *does* adds up. 

Was yesterday make or break?

ONE PLAY, with a blitzer blowing through a block, Young shakes him off and makes *killer* throw to sideline, Thielen with tipppy-toes in. Even if no score with a failed 4th and 2, that’s doing the deed. Isn’t it great to have a definite #1 receiver, and somebody to throw it to him?

–10/30/23 Subtract 55 yards of sacks from Young’s QB rating (to 180 yards) if you want to, he held up pretty well.

Timing for breakout win couldn’t have been better. At home after bye, in pursuit of elevated play for all areas, and OC Thomas Brown calling offensive plays instead of Head Coach Frank Reich was the biggest question coming out of the bye. The Panthers defense has been giving up just under 140 yds/game, gave up only 110 this week.

Chuba Hubbard had 15 carries for 28 yards, but got first downs with short runs during final 15 play, six minute plus drive to third field goal as time ran out. This team might have developed discipline.

Yes, 1-6 is exactly where Panthers were last year. Will #offensive line regain its run mojo against the Colts? Not just being a homer to reinvest this weeks winnings with +2.5 vs. Colts this week, and Under 44 is legitimate too. Return of RG Corbett is the biggest positive https://www.panthers.com/news/for-austin-corbett-after-294-days-it-all-poured-out-in-that-moment-acl-rehab

Frankie Luvu got his citizenship, family attended, and Luvu fills up a stat sheet weekly (12 tackles v. Texans). Still not understanding misuse of Chinn, Burns is still a disruptor, and still not going anywhere. Yes, he’s playing out a 5th year, and having turned down high draft choices last year and up tohe trading deadline in 2023, Tepper won’t let Burns go, although he’ll pay a premium for the delay. No deal could heal that move. Lots of people think otherwise though, https://www.the33rdteam.com/category/analysis/2023-nfl-trade-deadline-why-a-brian-burns-trade-is-worth-considering/

Six sacks as ball security?

Texans D came to play, but ONE PLAY, with a blitzer blowing through a block, Young shakes him off and makes *killer* throw to sideline, tipppy-toes in, even if no score at end, that’s doing the deed. Its great to have a definite #1 receiver (Thielen, >65.5 yds, -130 a DraftKings winner – he had 8/72 yds.).

The Whacking of Quarterbacks 1,2,3 (4,5…)

With a courtesy nod to the noteworthy GOAT Brady, a frequent beneficiary of gentle handling for several years, who has likened NFL protectiveness as akin to playing flag football, only Cousins’ Achilles, as a non-contact injury, is anything out of the ordinary with ‘rash of injuries.’ Stafford’s thumb (we’ll see), Ridder (Atlanta, possible concussion), Taylor (neck) and Pickett (ribs) sound ordinary when Brett Favre strapped it up 321 times without a miss.

For all his supposed slightness, Young showed no hesitation about moving forward in the pocket and throwing on the run. There was a stat with Chargers 6’6″ stud QB Justin Herbert being tied for lead (12) with Josh Allen for batted passes, and he led the league last year. Young is willing to eat the ball on a sack more than just sling it, but 5-6x a game is NOT a great O-line stat for anyone.

Purdy is finding out a little about not always being perfect, Joe Burrow is the best/sweetest thrower in the NFL. Sounds like Minnesota will have a busy week sorting out who takes over for Cousins, who was having a career year. In 2017, Case Keenum went 11-3, with 22 TDs/7 INTs and over 3,000 yards saved the Vikes bacon last time they needed a QB fix who. (Odds wouldn’t be good on Case again. Or Kapernick)

At 1-9, the Panthers +300,000 odds of getting to the Super Bowl (Eagles are +450), with a money line of +164 (bet $164 to win $100). Unfortunately, no prop bet on Panther sacks.

Speaking of those who got the job done during their times in Charlotte:

https://www.panthers.com/video/julius-peppers-hall-of-honor-speech

https://www.panthers.com/video/mushin-muhammad-2023-hall-of-honor-speech

Health care, POV - Content Creation, Sports

A New Normal blog, minus retail microeconomy and Mom in Hospice

by gshorkeyblt22 Comments on A New Normal blog, minus retail microeconomy and Mom in Hospice
Hospice worked the way it was intended for us. Mom ate and chattered well, even gained weight the last two months. I got to take vacation!

Didn’t see the Panthers being 0-6 into October, but on August trip to upstate NY – specifically Saratoga races and a $1200 Monday night at blackjack table – I was physically and mentally feeling brilliant, even happy.

Get some mental health like that when you can. Social Goodness still counts.

A trifecta winner (+230) had me buying dinner wine, and a good night of blackjack didn’t launch a new microeconomy, but I’ve decided to officially rejoin some Social Goodness in America.

Being noticed for haberdashery at 66 was affirming, because dressing well is a Saratoga tradition. I wasn’t a Gatsby costumed dandy, but a definite upgrade from tees and shorts, frat guy reunions with cigars, pork pie hats and horn rim-topped Maui Jims as a standard.

Thankfully, after a year in the closet, muscle memory checked out well golf-wise. I played a lot of shots for nine holes, with two balls and no scorecard on a long, wide, familiar course. It was a perfect 76 degree-two beer TUESDAY (93 in Charlotte) and work wouldn’t start again for a week.

Vacation had a kind of ‘cut-above’ feeling Christian McCaffrey must walk around with (except he’s so modest). He was so damn good here, that 1000-1000 year. He’s looking like MVP material in San Fran (currently +1400). *I* never said ‘injury prone.’

What felt incredibly New Normal enjoyable in late August, became a positive attitude worth pursuing. So I did. Naaah, I’m not retired, more ‘Full time writer and gig economy consultant’ now. #cdtalententerprises #sportswriter

Saratoga has a reputation for social events and haberdashery; I was a dancing DJ at two of Marylou Whitney’s Travers Eve balls in ’90s. This Travers, I went full Hugo Boss blue, lilac shirt, paisley blue-gold tie, great hat and polished shoes trackside. Only took a few, ‘Nice suit’s to affirm the effort.

Myself, 8/26/23 Officially rejoining in some extensive Social Goodness in America

Four Betting Truths – The Value in a Trifecta

  • When there are several equally good horses (3-5- or 2-1 favorites) in a race, its legitimate to try trifecta boxes ($12). Don’t try to figure out two best and win or place bets, take another horse – or hot jockey – that pays a price. In the Alabama, Edwin Rosario (#10) at 14-1 booted home the third place horse I needed by a nose. He won all three times I played him that day.
  • Buy and read the pink sheets, 5 min. to Post Time, they’re a buck. Whomever wrote the thumbnail sketches, at least it gives you a sense of info you lacked before. After a couple races, Saratoga usually has 11-12 races a day, check results – maybe you’ve got someone who knows a little.
  • Always back up your top choices with place bets.
  • Always be glad to buy the wine or split a check with your bro or bestie when you’re even a decent, on vacation winner. Lasagna at Wheatfields and touring a well-lighted, exciting looking city after track was terrific.

Appreciated decent chats with many, let several ladies know how to bet on more than a horses name. Gave one gent Truth #1 above, “…and with those two favorites, I’m looking for value, or my man Rosario.” He thought there’d be something more technical about how to bet, but its still the juice of getting paid for being right.

Definitely a $25 tip for dealer!

Having your judgment affirmed in concrete terms, like this fistful of chips, was stone-cold great. Started with $20 bets, ended up with a heckuva lot more chips, better than ever. I split aces at $175 per, plus $175 second hand and called it quits for an epic run.*Nothing* on my scheduled vacation I couldn’t handle with that much extra $$$.

At legendary Siro’s Friday night, I arrived early, in soft, light mint-green jacket, gray Baker slacks, yellow with blue grid shirt, brown-gold tie, polished shoes, and my Good Hat. Outdoor areas filled up in 25 minute after last race . I had a split of Moet while waiting, then got pulled onto freestylin’ dancing area by a curvy lady in sleek black and a curvy hat.

Neither a trifecta winner at Saratoga nor those purple chips had any impact on ending my retail career at Nordstroms. I had carried a refreshed and winning Attitude forward post-vacation, finishing with eight straight days of getting at least one suit. Cashing chips did involve buying a new basketball, a positive marker I utilize regularly.

Sunshine as therapy is organic and easy. WINNING, gotta say – I also beat my 6’4″ buddy in ’21’ by muscling up on him the last few points – is always better than alternative in my book. Oh yeah! I finished book #2 in August too. https://www.wattpad.com/story/218725526-a-triple-shot-of-karma-platinum-fury-focus

Finishing a book does a lot for mental health, and gaining another $40/hr. gig for my journalistic expertise and creative writing is still the 2023 business plan for this #BoomerwithAttitude.

Yay! I went looking to maximize social experiences a lot on this road trip, and doing more often in Real Life! I don’t imagine I’m the singlular person changing attitudes from defense to offense, socially speaking.

Hospice, more than just end game situation

My mother, Ernel Margaret Shorkey, 89, passed the end of September, and while Hospice is often viewed as an end game situation, my taking her out on warm days to read in gazebo, or morning visits, up until the last week, dropping off flowers, that’s what our family will remember.

Administratively, having protocols in place with Hospice – Mom was a DNR – she had a good relationship with her support staff, we relied on their attention to my loved one.

We’d recently seen an open-eyed Mom, who chatted along for quite a few weeks, I’ve got the videos. The underlying fact of Hospice giving our family time to celebrate and prepare, yes, we lived #NewNormal then too. Being there at the end, feeling she heard us say it was okay to go, I’ll send a moment of such peace to the many who didn’t get that during COVID.

We’ll gather again down in Tampa soon, to bring her back to her people – Mom & Dad Sevigny, her sisters Jo and Elinor, Uncle Frank and my Dad. I had to include Mom here, what a difference a day makes. I got several pieces of furniture, mostly stuff Dad made, plus a two seater couch that unfolds to a bed. I’ll show the video of her thinking my phone was a piece of pie often, all the way to hearing the crunch of her biting it.


Business, Sports

Working Their Process Delivered Right Guy for Panthers – Expectations Start Early for #1

by gshorkeyblt21 Comment on Working Their Process Delivered Right Guy for Panthers – Expectations Start Early for #1

Charlotte didn’t believe 2015 Panthers could actually make Super Bowl until they whipped Dallas on Thanksgiving to go 10-0 is my standard. Belief in Young will take at least 4-5 Ws.

Beat writers may want to straddle just how well so many expect Bryce Young to play, and gushing like a homer all day-every day isn’t my style. OTAs start shortly in the still sweaty cauldron that is Spartanburg, but even if there are question marks, its the NFC South.

When 2010 draft brought Cam Newton here, I let alllll the stuff about his Dad offering Cam to high bidder go, he was ours – just root for Success. Drew Brees was a 5’10” over-achiever you could appreciate, but other than size, what’s not to like about Bryce?

— Me, and 5 million other guys who made him +1250 DraftKing favorite.
‘Everyone on the Brain Trust agreed,’ huh?
Want to fully experience the Panthers at work? Get to Spartanburg early, shade is at a premium.

Consider reasons to be jazzed up

  • Even if you felt Steve Wilks deserved to get the Head Coach role, Frank Reich brought the best kind of people with him, including Duce Staley, who he teamed with offensively during Eagles 2017 Super Bowl season.
  • Christian McCaffrey, that 1000-1000 young man some thought broke too easy, was gone mid-season and almost won a Super Bowl already, but the kid from ‘Bama has that Heisman and leadership props himself. Okay, he didn’t save a guys life (yet) or get engaged to Miss Universe like McCaffrey, but he ain’t just ANY rookie.
  • Let’s admit that #MrTeppers$ will make a difference, with quality, certifiably good coordinators and assistants to coach up Panthers everywhere.
  • When the organizations biggest Gotta Fix has been a lackluster offense requiring specific, productive leadership at the helm, should even casual fans recognize they’ve gotten better?
  • The practice facility and stadium situations are still out there, but you haven’t heard the words, ‘up against the cap’ in a long time. #GM Scott Fitterer gets credit for putting deals together, VP of Football Administration Samir Suleiman is the ‘cap guy’. Most people thought Shaq Thompson, after his best year (135 tackles, 8 for loss) was a goner with a $24.46MM cap hit, but Panthers managing to keep him on a reworked two year deal is good for everyone.
  • With a proven offensive line, bringing in Miles Sanders stats to Charlotte https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4045163/miles-sanders and his history with Coach Staley in Philadelphia, on a 4 year/$25.4M contract ($5.9MM signing bonus, $13M guaranteed, according to sportrac.com), and an opportunity for frequent carries by hard-running Chuba Hubbard (95 rush/466 yrds./2 TD, 171 yds. receiving), the ground game is solid.
  • Hayden Hurst (TE, 3 yr./$21.75M, $6.17M signing bonus, $13M guaranteed) fixes another significant hole in the Panther offense, one that’s existed since Greg Olsen left for the Seahawks and then announcers booth.
  • When Cam Newton came to town, the Panthers invested in two All Pro TEs, Jeremy Shockey (past) and Greg Olsen (legendary) to give Newton a check down receiver. Hurst brings credibility to the position earned as a key target for Joe Burrow during two AFC championship runs by Bengals. If 52 receptions for 414 yards and two touchdowns isn’t world-beating, it beats what’s been the norm.
  • Panthers wouldn’t listen to anyone about trading Brian Burns, there’s another run stuffing big-body free agent to put with Mr. Brown on the line, and Defensive Coordinator Ejiro Evero is going to make S Jeremy Chinn an All Pro, someone other teams will have to account for.

‘We got Joe’ – Guys you don’t bet against

There’s a huge influx of young guns in the NFL, with Mahomes the current lightening rod for a force you don’t want to bet against. The Buffalo Bills will never forget how a few seconds makes all the difference with a QB you WOULD want to bet against, like Herbert, Jones of NY, and Josh.

The word on Young is a WISE HEAD with props comparing him with Peyton Manning for knowing what to do in specific situation. Caveats on his size at this point, fingers crossed about O-line.

— #gshorkonsharonroadseam 5/8/23 I admit hating Manning’s constant ‘OMAHA’ checking, but he KNEW.

Joe Burrow at LSU was/is All That, and got Joe Brady, his OC at LSU , the Broyles award anda good job in NFL with Rhule’s Panthers, but they obviously out-personneled everyone with pass catchers. Joe kept his part going with Bengals, Brady’s system didn’t impress at pro level.

Aaron Rodgers, iffy a character as he sometimes seems, *still* isn’t someone you blow off until final whistle. Will NY get the full benefit of his expertise, if he can’t be bothered with some good will at OTAs? Greatest fear about Rodgers is he gets injured and its back to Zack.

It’s the NFC South folks

Is Young worth three games? because 10-7 would win the division most years. Tampa took it with 8-9 record last year, a year after Brady led them to a 13-4 record, and everyone else tied at 7-10.

ATL has two names for QB room – Logan Woodside and Desmond Ridder- and maybe Taylor Heineke (2 yrs./$20MM?); Tampa has maybe Jacoby Brissett, who was steady with Browns, and Saints Derek Carr (4 yrs./$150M) rode the wave of QB uncertainty best by signing in early March.

Despite 1-6 start in 2022, Panthers were a helmet-off penalty on Moore causing a missed PAT, and a lousy quarter defending Mike Evans (10 catches/207 yds./3TDs) as Brady went 34-45/432 yds/3 TDs to officially eliminate the Panthers. Tom is officially (at this time) still retired, so nobody in division has a better documented QB than Panthers, period.

Business, Sports

Panthers Brain Trust ups its game during drive to top pick Young

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Panthers Brain Trust ups its game during drive to top pick Young
What’s in the cards for #Carolina Panthers and 2023 draft group, led by #1 pick Bryce Young? Predictions may be all over, but Panthers were a helmet penalty extra point and a lousy 24 point quarter by Brady and the Bucs from playoffs last year, off a 1-6 start.

Nobody is dissing the #Carolina Panthers front office over their draft process, even if ‘Panthers organization and brains’ sometimes slipped into air quotes in recent past, especially with QBs. GM #Scott Fitterer’s reputation for ‘in on every deal’ is respected, which started long before pulling off the draft picks and DJ Moore price tag for #1 pick, #Bryce Young.

Maybe its the 4th time Fitterer’s brought best available leader into quarterback mix, but all the exploring and validating was about #best practices, not just a jumbled Rhule this time around.

5/2/23 #gshorkonsharonroadseam

Panther icon #Steve Smith seems solid on their #2 pick https://www.panthers.com/team/players-roster/jonathan-mingo/ as “a receiver who runs like a running back, around or through you” after the catch. Lots of experts said it was easier to get a top flight receiver than a franchise quarterback. Is immediately replacing Moore’s 1,000 yards production – and maybe scoring more touchdowns – a legitimate gauging of talent?

The Panthers draft was rated everywhere from A, A- to C+, depending on how heavily you weighed the obvious picking of Young as a future star, a #2 (Mingo) earlier than many thought necessary, and a LB/freak athlete from Oregon because Ejiro Evior wanted him, has been a Fitterer specialty. https://www.panthers.com/team/coaches-roster/ejiro-evero It seems like needs were met, #collaboration and ORGANIZATION sure strikes a different tone in Charlotte.

Word from San Francisco, which thinks Sam Darnold is the most talented thrower they’ve ever had – good luck with that. Talent wasn’t really the question…

They’ve signed 13 undrafted free agents, and still have $22.6MM of cap space for when negotiations with #Brian Burns extension starts. He’ll want to continue leading this defense, #2 on yardage/23rd in getting scored on, but getting paid still counts.

–5/1/23

Nobody in the organization has mentioned trading Matt Corral, last years second #3 pick, after a broken ankle in pre-season. He’s a freebie pickup of talent, and with Reich and an excellent coaching staff, could become a significant asset. Andy Dalton is current #2.

Alabama QBs, The Ghosts of Weinke, Newton

Starting with Newton as an ultimate extension of physical superiority in speed-strength in the RPO (run-pass-option offense) while winning 2010 national championship and Heisman at Auburn, Bryce Young is now the third Heisman QB in Panther history – Chris Weinke of Florida State, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Weinke being the first with that designation.

Weinke, was Panthers #1 in 2000, and he was 28 years old at FSU because he’d played baseball in Toronto’s minor league system. He wound up activating a lot of performance (yardage, TDs, starts) standards on a 1-15 team, where he eventually became a $5MM backup – when that wasn’t the norm. They handed the keys to Rodney Peete, and Weinke was out in 2006.

Cam Newton still casts a shadow around Charlotte as a franchise star, his contributions noteworthy, but Young won’t be getting coaching from Newton even if both like the idea. We’ll see if Eagles star Jalen Hurts is an outlier of strength-quality production among ex-Tide QBs with his historic (for like two hours) financial extension off last years Super Bowl run.

Mac Jones with the Patriots didn’t over-impress https://nypost.com/2023/04/29/patriots-bill-belichick-finally-addresses-mac-jones-trade-reports/ in Year 2, and the potential for Tua T. in Miami is somewhere between getting clonged badly several times in 2022, and getting to the playoffs again in a division that now includes Aaron Rodgers twice a year.

Oh yeah, Mayfield was a Heisman guy in Charlotte last year. 1-5 record, some mop up duty in another. 6 TD, 6 INT. Oy!

When all four decision makers were 100% in their praise – and Young canceled any remaining Top 30 visits – the announcement by the Commissioner was a 3 weeks unofficial Done Deal for me.

Pre-draft, Young was -1250 or so on DraftKings. Just sayin’.

Then there’s an Outstanding Offensive Line

A definitive asset that awaits Bryce Young is a very together and DEEP #Offensive line. The Panthers became a highly productive run team https://www.catscratchreader.com/2023/1/16/23556866/final-2022-ratings-for-the-panthers-offense-per-pro-football-focus with minimal expectations of production from Mayfield et al.

Panthers didn’t ‘just’ need a Good quarterback, more an Alpha, franchise-level leader. Can Panther fans expect the level of coaching in 2023 will make THAT much of a difference? The OC-DC and assistants assembled are well-documented, top of their game types, and Yes, that’s the Mission Statement clarity the top brass has operated under.

In #’Good to Great,’ a business management must-read, Jim C. Collins felt getting the right people on the bus AND in the right places was a primary difference maker. NOBODY doubts that steadiness of O-line and two-headed running attack will benefit Young. The Panthers organization is 100% agreed on directionality, every supporting factor (ie. Coaching staff) is planned around, and Bryce Young is considered a very wise head.

In Charlotte, adding G Chandler Zavala (NCState), a linemate of #Ikem Ekwonu at State, local hero (Providence Day) and the Panther’s much appreciated rookie OLT last season, adds some explosive power – his rep is a mauler on runs. Young won’t lack for opportunities to show off a little magic in the new, shinier version of the #Carolina Panthers.