Category: Panther Football

Sports, Thought Leadership, Panther Football, microeconomy

Yes on Panthers early injuries, TEAM, defense, Year 3 of Canales-Morgan-Tilis is ‘Football people making football decisions’

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Yes on Panthers early injuries, TEAM, defense, Year 3 of Canales-Morgan-Tilis is ‘Football people making football decisions’

Moton’s clot, Wharton’s neck, Ekwonu’s patella, Offensive line changes, Brazzell- still a full WR room. Jonathan Brooks continues closer to being a RB reality, Kuechly and Hall of Fame game, Mr. Legette are all legitimate factors. Room again for Jimmy Horn, Jr?

While many Panthers fans and a wedge of media has gone OMG! about the injuries reported in first week of practice, trust GM Dan Morgan has the necessary bodies in camp. Scourton loss was epitome of a rough week regarding names that were creating buzz about possibilities. Princely Umanmielen (#3 in 2024) https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4429166/princely-umanmielen is next man up, and we’ll just see how everyone plays in Hall of Fame Bowl vs. AZ Cardinals on Thursday, Aug. 6th.

Panthers franchise LB legend Matt Kuechly will be inducted August 8th.

Just a quick note on that gentleman- In my suit selling microeconomy gig, I had the opportunity to do coat & pants for a young man, a rising sophomore at Charlotte Christian. He needed some alterations to accommodate thighs, but conversation was about thrill because (sometime previous) coach Kuechly invited he and Dad to HOF ceremony. That HAS to be major juice for soph athlete aspiring to THAT as the standard we can/often hold athletes to.

Apparently that doesn’t apply to Gift to Americans of LIFE for untold many that Dr. Fauci was responsible for, and SURE isn’t anything like standards for America’s prez. March 18, 2021- best, almost guaranteed, chance at living, very simple. My Dad had polio as a kid, you bet four brothers took the Salk sugar cube vaccine.

Yes, CHARACTER. Panthers always had people like Olsen, 3x run for Man of the Year, 3-1000 yard receiving years, Thomas Davis, an effort machine. Its a renewed element in Coach Dave Canales culture rebuild. Remember when Cam scored all those TDs after short fields supplied by defense? When 50 sacks was an off year?

Deee-fense again! too. Ejiro Evero’s unit has a straight up nose tackle supremo, Lee Hunter. https://www.panthers.com/news/5-things-to-know-about-defensive-tackle-lee-hunter so lets rock! Devin Lloyd https://www.nfl.com/videos/rapoport-devin-lloyd-agrees-to-three-year-45m-deal-with-panthers-gmfb and Jaelan Austin https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4242975/jaelan-phillips are going to put up stats. Austin has any injury problem, everyone will have a problem, but he’s a stone-cold make a difference guy.

No, the Panthers haven’t thrown the Big Money to many, now was time for best business practices, which is Morgan paying up- just like when he brought in guards! for big $$$, and stabilized offense, kept Bryce upright. Yes, the $$$ on Bryce Young is going to be a question all season.

What does 7-3 start get this year’s Panthers, respect-wise? It would mean taking splits with Gr.Bay, Bucs, Eagles, Bears, Buffalo, and Detroit is a Sunday Night prime timer. Just askin’, could Big Game Bryce start making believers with W against Chicago on Opening Day? (No early pressure…)

Offensive line will still be a key positive, Freeling rocks

At the time Morgan drafted the big https://www.panthers.com/team/players-roster/monroe-freeling/ (6-7, 315) ex-GA Bulldog at #19, he stated Panthers weren’t locked into Freeling as LT, a position previously ‘fixed’ by FA Rasheed Walker (from Green Bay) while Ekownu figured to rehab- he’s not listed as out for season. No doubt Freeling will be putting on lots more necessary weight, his pass blocking is high order, he’ll be fine with run-blocking for Chuba, Etienne, or Brooks.

DeAngelo Williams, terrific back, and got players to wear pink for (his Mom’s) cancer. Panthers always have fine community people, other futbol too.

Right tackle Taylor Moton hasn’t suddenly fallen off his Ironman pedestal, https://www.panthers.com/news/taylor-moton-reliable-ironman-grateful-teammate-team-dad-100-starts, and the blood clot factor hasn’t sounded like a major hassle. My brother Mike had three sessions with lung clots, once from long time drives up/back to NY. While bro did hospital time (and only has one kidney), I’m real sure Moton will get best of best health care asap.

If six-eight weeks early on is acceptable safety, it compares better than say, C-MC being held out half a season for high ankle sprain after that $21.6M bonus post 1000-1000 record year. Roger Craig and Marshall Faulk being only others to hold that production levels, I never let him be called ‘injury prone.’ Same for Brooks- Charlotte knows his story, and mercy! he could get crowd roaring with a 12-yarder.

Panthers let both centers go FA (Mayes, Corbett) from super group effort last year, and #5 pick (Iowa, C) Sam Heck will battle Luke Fortner (New Orleans, 1 yr./$4.75M) for the starting gig. ‘Steel sharpens steel’ has been a byword for couple years now, and there seems enough young & well-nurtured talent around on both sides of the ball. If its working hard against Cards for HOF game vs. soft in preseason, no starters are mentioned for duty during that, Pickett will lead offense. I won’t believe any common practices will be easy, sociable.

Wasn’t the first game of Bryce Young’s Yr. 2 a debacle vs. Saints, when line was LOT less talented and defense gave up like 45 points, because they seldom worked on each other fearing front line injuries?

Seeing how team is glad Horn’s foot laceration ‘injury’ is done, his coverage benefits the receivers trying to practice getting away against tough defenders. Safeties include Moehrig, Jackson, Thornton are clocking in right, consistent way, secondary unit is better and getting paid to be. Hill is already considered a keeper. Ohio St. safety Ransom is back, and returning (probable) nickel coverage safety by Chau Smith-Wade, in 3rd year here, knows the system, capable at several levels. Thornton could excel in blitz setups.

Bobby Brown III and a hamstring, some cases of ‘camp back.’ Its not players dropping like flies.

Canales likes his full rooms for TEs, RBs, WRs

Don’t sweat Brazzell, its a knee Panthers won’t push, see you when possible. There are young guy options for #4 WR without paying other organizations. Yes, Scourton gone for year is a blast defensively, seems Princely Umanmielen is already stepping up.

Year Three of Ejiro Evero’s defense could be special. Derrick Brown again, a true nose guy. Free agents Jaelen Philips & Devin Lloyd contracts are proof that when GM Morgan goes hunting, he brings goodly elements back to the cave.

Legette is working out fine by all standards. Everyone knows he’s got the physical goods, and few can afford to say, ‘let him go, he won’t catch better elsewhere.’ ALL the Panthers receivers are bigger than usual, Jimmy Horn, Jr. being the bug at well under 6′. T-MC and Coker are a fine duo, XL is worthy of penciling in at #3.

Can we say, ‘600+ yds, 40 catches, 4 TDS would be an excellent year for Mr. Legette?’ As the joke goes, we can say it, but will numbers mean successful? Is it kind of obvious, he gets *some* extra targets the newbie might have been up for. He’s had 4TD s in a year. Point of the spear, will Idzik call his number productively?

That Bryce Young is known for throwing anticipatory passes, leading receivers open with well-placed throws, a caveat of mine is ‘Cam never did that,’ throw a receiver open. You went to somewhere, he’d pin a fastball on you. Bryce is an accurate, minimal turnover NFL quarterback- and when asked to, throws downfield well, so go ahead and ask for couple long strikes vs. 13 play drives?

Leadership quotient- Super. T-MC goes to head of class with any string of big efforts, Coker is better every year, so wow! in advance. HIM as slot receiver, or use TEs more?

TE position wasn’t upgraded to any degree. All three can certainly block/help O-line with blitzers or OLBs and keep a cleaner pocket for Young. Ja’Tavian Saunders could well benefit from OC Brad Idzik taking over play calling from HC Canales. Saunders was tagged as a great get before neck injury, there’s no denying his size, elite speed, and substantial catch radius would be greatly appreciated in Red Zone snaps. ‘The other Notre Dame guy’- Mitchell keeps popping up on radar.

Panthers paid up for Tremble, and if you’ve got a trio of big guys who can catch, that COULD be in Idzik’s offense, right? What are expectations for Saunders, where whatever Jonathan Brooks might well inject into the Panthers offense wouldn’t be twice as big? There’s been nothing but good words regarding performance after last injury, and that is a truly fine potential hole card in Panthers hands.

We luuuuvvv our Chuba H., but Brooks is a legit breakaway threat stud who, if he indeed gets reps like Dowdle last year, could become the best tandem for Panthers since Jon Stewart and DeAngelo Williams https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeAngelo_Williams .

#Charlotte Hornets, Panther Football, Sports

You’ll Never go Broke Betting on People GM Morgan (Panthers), Peterson (Hornets) Bring to Charlotte

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on You’ll Never go Broke Betting on People GM Morgan (Panthers), Peterson (Hornets) Bring to Charlotte

Eight days until Panthers open camp for 2026-27 season, longer for Hornets, but we should take Melo, Green for Naz Reid and host of draft picks in four team deal as solid trade for franchise future.

While the trade of fan favorite LaMelo Ball is still a source of sorrow for some, the addition of sweet-shooting (career 48%, 13.6 ppg/6.2 reb/2.2 asst in 2026) and defensively sturdy (avg. 77 games/yr) Naz Reid- the NBA’s 6th Man of the Year in ’24 – will be a bellwether change for Hornets franchise. Last season (44-38) was Hornets best in 25 years, since 2001-02 team finished 44-38 and then moved to New Orleans, because Charlotte city management refused to build owner George Shinn a new arena to replace the always sold out Hive.

While the three 1st round swaps (2028,’29’,30) might never be utilized, gaining an NBA 6th Man at the cost of a popular player echoes the moves GM Bob Bass made in 1996 to remake the Hornets (1/2 game from playoffs at 41-41) roster. That team went 54-28 with new coach Dave Cowens, 6th Man Anthony Mason (from Knicks) for Larry Johnson, and Glen Rice (Heat) for Alonzo Mourning as major changes.

The Panthers beat writer who keeps flogging https://catcrave.com/carolina-panthers-feel-loss-most-frustrating-investment-tershawn-wharton Morgan for signing Tershawn Wharton as a ‘flop’ because neck injury requiring surgery will be a concern all season long, is flat wrong. That’s as off the mark as every NBA writer who always included ‘former All Star’ in front of LaMelo’s name when he was riding the pine most of two years of a five year/$203.8M contract.

LaMelo (20.1 ppg/7.1 asst/4.8 reb) played in 72 games last season, but only 22 games in 2023-24, 47 in ’24-’25. Wharton was a stud defender in his time with KC Chiefs, and if free agent signing becomes a business decision ‘miss’ ($30M guaranteed), things happening after the fact doesn’t equate to ‘flop.’

Talking Panthers and flops

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Davis_Sr. (Focus on post-2009, first of three serious injuries on same knee) Thomas Davis is an iconic figure in Carolina Panthers history, because he and LB Luke Kuechly became a duo who terrorized NFL offenses for years, after Davis came to Panthers in 2005 draft (Georgia) as a fast, hard-hitting safety.

While current WR Xavier Legette might be considered a flop because of the expectations for production all first round picks carry, moving into *having* a 1st round pick is considered one of GM Dan Morgan’s first surprise moves. While there’s a case of potentially being lost in the sauce when two years of A-1 pass-catching talent- Offensive Rookie of the Year Teitoria McMillan (AZ, 2025) and 2026 pick Chris Brazzell II (TN) were brought in at same position- his pass-catching flaws as WR2 haven’t been mitigated by obvious effort.

Few NFL GM’s expected the McMillan pick at #8 after the Panthers had a disastrous run defense when Derrick Brown was lost for the year in Game 1 (2024); Brazzell is regarded as a gift that fell to the Panthers in third round, a gift Morgan grabbed as best practices management.

Another pick (#46, 2nd rd. in 2024) was Texas RB Jonathan Brooks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siJ3reb_P78, and his progress is being watched carefully in 2026, especially since he’s barely been on the field since Morgan picked him, despite an ACL injury as a college senior. A two-time injured on same knee player, by all accounts he’s been solid during OTAs and drills. With Thomas Davis as a model- 14 years of outstanding service for the Panthers- almost nobody counts him a flop, more often just unlucky.

Will it take multiple years of forming something as successful as the Panther tandem of Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams to speak well of Brooks in the backfield with current lead back Chuba Hubbard? Does he have to become the #1, as Rico Dowdle did during a period when Hubbard was injured last season, and gaining over 1,000 yards from scrimmage?

Three years as primary talent selector, Morgan has earned ‘A’ ratings.

Nobody has heard a peep out of owner David Tepper during that time, only the selection of QB Bryce Young https://catcrave.com/bryce-young-gets-panthers-reset-that-comes-with-no-hiding-place?page_source=v_recirc at #1 overall (2023) is still in question. There’s every reason to believe that the decision by Head Coach Dave Canales to have Offensive Coordinator Brad Idzik calling plays becomes a legit acid test of his ability. Canales has been tagged as overly conservative at times, and Young was drafted with expectation that the Heisman winner was a really smart field general who could handle NFL level competition, turn information and practice into positives.

The Panthers have picked up Young’s fifth year option, but haven’t given him the upgraded financial packages several others in organization (Jaycee Horn, Derrick Brown, Trevon Moehrig, Jalen Coker, Chuba Hubbard) received for documented achievement. Does that make him a flop? More likely that, if he leads the Carolina Panthers beyond 8-9 record and first South Division title in eleven years (the Cam Newton, Super Bowl 50 year) he’ll rate a paycheck in $40-50M range. That’s a very long way from being benched two games into Canales first season as Head Coach.

Just FYI…

The Carolina Panthers are listed at about +225 to make the playoffs in 2026-27 NFL season, an implied probability of about 31% to qualify, putting them behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+175) and about even with the New Orleans Saints in the NFC South despite winning the division last year.

Business, microeconomy, Panther Football, Thought Leadership

10 Big Days, Super-6 Sunday in Suits Microeconomy, Black Suits Often, Draft Day (Finally!) Done

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on 10 Big Days, Super-6 Sunday in Suits Microeconomy, Black Suits Often, Draft Day (Finally!) Done
This is what I imagine as black suit guy, not Will Smith. In reality, its a darker charcoal with light silver hatching. The hat, yeah, I get comments.

There’s no sense fighting about the number of guys asking for black suits as wrong, I’m just glad there are plenty available for proms/wedding time. We’ve actually run strong since mid-March.

For those currently in the market for buying a suit or dress-up clothes, communicating information is my long-time talent. I’ve always been a 42 Regular, 16-34/35 for shirt, more 34 than 35 waist, so its not magic to suggest things for guys based on similar size necks and shoulders.

My operating style is to put a jacket on guys for sizing purposes early. Lets see what we’re working with, then do plus-minus and options by merchandise. People often give me overviews of an event need or circumstance. Some admit its been a while between suits, which isn’t a big deal.

What do they already have, is suit maybe for upcoming interviews, that sets the scene some. Do they have any unique considerations for sport coat or suit color? Yes, IMHO, a charcoal is more flexible.

As I finished ringing up a final transaction in the dark (3x lately) because store was officially closed, the Dad who pulled the trigger on his son’s 36 Short Hugo Boss because jacket fit soooo well was proof of mission Goodness. ‘I guess we can come back another time for a shirt and tie,’ (they did) with a smile was an affirmation of my expertise and belief people appreciate my Q&A style and mission accomplished outcomes.

Immediate information from shoulders, waist, sleeve become real math regarding suit size- waist for suit pants is minus 6 of jacket (or 7 for Boss). When a jacket is involved, I’ll help you get it on v. you whirling it overhead.

Oh, you need a lighter-colored summer gray suit in two days? No problem. Its a good feeling when someone tells me a weight/sense of relief has been gained because their greatest problem was mitigated professionally. Golf-wise, alterations is a solid club to have in bag when moving along the buy-sell process. Nailed that attitude 3-4x this weekend.

FYI- Panthers #1 pick was Morgan Freeling, an offensive lineman from Georgia. GM Dan Morgan says they’ll challenge him at all positions vs. declare him a RT/LT. Rounds 2,3 are today, 4-7 are Saturday. https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/48453161/carolina-panthers-nfl-draft-picks-2026-selection-analysis-depth-chart In 2025, Morgan’s draft was rated A+ by PFF, the defense seems to be benefitting from ‘best available.’

A Personal Best Six Suits-Coats Sunday says Microeconomy is All Right- ‘Seasonally Adjusted Terrific’

The last three pay periods have figured out to about $28/hour, but as a BoomerwithAttitude, keeping my personal time in mornings available for lifestyle (tennis matches, bike rides, lunches, writing sessions, volunteering) beyond 33-35 hours, I’m glad to welcome Spring conditions of warmth, Carolina sunshine, and weddings. Being aware of my relative safety walking in Myers Park, living within the sound of pickleball plocks! and overall economic situation in Charlotte v. Others in many places of the world, is gratefully accepted.

Discussing choices for the guys and what upcoming Social Goodness events requires is a legitimate investment of everyone’s effort. That includes wives, girlfriends, Others.

The Oliva cigar one of sales guys provided for my handling a client coming in for choice/getting altered for blue suit is appreciated, a welcome civility of Thank you-plus. Working current retail schedule, I’m convinced I have the story-telling function of a barber regarding civility. Having gained clutch, productive employment at a time of significant upheaval, I’ve always liked providing positive outcomes, so Yay! for the weddings and prom attendees needing matching ties.

Helping someone buy a suit is a solid $$$ alternative for a semi-retired sixty-nine year old sports and Romance Writer, getting OMG! situations saved is pretty affirming overall, nailing some gnarly timing factors and getting sincere thanks, da nada.

Everyone seems to understand sub-text of what Dad meant when I quote his, “They seem to think pretty highly of themselves,” about some price tags.

Good Try-er On-ers

I’ll explain CLOSE or tight terminology for choices, especially shirts. ‘Tight’ is something you’re aware of all the time, close is how Bugachis should fit. Trim is taking most of two handfuls of cloth from waist. Too short or long at wrist is obvious, big shoulders vs. smaller waists is often in the suit equation.

Results is where communication and getting good Try-er On-ers comes through. Oh, so not 33? Try the blue pants, they’re 34s…Some say Millar is boxier, but they have lots of product to like, and space around middle area to make alterations. Lets see how 46 looks…Moving things along with yay or nay decisions for options, its always about how the jacket feels, then the math of pants.

‘You don’t need to move like playing volleyball, and its definitely a closer feeling because you’ve got these shoulders and guns packed in there, but NO doubt this killer Canali plaid is YOU, Alex. That shade of tan-brown slacks, crisp white shirt with dark blue buttons is great contrast. You’ve got Ferragamo’s, right?’

Cole and his Mom

Being alone as the Closer (late shift) is a great time for guys to shop. If they invest decent time in situation 1-1, or even with another person around- my history in sales and journalism is as communicator who does excellent Q&A. There’s no reason it has to be a frustrating situation to get results in.

A second customer can watch how I put a jacket on someone, or hear how I explain sizing. IMHO, acknowledge the customer, and they’ll watch how I’m taking care of someone and infer/understand they’ll get exactly the same attention. Its fine to flex a little and ask extra customers about elements that can be discussed while making decisions with Customer #1. If they go to changing rooms, you have my attention.

With Cole, knowing he was thirty pounds from his usual playing weight (baseball pitcher) of 220, the point was having a great suit to wear here and now, and surprise! an off the rack 42 Regular Hugo Boss nailed all the gentleman’s dimensions. The extra was providing two bingo! shirts that he and Mom both found excellent matches (a third not available), and taking in the slight extra in back of jacket can be done after prom.

Service aspect of shepherding someone through things goes to a mutual bottom line- those who try stuff on are sure about having the right size, so I take a lot less returns overall. We *know* these are right, he tried them on. The purple tie with lavender shirt option for Cortland’s midnight blue suit took him no extra time to decide once presented, the kicker is knowing whats worked many times before.

I’m smiling about Mom being okay with sneakers he’ll wear with suit Saturday night, because we’d collectively GSD on everything else.

Product knowledge and presentation earn trust, congratulating guys for working through different sizes and options is legit. Ending with a conversation about my years as a Little League umpire and his power pitching and upcoming season after Tommy John surgery-recovery, yeah, swapping stories with guys like a barber works for me.

Getting to final instructions about pickup- ‘and zero $ for alterations’- IMHO, that’s just best practices, a solid, bill-paying part of my microeconomy, far from Iran mess.

I’m looking forward to continuing to help everyone buying a suit, hope the Peter Millar and Jack Victor suits from Canada keep rolling, I want the best variety of suit-selling ammo for my stylish and coachable clients.

#Charlotte Hornets, #leadership thought, microeconomy, Panther Football, Political

Hornets (39-36) playoff drive, Panthers FA/draft Springs into April, Bigger-better microeconomy of weddings always counts

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Hornets (39-36) playoff drive, Panthers FA/draft Springs into April, Bigger-better microeconomy of weddings always counts
Dad would make arrangements for nurses, so will I. Thanks Carmel Hills!

Along with MILLIONS in the streets here and around the world for No Kings! marches, we know what’s being stood up for and *against*. Flowers for Mom at Easter was about maximum color from me. Dad would make sure the nurses got something nice, so my code too. The good little extra stuff counts.

Bottom line though, Mon. I missed my $59 flight to FL on mission to help my brother, driving up to Charlotte vs. towing his Jeep behind 37′ RV at current prices was the plan. Then I left my wallet on dresser after a late pants change, no ID to get past TSA, SOL for help on driving plan in immediate future. Damn!

Yeah, I get my brother might be a little hyper about Plan A failing spectacularly (at my level), without any *actual* bombs happening, even Epstein. Its on me, nobody else dropped ordinance badly, even if a gnarly as hell mistake. I’ll try to make time in schedule after Easter. Best I can do.

Sort of like the Hornets, best they can do

Most of Southeast Division of East is jammed in same place, but overall Hornets have put up a 23-7 record since January 22, so many seasons of nothingness has generically become a terrific playoff opportunity. Call it 6th place in my book, 7:00 game with 18-57 Brooklyn tonight. Disappointing vs. 76ers and Sunday vs. Boston (114-99), they played well against New York. Playing to most recent form, including Diabate contributions, they are 16.5 pt. favorites, should get 40th win of year easily against Nets.

Consistency has become most often Good, with attaboys! for Knueppel spread everywhere, the face of franchise and very probably Rookie of the Year.

‘Your best players have to play like they are’ is the new mantra. This won’t be first or last time you’ll read that. 3/31/26 shorkknows.

Between the twin ascenstions of interest for both Hornets playoffs and Panthers selections, the obvious standard is the Expectations the Charlotte community once again has of its NFL and NBA best guys repping so well. In all cases, ‘Your best players have to play like they are’ is a new mantra, which hooks in the trio of HC Dave Canales, GM Dan Morgan, and top Panthers $$ VP Brant Tilis, and highlights how well VP Peterson has handled the Hornets personnel helm in two seasons.

LaMelo has contributed more positives and less injury time off the court this season, both serious Betters. Blending so well with the professional scorer, premier player Miller has become, with the ‘Core Four’ and Diabate have been as advertised, even though early Ws were sub-expectations. Congrats to all involved in his decision to remain with Hornets and develop as an NBA level asset, versus splitting off to (probably) make the French Olympic team.

Can we appreciate Kalkbrenner’s at the rim presence yet? Is projecting a sixth seed too high to seek? What would 41-41 get? Taking care of business remains the norm now, like during that eight-gamer that really moved the organization’s needle into Facts in Evidence, stacking done right shooting nights, offensive balance, get the loose rebounds, make passes through Knueppel. Just sayin.’

Sorry, both soccer teams are going to have to wait a bit for primo attention.

A Quality of Life Decision

Mom & Dave, chocolate donut Mothers Day, 2023.

I made the decision to move to Charlotte after coming down from upstate NY with youngest brother and son for my folks 40th anniversary in early April, 1995. They came up from Tampa. Its often called ‘Chamber of Commerce’ weather, that official Carolina blue sky, knowing pro football was coming, great family connection to land with, I arrived just after Memorial Day. Damn fine Quality of Life decision for sure.

I’ll crank out another great 15+ mile bike ride today, thinking ahead to next year, doing a sprint ironman, with a swim and 5k final run leg, instead of beating myself up about failure to carry ID and blowing up the plan. Can I say its not as critical as having lots of people on the streets, protesting like it was post-Watergate and ‘Nam 50 years ago, sincere as hell?

My weekend was special and productive sales-wise, legitimately super clear with product information to many, able to get people (mostly) on decisions about good looking suits, ties handled, beaucoup shirts. I’m way big excited about Peter Millar sportier stuff and Bugachi shirts! again in my direct domain. That $$ volume is still #1 element I consider as Success is rolling, I continue to say-feel ‘I don’t care about the bauxite for aluminum, or the soft timber for housing, just don’t screw with my getting Peter Millar & Jack Victor suits from Canada.’

Microeconomy-wise, I’m excited about Peter Millar sportier stuff and Bugachi shirts! again in my direct domain. THAT is still the #1 $$ element I consider, and continue to say, ‘I don’t care about bauxite for aluminum, nor soft timber for housing, just don’t screw with my getting Peter Millar & Jack Victor suits.’

Good thoughts for however I invest the free day (ride is callin’) I created by messing up with wallet/ID/non-brother saving into having a day to drive situation stopped cold. Nothing to say, I showed up short on every front, nope, you don’t get on the plane. If it was as straight-forward on a whole lot of other things this final day of a WILD March, would we be taking No Kings! for granted? Not me. Continuing the Minnesota Moment with happy chants of USA? YEP!

Ask Duke about accepting you lost, no matter how well things went Until or Except For.

(Oh, Biondi is under the bus now? I’ll take it.)

STOP THE WAR!

Community based pr, microeconomy, Panther Football, Thought Leadership

‘Belief’ in Buckle on Bible Belt gets Maximum ‘Big Game Bryce’ in 34-31 loss, Panthers set tone for Wild Card Weekend, 2026

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on ‘Belief’ in Buckle on Bible Belt gets Maximum ‘Big Game Bryce’ in 34-31 loss, Panthers set tone for Wild Card Weekend, 2026

Sportswriters love to prove how spot on their recent predictions might be, but immediate afterglow says ‘Yes Panthers, you can sip a little on moral victory,’ ‘cuz finale with Rams set up a great weekend of NFL games. The Drake Maye legend continues, but in Charlotte- and I arrived in ’95, just like Panthers- I was astonished at the *consistent* VERY loud, start to end, raucously demonstrative wave of home crowd cheering at BOA Stadium.

All is forgiven #MrTeppers$. Pretty much, and definitely on with the upgrades$. What a gut-check! and ALL credit due to Stafford and an *amazing* catch by Ram TE Parkinson, who high-pointed the catch and tip-toed into end zone.

One of customers I discussed game with had an awww, too bad! for Panthers, I said au contraire, dynamic as hell moment for franchise rebooted. About Bryce Young’s fifth year option, GM Dan Morgan’s got this. 1/12/26 Sunday I wore classic Tommy Bahama blue shirt with flowers and Hugo Boss blue suit, couldn’t get away with Panther jersey. You know, public eye.

A TEAM loss, a Franchise Turning Point sounds legit

With the totality of good performances- and national TV audience watching the early game- that Panthers produced was cathartic for most, a blessing for many, but its was also a litmus test of alllll the Collective We kind of believed was possible. Well, at least after 5-12 last year with three stalwart performances that hinted at change, plus an absolute flag-replanting year by Ejiro Eviro’s Derrick Brown-led defense as best practices was all season, reliable Goodness. Shout out to Tre’von Moehrig, free agent $$ well-spent.

The Grail-standard was always taking NFC South from Tampa Bay, a significant, factual, upgrade to last seven years in Charlotte. Relative to how closely I nailed my predictions, https://cdtalententerprises.com/2026/01/06/panthers-back-into-playoffs-still-counts-1st-2026-check-with-comma-trump-us-war-ops-in-venezuela-should-rate-higher/ LOL And while I missed betting, nominally because of working until 5, I was glued to game from time I got back, beers and snacks aplenty. Biiiig Attitude change from ‘I’ll watch early game till half and get a ride in.’

The difference in second season of Head Coach Dave Canales and Bryce Young, was a confident 21/40, 264 yards/ TD afternoon, plus a 16 yd. run/TD himself was valid proof of arrival. Offensive line was again profound, giving up just two sacks. Young FROZE a Ram defender before rolling into end zone amid three more, he is not afraid of contact. Leadership? Satisfied with Panthers efforts? Absolutely, so many producers (Tommy Tremble, 3/22!), Bryce’s scramble TD and T-Mc and Coker production, where Bryce *stuck* it on them, everyone should take a bow.

What team- besides Rams Stafford with Adams-Nacua (24/42, 295 yds., 3 TD/1 int) that I warned about in blog- wouldn’t want to throw to those two? Jaylen Coker may never shake the ‘free agent find’ tag, but he’s a bona-fide NFL receiver now- nine catches for 134 yards, TD, and a beaut of a 52 yarder, full time by end of season, he’s given notice as a regular target. T-Mc was a ‘Really?’ #8 pick by Morgan who tore it up admirably all year (70 catches, 1014 yards, 7 TDs), is almost certain to be Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Yes, that casts shade on hard-working XL (Legette), but lets say its a discussion for another day. Very much like how Rico Dowdle says getting fewer carries at end of year might have some influence regarding his free agent location next season. Tough sledding, when his contract provided $1M bonus for over 1,350 yards from scrimmage, but thanks for a very good year in any case. Definitely something Morgan-Tilis part of football operations will be working on.

Even the (two) uncool punt flubs by Etienne didn’t specifically hurt Panthers in game, with Stafford’s 4th down miss-fire in resulting Rams series a defensive turning point in game. Gotta admit, I can only imagine, as did announcer Greg Olsen, what 17-yr. vet QB Stafford might have said to Coach McVey about his choice of pass vs. run for first down. I was super-surprised at Bears coming off the floor to beat Packers.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/stats/_/name/car/carolina-panthers There is NO sin in congratulating the players and organization for a profoundly appreciated season. Wow! does it raise some expectations. One often hesitates to question matters of Belief, here in the Buckle on the Bible Belt. The ROAR of crowd at 34-31 game, it came through my 50-inch screen as Truth. Just sayin.’

No tearing down any goalposts like the college kids either.

#leadership thought, microeconomy, Panther Football, Sports

Panthers ‘back into’ playoffs still counts- 1st 2026 check with comma, trump & US War Ops in Venezuela should rate higher

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Panthers ‘back into’ playoffs still counts- 1st 2026 check with comma, trump & US War Ops in Venezuela should rate higher

Panther players, HC Dave Canales, Owner David Tepper, fans are positive about ATL for a little minute, Thanks! and enjoy #4 seed at home vs. LA Rams and Matt Stafford-Puka Nacua. My first check of year means I’ve matched Social Security income; took a 22% hit on Medicaid, and a gas heating bill (655 sf/ 2 BR) was over $100 for early December, we’ll see how January works.

My SPAN benefits ended, so buying own groceries and some for care bags now. Food benefits made a difference the last year, nearly as much as good retail gig offer from blue before Thanksgiving, two miles from just-repainted and black-shuttered, same rent as last year apartment group at bottom of Sharon Rd. to Nordy’s. Starting Year 5 here, I’d usually call that stability. https://cdtalententerprises.com/2021/01/18/smarter-than-average-bear-content-writing-boomer-replants-thought-leadership-flag-2021/

Yes, great tux, quality ‘tribute to Frank’ story about untied bowtie worked great.

I wore this new midnight-blue tux to work on 1/1/26 because I didn’t find anyplace to show it off NYE. Left bowtie undone, told people it was ‘tribute to Frank.’ Customer opined that “Message is you partied all night, rolled out to work in same as slept” *maybe* a shower stuff of our Younger Selves Memories. I said yes, lets go with that & Tuxedo Attitude. Fun day. Two suits to very intense entrepreneur was heck of start. Loved Landon’s ‘Not quite as tight as Connor McGregor’ standard.

“Message is you partied all night, rolled out to work in same as slept” *maybe* a shower stuff of our Younger Selves Memories. I said yes, lets go with that. Fun day. Two suits to very intense entrepreneur was heck of start. Loved his ‘Not quite as tight as Connor McGregor’ standard. 1/1/26

Air quote all you want- NFC South Division winners

Carolina Panthers 16-14 loss in constant downpour in Tampa Saturday wasn’t fatal, and yes, 8-9 is still Winners. They were sub-.500 before with 7-8-1 record during run of three division titles. All calculations come around to ‘It depends, because anything can win NFC South.’ That was true before Brady years, ATL also 8-9, catch you next year.

This Carolina Panthers team has some chops now. Obviously beat Rams earlier this year here, DC Ejiro Eviro’s defense indeed revolves around Derrick Brown’s return to middle of all the action, his sacks and pressures are relentless. Does anyone question Tre’von Moehrig’s $51M free agent salary, based on LOTS of run support (#2 on team) tackles? Rozeboom too. Rico Dowdle picked up $1 million bonus for topping 1,350 yards from scrimmage.

Yes, a quick Thanks! to Falcons. Cousins still thinks he rates a full time NFL QB role, Penix is still the plan in ATL, but Cousin’s been in right place for big contracts before. If GM Dan Morgan and VP Tilis hadn’t already picked up Year 5 of ‘Big Game Bryce’ based on higher expectations, its gonna come up. Is a substantial extension due- for core players as Panthers have notedly done all year- when ‘production’ of sub-200 ypg. and turnover free leadership, plus playoffs- earned obscene $$$, like Prescott or Drake Maye $$ will be? Baker got 3 yr/$100 mill last year…

That’s how lots of seasons end

Derrick Henry’s face when Loop’s kick went so crazy wrong, that’s how lots of seasons end. Since last years finale against ATL, when Bryce Young blew up for 5 TDs, that experience Carolina fans carried forward all season, might now be called for. Three fairly big wins- Dallas for starters, then Green Bay, Rams, plus clutch game here vs. Tampa Bay- the fannies are back. Best practices have prevailed throughout Panther organization. Sorry about Renfro.

The payoff on $20 FanDuel bets for beating 6.5 Ws and taking NFC South division weren’t huge, but still better than relative sharp stick in the eye Henry got, when Ravens previously perfect FG kicker missed a last-second attempt against Steelers that cost them AFC Central crown. Everyone’s other favorite player, Christian McCaffrey, missed another 1000-1000 season with only 924 receiving yards.

Life goes on in Charlotte, despite trumps “We’ll run Venezuela” utterances. Will there be any panic suit selling in January to disturb-juice my microeconomy? (Jack Victor-Peter Millar is from Canada, just sayin.’) I’m several hours more productive on my writing time blocks in Week 3 of work schedule; reacquiring personal goals, like anticipation of getting a 3 mi. ride on nearby Booty Loop, actually counts. Doing thirty-three hour weeks in January, I’ll continue to get my $$ share on that front, with Spring weddings and proms not so far away.

Getting a fist bump from Dad last night, because I nailed putting a 42L, charcoal-gray First Suit righteously on his enthused-at-great-suit feeling son, that still counts for me.

Two AE/PR persons from Hornets and Panthers came through shop Friday- gold BUZZ CITY jacket was tip off- before Panthers loss in rain Saturday, or now 13-23 Hornets tight 122-121 loss in Milwaukee on 1/2, a 112-99 win over the Chicago Bulls, and super-sized surprise 124-97 thumping of OKC. We discussed why ‘Loserville’ monicker may fade slowly- and gave credit to #MrTeppers$ for his other futball operation- and now productive NFL path of ‘Let football people handle the football operations’ non-meddler.

Some still want to remember him as Real Bad, but ‘back in’ vs. backed in regarding playoffs is a brighter POV. Steve Miller as an Overseer in aftermath of Venezuela is an absolute worst case for anything POV.

Hornets Still Building

Both NBA Hornets and NFL Panthers have restructured management, spent judiciously, and put strong operational people in charge- Executive VP Jeff Peterson with the Hornets, the Panthers have a well-meshed trio of super-positive HC Dave Canales-GM Dan Morgan-VP Brandt Tilis for two years. Both now feature a young core player group, unlimited by past seasons poor iterations and never sniffing of PLAYOFFS?!- say it like classic Jim Mora if you want.

The ‘Core Four’ Hornets brought to Charlotte in 2026 NBA draft was greatest shot of talent since, well, ’96-’97 team swapped almost everyone out- rights to Kobe Bryant for Vlade Divac, remember?- and new coach Dave Cowens helmed a 54-28 team. (My prediction was defensive intensity by Cowens influence and 52 wins.)

Last actual playoff year – 2016, the longest such streak in league. (OMG! even the Wizards?)

Ryan Kalkbrenner was a 4x Defensive Player of Year in Big East– Use him like that, the Rim Protector they’ve lacked since maybe Mourning, and Diabate is a quality asset, coach the heck out of him! Rookie-yet-comfortably-already-described as one of premier 3-point shooters/playmakers, Kon Knueppel is every bit as advertised re: smart player, checks all the boxes. Sion James, lets play defense because we can, very glad to see Miller at full speed. Melo- I guess we still agree to disagree about always using that ‘2022 All Star’ tag, like ‘Hall of Fame Coach Hubie Brown.’

I just might get to a Hornets game soon, after last nights Melo outburst in Hornets 124-97 thumping of OKC, on the road! Certainly should attract attention-fans in seats, still that question of being in lineup to contribute consistency, even if minimum 65 games to win awards is silly. https://www.si.com/nba/hornets/onsi/gameday/takeaways-from-the-charlotte-hornets-shocking-win-over-defending-champion-oklahoma-city-thunder

Its ‘Big Game Bryce’ time in first rounder with Stafford and Rams, who they beat here in Charlotte mid-season https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZuPz6owCPw Somewhere between last weeks 192 yards and club record 448 yards, Young was excellent Week 13, so more TMc-Coker, Legette? several RB receivers, with their solid ground attack (116 avg.) keeping things closer to 18 ppg pace they’ve shown is legit- 10.5 points is the spread so turnovers by Rams again are at a premium. Stafford-Puka not doing high-order damage to Panthers is hopeful math. Can Ransom provide run support like Ohio State safeties should AND cover/tackle? Counting on secondary – could Horn-Puka be a showdown?

Whole lot of Derrick Brown & Panthers DEEfense! and yes, Ejiro Eviro has re-proven his defensive expertise when given the personnel. Perhaps he’ll be considered for current head coaching gigs available, but now, its the Rams. Ball control with Panthers well-regarded offensive line long play-time drives? Could that, and selectively great passing, stand up to one of NFL’s premier offenses twice? The best defense is Matt Stafford not getting extra time to sling it to productive receivers like Nakua.

The USA taking military action at this level, I almost shudder to think of Greenland, but football playoffs with Panthers is a nice difference this sunny Tuesday. Getting a fist bump from Dad because of 42L, charcoal-gray first suit that fit righteously on his enthused-at-great-suit feeling son, that still counts for me.

microeconomy, Panther Football, Thought Leadership

Four suit Sunday is Great! for my Microeconomy, Panthers 20-17 loss still leaves in 1st place

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Four suit Sunday is Great! for my Microeconomy, Panthers 20-17 loss still leaves in 1st place
Compared to most of two years home alone with a screen, back on the suit-selling and chatting with many is good by me.

While knocking it out in suit-selling punctuated first week back in retail, its also super-affirming how many former customers have recognized I gave them desired great service in 2023, good to have me back.

Nothing I saw in 15 min. clip for Carolina Panthers-Saints when I got home- 5 sacks and only 81 yds. rushing by defense- despite 11 penalties, I couldn’t see how they lost. Guess you had to see the total badness, its not usual ‘We wuz robbed!’ when NFL is checking things out.

In fact, it was playing for first place, NFL level defense, and Panthers still need 2-of-3 wins down the stretch. My season projection, and $20 worth of FanDuel (-450) on the proposition, 9-8 and in position to take NFC South, was a small gamble- most fans know thats often enough here.

The Carolina Panthers are looking at a Bucs sandwich now, with Seahawks between, to put down new markers. Staying over .500 is a must, Division Winner! is the organizational grail. I didn’t figure losing both games to Saints, buuuut OMG! if NFL investigation is actually happening.

I tell-remind customers they haven’t heard squadoosh about #MrTeppers$ for most of two years. Somewhere before getting the Tilis-Morgan-Canales ship moving, he paid attention to best practices advice of, “Let your football operations people do what they do.” He is not a meddler, and despite record bad 2024, Ejiro Evero back as DC is direct result. -GShork 12/16/25

Employment, Productive Microeconomy, a Sweet Writing Schedule

Having known before Thanksgiving that I’d have a good bill-paying retail job in SouthPark, I’ve commented that it was cool to be manager’s #1 draft pick when department had an opening, at least not going to Raiders. He hired me four years ago too, as COVID was ending. As previously noted, I believe the economy is way different now than ’21-’22.

As a career salesperson and journalist-Writer, my communications skills are A-1 and flexible. I’ve always been killer determining what people want-need in helpful manner- I get paid on how well I accomplish that. Working the closing schedule (2-9:30), I can automatically schedule two to four hour blocks for writing weekly, go for bike rides on 3 mi. Booty Loop nearby, grocery shop, and have lunch meetings- its two miles to work!

That ‘opportunity’ came directly to me, unsolicited, as straight a bolt of good fortune as this 68 yr. old BoomerwithAttitude and Romance Writer could’ve imagined.

Reading regular negatives in LinkedIn about ageism (obviously true) and just how lousy the job market ’24-’25 is for grads, getting a re-do after my ‘doing something else’ post-COVID decision in ’23, thanks, I’ll take it.

Lucky? I maintain highly qualified- you’ll appreciate the difference. I am king of the Hugo Boss blue suit, appreciate the Jack Victor and Canali lines, and will discuss the difference between a sports coat and an $875 unstructured jacket if you don’t already know.

I cheered for the gent who tried on, literally, every blue-tinged jacket in the department, *except* a reddish-purple blue one, just said, No. ‘No, what?’ wifey asked. ‘No, honey?’ cracked me up. All agreed a beauty of a jacket, but he had no interest.

Guys who say yay or nay, great when they try things on. A younger, maybe thirty guy becoming CEO of a company after selling two previous ones, really wanted an image suit. Does he know how to pull the trigger when shown the goods? You betcha.

Right now, its like Maverick’s ‘target rich environment.’ Oh, open till 10:00…

Am I insulated from what’s about to be a tougher microeconomy for many? I know there’s a 22% hack in my Medicaid starting in January, but I’m effectively earning about $30/hr. on two weeks this first pay period; I’m effectively doubling my Social Security income. I still have $151 of SNAP benefits, which I really needed this time last year.

I try to keep a bag of groceries in the car for less fortunate Others, even some frozen meat, but no Pampers. Never let it be said you’ve done less than the least possible when its crunch time. When tossing a couple bucks, I believe $3 is way better than 2.

I stand strong on being a BoomerwithAttitude, and since the boost I felt as a Precinct Judge (D) on Nov. 4, and whats happened across the country until now, I’m still confident in my microeconomy, my democracy, and those Carolina Panthers grading solid B+.

The pen is a classic because I made it with Dad in Tampa long ago. I still chuckle at his ‘worst ever worked with’ assessment- I got the ultimate one-off souvenir I wanted.
Panther Football

Panthers 0-2 start isn’t fatal, but like Legette production and O-line injuries, far from reassuring

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Panthers 0-2 start isn’t fatal, but like Legette production and O-line injuries, far from reassuring

Admitting I turned off the game immediately after the first few disastrous minutes (only a field goal after INT? Whew!) to take a bike ride in optimal weather instead, doesn’t make me a really bad fan. Holding Cardinals to 82 yards rushing is a *major* improvement from Week 1, and Renfrow’s two TD catches is better news overall, so we’ll see how home opener vs. ATL goes…

Guessing that the most often Googled question in Charlotte was, “How many NFL teams recover from 0-2 starts to make the playoffs?” the answer is of 288 teams hitting that mark since 1990, 88% didn’t participate in second season, and only three- ’93 Cowgirls (uhhh, Cowboys), ’01 Patriots, and ’07 NY Giants- won Super Bowls. Fourteen have made the playoffs since 2014- including the LA Rams and Baltimore Ravens, who won their divisions last year- when NFL started 17 game seasons, which added a little extra room for early season non-success.

The Terrible Ten on 0-2 spot in 2025

While the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans are factually in this unhappy place, most oddsmakers give them a much better chance at being like the Rams or Ravens, especially since Ravens still have RB Derrick Henry battering anyone who wants a piece of him, Lamar Jackson’s arms and legs are still attached, and there’s a hard core, #1 rated defense to hold the fort against almost anyone not having Josh Allen (or Mahones) to do battle with.

Of the rest, most are chronic Losers:

  • Saints have tapped this level 24x in 59 seasons. Even in a division with three teams at 5-12 last year, many will count on two Ws when they play the ‘Aints, mostly because of an extremely iffy QB situation.
  • Browns- No surprise here. Brownies have gone 0-2 sixteen times, have *5* QBs in the building if you count the pile of bones that was once DeShaun Watson, a 40+ year old statue named Flacco, and two rookies who get nothing but crap for their relative situations, especially Coach Prime’s kid, Shedeur, who arrived as a 5th round pick (but tortured the Panthers in preseason game).
  • Jets- You really only wondered how often, right? New Head Coach Aaron Glenn has brought Hope, but she and Lady Luck usually leave NY well before the end of each season. No playoffs since 2010, five times at 0-2 mark in last nine years, and with QB Justin Fields in concussion protocol, retread Tyrod Taylor is at the controls. Better off than Panthers? Read any NY paper for sports writers and regular people opinions (NOT!).
  • Titans and Dolphins- They belong in same boat, because there’s no telling what HC Brian Callahan (3-16 in coaching career) or rookie QB Cam Ward can actually produce, and the often-injured (concussions) Tua Tagovailoa, while sometimes steering a productive offense, can’t be relied on to finish a season. Mike McDaniels occupies one of the warmest head coaching spots at this point, no specific improvement- defense is giving up 33 ppg – could end his reign. He gets questions about that for a reason.
  • Dah Bearz- *Nobody* is giving them any slack about blowing an early lead in 27-24 Game 1 loss to Vikings, and the 52 points division rival Detroit thwapped! them with Week 2 is MILES shy of the salvation fannies expected from new Head Coach Ben Johnson, well, immediately.

So where do Bryce, Canales, Carolina Panthers stand?

The ATL pass rush (six sacks) looked strong against Minnesota’s J.J. McCarthy, and Bryce Young was blown away early by the Cardinals blitzing, so the possibility Young’s confidence in the pocket reverts to the early season woes of 2024 must be dealt with by keeping him upright on Sunday.

Starting with Canales admonition that, “Sometimes its better to eat it-take the loss,” any group of Little Leaguers would have known when a play is going badly, DON’T try to save it with a miracle throw. Yes, that fluttery INT by Young was when heading out for a bike ride seemed like a better idea than blowing away an extremely quiet and satisfying couple days with friends out in western NC, by watching a rotten game.

That Bryce slung it all over the lot (35/55, 328 yds./3 TDs/1 INT, 1 fumble) without his arm falling will stand as a basis for judgement the rest of season. Renfrow coming back after not making 53-man roster, and Young finding him in tight spaces is legitimate QB-ing and clearly positive. McMillan hitting 100 yards was affirming as anyone could ask for, yes, Legette’s eight targets and -2 yards isn’t going to be helpful compared to Tremayne’s 3 catches for 48 yds., Sanders 7/54 yds., Hubbard 5 catches/39 yds. and even TE Tremble’s productive 3/20 yds.

Anyone who thinks ‘I’ve talked with (DC Ejiro Evero) about playing our young guys’ is sufficient input from HC Canales, a common thread for fans is HE BETTER!

Giving Panthers credit for having a chance down the stretch is done with knowledge of several games last year where the final result was an L, which only rated some polite golf-applause for 5-12 season. They are neither the powerful group that Ravens or Chiefs are with a similar record, nor the Brownies, who will continue to take considerable crapola for being a franchise that tortures their fans, or Bears, who *might* get it righter in 2025 but are still prime time torturers themselves.

Wide receiver DJ Moore still works exceptionally well in Chicago, producing an outstanding 2024 with 98 catches and 6 TDs, although his yardage (966) was down from 2023, as Ray Odunze got considerable targeting by rookie QB Caleb Williams when he wasn’t constantly on the run, being sacked 68 times.

Dammit! about RG Robert Hunt (torn bicep) and C Austin Corbett- whose unreal series of injuries might extend another season- could be out for extended periods or in Hunt’s case, even the entire year. The Panthers O-line were supposedly safe for once, having brought back essentially two deep personnel from the 2024 offensive line, Canales said Cade Mays and Corbett were a coin flip difference in readiness at center. Christensen is a legitimate piece to flex in at right guard, but losing both means another call for GM Dan Morgan to locate additional quality personnel on whatever taxi squads he can identify.

The ATL pass rush (six sacks) looked strong against Minnesota’s J.J. McCarthy https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/vikings-vs-falcons-live-updates-game-score-sunday-night-football/live/ and Bryce Young was blown away early by the Cardinals blitzing, so the possibility Young’s confidence in the pocket reverts to the early season woes of 2024 must be dealt with by keeping him upright on Sunday.

#leadership thought, Panther Football

‘These are the times that try…’ relative to Panthers, not just USA, cheers to Irmo team for LLWS thrills

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on ‘These are the times that try…’ relative to Panthers, not just USA, cheers to Irmo team for LLWS thrills
This one’s for ump with clutch call on tag at 2nd base in LLWS game, and football operations for Panthers, putting a much-better product on the field in 2025.

Politics aside on mens #&%!?# souls or lack thereof, after a 6-run rally in seventh inning carried Irmo to victory the night before, the Southeast reps were part of youthful glory everywhere for Little Leaguers, families, and fannies. Panthers now at cut-down time to 53, fans should hope GM Morgan has that A+ touch one more time (for a linebacker?) before Sept. 7th game with Jags in Jacksonville.

September 8th I have some Precinct Judge (D) duties in prep for local elections on 9th. I wonder about current political soul-ry more often lately. Stephen Miller is for sure wrong though, Tibetan circulatory exercises from online actually work, making me an active 68 who doesn’t usually require the nap. CBD drops are hemp… Yeah, Blue & Yellow combo is a protest for Ukraine.

As a sports fan, and considering retiring as an active Blue (umpire), I watched a full share of LLWS, and congrats to those young players, and an overall thrilling run of TV human moments and sportsmanship. The ‘Believe’ their coach laid on them before that near-miraculous comeback, its a touch better than ‘Win one for the Gipper.’ Yay! Coach.

The call at second, where Irmo runner *barely* wanders off, as catcher heaves it down after passed ball that might’ve opened a door for another Southeast rally, and fielder waves a slap-tag at him ‘just because,’ ump was right on it for OUT! Just sayin’.

Proud Blue raises a cold one to you gentlemen, and to your dedicated leadership, those coaches and these moments will be forever memories. Its not hyperbole to say its the American Way I grew up with, everybody can appreciate laying it on the line, somebody wins.

SURPRISES?! For 2025 Roster – room for a couple Others

August 26th is now the operational date for getting down to 53 on main roster, plus 16 on taxi squad. The Panthers work on best practices in front office, and are very aware they can’t afford to let other teams poach precious nuggets like Horn or Brycen Tremayne, who has a well-documented https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article311718130.html stretch of good days during training, scrimmages, and productive preseason efforts.

Up close, its a tough call on keeping six or seven receivers on 53-man roster – most had penciled Renfrow as #6. Please don’t trade Thielen back to Vikes! to make room. To be a hero again back there, maybe – guy deserves to be part of a great year, could definitely mentor Horn.

Trevor Ettiene probably won’t be a surprise keeper, a sweet return last night was affirmation he’s the return-special teams talent they’ve wanted. UDFA Thornton as a DB seems like a lock for Panther rotation, his strong final preseason game with Steelers nothing but good news. -GShork 8/22/25

If many aren’t 100% sold on Nick Scott at safety opposite Moehrig, Canales vote will count. Chau Smith-Wade is going to be a bona-fide https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4697636/chau-smith-wade cover guy this year. Ransom had an INT last night, the prospects of being both strong cover and the traditional Ohio St. run-support football guy will help put DC Ejiro Evero’s reputation back on more righteous track.

Penciling in one more unforeseen linebacker pickup by Morgan to give that group actual depth is reasonable. A major factor in 2024, bodies-personnel were brought in/started in under a week several times during injury-plagued season. The roster has been restocked with players with documented productivity for 2025, Windmon and Rhattigan should see their names on it. Shy Tuttle might well be leaving, or kept as affordable backup.

Is Wallace ready to be All That for Panthers defense in Year 2? GM Morgan showed his quality marksmanship in free agency, before an A+ draft as rated by PFF, using #2 and #3 picks on hard-charging defensive ends. Panthers have been within three of bottom sack position and pressures for years. Anything like that 3,000 given up rushing isn’t going to be allowed. Nose tackle Cam Jackson (6’6″, 328 lbs, Florida) will get plenty of reps.

A Four-Point better Offense – You Better Believe It

The Panthers are far from the worst ppg team in the NFL at 20.1 – that would be the Giants (16.1) and Cleveland at (15.2). NFL avg. – 22.4 https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/carolina-panthers-average-points-per-game

GM Dan Morgan has built a healthy level of respect league wide for being a super-cagey front office guy legend, starting early with a major log on the fire, drafting a true WR1 with #8 pick, Tetairoa McMillan while rest of NFL was thinking deee-fense! https://www.si.com/nfl/panthers/news/carolina-panthers-rookie-tetairoa-mcmillan-value-picks Camp video showed T-Mac tracking-catching a perfect over the top, fade to outside shoulder, tight coverage throw, and then everyone saw same deal, with a one-arm catch in first exhibition game. That’s not just reputation or trick mirrors, its WR1 grade play.

Morgan got #2 back Rico Dowdle, a 1,000 yards gainer for Cowboys, FREE! when they neglected to offer him any deal. The option of a second, seriously good back behind the Panthers well-regarded, and 100% back intact, two deep O-line, is an absolute strength in 2025.

Its painful that anyone feels Leggette’s position as first round draft choice last year (Morgan’s initial career biggie deal) is somehow diminished to ‘secondary sidekick’ status if T-Mac becomes All That as a rookie. Second years are frequently the jumping off year for such players, extra coaching counts. NOBODY can find fault with the obvious effort XL has put into becoming a better ‘hands’ receiver, certainly not HC Canales, whose loyalty to efforts for better by all individuals is strong. Yes, there are expectations.

Canales previous relationships with WR Moore might be enough at decision point this time. If Panthers could afford to keep seven receivers, he has got special teams efforts as hole card, like Etienne will in staying as a back. (Ed. Note – Renfrow comes back! after Coker injury, Thielen trade.)

CHUBA HUBBARD https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4241416/chuba-hubbard deserves to get name in CAPS, and Morgan got #2 back Rico Dowdle, a 1,000 yards gainer for Cowboys, FREE! when they neglected to offer him any deal. The option of a second, seriously good back behind the Panthers well-regarded, and 100% back intact, two deep O-line, is an absolute strength in 2025. Bryce Young’s comfort level in the pocket, and on-the-run accuracy when waving Coker to backline spot for toe-tap TD, continues an upward affirmation of his offensive control.

‘Things can happen,’ but fans faith in Panthers rebuilding as a professional football operation again, is being handled correctly, with long-term Success on the table, and pride very possible for upgrading, is primed. Collecting on any impulse bets about Over/Under 6.5 wins would be a start on satisfying some seasonal expectations.

A consistent, semi-legendary fact, about how long it took Carolina Panthers fans to believe in last Super Bowl team – ’twas Game Ten, that Thanksgiving blowout of Dallas, Panthers still unbeaten – is kind of the local standard. Expectations in 2025 are better aligned with level of enthused Believin’ like those Little Leaguers did. Congrats! again to them, loved the ride.

Panther Football

Camp day with Browns becomes Preseason Fri.! Defense is Teed Up, Expect to see Run, Passing – Sure…

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Camp day with Browns becomes Preseason Fri.! Defense is Teed Up, Expect to see Run, Passing – Sure…

Head Coach Dave Canales announcing starters would get some reps in pre-season was a change from 2024, when fear of injury to front-liners without personnel for ‘next man up’ philosophy made them seem physically over-matched, as Saints shoved them around in 45-10 rout that followed Panthers all season. Injuries, including Jonathan Brookes 2nd knee (ACL) and Josey Jewels concussion protocol, are not actual factors now. Derrick Brown and Ejiro Evero’s defensive front seven, with plenty to improve on in 2025, won’t be talking smack, just NFL production every game.

This is a much better than 6-11 team making micro-improvements. Yes, if not the farm, put some resources on over 6.5 wins, and +400 (projected 3rd!) for NFC South beckons mightily.

If the Browns don’t show out in all-brown gear tomorrow, I’ll be mildly thankful for the non-dookies visual. Should we anticipate a lot of pads cracking action? Chuba Hubbard is the Lead Dawg, have to believe offensive line stakes out some attitude for him. Position ranking, Panthers have essentially two full O-lines, so offense is seeing starters action.

Trust the system Mr. Right Tackle

Taylor Moton got a little emotional about contract situation recently, I’d say trust the system Mr. Right Tackle. Extending at max rate isn’t out of the question, playing both your team and yourself into higher-greater Success has been rewarded on regular basis with #MrTeppers$.

HC Dave Canales won’t be showcasing a full playbook of possibilities, but T-Mac and XL are more than just decorations, and, well, everyone DOES want to know about going downfield. McMillan IS a physical mismatch for anyone, and fannies-the NFL would like to see how far his stride gets him regarding ‘fast.’ He’s not doing four steps and button hook routes like the chunky kid back in the neighborhood games, and he’s tracked over-the-shoulder stuff in camp situation videos, so yes, we’ll probably see a couple long balls.

If XL gets to show off another catch-run like at FanFest (39 yards), there can be quiet optimism about whether he fully becomes a tough cover for defenses based on that physicality. I’d never peg him a failure if the whole WR room had a collective big year and Leggette missed 1,000 yards with 60 grabs (49 in 2024) through distribution. If fantasy league projects double (8) TDs from him, what should McMillan’s stats look like? Yes, there are expectations now, and amping the YAC vs. very avg. 10 per catch would make him a dangerous WR2.

Can MORE than the six (or seven, Renfrow’s in, right?) expected WRs figured as locks for final roster possibly get a chance for reps? (Yes.) Andy Dalton and Jack Plummer should get opportunities to air things out, so best practices says some footballs in the air Friday. Last year the UDFA (undrafted free agents) names were DB Demani Richardson and WR Jalen Coker. Do your adding and subtracting on this. https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/roster/_/name/car/carolina-panthers

Competition for jobs, yep, pads are on. LB Bam Scott-Martin has definitely had his chance to impress in preseason improved with Panthers release of veteran OLB Josey Jewels because he’s still in concussion protocol, seven months after injury.

Things happening Elsewhere

Should I actually care what comes out of four QBs situation in Cleveland, even if its up close or on free TV? I’d say no, because I’m no fan at all of Pickett, and what would be a good outing for Gabriel or Sanders? If Sanders went 6/13, 68 yards, 1/1 TD-INT, would that satisfy anything? 150 yards, 3/1 – doubt he gets the reps to produce that – but I’d say hmmmmm for sure. Defense? Gotta see it, big and bad.

Should we poke the J-E-T-S! about Fields yet? Maybe its just a tick of mine, but every time I see ‘hope’ in sentence with his name, *twitch.*

Amazing how everyone recognized the weight on Caleb Williams in Chicago (68 sacks, LOT of weight) was tough on #1 pick, so how Bryce Young made it to current level with second half of season progress becomes more ‘Yeah, that’s how QBs used to age, Year Three (plus more talented people around them if possible) you saw Better.’

Sure, some QB Whisperer must’ve happened there, and now its not, ‘A year before end of his rookie contract, are we sure about…?’ Yes, GM Dan Morgan should be up for Exec of Year consideration, the needle has clearly been moved.

Panthers signed their 2nd round DE (Nic Scourton) and #3 Princely Umanmielen (Florida) before the Bengals got #1 pick, and Stewart was often mentioned as a defensive pick https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45824885/shemar-stewart-bengals-hammer-home-language-reach-deal for Panthers pre-draft. Instead, Morgan picked T-Mac at #8, and #2 Scourton participated in all Panthers team activities during camp.

Big difference in rookie attitude, Bengals putting certain language in contract because, ‘We don’t want to pay for (potentially) four years in jail,’ not hearing that with ‘Our kind of guys’ in Charlotte. Just sayin’.

Out in Vegas with Raiders, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1QZ4KhIxYE I’m willing to hope Austin Jeanty does well, his first NFL moment wasn’t so memorable though. If anyone can turn that operation around, Pete Carroll has previously done wonders with Gino in Seattle, and there’s Brock Bowers killing it, but it’s still the AFC West, with Chiefs, Chargers, Broncos, a tough place to get well quickly.

Nix proved he can sling it, Panthers picked up ‘Turk’ Wharton https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45441385/nfl-carolina-panthers-tershawn-turk-wharton from Chief’s defense in a salary cut move that improves Panthers defense in a big way. Overlooking the Saints, sorry, taking two from them is in everyone’s calculations, splitting with Buccaneers would open up possibilities for sure.