Tag: #Carolina Panthers

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Panther Football

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

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

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

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

Names & Nothing More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6.5 and Beyond

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Jalon Walker? Let it go.

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

Panther Football

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Panther Football, Sports

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

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

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

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

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

YES! on Production

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6.5 Wins and Beyond

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

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

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

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

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

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

NFC South – Legitimate Expectations?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Panther Football

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

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

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

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

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

Nobody wants to Fail at Draft Picks

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘Realistic Optimism’ says better than 6.5 Wins

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

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

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

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

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

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

Year 30 in Charlotte

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

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

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

Business, Panther Football

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s Thursday, Dan is always in the discussion

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

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

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

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

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

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

The personnel is clearly better

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

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

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

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

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

Panther Football

Lakers do Doncic-Davis dance, LaMelo-Young in Charlotte is different

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Lakers do Doncic-Davis dance, LaMelo-Young in Charlotte is different

East will never meet West on the scale of what Lakers have ALWAYS done about getting players they want-need compared to Charlotte Hornets, who continue to wander the backstreets of mediocrity. Hornets were willing to trade a center (Williams) who has been constantly out of lineup with injuries for a decent shooter (Knecht), because they (hopefully) can’t get down to Bullets level of badness for top picks.

Hornets picked #3 last year in draft and selected a 19-year old Frenchman, not a superstar 25-year old with a recent NBA Finals on his resume. ‘Nuff said?

The NFL season is officially over, and while the Eagles 40-22 triumph over Kansas City Chiefs wasn’t a complete surprise – or really that close – the Carolina Panthers had a very real chance to upset Philly earlier in the season, the difference being a non-catch by Xavier Leggette. Losses to Chiefs, Eagles, Tampa Bay were maybe less-dark spots on record, but starting his 2025 year, GM Dan Morgan made a first, minor change to the roster by signing kicker Matt Wright (15-16 FG for three teams in 2024), meaning Eddie Pinero, now a free agent but statistically the most accurate kicker (89.38%) in NFL history after three years here, may be gone.

More-Better Personnel, especially DEEE-FENSE! for Panthers, Hornets…?

Its easy to see the difference between how almighty Lakers swing a deal and how Morgan (and Hornets GM Peterson) work things in Charlotte. Lakers traded C Anthony Davis to Mavericks for an accomplished, younger (25 vs. 31) Doncic, after a Finals appearance (playoff avg. 28.9 ppg/9.5 reb/8.1 asst) that would usually make it unthinkable. Following up with a trade for good-numbers-when-not (but often) on-injured-list Hornet center Mark Williams, while sending sweet shooter Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 unprotected first round pick and a 2030 pick swap east, was huge NBA news.

After Williams didn’t pass his physical (back) with Lakers, the trade being rescinded didn’t help the Hornets at all. Williams (and Ball) not having played perhaps one-third of games for several years due to injuries, is an undeniable fact of Hornets limping along with a familiar feeling 13-39 record. If Lakers saved Mavs from a $345MM+ max contract this summer with Doncic, coach J.J. Reddick is going to earn his paycheck relying on small ball, James, and better than average shooting until Davis’ defensive presence and 24.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.3 blocks a game averages is somehow mitigated.

Whether that situation could change this year, or next, or (insert criteria and date) for Bugs is debatable, but Carolina Panthers are a team that visibly improved in second half of season, when previous regular target of dissing, QB Bryce Young returned to the controls, so lets talk about Next for them. #MrTeppers$ has *still* not bloviated regarding anything that smacks of ‘meddling owner’ in 2025.

‘The best thing about freshmen is they become sophomores’

It’s a memorable line by former Marquette basketball coach Al McGuire that brings a quantity of hope, that Carolina Panthers and HC Dave Canales 5-12 squad will indeed become a more competitive NFC South team in Year Two. 10-7 took the division for Tampa Bay, a much easier task than NFC North, where long-suffering but now proud and proficient Detroit Lions (15-2), the reborn Sam Darnold, waiting on a big contract somewhere after a career year (14-3) with Minnesota Vikings, and the Packers (10-4) will determine whether new head coach Ben Johnson in Chicago means as much to QB Caleb Williams as Bears fans hope he will.

BETTER IN YEAR TWO is the attitude, and everyone – especially Young – will be judged against HC Canales’ second year Success. WR Jalen Coker was a real UFA pickup, Xavier Leggette (4 TDs receiving) a fine first round prize going forward, TEs Ja’Tavian Sanders and Tommy Tremble contributed three TDs. The early free agent guard tandem of Lewis and Hunt, LT Ikem Ekwonu (again, after lousy 2023) and RT Taylor Moton (still da Man), and ace slot receiver Adam Thielen’s decision to return constitute progress. Chuba Hubbard (250 carries/1195 yds/10 TDs) holding up the running game HC Canales said was going to happen. That makes continuing Panthers reboot of offense more than just a pipe dream, even though RB Jonathan Brooks (#2 pick from TX) barely saw the field before reinjuring an ACL, and #3 RB Rahim Blackshear didn’t see much action.

Triple crown receiver Tee Higgins of Bengals (124 rec./1,708 yds./17 TDs) deciding to relocate to Charlotte because Cincy couldn’t come up with the $$MM to keep him paired with Joe Burrow, that would be a pipe dream.

Defense was brutally, historically bad – Next must change that in BIG way

Without stretching out the numbers, Panthers were dead last in yardage surrendered (404.5 ypg/31.4 pts.) while allowing 61 TDs; #23 against the pass (224.7 ypg/35 TDs), and yeah, they punched an awful lot of running back tickets while surrendering 180 ypg. Ravens were not surprisingly #1 against run (80 ypg), while Saints (#31, were at 141), and for perspective, the Jets (#17/121 ypg) and the Browns (#21/130 ypg), so the NFL put up *big* stats on the Panthers.

The Super Bowl Champion Eagles were #1 against the pass (174.2 ypg/22 TDs) and #10 (105.7 ypg) against the rush, and considering the beat down they put on Chiefs for three quarters, an ‘almost win’ in Philly still meant same thing – a loss – as 40-7 thumping by Commanders or 47-10 to start the season. There will be a lot of unfamiliar names leaving on defense, and a LOT of new names before final roster in August, don’t sweat who, what, why until then is legitimate.

Spending on guards Lewis and Hunt produced essentially the kind of offensive line safety Young needed, and even with the injury to C Austin Corbett after moving from guard to center and then Cade Mayes taking his role, the Panther O-line was their best unit overall. Chuba Hubbard proved his worth to Panthers, earning a new four year/$33MM contract.

Free agent defensive personnel seldom came through after the loss of stud defensive tackle Derrick Brown in Game One. Jadeveon Clowney had 5.5 sacks but didn’t hold the edge as hoped; D.J. Woonum (4 sacks, only played in 8 games), A’Shawn Robinson (320 lbs., 5.5 sacks) and Josey Jewell (3.5 sacks, 51 solo tackles) were useful when available. Shy Tuttle was never close to the answer as an NFL nose tackle, and MLB Trevin Wallace (8 starts, 64 total tackles, 1 sack, 2 fumbles forced) played in 13 games before a shoulder injury ended his season, will benefit long-term from getting the injured Shaq Thompson’s reps in the middle this year.

In his first year here, Morgan accepted the charge that he’d short-changed the defense while focusing addition of players that would improve Young’s offensive efforts. That Ejiro Evero’s 3-4 defensive strategy was constantly bull-whipped, after a 2023 season where they finished ranked #4 (293.7 ypg) – and before the meat of Panthers linebacking corps (Burns, Luvu, Grosse-Matos) left in free agency – is the singular reason Evero is still in Charlotte. Teams can understand a string of injuries will drag a team down, but none of the seven new head coaches would demand the guy who – relatively speaking – directed the Titanic, come work with them.

Even if ’81 Colts (33.3 ppg) surrendered ONE point less that Panthers new record, but in a 16-game season.

Business, Panther Football

Panthers still unbeaten in ’25, GM Morgan-Evero need defense, defense, defense

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Panthers still unbeaten in ’25, GM Morgan-Evero need defense, defense, defense
Okay, this isn’t the Panthers, but go with the idea of some teams having heads up their backsides or just hanging out, it works.

As a sportswriter, lets have some fun with what everyone else in NFL might see as ugly, deep, bad times in Charlotte, because considering how many other teams are entering, or already involved in, similar situations, WOW! The Panthers are picking EIGHTH!

5-12 seems to be fading to an elemental trust that ‘We have a/our QB’ and Good should be getting here soon, having put up with Bad & Ugly for a while. Yes Carolina, GM Dan Morgan knows Ejiro Evero’s Panther defense needs mucho help.

Everyone knew the priorities in 2024, and losing LOTS of defensive front-liners to injury all year has been noted. There are economics and choices coming, free agency and draft, and Panthers already have extra picks. Fannies should know, Morgan is *definitely* going to bring in better personnel on that side of the ball.

It wasn’t any sweeter that Bryce Young had a pedal to the metal (3 passing TDs, 2 running) in 44-38 season finale against Falcons a month ago, but its nooo problem to read (or watch ‘Hard Knocks’) about just how badly the Giants blew themselves up on Saquon Barkley to Philly situation. *AND* they kept HC Brian Daboll! (3-14) and GM Joe Schoen in their positions, AND told QB Daniel Jones to *NOT* play for them, just take the ($22.2MM) and run. None of that smacks of best practices in the NFL.

Panthers seem on rise, or has league become Haves & Nots

Pete Carroll will be 74 mid-September, and my goodness! has he got a heavy lift ahead with the corpse-like Raiders (4-13), 25 years removed from last playoff win. Al Davis’ kid is still the owner, a weird chip off the ol’ snakey-guy, Pierce was definitely in over his head. Raiders have a trio of no-name QBs on roster, and if the best they can do is select Boise State’s super-productive running back Ashton Jeanty with the No. 6 overall pick instead, that wouldn’t be going against type, and their rushing attack could use the help.

Positive thinkers to the max, which Carolina Panthers HC Dave Canales brought plenty of from his time with Carroll in Seattle, but Pete might need some of it back.

Everyone knew the priorities in 2024, losing LOTS of defensive front-liners to injury all year has been noted. There are economics and choices coming in free agency and draft – Panthers already have extra picks. Fannies should know, Morgan is definitely going to bring in better personnel.

2/10/25 GShorkey. The fact of too early-overlarge anticipation is two-edged. Having Charlotte fans give Morgan credit so early there’s Mora-level PLAYOFFS?! talk, its clear they care again. Carolina Panthers have drafted all defense recently – but really, not nine.

What is Liam Coen doing in Jacksonville? Oh right, he took the gig, then bailed to stay with Tampa Bay after a contract upgrade, then said okay again when the Jax GM got axed. Would any Panther fans like to have Trevor Lawrence…never mind, Clemson lovers would, but they have to stop calling him a ‘Generational Talent’ now that Jayden Daniels has shown his Truth in Washington.

Panthers and Jaguars came into the NFL together in 1995, but thirty years later, no self-respecting Carolinian would want to trade teams, even with eight ungood years since their *second* Super Bowl appearance in 2016.

Dallas? Bwah-hahahahaha! 7-10 this season, and whether McCarthy was a fool for trying to push Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for five-year contract vs. three, Brian Schottenheimer got HC nod for first time in career, which was meh stuff. I recall a joke about his Dad, Marty, something like, ‘How do you make a great team really good?’ (Hire Marty S.) He sure threw a spike into a dynamic San Diego Chargers crew (2002-2006) that included HOFers LaDainian Thomas (31 TDs in 2006), Junior Seau, and Drew Brees.

Just FYI, Schottenheimer the Elder ended a 21-year NFL coaching career with a .613 regular season winning percentage, but a .278 playoff (5-13) winning percentage. Without all the details, that still makes him the only NFL coach with at least 200 wins and a losing playoff record. Good luck to Brian in Big D, but as in NY, if you aren’t crushing it regularly enough, you are going to be *strongly* dissed and/or skewered and toasted.

Facing the retirement of several long-time producers and salary cap hell (like $54MM over the cap), nobody has stepped up for the New Orleans Saints open position because OC McConnell from Philly had to finish his season https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/kellen-moore-named-new-orleans-saints-head-coach#: Relative to QB Derek Carr, who directed a 47-10 season opening wipeout that put a stink on Panthers most of the year, he might be a magic wand for two franchises if Saints (over budget) and Steelers (neither of last years QBs is signed for 2025) stew on their QB situations a little longer.

Carr has put up good numbers over eleven seasons (2024 – 67.7%/2,145 yds, 15/5  while missing last 4 games with broken left hand), four straight years of All Pro 4000+ yardage (2018-2021). He got a phat contract in 2023 – 4 yr./$150MM, $100MM guaranteed – and now has a $51.46 million salary cap figure for 2025 vs. current $12MM. That Saints might be parting with Taysom Hill – the studly Swiss Army knife guy, TE-QB-bomb squad dude who they thought might replace Drew Brees.

The Big Finish – Best/Worst

Dah Bearz got the shiniest apple in the basket by stealing Detroit OC Ben Johnson, getting big time passing yards out of Goff the last three years with Goff’s career and extended massive contract, having risen at controls of Lions offense. With plenty of cap space to spend – hopefully on some *much better* offensive linemen, and getting to coach 2022 Heisman winner QB Caleb Williams, now that he’s survived a *68 sack,* 5-12 season – should make them competitive. (Bryce had 62 last year, which sounded like a lot, ‘only’ 29 while sitting out five games in ‘24).

If Johnson is The Deal coach-wise, a LOT of Bears fans (like Charlotte fans with Young) still thought their Heisman guy would just walk in and make the whole thing better. Johnson’s deal, 5 years@ about $13MM/year, is a considerably better payday than Matt Eberflus ($6MM) earned as Bears HC. If you often get what you pay for – his .304 win percentage (14-32) was the third worst in Chicago franchise’s 105 year history.

Saving the NFL get-no-respect whipping boys for last, the J-E-T-S! (5-12) stole Detroit’s defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn (2021-2024) from Lions as well. Glenn was drafted 12th overall by Jets in 1994, played his first eight years there, and stated the obvious at his press conference while offering an honest, “This building is dying for a winner.”

Just below that obvious-well documented 14 years of playoff-less existence is the very real possibility that Glenn doesn’t want Aaron Rodgers mucking up his first year as Head Coach.

Rodgers has been…salty? Whack? Prolific? He finished 2024 season with a four-TD game, getting his 500th TD pass (now 503) and is close enough to 63k career yards to call it that. Bitchy? Demanding? Davantae Adams managed to get to NY (from Oakland) because Rodgers realllly wanted his favorite target from Green Bay days – but since Jets didn’t pick up the third year option of a prickly if fairly smart, magic mushroom-eating SOB based on way past history – meh, toodles, don’t let the door hit ya’ in yer a**, right?

Panther fans can relax juuuust a little

The Carolina Panthers have picked up a quantity of respect for how Young et al played the second half of season, although click bait headlines still include #MrTeppers$ as being an unbalanced/meddlesome owner (though not a peep since March), and Morgan’s perceived mistakes as a first year General Manager. Keeping DC Ejiro Evero after a brutal season of negatives (record 534 pts./34 per game against, last in defense against run by lots), will be tacked on to ‘mistakes’ if there’s not visible major improvement pretty immediately.

Panthers got effectively zero from Texas RB Jonathan Brooks (reinjured ACL) at #2 pick, and WR Diontae Johnson, in a trade with Pittsburgh for an about-to-be-cut DB Donte Jackson, and Johnson being a d*ck in two more cities after being sent away – shouldn’t hurt Morgan’s reputation. Getting Adam Thielen to return deserves attaboys! all around, and its super-legitimate Morgan brought enough bodies for Charlotte to field a team in finale against Atlanta. In moderate analysis, that puts them a good step ahead of many others in 2025 .

Panther Football

Young’s 5 TDs ends ATL 44-38, undermanned Panthers ballin’ with Bryce 

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Young’s 5 TDs ends ATL 44-38, undermanned Panthers ballin’ with Bryce 

In Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, Denver, Buffalo, and Detroit, the only uninjured stars resting on the sidelines were Kansas City Chiefs, who got skunked 38-0 by the Broncos, and the Buffalo Bills, a pyrrhic 23-16 victory for the Patriots, costing them any chance at overall #1 draft choice.

Serious football the final week left Joe Burrow’s Bengals out despite winning a 19-17 slugfest with the Steelers, who will take four straight losses, and a quarterback who calls for amnesia about that, into the playoffs. Mayfield’s Buccaneers are atop NFC South for 4th year in a row, and today Charlotte, North Carolina seems quietly satisfied with a QB whose efforts in finale make 2025 possibilities noticeably brighter. 

For every sportswriter who tried to shovel dirt on Bryce Young’s professional grave when he was benched in Week 3, after first two awful weeks of hesitant play in 2024 (and a disastrous 2-15 in 2023), the confident field general Panthers drafted #1 last year emerged in gratifying fashion against the Falcons.  

Yes, 5-12 only left them tied with the Saints at bottom of their division, but hey, Falcons (8-9) are sitting at home now too, and Young’s ‘Carolina Reaper’ reputation gained a little upgrade. Former Panther Sam Darnold’s Vikings (14-3) were thrashed 31-9 by Lions before a raucous crowd in Detroit (15-2) for the #1 seed and a week off, and despite a productive renewal of his career in Minnesota – 4319 yds., 35 TDs/12 INTs – his name was never brought up in MVP consideration.

Neither Young nor he is eligible for Comeback Player of the Year, and whomever believes Aaron Rodgers saying his two years in NY were the happiest of his four MVP awards career, hmmmm. 

QB Whisperer, Dalton as a case study in Mentoring, or…? 

While HC Dave Canales got the Panthers top job based on his success reviving the careers of Seattle’s Geno Smith and Mayfield (as OC in Tampa Bay), some questioned his play calling and commitment to Young early on. Exactly how and why the Heisman winner pulled things together after returning in Week 8 to end his year 4-6, will continue to be a question on many minds. Many more will decide that three passing TDs, his pair of runs to pay dirt, and another game without turnovers, his stacking of good outings is enough for now.  

During the 30-14 thumping in Dallas (two INTs, two fumbles), and last week’s thrashing (48-14) in Tampa, where his respectable 15/28 for 203 yds./2 TDs (no turnovers) was overwhelmed by Mayfield going off for five TDs (27/32, 359 yards), the Panthers defense has been injured and under siege the entire season. ESPECIALLY against the run. Several ATL players put up strong stats -Bijan Robinson (28 carries/170 yds./2 TDs), WR Drake London (10/187 yds./2 TDs), and QB Penix’s 21/38 for 312 yds./2TD/1 INT, rushing TD) – isn’t Young’s responsibility.  

The Panthers probably won’t win too many shootouts like this 44-38 overtime again without considerably more firepower, and the prospect of a more balanced offense-defense is a fingers crossed situation right now. Noboooody is denying the brutal injury report all season long, both thumbs up for the O-line working so well – there were several games where the starters played every snap, 65-75 a game. Bryce certainly benefitted from/contributed to that unity.

It might be too late to consider Miles Sanders contributions for a new contract in 2025, but his 17 carries/66 yds./ and winning score in OT, plus 3 catches/50 yds./TD can be considered a good example of nobody quitting.  There were a couple catches with Ja’Tavian Sanders, Tremble, and Leggette climbed the ladder to bring high balls in, results being the primary consideration. Evero will probably go, please Mr. Thielen, another 70 catches please, sir.

Young is no longer hesitant in his throws or runs (six rushing TDs), he had completions to nine receivers against Atlanta and *13* games without turnovers overall. The constant blitzing he was subjected to last year (62 sacks) was cut in half (29 sacks) by GM Dan Morgan’s putting a new offensive line in place, beginning with free agent guards Hunt and Lewis. If his slight frame and 5’10” height was considered inadequate to the success of being an NFL quarterback, his passes are more often precise and strong now, even if not the crackling fastball of others like Burrow, Allen, Herbert, Nix, or Baker Mayfield’s darts. 

When #MrTeppers$ broke a season long silence by expressing the affirmation, ‘I think we have our quarterback,’ post-game, GM Dan Morgan can continue building the Panthers roster without being sidetracked looking for that all-important franchise QB element that many other teams  https://cdtalententerprises.com/2024/11/14/panthers-find-joy-in-munich-with-young-153-yards-from-hubbard-nfl-qbs-get-more-blame-bigger-paychecks/ (Bears/Caleb Williams, Miami/Tua, Raiders, Cleveland, NYJ, NYG, looking at you!) still need to fix. 

Panther Football, Sports

My tuxedo for NYE looks good, rookie QBs Daniels, Penix, Jr. duel was Special

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on My tuxedo for NYE looks good, rookie QBs Daniels, Penix, Jr. duel was Special

While a personal observation of being duded up for tomorrow’s festivities is legitimate, watching the Washington Commanders Jayden Daniels and Falcons Mike Penix, Jr. trading lasers and darts on Football Night in America yesterday brought a pang of Oh my! regarding Bryce Young’s recovered relevance, and how far ‘up’ still is for Panthers.

Expectations for the Panthers were never lofty (picking Over 5.5 Wins is now a FanDuel loss), DT Derrick Brown being gone after first game hurt a lot, so getting more-better tacklers for Panthers defense should be top of GM Dan Morgan’s shopping list. Panthers were league worst against rush at 2830 yards (177 avg.), #2 Patriots allowed 2103 (131 avg.), Ravens were best run stoppers, 1305 (81.5). Just sayin’.

Sure, looking good is always worth talking about, and having seen Jayden Daniels games just twice this year, I’ll still tip the hat in congrats to a gentleman who HAS to be Offensive ROY.

Torrential rain in Charlotte caused a tree up the street to fall across Sharon Road and knocked out internet for ten hours, until after the Vikings Sam Darnold tore up Green Bay (33/43, a career best 377 yards, 3 touchdowns/1 INT) in a gut check 27-25 win over long time rivals. That earned him a joyous bathing https://www.nfl.com/news/sam-darnold-soaks-in-pretty-special-locker-room-scene-vikings-packers by his teammates, while Young’s Panthers were profoundly spanked by the Buccaneers 48-14 at Tampa Bay.

Minnesota rose to 14-2, and will play the Detroit Lions on Sunday, the winner gaining the #1 seed in playoffs and a bye in first round.

At least I got to see Daniels and Penix hook up for what should become a classic example of what a franchise (11-5) rising from the dead looks like. 2023 Heisman winner Daniels was 24/36 for 227 yds., 1 TD/ INT, adding 16 rushes for 127 yards wowed a national TV audience.

In only his second NFL start since taking the QB reins from (expected to be kicked to the curb shortly) Kirk Cousins, Penix was 19/35 for 223 yards, 1 TD/INT, which should silence ALL critics of Atlanta using its #8 pick in draft for Penix after signing Cousins to a lucrative 4 year, $180MM contract ($100MM guaranteed). Learning how far his skill set deteriorated after Achilles surgery, and Penix obviously strong left arm and accuracy, speaks to another big ‘dead money’ change in ATL, which blew $40MM on former star QB Matt Ryan.

History won’t be forgotten, Year 2 was still ‘Better’

Young didn’t play poorly, going 15/28 for 203 yards and a pair of touchdowns to the estimable Adam Thielen (5 catches, 110 yds./two TDs), while former Panther Baker Mayfield was a surgical 27/32 for 359 yds. and *5* touchdowns, with a pair of scoring throws to WR Mike Evans, who again tortured the Panthers with an 8 catch/97 yards and those touchdowns, afternoon.

It’s reasonable for Carolina fans to be thankful about most of how Bryce Young has performed since returning to QB1 status after an early season benching. To see a pair of ex-Panthers QBs raising their teams into the playoffs in dynamic fashion since leaving Charlotte, ok, one last hmmm for Scott Fitterer having actually gotten BOTH here on pretty good financial terms, and their not playing well enough to be asked to stay.

If it took six seasons of lousy football to stop #MrTeppers$ from being the meddler he was until deciding to let his football people handle all football matters in 2024, Washington turning things around 180 degrees (4-13 in 2023) in just one season has to be appreciated.

The difference in the McCaskey’s long-time ownership of the Chicago Bears – 101 year old Virginia McCaskey inherited the team in 1983 from her father, George Halas – with its legacy of lousy play, messed up administrative decisions, and constant coaching changes, the Harris Group’s purchase ($6.05 billion) and overhaul of everything – from new Head Coach Dan Quinn, to the front office, facilities, and a jaded fan base – from the massively unlikeable Daniel Snyder, and Tepper’s moving to off-stage and quiet regarding operations, should be a case study.

The only good thought possible from 2024 is, da Bears burned through all those picks, got their own Heisman winner in Caleb Williams, and have posted the same 4-12 record as Panthers, three games worse than 7-10 in 2023 (one game to go).

2025 arrives soon, Good Thoughts for portal?

Iowa State and Miami was a barnburner from start to finish, 35 points already scored with 2:23 left in the first period, 49 with 10:43 still left in the second. The Cyclones Rocco Becht (22/35, 270 yds./3 TDs) finished matters off with a QB sneak with less than a minute to go, stealing the Pop Tarts Bowl 42-41 for the school’s never-done-before 11th win of the season, despite five turnovers.

Ward sat out the second half after going 12/19, 190 yds., 3 TDs. His 158 career touchdowns is currently a Division I record, but Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel has 153, and up to three more games to take the record himself.

If viewers somehow failed to hear, “…and they had (X number) of players in the portal who didn’t play” 500 times, it was/will continue to be a theme throughout the college playoffs and beyond. Many players who weren’t starters all year got to strut their stuff as a result. Yay!

Jim Larranaga, 75, the Miami men’s basketball coach who quit over the weekend, summed up the frustrations of many – Alabama’s super-successful Lou Saban quit last year for same reason – by noting that they are only *two years* from having played in the Final Four, and it wasn’t that eight kids didn’t like playing there, simply that they could leverage NIL (name, image, likeness) more profitably elsewhere.

That’s not how a coach of 41 years wants to roll, the effort of recruiting and coaching day to day being overwhelmed by teenagers making money grabs, scholarship commitments tossed in the garbage because (simplistically) teenagers aren’t bound by signing ‘contracts’ as minors.

Count on hearing many of the same situations reprised come March Madness, except from Marquette. HC of mens basketball Shaka Smart will continue his best practices philosophy of building a program the old way, mixing freshman with seniors and an occasional grad student, like nobody else seems willing to any more, when winning brings so much pressure for immediate fixes.

The twelve team playoff – as the Dr. Pepper Dad explains it, “goes most of the way through January,” is a mother of a burden to true student athletes. (Standard) Eleven game season + Conference championship + up to four playoff games, equals **16** games. Restructuring college athletics, meh, a problem for next year. Just sayin’.

Panther Football

Young drilled, Chuba TD thrilled, a Christmas Wish  ‘W’ for Charlotte

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Young drilled, Chuba TD thrilled, a Christmas Wish  ‘W’ for Charlotte
This is the most legitimate time to put one of those forever memorable pictures on display. I’ll probably put a Christmas ‘display’ vs. just a tree next time.

Assuming fellow Panthers game watchers saw the same plays, with QB Bryce Young getting whacked *twice* as he got off successful passes to Tommy Tremble and a drop in the bucket TD to David Moore, I was smiling myself when he peeled himself off the turf, and pretty much laughed about it to one of his linemen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZgXMwYy5fE 

When you make a mistake on throws, like Arizona Cardinal QB Kyler Murray did on an interception (after being past the line of scrimmage), you hang your head on the bench. When you’ve done enough good work that smiling a lot after a heavy lick comes naturally again, that is Bryce now, not a colossal failure some painted him when the 2021 Heisman winner joined a team with very little talent, taking 62 sacks along the way to 2-15 record. 

That said, the best thing beside Chuba Hubbard going for 25/152 yards and a pair of TDs (one the OT winner) was Cardinal RB James Conner being injured in 3rd period and not continuing his rampage, which ended after 15/117 yds/TD, plus 4 catches for 49 yds.  

I said exactly that (technically, just ‘whew!’ as he stood on sidelines) when Cards scored last 10 pts. of regulation to tie things up. Conner is a beast, and it seems *everyone* they play is capable of carrying a couple Panthers tacklers for 6-12 more yards after contact.  

Panthers GM Dan Morgan can fix that in off-season, right?  Ahhhh, expectations!

HELL YES! on Bryce’s running (Chuba even more so) 

Anyone who questioned Chuba receiving a four year, $33MM contract a couple weeks ago, who wonders why a team with their won-lot record is rewarding anyone, they couldn’t have been watching many games. Hubbard had 250 carries for 920 yds/5 TDs during last year’s disaster, and now has 1195 yards and 10 touchdowns. That’s a humble producer you want to keep happy, and it sends a signal league-wide about doing and deserving.  Same with kicker Eddie Pinero, who missed a PAT in the game, but has also had a season (21/24) worth rewarding.

Panthers two early TDs were on 70-yard drives, and the ball control aspect of Hubbard’s running used up plenty of clock this year. 6’6”, 330-pound free agent guard Robert Hunt, and LG Damien Lewis proved to be $$$ well spent, as offensive line has been a strength when everyone else got injured.  

The joy of watching Young take off for an untouched 34-yard jaunt early, then take off again for  23 yards and a touchdown was wonderful after seeing him steadily being beaten on for two seasons. As color commentator Mark Schlereth noted, when everyone’s back is to you in 1-1 coverage, you can pick up a lot of yardage. Panthers kept Kyler Murray in check (8 carries/63 yards) by clogging the middle so he didn’t escape upfield like Bryce.

Yes, it’s good to see plays work as needed. There was a flag next to spot where Hubbard made a block to keep a defender off Young on TD run, but penalty turned out to be on defender, so un-standard Panthers luck. Young scored early in first period in a small front corner of end zone, exactly where Moore caught his touchdown in 4th period, barely a foot from the boundary, with a defender draped across his back.  

Those plays were an elemental difference from a LOT of Panthers experiences in 2024. (ie.- Thielen’s catch in end zone denied vs. Bucs, best defensive player Derrick Brown gone after first game, Diontae J.)

Yes, it would have been great to see what Brooks could’ve contributed, now he’s a project for 2025, good thoughts sent for another tough rehabilitation program on ACL that failed. 

Bucs, Atlanta on the road, end of 2024 

The Buccaneers played well against the Cowboys Sunday night in a 26-24 loss, leaving  Atlanta and Tampa Bay tied with 8-7 records for the NFC South leadership. Charlotte may enjoy a spoiler role in who makes the playoffs, because Panthers play Tampa Bay this week, Atlanta to end the season Jan. 5th. 

Michael Penix, Jr., the Washington Huskie QB Atlanta surprisingly selected at #8 in 2024 draft, has taken over for Kirk Cousins, and the lefty-slinger put up a solid 18/27, 202 yds/1 INT line that satisfied many, though fans had expected more from the $160 million ($100MM guaranteed) money Cousins got. Achilles surgery last year left him less capable of moving well on play action passes that were his bread and butter, but his career has been profitable and productive.

If Sam Darnold might be leaving Minnesota because he’ll want BIG $$$ (Mayfield got 3 yrs/$100MM after a season of Dave Canales ‘QB Whisperer’ in Tampa) after taking Vikings to 13-2 and tied with Detroit Lions for division lead, they’ll decide in last game of year. Cousins is not in that same space any more. 

Will Panthers make it a three-game win streak to end the season? That would give them 6 for the year, beating the experts 5.5 predictions. (FYI – +600 I’ve previously mentioned is based on $100 bet, I’m only betting $20, so better beer in my microeconomy, not champagne, would be the celebration v. 20 x 600 craziness) 

Let’s just say that Panthers are nowhere near the laughingstock-worst team in the NFL they were labelled most of last two seasons.

Panthers, Bears, Jets are 4-12 (Well, 4-11 Bears play Seahawks TH) What a disappointment *that* team was with Caleb Williams! Rookie QBs, who knew they aren’t all world-beaters? Maybe someone in Chicago should take a beating for shoveling Justin Fields onto the garbage heap (well, traded to Pittsburgh) because he didn’t make progress there as an NFL QB despite terrific physical skills. 

Patriots, Raiders, Browns, Jags, Titans are all 3-12, Giants are 2-13, so there are nine other (of 32) teams in same or worse shape than Panthers. How’s THAT for something to put a little kick in your holiday eggnog?