Tag: HC Canales

Panther Football, Thought Leadership

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plenty of time to What If –

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

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

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

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

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

The Great American Family Experience, 9 am Saturday version

A little Control on the world, maybe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Post Philly 22-16 Loss, *NOW* Charlotte has Expectations, and Hellloo, Dallas

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Post Philly 22-16 Loss, *NOW* Charlotte has Expectations, and Hellloo, Dallas
Still my classic Panthers picture, Year 1 at Clemson vs. 49ers, Sam Mills on way to stopping Steve Young. Team is still working that Keep Pounding theme.

After LaMelo’s NBA season opening line of 38P/11A/8R, I questioned what level of production would be appropriate for Bryce Young to be considered as having a successful return to an NFL team’s leadership, how would on-field results look? Melo is injured again, but apples-to-apples, from a long time BoomerwithAttitude–sports writer’s POV, three beyond just solid games against Chiefs, Bucs, and Eagles are good by me.

Ex-Panther quarterback Sam Darnold painted the most prolific nyah-nyah! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeAzU97p4JE on former Viking-now Falcon QB Kirk Cousins Sunday, but in belly-of-the-beast fanwise Philly, Young again moved the Panthers decisively, going 19/34 for 191 yards, 1 TD/INT against first-caliber, NFL playoff-bound competition, going down to a single play at the end yet again, another L on bottom line.

Mostly. And I don’t hear all that much complaining by fan base.

Walking back for southbound rail after Tampa Bay game till now, I’m not delusional about recognizing, yes, it’s a very different team last four games, with confident NFL QB play and others doing their jobs. How Chuba extended his arm with ball for 1st down early in final drive for OT in Bucs game, instead of just going out of bounds (then dammit! later fumble, same level of effort). Adam Thielen showing the ball to someone on Bucs sideline who MUST have said No way! on one-handed-while-falling snag like I did in Sect. 524, but getting stiffed on that TD catch I saw and replay didn’t. Yes, it makes a difference to watch the game in happier circumstances than any recent experiences at BOA.

$15.95 for a Modelo Big Boy that stayed cold into 3rd quarter, I even tipped 15%. I was wearing 4 layers, won’t call it overkill, and on a nippy late afternoon, bless the dance team and yeah, the Purrcussion group of drummers. It wasn’t a full stadium, but it was Thanksgiving weekend, people out west who might attend are still in rough shape, not just cold or ungood record. If Panthers aren’t Our Team 100% right now, when?

Everyone is impressed by Josey Jewell, who has been everywhere. Trevin Wallace is finding a groove too, A‘Shawn Robinson, with a 1.5 sack day in Philly, even Saquon getting his, doesn’t mean everyone gets to run as far and free as Irving did for Bucs.

Sorrow for Brooks of course, but lately, hearing ‘worst in league’ noted, I want proof, so while Panthers scoring defense is last in NFL at 30.5 ppg, its down from right at 34 ppg. last month. They’re 30th (of 32) giving up real estate at 392.1 yds. per game.


And Helllooo, Dallas…

At 5-8, the Cowboys are in rougher shape than owner-standard bearer for willful, meddling old men, Jerry Jones, is willing to admit his franchise is mired in. He (apparently) won’t let lame duck Head Coach Mike McCarthy play QB Trey Lance instead of barely effective Cooper Rush, and while he still isn’t getting many props for it, #MrTeppers$ hasn’t opined about football operations since before free agency in March. 12/11/24 -A Tale of Two Teams Tango in 2024, our QB-owner guys are Okay-er.

If you caught the look of agony on Micah Parson’s face after Cowboys defense blocked a Bengals punt with less than two minutes left, and still turned ball over to Joe Burrow for the go-ahead score, note that the Carolina Panthers have been to Super Bowls twice since Dallas last raised the trophy. It seems very likely that multi-billionaire Panthers owner David Tepper can see what ‘cantankerous’ looks like up close, so keep the discipline Mr. T. Getting to say, ‘Good game!’ while winning indeed counts, seems like things are aligned.

‘Gracious host’ is more often about bourbon choices, it has zero about getting to win on BOA turf. A painful, wincing handshake ‘n go, anything like after ‘boys getting thrashed by Packers in first round would satisfy…

Aside from Barkley getting a decent 124, and Eagles with 209 yards rushing overall, the Carolina Panthers defense has looked stronger, made more overall good stops, even better than Bucky Irving gouging them for 150+ and two walk-off field goals vs. Chiefs, Bucs might show. Holding Hurts to 108 yards passing- how many fantasy jockeys were betting on that leg? DC Ejiro Evero has kept better QBs than Cooper Rush from blasting Panthers recently, will Jaycee Horne and CeeDee Lamb going after it be an epic sort of afternoon? (Horne had three pass interference calls vs. KC, just sayin’.) Blitzes? Count on it.

Dallas shouldn’t be smiling at all about this visit, because whom is going up-Better could be defined. Some respect for three tight Panthers losses would be realistic, and just having Bengals yank their collective ‘nads HARD with that recovered block-game winning drive, well, we played Chiefs way better, but as some poet said, that (kind of loss) is gonna leave a mark. – GShork 12/12/24

Comparison shop Young’s stats, he isn’t a slinger yet, and what everyone has recently witnessed is, he’s not afraid to STICK one on a receiver either (ie. Moore, hopefully more with Leggette), and he’s spreading it around effectively – TEs Tremble and Sanders have made first career TD catches. With a QB doing right on LONG drives, shadow of the goalposts-15 play stuff, they’re still forced to overcome regular pre-snap flubs that make it tougher. Young has learned its okay to toss one away instead of trying to save a suddenly negative play. HC Canales mentioned that, although he tangles some actions in coach-speak at times.

You can’t miss the long-anticipated precise touch, or Young’s perceived-actual comfort of movement in the pocket, a direct result of GM Dan Morgan’s large free agent buy of guards Hood and Lewis early. Even though Austin Corbett was lost to injury after what was a successful move to center, the offensive line’s continuity has been a source of strength for Hubbard (over 1,000 after 26/92 yds. vs. Eagles, 8 TDs) and the rushing contribution Canales preached when he first arrived.

They’ve also only given up 22 sacks. That’s a fact worth putting out there by itself.

Leggette HAS to make the catches that this offense will rely on, is a best practices ultra-fact. Put that out there, just cuz.


Bandwagon?

Start with belief that GM Dan Morgan et al had assembled some front line players, especially with free agents, as offensive line got a pair of expensive, necessary guards, but O-line has played steadily-very well together, taking 100% full game snaps (71 vs. Philly) several times. Cade Mays has handled the protection and line calls while taking over for Austin Corbett, LT Ekwonu has regained his form, Moton is always business, *there hasn’t been 15 guards*, the tight ends both block and go downfield. (Yay! for Panthers icon Greg Olsen getting the color analyst gig this game.)

Fans are relatively happy about spiking Eagles while two TD underdogs, and A’Shawn Robinson with 4.5 sacks and Mr. Josey Jewell are welcome reinforcements, Horne is obviously taking matters seriously. My $20 bet is still six Ws, so I say Hellloo Dallas! and we’ll take care of Mr. Cousins and Baker soon as well. This new Team version, confident quarterback moving elements along, Panthers defense not getting rolled for 8-13 garbage yards after first contact, that’s just best practices in football.

Eddie Pineiro missed two opportunities against Tampa Bay that cost Panthers, made four against the Chiefs, 23/25 for season, and THAT’S how you ask for a raise. Innovative play calling by Canales, some freedom going for it on 4th down gutsiness, with Young triggering a play they both like, that’s a tinge of best practices as QB Whisperer, right?

A ‘W’, yes, that’d be extra okay too. Worried about losing out on #1 pick? That’s not a question for this Sunday.


‘Tis the season? Yes ’tis

Glad for previous tix, and yes, plenty of gratitude for things falling my way/best possible outcomes on MICROECONOMY front recently. I didn’t discuss politics at T’giving gathering, remarked to others I felt it was ok to wear Panther colors again. Charlotte people assembled were more concerned with family than QB play or what trashy/tragic political disagreements prez-elect is abusing for shock value.


I was thrilled about a Great T’giving around people enjoying blessings, then worked shifts Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, TH at community groups Christmas tree lot. What better gig possible for positive affirmation all around, the ultimate family experience, a chance to speak well about years of this particular events history in the parish under primo Carolina blue skies and 61 degrees? If a Panther W went with another Sunday of gorgeous weather, pre-Christmas brisk though it might be, I’m willing to give Dallas the one point game is listed at.

Having always pointed to the Super Bowl season where Panthers were 9-0, then thumped the ‘Boys 31-14 on Thanksgiving, they were 10-0 before people here felt it was reasonable to start believing. Same deal Sunday, you want the bet, up to $5, respond by game time. Panthers 24-16.


Panther Football

Production counts, passing Disaster, Good Points for Panthers Pt. II

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Production counts, passing Disaster, Good Points for Panthers Pt. II

For those experts who thought they saw a glimmer of Hope for (better than 5.5 projected) wins in accumulation of better talent for 2024, Sunday was nearly as good as Charlotte sunshine, with due respect to friends and unfortunates in the disasters of Carolina mountains from Helene. I was early a.m. Friday-late Sat. night without power, *two* trees came down on apartment building next to me, and a third one was taken down because there was ungood lean to it.

Apologies if there’s a hard-fast rule about not (admitting) taking some moral victory from a strong showing in an overall loss, like Little Leaguers who won’t rub where they’ve been hit by a pitch, or ask for time from an umpire while carefully picking themselves out of the dirt from a pickoff attempt.

As an umpire, I’m always looking in case runner gets sloppy, its a legit analogy to say someone’s keeping tags on Panthers game by game process, and most sports fannies will admit, heck yeah! plenty of Good Points to consider about 34-24 loss to Bengals.

Dalton’s grip on offense, O-line Respect is legit

Putting several strong elements up to the rest of NFL light –

  • Offensive line played 100% of snaps together, no sacks this week, two vs. Raiders. Chuba Hubbard went 18/104 yds/TD, exactly the running strength HC Canales has preached since Day 1. Brooks might not be exactly ready after PUP period, two weeks of 100+ by Hubbard is always legit to point out.
  • Generally under-utilized lately, Miles Sanders picked up nine touches for 46 yards, new TE star possibility Ja’Tavian Sanders had two catches for 16, Xavier Legette (lee-gett) took a great zap! TD catch from Dalton, but dropped two others.
  • Panthers went 68 yards with opening drive, didn’t put it in endzone, no points. J’T Sanders on goal line was my thought.
  • Never a bad thing for other teams to worry about you pulling a fake punt, and punter Hekker has made the pass more than a couple times in career, nothing wrong or way strange with the attempt.
  • Bengals Brown falling inside the five, then getting up quicker than a Panther defender, to score with one second left in half.

Two pass interferences at goal line, all of these are difference between win-lose in the NFL. Accept it? Not a whiff of discontent today.

Hence the overall Attitude, team and fan-wise, Panthers collectively missed a half-dozen solid opportunities to do something that might have made a difference. Ja’Marr Chase’s 63 yards of getting bumped but not *tackled* for Bengals, their 130 yards rushing in second half after 11 in first, will be remembered by Ejiro Evero’s Panther defense. Yes, there are going to be standards again.

Canales comment in post-game about Legette’s semi-breakout game, with 6/66 yds. and that TD, was 100% Good Teaching Moment stuff. ‘Secure the catch, then be special,’ could become a credo for WR room. Mingo looked like he *wanted* those extra yards.

You saw it, more than decently better than 2023

At a time when Bryce Young’s name is going to be used at lower levels than in past year, thinking he didn’t learn LOTS even watching would be wrong. One drive at end of pre-season never convinced me there was a leadership passage figured out. Go ahead with that QB Whisperer thing, but changing horses for an offensive mindset based on upgraded receivers and running the ball, yes, this is a better TEAM.

Commentator Moose Johnson noted the size of Panther WRs, Mingo is big for a slot guy, Thielen will be back though.

Appreciating the difference that GM Dan Morgan and team developed in identifying the dawgs they wanted in the trenches, this 1-3 moment honestly feels like a Team Thing. There were empty seats in the stadium, and no judgement on that, lots of bad happening. Watching the giddy galloping of Leggette for his first pro TD, 3rd rounder Wallace getting an upgrade on playing time in the middle after Shaq and Jewell injuries, nothing like experience, though not all of it will be great.

Dropping small passes can kill drives instead of start – Message accepted.

Wrap up and take down, not arm tackles, is a best practices must do.

Ties are like kissing your sister, so Sunday’s 34-24 loss wasn’t like that, and no, Evero’s secondary didn’t stop Burrow’s 22/31, 232 yd/ 2 TD/1 INT day, but he wasn’t carving on them either. Even with a clutch pass interference call on goal line, Jackson’s presence on back line is noted, Horn is close to being what Panthers need every week, a stud cover guy who takes one side of field away. Secondary has given up 9 TDs in 4 games though, that fact has got to change.

FOX Sports says Panthers are #24 in overall defense (353.1 ypg), Dallas is #25 at 355.3, and has given up 8 rushing TDs. The Eagles (204.7) and Cowboys (209.5) are behind #16 Panthers (201.7) in passing D, at 151.3 a game, Panthers rush defense is 29th.

#leadership thought, Panther Football, Sports

So the ballers played, With Harvest Moon & Kinda Muddy is A Blue’s Story – but Panther’s win is Definitely #1

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on So the ballers played, With Harvest Moon & Kinda Muddy is A Blue’s Story – but Panther’s win is Definitely #1

I was early for a field ump assignment, under the lights at Independence Field Wednesday, and saw the coaches working on it, but 10 hours plus of tropical rain Monday was still around, a tarp didn’t help home plate area enough. Decently hit grounders were seriously slowed by grass/turf. For whomever does the pants this week, that red clay on uniforms is gonna be tough.

With a yellowed full-full moon above, and the artistic coloration of a building beyond right field, we played seven, the full two hours and fifteen allowed. I congratulated Corey, the home plate Blue, around him and 1st base line looked WWII stuff, where ‘slogging’ is operative word.

I’ll get back to the ballers a little later, such a shareable youth sports event. Muddy? Pssshhh. Yes, my outlook on Wednesday, but MONDAY Panthers are #1 story. Hold the awww, Bryce is gone moans. Andy Dalton is the QB who just won Panthers first game in as BIG a way as you could believe, AND defense stoned the Raiders run game with just 54 yds. allowed. Absolute team effort.

And then came Dalton

Diontae Johnson most definitely, 8 catches/122 yds/TD, Leggette 2/42 yds, Tremble 3/29, Hubbard 5 rec/55yds/TD, plus 21/114 yds. lugging it, Thielen 3/40 yds/TD, that means all dawgs got fed. Of course, that brings up the absolute change in norms coming at benching of Bryce Young after 0-2, deer-in-headlights performances that weren’t appreciated. No excess judgement on ultimate decision maker, but Bryce, by any metrics of successful QB play, needed to sit.

Sunday was elemental, empirical – Did using a very good veteran #2 QB satisfy the idea more could be/needed to be done offensively? Yes. Next football decision and hold the Awww, Bryce...

Next action, and Reality at 37, is Dalton isn’t the forever QB, the expectation is Bryce will return to helm, but Panthers were down 30-3 by time I finished polishing my season opening blog and turned on game. Unreal. I think the way Saints mauled Cowboys for 44 in Big D the week after wasting Panthers has to be considered along the way, just sayin’. Carr is throwing it pretty well.

The Panthers defense got gouged regularly by Chargers without Derrick Brown, but somehow the Eagles are giving up worse than 6.7 per rush, so call it a spear set in place vs. Raiders for front seven Panthers.

This Monday morning, I still believe Panthers have significantly better personnel in 2024 than before Morgan, Tilis, Canales started running football ops. I’ve given #MrTeppers$ props for not talking much, but bringing back those Game 1 projections of mine seem a lot more real now, after Dalton has connected long and with Everybody on passes, and hung a genuine W on the board. 2024/09/08/it-wont-be-a-jinx-to-say-panthers-start-2024-with-a-w-in-dome/

There’s no denying its a different game with experienced vet like Dalton, and yes, everyone got healthy with his distribution. Yes, he’s only guy in NFL so far with 300+ yds., 3 TD day. 437 yards sounds like lot of contributors because it was. By the money numbers, Panthers were +5.5 (didn’t interest me), and over/under was 39.5 (-115), nobody was expecting fireworks like 36-22. HC Canales has always maintained that running football would be difference maker, and they would be doing it – Hubbard and O-line produced.

Give it up for 3 sacks and INT, only allowed 3/11 on 3rd down. That’s Evero’s hot buttons for Panthers defense, sacks and getting off on third downs.

Uhhh, no, its not JUST one win. Glad to have the Red Rifle working with live ammo. Stay strong Panthers defense. Not seeing any cred that Canales somehow abused Bryce by pushing belief in his abilities (yada yada). No, that was QB Whisperer Coach.

It says Cincinnati on schedule next, that would seem a legitimate tester. See ya’ Sunday.

The epitome of athletic team effort, well, sort of

About umping a muddy, full moon game, it was 10-11s vs. 12-13s, same org, everybody on same system. Corey was plate ump, handled the truly mucky area, people moved gingerly around the plate all night. To keep their balance, batters weren’t taking full cuts either. Still, no bitching about the conditions, that’s what was working for me. Making a few calls during ball game, fine panorama of the evening down near an active park, with some live music from back of a bar, a short block from back of theater behind home place. Runners and nearby girls soccer, a little wet, yep.

Wednesday evening as symbolic of athletic team effort, meh, but youth baseball works for me. I appreciated how the pitchers pitched, not stressing balls and strike calls, a little heavy, maybe. Hey, *everybody* runs on pass balls. Outfielders didn’t just miss fly balls, they tracked them down and usually found the cutoff man effectively. What’s to complain about? we got a game.

There were people sitting in the stone-ledge amphitheater behind home, someone always went to find balls fouled out of play. A wet field didn’t bother watchers. The coaches wiped off and rotated the balls steadily, telling their pitchers, ‘Take a good one.’ One of younger team, Wyatt, I recognized from last week. Had to chuckle when his Dad, coaching at first, just shook his head, “Ahhh, maybe some day he’ll learn how to hit a curve ball.”

My four games at Saturday assignment at Carmel MS, and three nights next week, started at 8:30 (-3:15), but its barely five miles from my house. I’ve always said-felt umpiring, being a Blue, was my contribution to the American Family Experience. $60 when you’re plate umpire is a legitimate contribution to my microeconomy too. Extra groceries, y’know.

Just maybe, sometimes, I’m a guy who can make a difference with a young pitchers (obvious) flaws. When you start umpiring, they tell you don’t be chatty with people on other side of fence, just takes one call to get them going wrong.

Answer: Sorry, I’m a yakker. Extra talking kind of got me sideways with a commissioner type Saturday, specifically a thrown bat and my calling runner out vs. just warning. All about safety issues Mr. Manager. Maybe a little #Boomerwith Attitude.

If you hear it hit, its no big deal

Clipped by a 15 yr. old fastball-foul tip to bone in forearm. Thanks to coach with ice pack! Mon. after. from wrist to elbow.

Sunday I’ll be back at Sedgefield, where I got foul-tip clipped this Spring. Whether arm was broken (not) was an immediate concern then, ice pack arrived just in time or it would’ve blown up. Supposed to be 13-unders today, little less velocity. The ‘hear it hit aspect,’ crowd always ohhh!s when you take a crack! in chest protector or mask, but its more not hearing it, that means it caught meat (me).

Being Blue is still a physical challenge. I always get a chuckle for saying, “I don’t get out of bed if not going to get hit at least a couple times.” The best thing a Blue can ever do is Out! call, standing over finale to a play at third when tag is high, runners foot got underneath it. Bam! Case closed.

After a stiff one to the grill in Spring, I took off mask and said, “I’m gonna think about that one an extra second,” just for little theater. I haven’t taken a nutter in all my years, fingers crossed. I consider that a ‘best practices.’

Turns out a beef from Sat. caused me to be off Sun. I’m almost glad, lost $120, but when I left after one o’clock, it was 89 degrees, turned out to be a scorcher afternoon, mid 90s, blazing Carolina blue sky. I finally washed my cruddy car instead. I wonder if that clay in Independence Park dried out. Here’s where that staying hydrated focus meant taking care of yourself – Sedgefield is a hike around to back side of school, no services for bottled water.

Panther Football, Sports

Knights win 6-4, Ascent FC takes inaugural game 1-0, Panthers 15-12 game vs. Jets was satisfying Sports Saturday in Charlotte

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Knights win 6-4, Ascent FC takes inaugural game 1-0, Panthers 15-12 game vs. Jets was satisfying Sports Saturday in Charlotte

Panthers scored TD at end of regulation, not getting to kick extra point (or playing many first teamers) wasn’t a problem. Vicky Bruce’s goal in 27th minute at refurbished ($41M) American Legion Memorial stadium was seen by 10,553 enthused spectators, and Knights hung a 5 spot in 4th inning fireworks, none after matinee game. On a 90 degree day, cold beer and well-played games were all you could ask for.

Forget about naysaying for just a little while Charlotte, although winning their inaugural game guarantees nothing for the first women’s pro sports team here since WNBA Sting folded in 2007. Saturday’s triple header sure beats the ‘Loserville’ tag our teams have earned while being blasted regularly the last couple years. Hornets only won 21 NBA games last season, Carolina Panthers were an often described as a dumpster fire while going 2-15 in 2023, and Triple AAA Knights, now 54-62, were a dismal 54-96 last year. Take the upswing on Knights being more competitive.

Panthers still not playing first teamers

For the fans who continue to sweat (sorry! its legit about Sat.) Head Coach Dave Canales still not putting starters (37 held out vs. Jets) on field in pre-season games, there is an expectation that changes against Buffalo Bills this Saturday. Cutdowns to 53-man roster are next Tues. (27th) and HC Canales has *got* to want to see Bryce Young and the offense working for real before season opener vs. Saints two weeks later.

Given the barrage of injuries throughout NFL camps, ie. Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (torn meniscus) that will sideline the rookie from Michigan for 2024 season, Canales caution with expected starters is still outside usual NFL best practices.

The joint practices against Jets last week provided helpful indicators on progress. Jets QB Aaron Rodgers started slow with a pair of INTs, got back on track late with a TD pass during two-minute drill. Panthers QB Bryce Young was 14/22 on Thursday, 5/7 to five different receivers on his chance at two-minute drill, resulting in a FG. Eddie Pinero is the only kicker in camp now, so apparently he’s not getting any more than the $2.5M for year two of his contract like he desired.

Terrence Marshall, Jr. and second year receiver Jonathan Mingo seem to be assured of making the 53-man team off the intrasquad practices. Marshall’s TD in Jets practice left him giddy enough to drop the ball on his defender, a major reason for the teams dust-up during week. That $100M free agent Robert Hunt went down early in one practice was cause for concern, but he came back later, so whew! for offensive line and yes, points to Canales for holding starters out in another game. Panthers are better, but losing first line players (they had 15 people at guard positions in 2023) would be a killer.

RB Chuba Hubbard (238 carries, 902 yds, 5 TDs in 2023) went down awkwardly in practice but is judged okay, and Jonathan Brooks isn’t ready yet, but Dillon Johnson (18 carries, 89 yds., last second TD) looked fine. Panthers Jack Plummer was 11/18 for 42 yards, but HC Canales is truly pushing the running game aspect.

DB Demani Richardson’s late INT on Saturday capped a terrific week, with two others in practices. Despite DC Ejiro Eviro’s Panthers defense putting up somewhat gaudy numbers – 3rd in passing yardage, 4th in overall yardage, and 5th in third down efficiency in 2023 – they only had NINE TOs last year. Some ball-hawking in secondary, and increased respect for rookie Trevin Wallace’s banging people as MLB, Panthers looked more like an NFL team.

Knights played to few, Ascent FC before many

It was difficult to determine how close to their average attendance (6,000) the Knights were, because almost everyone took shelter in shade, but the Ascent fared much better with that enthused 10,553. Renee Guion’s free kick was headed by Annika Creel to a well-positioned Vicky Bruce, who tucked it away in the 27th minute against DC Power FC.

The Ascent will have 14 games in Aug.-Dec. part of season, then 14 more from Feb.-May, playing in USL Super League. That they drew such a crowd at other end of Charlotte from Panthers game is a hopeful sign. Sorry, didn’t see that game, can’t say a ton about it.

Political, Sports

Panthers, Politics, Olympics – to Love or Appreciate mid-August?

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Panthers, Politics, Olympics – to Love or Appreciate mid-August?
Okay, the All Blacks weren’t represented in Paris, but USA’s Ilona Maher’s bludgeoning of would-be tacklers , unreal speed, and 5’10”, 200 lb. presence in the Rugby 7s was awesome enough.

From start to finale, it would take a superior supply of imagination to outshine the most dynamic Olympic experience this sportswriter can remember (I went to ’76 Olympics in Montreal). Hyperbole? Naah, massive joy at continuous athletic achievement worked out great.

Damn fine crowds have flocked to Harris-Walz campaign stops in battleground states, for anyone parsing the truthfulness of my going to ’76 Olympics, I meant as a tourist. If nobody seems to be sweating HC Dave Canales holding Bryce Young and about 30 players out of 17-3 pre-season loss against Patriots, that wasn’t loveable.

While bulleting is rarely the writing methodology I choose, like USA Basketball Head Coach Steve Kerr, the decision is made, let the chips fall where they may, and goodness, there’s a ton of chips to consider.

Paris Olympics were peaceful, satisfying

  • Tri-athletes had a lot more to complain about than the accommodations in Olympic village. Despite whatever ‘cleaning up’ might have been done, the water quality sucked, so the prospect of diving in the Seine must have been a daunting choice. Every athlete recognizes the Olympics is an every four years event vs. any year’s NCAA or world championships, so opting out of swimming aspect – like air quality concerns of marathoners in Beijing Olympics, or the politics of US boycotting in1980 after Russian tanks rolled into Afghanistan, and Russians doing same for 1984 LA Olympics – becomes a life experience gone.

Winners: Alex Yee (mens, Great Britian) https://apnews.com/article/olympics-2024-paris-triathlon-1cf86375ad666e7c5d222279f33ca31e and Cassandre Beaugrand (womens, France) took the plunge, and biking on rainy roads was doubling down on an extremely stressful event.

  • If USWNT and new coach Emma Hayes having reinstituted US dominance is still not a lock, their taking the gold with 1-0 win over Brazil just hours before the men’s https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5692015/2024/08/10/uswnt-brazil-olympic-gold-medal-takeaways/ basketball 98-87 victory against host nation France – was an epic afternoon. USA hoops team rode Stef (the Chef) Curry’s zeroed in 3-point shooting – 17 treys between 95-91 semi-final win over Serbia and finale vs. France. Team USA’s Women also beat the host nation for gold, 67-66, after France’s Gabby Williams toe was on 3-point line for final basket vs. extending game to OT.
  • Beyond the men’s 4x100m relay going down in DQ flames (again), Cole Hocker was huge https://www.nbcolympics.com/videos/cole-hockers-epic-final-stretch-seals-olympic-gold in 1500m win; Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis going Olympic record-world record (6.25m) in last two pole vault attempts was superb. Gabby Thomas, with her neurobiology-global health degree while running track at Harvard University and three golds (200m, two relays) in Paris, and Ilona Maher (7s rugby, bronze) putting her 5’10”, 200 lb. physique out there in a teeny red bikini for social media, awed many with her bruising play, were all super memorable.
  • Katie Ledecky in the pool is a national treasure, the Chinese national team raked in as much gold as better chemistry is capable of, and Dutch track star Femke Bol was outstanding at ripping the souls out of competitors with super just-before-the-line finishes. The French pole vaulter whose ‘package’ got rapped on cross bar will only hear about it daily for a long, long time. https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/a8232f165ebea14b0b3de76b267b07d0

Overall medal count was 40 gold (tie with China), 44 silver, 42 bronze, and stating the women’s share of that haul is easily recognized, is Truth. That several nations with small contingents pulled in first ever medals, not a problem. Sorry, I didn’t catch any wrestling or rhythmic gymnastics.

Panthers-Jets tomorrow moves regular season another day closer

  • Nobody is really going to know how much Panthers have improved from 2-15 team of 2023 until we see how long it takes to win two this year, but sure, finding out if DC Ejiro Evero’s defense can slow down Aaron Rodgers will produce a quantity of information that can’t be gained any other way. If Rodgers slays the secondary in the few series after sitting out all but the first few ticks of last season, Charlotte fans will probably feel like the Democrats did *before* Pres. Biden ended his presidential campaign – oh man! There’s no lusted-for Stephon Gilmore in coverage, but he hasn’t signed anywhere else either.
  • How Derrick Brown and the crew of free agents (Clowney!) the Panthers brought in to replace losing most of their linebacking crew (Yo, Shaq! Glad you’re still around) will be watched closely.
  • The same is true for Bryce Young’s offensive line, #1 draft pick Xavier Leggette (lee-gett) from USC (East), and TE Ja’Tavian Sanders. Panthers spent the big bucks on guards after a 62 sack campaign was the Heisman winner’s first year experience. Yes, Ikem Ekwonu better strap it on tight, HC Canales and OC Brad Idzik plan to run the ball lots. #2 pick (Texas) RB Jonathan Brooks is still almost two months from actually contributing as he recovers from November ACL surgery. XL is being handled *very* carefully, second year man Jonathan Mingo can’t afford to let down on the good vibes so many have gotten from watching this training camp. (Thanks in advance, Steven Smith, Sr.)

POLITICS

  • Refugee Team breaker Manizha Talash was disqualified from the first ever Olympic breaking competition for wearing a cape that said “Free Afghan Women.” Sha’Carri Richardson (USA) staring over at two competitors while blowing past-anchoring the 4×100 relay was personal, not political.
  • Frequent use of phrase, ‘The worst three weeks of trump’s life’ has been bandied regularly on air and headlines, with a direct contrast to the enthusiastic crowds who have greeted Harris-Walz rallies in a tour of battleground states. The Democratic Convention is next week, and Dems aren’t paying much attention to former First Lady Michelle Obama’s mantra – “When they go low, we go high.”
  • trump’s VP candidate JD Vance is on bigly wrong side of favorability surveys, and Dems Walz has been consistently beating the drum about his ‘couch ethics’ from his literary contribution to the world, Hillbilly Elegy. Its not a straight up biography, but its played well every time so far…
  • Although its still a close election scenario, fact the Harris campaign brought in $300M+ almost immediately, along with 130,000 (so they say) volunteers, a raft of Hollywood types, and support from groups like ‘Republicans for Harris’ et al puts even more positive spin on the political future than #MrTeppers$ staying quiet has about Charlotte Panthers football operations. Just sayin.’
  • Eighty-two days to elections! Like many who have been inspired (or fearful) about another Must Win election against trump, doing any small part to keep it real is legitimate for me. The training for Precinct Judge (D) in September will be a first time in almost 40 years I’m going deeper than simply voting. Last exposure was doing PR for a mayoral race in upstate NY, working for the Republican candidate because he was willing to pay for the help, against the Democrat I’m done similar work for the previous time around.

LOVE vs. APPRECIATION

Some use those terms interchangeably, with my proof regarding Olympics watching consisting of three extra pounds on scale and an ugh! number of Fosters cans for recycling. Yes, more than appreciated it, plunking myself in front of a big screen for, uhhhh, hours, was not a source of heavy guilt as much as loving the constant, often razor thin difference, between medals and nothing more substantial than knowing you’ve done the best you can.

Yes, as an ex-rugger, I ‘loved’ seeing Maher whack potential tacklers with a stiff arm in the neck, then being soooo cool (a vision in black, spaghetti strap dress) on late night TV, https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/sports/2024/08/13/ilona-maher-guest-nbcs-late-night-with-seth-meyers-paris-olympics-bronze-jason-kelce/74779533007/ letting Myers know she told everyone at Final Ceremonies, “It’s my birthday, so cheer your asses off” attitude.

Could ‘appreciation’ actually be gratitude for an undeniably safe and peaceful two weeks for a world that had every reason to think Paris could become another Munich (1972) disaster, with death and destruction blowing away all ancient, cherished Olympic standards of peace? Yep.

Would I appreciate the local Panthers being better (and bettable) in 2024? Hell yes.

Would I love to have a ‘Good Person’ continue to lead this country as a *democracy* vs. the specter of Project 2025 becoming part of my American lifestyle at 67? That would be a golden ideal, especially if we don’t wind up litigating the ever lovin’ snot out of any dispute like 2020 elections that gets a gnarlier as the back-forth on a bronze medal in floor exercise between a Romanian and USA’s Jordan Chiles over .1 in scoring, and four seconds of timing.