Tag: HC Dave Canales

#leadership thought, Panther Football

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Four-Point better Offense – You Better Believe It

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Panther Football

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

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

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

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

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

Trust the system Mr. Right Tackle

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

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

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

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

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

Things happening Elsewhere

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Panther Football

Full WR room, Chuba and superior O-line, major upgrades to Defense – Plenty to like about 2025 Panthers

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Full WR room, Chuba and superior O-line, major upgrades to Defense – Plenty to like about 2025 Panthers
As hot as Charlotte is – I put together a late lunch and almost passed out in my apartment because I didn’t turn on the AC as soon as I entered – and pads at practice has begun, best of thoughts for the process next 40 days holds for Panthers.

Yes, the Carolina Panthers have dragged the lower rungs of NFL forever it seems (‘just seven’ misses mark), but MrTeppers$ has got to be pleased with promising changes for football operations in Year II of GM Morgan, Head Coach Dave Canales, and $$$ guy-VP Brandt Tilis.

At a time when actual physical heat in Charlotte is regularly tapping high 90s, fan enthusiasm is clearly warming up too, based on a strong second half to 2024-25 season by QB Bryce Young, terrific drafting by Morgan, and the best practices accumulation of essential talent the franchise hasn’t had available in far too long.

From the return of defensive standout Derrick Brown, the selection of WR Tetaroia McMillan (#8) at top of A+ rated draft, an actual kicker competition (!!) and good news about TE Ja’Tavian Sanders (neck injury-midseason, 33 catches/342 yds./TD), Panther fans almost certainly won’t be selling their season tickets to football fans from elsewhere on a weekly basis.

First day in pads, minor problems

Several names have already been replaced by newly signed possibilities on 90-man pre-season roster, and that’s going to be a consistent churn for most of forty days, until week before the season opener vs. Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 7th.

Elements like rookie DE Princely Umanmielen (Kentucky) tapping Young’s arm in practice, LB Trevin Wallace and RB Chuba Hubbard exchanging pleasantries after a sideline hit, or offensive lineman Chandler Zavala getting a knee tweaked blocking Brown, forging a squad that expects to push Tampa Bay for the NFC South title has begun in earnest.

Just FYI, kickers Matt Wright and Ryan Fitzgerald (FSU) have both gone 7/10 on the skinny goal posts thus far. Fitzgerald was a finalist for 2024 Lou Groza Award, going 13/13 on FGs, 14/14 on extra points, and 5/5 over 50 yards. (Eddie who?)

Fans won’t get to see practices with plays like T-Mac’s outstanding grab on a perfectly thrown pass to beat safety Mike Jackson’s tight coverage, Clemson product Hunter Renfrow showing his route-running ability didn’t disappear during over a year out of football with ulcerative colitis, or just how fast-elusive 6th round pick Jimmy Horn, Jr. is compared to Panther legend Steve Smith. Horn was QB Shedeur Sanders ‘other’ receiver at Colorado, opposite Heisman winner Travis Hunter, but lacking the option of attending practices this year and next due to construction, fans may have to content themselves with tracking the coming and goings of personnel on a paper roster https://www.nfl.com/teams/carolina-panthers/roster or online resources.

A dozen names you might not have heard (or continue not to): Bailey, Basham, Gifford, Dafney, Harrison-Hunte, Hudson, Incoom, Kandar, Losoya, Ray, Reid, Tarquin – will be knocking heads in the heat with returning players and whomever GM Dan Morgan and Brandt Tilis feel might improve the team’s return to professional NFL respectability.

ANTICIPATION – Absolutely!

While injuries are always a rationale for lesser performance team-wise – and Morgan will get props for his efforts both last year and putting a much better group of bodies on the field this time around – Canales has achieved his stated desire to have full WR, RB, TE rooms to work with in 2025-26. TE Sanders comes back lighter and faster after his neck injury, and is expected to become the red zone presence Panthers drafted him (Texas) for last year.

Whether any of three tight ends can evoke positives to Greg Olsen, WR Jalen Coker https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4695883/jalen-coker can hopefully expand on a very solid first year, and highly motivated Xavier Leggett (49/497/4 TD) could be a major contributor if drops concerns are mitigated.

DC Ejiro Evero was brought back despite a year where Panthers defense gave up 31.4 ppg, over 3,000 rushing (179.8 per game), and registered only 32 sacks (Broncos blitz-happy D led NFL with 63) and nine INTs – but had a #4 ranked defense the year before. Morgan spent freely to sign free agents to solidify all three levels of that unit, and while there’s no chance that Derrick Brown could reduce those numbers by himself, bringing that rushing average down ten spots (Patriots, 131.4) or ATL level (#16, 120.6) would be an excellent goal.

The addition of free agent safety Tre’von Moehrig from Raiders and Lathon Ransom, a thumper from Ohio State, should help both run support and in coverage on back end. Having a bona fide nose guard (Bobby Brown III) vs. Shy Tuttle, and 6’6″, 328 lb. Florida Gator nose man Cam Jackson figures to change that 3K problem as well.

The linebacking crew will miss Josey Jewell in coverage, and he tied A’Shawn Robinson with top sack total of 5.5, but was released because he is still in concussion protocol seven months after the injury. FA Christian Rozeboom (135 tackles, Rams) will be truly appreciated from Day 1.

NFC South title in play? Yep!

Without getting excessively enthused about three close losses to playoff teams (Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, Kansas City), .500 is the next level of achievement for Panthers to strive for. They were hosed in Buccaneers game at home when Adam Thielen’s TD catch at back of end zone was disallowed by an official and *apparently* video replay didn’t 100% confirm it. Panthers Hubbard then lost a fumble in OT and Bucs kicked a FG for the win.

Few have forgotten Leggette’s drop of a pass that would have put them in a position to win in Philly, and his dedication to catching with his hands vs. letting ball get into his body has been discussed since, and sweaty videos of that dedication are legitimate. His opinion that defenses won’t be able to double cover both T-Mac and himself is more legitimate than puffing of pride. If Horn brings back memories of ‘Stevie Superstar89,’ who was considered just a punt returner as a rookie but became an iconic receiver here, Leggette is Mushin Muhammed size with hellacious wheels, and there’s nothing wrong with holding that picture up for consideration either.

Adam Thielen figures to get his share of looks/catches from the slot to help move the sticks, and after Chuba Hubbard was rewarded for his solid efforts https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/4241416/chuba-hubbard with a four year, $33.2MM contract that allowed the Panthers offensive line to control more game time while still protecting Young, many of the pieces of a successful season are in place. Adding a 1,000 rusher (Rico Dowdle) when the Cowboys didn’t do anything possible to keep him in their backfield means plenty in bigger picture.

Panther Football, Sports

Panthers are days away from ACTION! Charlotte Hornets Summer League was Beyond Pretty Good

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Panthers are days away from ACTION! Charlotte Hornets Summer League was Beyond Pretty Good
Fans won’t be able to see Panthers practices on field downtown this season or next. This is a scorching reminder for anyone who ever attended a practice in Spartanburg. This is like 9:30, and people are in the small sliver of shade, you just stood there, talked some, and sweated.

Its obviously been a looong minute since Charlotte has cared this much about both its NFL and NBA franchises. With kudos for a couple seasons of solid management all around, and showing major promise in getting to There in 2025, burying Loserville tag on two vibrant, moving forward leadership groups will make for a hotter, more satisfying rest of sports year. (Knights are 11-9, 4th in International League East)

Lots of Moving Pieces, Others will do Sweating

While Hornets fans will possibly swoon at the 22 Pt./12 Reb./6 Ast. and generous ladling of attaboy! Sports Illustrated put on Liam McNeeley’s Summer League debut, https://www.si.com/nba/hornets/news/hornets-may-have-the-steal-of-the-2025-nba-draft-and-it-s-not-kon-knueppel its not quite time to do Oscar-type ‘play them off’ for local NBA crew.

7/21/25 https://www.nba.com/news/nba-2k26-summer-league-kings-hornets Well now, 6-0 is actually more than anyone expected, and I’m kind of laughing at those who dissed KK after mediocre first game. Whether a reasonable, happy news result is coming about last years French product at #6 still seems in doubt, https://www.nba.com/player/1642275/tidjane-salaun but just knowing Ryan Kalkbrenner is available to become the rim-protector Hornets have lacked forever isn’t a fact that will diminish before next season.

Being a 4x Defensive Play of Year in Big East isn’t luck or coincidence, and if they want him on perimeter shooting threes like a Euro-center, that’s probably the least of his traditional back-to-basket, guard your man mission. Not considered a great rebounder? Giannis was 11.9 rpg, what’s great ? Everyone should be on the boards, evv-very-one! Moussa Diabate can’t shoot much? Get some glass, keep other guys honest. Sion James will be a force on the defensive perimeter and boards – 8.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game (Duke, 2025) .

The Hornets now have *plenty* of shooters with Knueppel, McNeeley, Miller, Sexton, and as far as anyone knows, Melo. Tre Mann, Josh Green and Nick Smith, Jr. will need to battle, Mason Plumlee might be one Dookie too many after scanning early roster.

Hornets President Jeff Peterson is Donald Glover’s character in ‘steely-eyed missile man’ category re: Rich Purnell Maneuver (‘The Martian’, 2015).

Original moniker was applied to NASA flight controller John Aaron (Apollo 12, 13), and refers to calm, crucial solutions and decisive actions – his ‘Switch SCE to Aux’ – after a lightning strike threatened to scrub Apollo 12 launch is legend. In movie, its a gravity slingshot around Earth for an impossible mission – 553 days longer – to save a left-behind astronaut.

7/17/25 Yeah, that is about how far Hornets had seemed from Success. GShorkknows

Contracts and Expectations, Many, many names

Whenever a naysayer opines that *everything* is riding on this Panthers team blowing 6.5 wins out to insure GM Dan Morgan, HC Dave Canales, and Pres. Brandt Tilis don’t lose their jobs, I let them know that football operations are doing just fine, #MrTeppers$ hasn’t been that rip everything up by the roots owner for a while. Lots of names will pass through Panthers roster before first game (Jax) in September, Hornets have some numbers to trim as well.

Yes indeedy, there are loads of Expectations here in the Buckle of the Bible Belt, and YES! Morgan did an admirable job, showcasing an A+ rated draft of documented production defensive and offensive talent, after substantial filling of defensive gaps with qualified FA personnel. Dang! about Josey Jewell leaving in concussion protocols after seven months.

There isn’t an unsigned tag on #2 pick Nic Scourton any more, and he’s done all previous training thus far. Camp starts Wednesday, so it wasn’t a hold-out per se. https://www.on3.com/pro/news/2025-nfl-draft-contract-details-revealed-for-panthers-second-round-pick-nic-scourton/ The NFL knew Morgan needed to draft a ‘he can hurt you long’ receiver at some point, his selecting AZ All-American wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan at #8 in 1st rnd. an indicator why (IMHO) he’s got inside track on Executive of the Year. Addressing defensive needs got handled as best practices. Just sayin’.

Offensive lines get talked about until there’s no need to, and the Panthers now stack every position with a replacement. Austin Corbett and Cade Mays will have a battle for center, luck on staying healthy hasn’t been Corbett’s best friend. Chuba Hubbard is the teams Alpha-Lead Dawg, if that’s necessary to state, although having another 1,000 yard guy back there shouldn’t be a struggle.

Will we determine whether Bryce can see even better down field behind this line, or will Panthers move him around to open up passing lanes? (He sees fine).

Young’s ten TDs-no turnovers in final three games still hits key chord in growth estimations. The most effective aspect of a play action pass is the reality of the quarterback actually giving the ball to runner for a healthy gain. Panthers Hubbard keeps that uppermost in a defenses concerns, adding variety with open playbook becomes a fact with QB Young and Head Coach Canales on same wave.

DEEE-fense! arrives in Charlotte – Damn straight!

Fact Panthers defense surrendered a stupendous amount of rushing yards – over 3,000 – well, Derrick Brown is again the Sheriff, and there are defensive ends and nose tackles now with documented stats and history with DC Ejiro Evero’s 3-4 model. No, Shy Tuttle wasn’t the answer at the nose position, though he figures to stay on roster as a rotational player. GM Morgan isn’t passing out #MrTeppers$ to just anyone, and the $100MM contract that Jaycee Horn earned after an All Pro, injury-free year, speaks to how things should now be done in Charlotte. Looking at you Mr. Moton.

You probably haven’t heard many of the 90 names on camp roster who project as second half of keepers on final 53-man roster, and its going to be Panthers taxi squad (15) that will make a difference through 18 week regular season.

Going into Wednesday, its been noted there is a plethora of choices in the WR room, and most of top six seem like no-brainer keeps. At no point will Panthers try and stash Horn on a taxi squad. Yes, T-Mac will learn what REAL July humidity feels like in Charlotte. The physio-people will be on top of everything – Ooops! almost said ‘No sweat.’

Is that Rozeboom guy from Rams really a 135-tackle bad ass?

Its been noted there is a plethora of choices in the WR room, and most of top six-seven seem like no-brainer picks for roster. At no point will they try and stash Horn on a taxi squad. If he wants to imitate Stevie SuperStar starting with returns, lets go! No ego, he played opposite a Heisman guy.

Yes, T-Mac will learn what REAL July humidity feels like in Charlotte. The physio-people will be on top of everything – Ooops! almost said ‘No sweat, T-Mac,’ but no, ain’t gonna be AZ dry heat.

Did doubling up on young stud defensive edge rushers (Nic Scourton, Round 2, #51) and Princely Umanmielen, Round 3, #77) mean Clowney was expendable? Apparently yes, though there was a moment of concern about a slip-possible injury immediately post-cut. All the linebackers have downfield speed for coverage, how well sacks are produced will be a subject of much counting from Game One.

The Panthers have been bottom three in sacks for years, but just FYI, team record is 60, held by 1996, 2013 teams. In Peppers superman 2008 campaign with 14.5 sacks, they had 50. With the recognition that Evero’s projected safety tandem (Moehrig, Ransom) are recognized thumpers, don’t be surprised what a professional, career as well-regarded defensive coach, can come up with, maybe blitz packages, when his personnel is closer to genuine NFL grade.

Yes, Expectations will be way higher than last, well, seven years. I’m a #BoomerwithAttitude, so thumbs up for Football Operations. Go Hornets, thoughts for Melo…

Panther Football

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Panther Football

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

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

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

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

Names & Nothing More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6.5 and Beyond

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Jalon Walker? Let it go.

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

Panther Football, Sports

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

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

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

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

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

YES! on Production

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6.5 Wins and Beyond

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

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

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

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

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

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

NFC South – Legitimate Expectations?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Panther Football, Sports

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

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

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

What’s not to like?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Panther Football

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

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

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

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

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

Nobody wants to Fail at Draft Picks

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘Realistic Optimism’ says better than 6.5 Wins

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

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

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

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

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

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

Year 30 in Charlotte

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

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

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