Tag: NFL draft

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nobody wants to Fail at Draft Picks

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘Realistic Optimism’ says better than 6.5 Wins

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

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

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

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

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

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

Year 30 in Charlotte

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

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

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

Business, Panther Football

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s Thursday, Dan is always in the discussion

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

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

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

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

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

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

The personnel is clearly better

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

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

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

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

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

Business, Panther Football

Panthers have more good players than before, In Football & Poker, You can’t win it all first few hands

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Panthers have more good players than before, In Football & Poker, You can’t win it all first few hands

May 17th is old group’s first poker gathering in years, but post-draft, the Carolina Panthers brain trust has put check marks next to what makes a better hand in 2024. Don’t mention that – whatever number this dawg was called at – Trevin Wallace might hit like a young Dan Morgan.

Rating it a C+ draft as one industry name did, doesn’t seem very accurate, especially when top-end producing receiver, 90%-studly linebacker, and versatile running back all got checked off Must Have list. Those naysayers who point to lack of career production vs. comeback quality in newbies back stories, Panthers organizational zen is tight with Canales and Morgan – its about dawgs and guys you’d want in proverbial fox hole.

Needed: WR1 type, a burner with size, worthy of organizational approval as exceptional person. People know about Xavier Legette’s injury, I’m trusting nobody is hiding shaky info otherwise, so 71 catches for 1,255 yards and seven TDs, CHECK. You can’t fault the PR value of Morgan making that ever so humbly great step of selecting in 1st round, so extra CHECK.

It was stated throughout pre-draft period Panthers wouldn’t have a first round pick, so for Panthers GM *and* that young man, already a local kids dream fulfilled, motivation! There’s no denying (Lee-gette’s) physical tools and attitude, quantifying the fight in dog thing, really, no reason to consider the resumes of Panther selections as puffed up. Small trade to gain 5th year option on rookie $$ scale, that’s better thinking than last year.

Charlotte fans not ‘believing’ until meaningful games ending with Ws happen, gotcha. Snarky about everything being hype, nah. Be a better fan.

Not an A, But Lots of Checks

So having second documented good WR1 to Dionte J. seems like a no-brainer Goodness, and same with Jonathan Brooks. Plans were for another running back and a 3rd QB, thats how HC Canales wants to operate. Chuba Hubbard had 902 yds. last year, good overall, so stated goal of adding depth at all positions, CHECK.

Brooks late injury, after TX back was behind Bijan Robinson (now ATL Falcon) is supposedly a legitimate bonus, two less seasons of getting whacked a lot, which can’t really be a flaw. Of course he got downgraded as light on numbers, this isn’t a baby-bathwater deal though – he’s less dinged, not less valuable. Nobody is expecting the second coming of McCaffrey, just versatile. Its not humanity, its competition.

Okay, Trevin Wallace is going to get some play about Morgan self-image or whatever, but reading elements under ‘Weakness’ in scouting profile reveals nothing close to fatal. ‘Over-pursues, and doesn’t read trick plays great?’ Hmmm… ‘You know when he’s hit you.’ What, we have to choose between those attributes? Its called coaching. Here you go Ejiro Evero, a really good weapon.

Numbers-wise, Burns sack totals are mostly a wash with Clowney acquisition, and FA pickups are balance. Getting off the field on third down means knocking people down for real, nothing says knocking down can’t be learned better by a rookie banger. A personality trait and physicality – why should that be any reason to DQ a guy based on where others thought they should land?

Morgan may have been dancing around with picks, but its no small thing he got back a #2 for next year out of his activity.

#4 pick J’Tavion Sanders

Was pass-catching tight end on the Get List? Hell yes, has been for years. Report said his speed is *just short of elite,* his strength on contested catches has real red zone value (!!!) a super run after catch (RAC) guy. Tough guy, could have been a linebacker out of high school if he wanted? Noooo, Panthers don’t need anyone like THAT, 10″-plus hands, touch it-count it reception guy with wheels?

There’s any question of how 6’3″ 245 and 15.2 yards a catch could affect TE room with Panthers? Ian Thomas is still on the roster? #4 pick J’Tavion Sanders, the TE from TX, sounds good to me. Put twenty pounds on him as a pro and see how he still runs and does some blocking. If teams know he’s the receiving guy who gets eight yards and first down AND/OR gashes you for thirty-five on a seam route, let them stop it.

Noooo, Panthers don’t need anyone like THAT, 10″-plus hands, touch it-count it reception guy with wheels? We’ve already got the Ninja, Olsen. Oh, right, we don’t, or had anything that looks close to that Legend since forever.

–GShorkey, 4/27/24 Post first draft, no way a C+.

Dismissing team evaluation process is beyond silly, ‘They got their guys’ with #1 Legette, Sanders.

There’s a DT pick but no nose guy, and I know there’s a Michigan LB, Michael Barrett, at the end too. Why kick about a guy until you see how things look on the field – that Michigan defense played pretty well all year to NCAA championship. Did Harbaugh drafting a major slab of beef for Chargers #1 shake anyone’s confidence?

Panthers #5 Chau Smith-Wade, D-back with some attitude? Pretty sure that was on the list. Pet peeve with supposed fast-fast Jackson was whacking people after they already made catch instead of tipping it away. A dude about my size gets territorial about giving up catches, nothing wrong with cheering for that picture. Explosive recovery y’say? Difference maker in secondary? We’ll see.

Again, peanut gallery agreeing with every pick and priority is like my Little League umpiring, where periodically reminding people how much better view, and opinion that counts, is from here. Tell me you knew jack about where Smith-Wade played… (Washington St.) If they actually get (soon to be 34, but maybe still a player) Stephon Gilmore signed as a leader, things will work better. No, he’s a DB, not the center you think they could’ve maybe gotten, but nobody should say Smith-Wade didn’t fit the Get List.

Leave #MrTeppers$ Alone

Recognizing Panthers 2023 draft Reality was rosy glasses and BS if not lies, doesn’t mean we automatically assume 2024 crew would be presenting over-pretty backup info about picks, or injuries plus-minus situations with documentation not up to snuff. Panther Head Coach Dave Canales has only ONE YEAR as an Offensive Coordinator before gig in Charlotte, and same is true about Idzik getting OC post. Nobody in Panther org questions their cred, nor should Others concern themselves with Morgan’s eye for talent.

After free agency and draft, Phase Three is the blending part, and if the cash pile available for more signings gets smaller, Fortune (still) favors the bold. I haven’t looked at a price-odds for Division Title bet, but maybe I’ll cash the big payoff at upcoming poker game, putting my version of Big Boy Chips on the table like Dan Morgan on a roll, striking for a WR1 with a first round pick he wasn’t supposed to have. (I can hope, because good cards don’t always show up as needed.)

Without going for any wholesale Homer Attitude, picks #1-5 were definitely above average. Everyone knows Panthers had a lot of holes to check off, so filling many of those, I wouldn’t think less than a B. Certainly no guarantees expected on Legette or my bluffing a flush, but if Steve Smith has an opinion about Legette, I’m willing to hear it.

Mom wasn’t much of a football picker, but she would’ve agreed with letting Dan Morgan doing the selecting, and naysayers should hush up.

Business, Panther Football

Dionte J, Fuller, Clowney, Gilmore – Seems like serious Panther GM work

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Dionte J, Fuller, Clowney, Gilmore – Seems like serious Panther GM work

Panthers might not have ink on Gilmore, who turns 34 in Sept. yet, its okay to say Jadevon Clowney coming back to Carolinas could be a great experience for all. Fans don’t have to approve of every signing or possibility, Tilis will do the important financial figuring, #MrTeppers$ is still quiet on football decisions. Default to not believing *anything* after rose-colored glasses optimism of 2023 is wrong.

$100M guard for Young is a Big Boy Chip to Start

Could a freak accident blow up 2024 Panthers? They had a *mess* of guards (15) pass through the position last season. Based on running attack being responsible for7-10 finish in 2022 under interim HC Steve Wilks, offensive line was supposed to be a strength last year. Panthers had better depth body-wise than organization has usually done, but still, 15 bodies…

‘Next man up’ attitude being someone arising from a couch watching NFL games to, ‘Are you available to come, like now?’ was more than just an excuse.

GM Dan Morgan putting $$$ where it meant most, Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis (4 yr/$53M, $26M guaranteed) and protecting Bryce Young MUCH better in 2024 was nailed down quickly. Shipping an about-to-be-released (to save $4M roster bonus) DB Donte Jackson, to Steelers for Dionte Johnson, a strong, veteran WR1 who runs great routes, that’s not smoke and mirrors stuff.

Little bit of diva? You’ll get chances, Dionte, (literally) just hold on to them.

Should there be any concern about emphasis on offense, while three top linebackers all went elsewhere off DC Ejiro Evero’s #4 ranked unit? Losing Burns and Frankie Luvu AND Gross-Matos at same time seemed like momentum killer, but the cupboard isn’t bare, Tilis and GM Morgan are solid by all league metrics.

Yes, Clowney’s reported two year/$20M (plus incentives) looks more in line for Panthers budget-wise than yikes! contract Burns got in NY. He was considered a bargain buy for Baltimore Ravens last year, 9.5 sacks is part of what earns the big bucks, but at $10M, Clowney’s definitive holding an edge against the run factor will count too.

Free agent safety Jordan Fuller (https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/panthers-signing-jordan-fuller-carolina-continues-improving-defense-adds-former-rams-safety-per-report/) will be valued in secondary, and Stephon Gilmore, late of the Cowboys, previously passed through Charlotte (2021) between stints with Patriots and Cowboys. His 2019 Defensive Player of Year (6 picks, 20 passes defended) would come with being 34 in September.

A 68 tackle, 13 passes defended, 2 INTs, and punch-out fumble 2023 for Dallas, and team friendly terms? Parsing out the Carolina Panthers money under a salary cap is not the same as #MrTeppers$, ‘team friendly’ and Morgan’s player level assessment here is new, righter way forward.

Tackling is always important, but #1 slam against ‘Action’ Jackson for Panthers was using his speed to whack someone AFTER they made the catch vs. tipping it incomplete.

–Me, often, after “I’m fastest guy stepping out of bed,” didn’t end drives because he allowed receivers to make possession catches.

Its not like Cleveland in movies, or Vegas Golden Knights

Owner David Tepper is pretty far from the former Vegas showgirl and diabolical Indians owner (played by Margaret Whitton), who was angling to move franchise to Miami in ‘Major League’, and every Panther management voice speaks of following a slower, more reasonable course back to NFL relevance. Those Indians were a team deliberately put together to lose, there might have been room to wonder the same over several disasterous seasons here.

The NHL Las Vegas Golden Knights of 2017-2018 deserve to be a legend-Holy Grail for terrible teams to aspire to, even more so than current Detroit Lions. Lions are just three years from a 3-13-1 record in 2021, and scaled to within the shadow of ending Super Bowl failure (never been) before spitting the bit in NFC title game vs. 49ers (17 pt. halftime lead. FYI, Panthers have been twice).

The first year expansion Knights set records for NHL newbies, then won three rounds of playoffs, going all the way to Stanley Cup Finals with a combination of cast-offs and hopefuls, losing to the long-suffering Ovechkin-Washington Capitals in five games.

Again, thats not the same read as here in 2024. The success of offensive line in 2022 had been linchpin to pre-Young confidence, I wasn’t only pundit who missed that by a mile. Receivers, beyond 1,014 yards by Thielen, you can’t go downfield when quarterback in down on the field, under three guys wearing the other teams jersey.

Acccording to The 33rd Team’s Ian Valentino, the $100M contract is one of the five riskiest of free agency.

Hunt, 27, played in 11 games in 2023 but ranked as a below-average pass blocker and run blocker in ESPN’s win rate metrics. Now, the 6-foot-6, 330-pounder is the league’s second-highest-paid right guard.

Could be Charlotte’s overpaying, or just extra good PR about progress, but how it reads now is decisive, an early result on Tilis-Morgan tandem about hard core football decisions being made.

Canales developing ‘personal bond’ with Young

It sure looks like Canales has the receipts on being a Quarterback Whisperer, which was a strongly promoted feature of Reich’s coach-for-every-player (so it seemed) rationale for the Panthers top job. In Seattle he put ex-Jet Geno Smith back on track, winning a Comeback Player of the Year award (and long-term contract), and his reclaimation of Baker Mayfield in Tampa sounds like a major cha-ching! long-term situation, after Mayfield was a major disappointment in Charlotte.

Few blame Bryce Young alone for a deflating season, and 2-15 was an NFL welcome maaaaany college winners got on undertalented teams. Some might remember John Elway stating he’d be playing baseball instead if drafted by wrong team (1983, Colts- was drafted anyway and traded to Denver, where he played 16 seasons). Bryce also wasn’t the guy who gave away both DJ Moore AND this years #1 to hear his name called first. Just sayin’.

Is there anything wrong with declaring pursuit of such bonding in public? Shouldn’t that be expected of a Whisperer, and doesn’t personal mean *not public*? When ‘What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger’ is the operational attitude, let’s go with that as Bryce’s take on 62 sacks. How much Canales will get compensated for bonding and better overall production isn’t any sweat, its still #MrTeppers$ for years into the future.

Perhaps for contrast we’ll get to watch how new Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh – last seen winning a national championship at Michigan – espousing the value of offensive line play and long drives, which works a line of thought opposite the statisticaly well-known arm talent of his QB, Justin Herbert.

Based on contracts signed and talents highlighted factually (Hunt only gave up one sack in Miami, Johnson had 25 TDs in five years as Steeler), three heads are doing better than any two did before. Panthers have 33rd and 39th picks, early in second round, and spent well in free agency – take those as positive facts. Jadevon Clowney at $10M a year, absolutely, and count on USC jerseys worn proudly in BOA Stadium in 2024.

Panthers *needed* to do a biggie for a DE, and they chose better than most would have guessed. By end of 2024, ‘Fitterer’ won’t be a negative you’ll hear mentioned at all. Charlotte Panthers and Belief? Not necessarily, but Hope is eternal here in the Buckle on the Bible Belt.

Y’know, Detroit was 3-13-1 in 2021, and the Patriots only won four last year…