Tag: Sports

Panther Football

Panthers building a roster, not a Dynasty, Coloring Outside Lines is OK

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Panthers building a roster, not a Dynasty, Coloring Outside Lines is OK

Training camp doesn’t start until July 26th, C-MC winning a Super Bowl before Panthers organization is a legitimate fact, all else is negotiable. Player skills will be delineated, displayed, discussed, eventually becoming a 53-man roster.

No hard core trips to Wofford for practices, but keep that roasted alive feeling, the effort of being a fan.

Great Panther Debate Topics

For the first time in 28 years, the Carolina Panthers won’t start that process with training camp at Wofford College in Spartanburg, but with a downtown Charlotte practice field near their stadium. If you’ve ever attended a practice in the cauldron that is South Carolina in mid-July, keep that memory as a standard of team support. Cam won’t be around, a LOT of new faces will be.

Football Operations-wise, with a documented, valid free agent group signed and draft completed, there’s no reason for early May naysaying by NFL ‘expert wannabes.‘

The emphasis is on getting righter-better personnel – and Panthers ripped off the proverbial cap hit bandaid by losing most of their linebacker experience (except Shaq Thompson), who got big money elsewhere. Anyone who expects ends Clowney, DJ Wonnum, Josey Jewell et al to do better than replace 18 of a paltry 27 sacks in 2023, that’s both legitimate and necessary.

Dave Canales supposedly radiates positivity – #1 FACT is still turning around Geno Smith to Comeback Player of Year for Seattle, and Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay last year. *WE saw* Baker in Charlotte, possibly the wrongest thing I’ve ever written (https://cdtalententerprises.com/2022/03/25/panthers-6-pick-cant-fill-two-major-needs-so-7-ideas-for-gm-fitterer-to-consider-along-the-way/ (Nine wins for Rhule to keep his job, what was I thinking?) Canales as OC and Idzik did that much with him, you *GOTTA* give them some love up front when working with an advertised brainiac like Bryce Young.

Accept that Morgan knows how to spot talent. Forget ‘Prove you’re not a robot’ for every player now because of that rosy 2023 bs. Rhule and Fitterer shouldn’t be invoked further regarding roster building, where every ex-Temple or Baylor person available seemed the answer.

GM Morgan – Stretch picks?

Lots of online ink being spilt about the turning-building of the Panthers roster. I wasn’t there for the expansion Tampa Bay Buccanners, who went 0-26 before finally breaking through to win a game, but sportswriting in ’80s, we often talked about Suckaneers. Asked about how he felt regarding his teams execution, original Bucs Head Coach, the emminently quotable John McKay said, “I’d be in favor of it.” (rimshot)

Things aren’t really like that in Charlotte. Those recently signed free agents Morgan has coming in, that level of talent wasn’t how it rolled when Bucs joined (1974) and played first game in 1976. It was 90% castoffs, economic hits, or problems. Charlotte was 12-4 and went to the NFC title game in Year 2.

Morgan clearly knows how to get together better talent, a skill proven for years in Buffalo and elsewhere before coming back to Charlotte. He worked with Canales in Seattle. If he hasn’t gotten enough props for making a deal during draft that gives Panthers a #2 next year, its a legitimate part of doing things right on the way back.

Many asked, ‘Why not wait one pick for USC’s Legette, instead of making a trade with Buffalo?’ 1) There was a mid-round run on all those receivers teams wanted, and Buffalo *actually*needed*one*, but they traded with Panthers, who got Xavier Legette, a player they seriously wanted. 2) The 5th year option is much better for budgets with #1s who flourish, than guaranteed $$ for same person at front of contract. 3) Organizational and personal pride is allowed here – GM Morgan wasn’t slated for a 1st round pick, and deserves taking a Big Boy Bow for first step in a place where smart hasn’t always flourished.

Morgan wasn’t fishing

Morgan wasn’t just fishing around, didn’t expect anyone special to jump in the boat – he landed those talents the brain trust agreed they wanted and actively kept up with, especially South Carolina star Legette. In a solid example of ‘Why this instead of that?’ at #101, Panthers selection in 4th round was a praise-worthy (and rated much higher) pass-catching tight end in Ja’Tavion Sanders, and first complaint on several sites is, he’s apparently not much of a blocker. Geeez!

A nerdie numbers guy might say, ‘He looks like a bazinga! guy in red zone situations!’ and ‘Damn straight about getting better targets for Bryce Young, throw it near those 10.5″ mitts!’ His speed is rated as just below Elite. He should be Greg Olsen’s first guest of the year, and if Steve Smith likes (Lee-gette) anywhere near as much as he did DJ Moore, that’s good by me.

Head Coach Dave Canales

Morgan-Canales-Tillis are building from rubble, not nursing a Dynasty. At some point, Tepper has to get some attaboys! for personal silence part nobody expected he’d accept. Would anyone have given Baker Mayfield a 3 year/$100M/$50M guaranteed contract without the (4,044 yds/28 TDs/10 INTs) stats he put up in 2023? No, and HC Canales is the Whisperer that made that happen, and he’s working HERE now, not Tampa.

Panthers added some heft to go with Mr. Brown on defensive line, we’ve seen the $$$ tags attached to the O-linemen they brought in early, a best possible signal about fixing a considerable problem for Panthers, 62 sacks of their rookie QB. Could there still be injuries…? Hushhhhh…

Third-rounder, Trevin Wallace – maybe a hitting machine, but wasn’t rated as going that early – let’s call that ‘coloring outside the lines,’ compared to last year’s ALL IN! on Bryce Young. Losing top three linebackers, DC Ejiro Evero needed a weapon to improve defense’s Top 5 yardage given up-Bottom 5 in points scored efforts. Why select Brooks as a running back, six months after ACL surgery? Compared to 4 yr./$180M contract Atlanta gave to 35 year old QB Kirk Cousins, also for ACL surgery, Panthers believe he’s right where supposed to be. Yes, we’ll see about his versatility.

Canales says having several running backs (5) and three QBs was how he wanted to roll, but on a team that might consider using a top running back on the bomb squad, thats taxi squad talk, not 53-man roster.

Lacking few transformational opportunities for credibility over the next two months, my Little League umpire, mid-May POV is essential response Morgan and Canales should give any fannie – We’ve got a way better look at the situation than anyone else, and your opinion about too many running backs is (meh) noted.

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…

Business, Sports

‘Monsieur Spade,’ Would GM Dan Morgan-Burns Contract He Deserves Qualify for New Normal?

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on ‘Monsieur Spade,’ Would GM Dan Morgan-Burns Contract He Deserves Qualify for New Normal?
No, that’s not GM Dan Morgan, I do my own version of Sam Spade, hard-boiled detective.

Watched newest take on a hard-boiled detective series with Clive Owens, who, after putting a foot into bad guy’s face 7-8x during questioning, gives bloodied black ops guy instructions for his bosses, then answers question of ‘Why should they believe (you’re different)?’ with a simple, “Because you’re alive.”

‘Monsieur Spade,’ set in 1963 France, features political intrigue about guns, Algeria and constant subtitles. Spade disparages his own French along the line, but the overall story and action is strong enough to make watchers effort of necessary reading worthwhile. Sam Spades rep as not being shy with a gun from San Fran background is known.

Almost everyone in Charlotte who has suffered through The Tepper Years at helm of Panthers can get behind that Why should…? if not the because. In the short period of time since the Panthers 2023 season (2-15) mercifully ended – with enough media negativity about MrTeppers$ and meddling to sink a battleship – the operant feeling is a universal-deserved “Show us.”

A New Normal POV should include NOT being kicked around BOA Stadium.

GM Dan Morgan has the unenviable task of keeping defensive standout Brian Burns with Ejiro Evero’s #4 ranked squad, at a level of paycheck that should’ve been handled back in June.

Morgan is still remembered as a hitting machine on 2003 Super Bowl team, long before Luke Kuechly arrived. Whether he impresses his credibility on fans here won’t require literal boots to the face, but its not the time for being regarded as a nice guy either.

Head Coach Dave Canales

The departed Scott Fitterer proclaimed all Panthers needed to do in 2023 was plug in a good QB, even when it meant stripping the franchise of almost all offensive talent (and 2024 #1 pick) along the way. Most notable topper of course, DJ Moore moved to Bears (96 receptions/1364 yards/8TDs) and had a career year.

After giving Panthers credit for *finally* putting extra bodies in the O-line room instead of bouncing personnel around to cover injuries as operational theory, there’s no reason for piling on blame-wise when eight right guards and seven LGs passed through those positions. Bryce Young (thankfully) didn’t get broken, and since 62 sacks didn’t kill him, hopefully he learned lots.

That Panthers stole – a word that came up repeatedly – better personnel as entire NFL was searching for GMs, Head Coaches, and coordinator personnel outside their teams. Dave Canales came from Tampa Bay for the HC position, and brought Bucs receivers coach Brad Idzik along to be Offensive Coordinator. If they got All Pro Mike Evans to come too, THAT would be more than cool.

Being young, 42, and notably successful in getting well-dinged veteran QBs Geno Smith (Seattle, 2022 Comeback Player of the Year) and Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers) back on track, whether/how far Canales can move the whole Charlotte operation out of an extra nasty time since Tepper bought the team. https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/carolina-panthers-record-since-2018 There will be a plethora of free agent signings, Panthers will be looking at lots of extra possibilities. Haven’t heard a $$$ amount to go with six-year contract length yet…

Yes, you heard right, NFLPA team surveys rated Panthers facilities D-, with players 100% against the move from regular turf to composite because Tepper has a soccer team playing on same surface, and regular grass can’t take that.

Executive VP of Football Operations

New Executive VP of Football Operations Brandt Tilis, with14 seasons experience in the Kansas City Chiefs front office, three as Vice President of Football Operations (2021-23), will have plenty of input on Burns front, having served as the Chiefs lead contract negotiator for Patrick Mahomes 10 year, $450M contract.

There should be a huge organizational Whew! knowing they’ll keep Defensive Coordinator Ejiro Evero here another year. While still giving up too many points for an impotent offense to overcome – 24.5/game was 29th in league, barely behind Broncos 24.3 and Colts 24.4; Commanders were worst at 30.5), the 2023 Panthers ranked fourth in yardage (294 total yards per game, 122.4 rushing/171.5 passing). Panthers denying several teams requests to interview Evero for their DC roles was legitimate. https://www.footballdb.com/stats/teamstat.html?group=d&cat=t

Bill Belichick, Commanders OC Eric Bienemy, and Titans Mike Vrabel not getting new gigs in the significant number of changes is not Panthers problem now. To be a little snarky, that former Panther Coach Ron Rivera is interviewing for job swap as DC coach in Dallas, after Cowboys DC Dan Quinn went to Washington as Head Coach, thats two other organizations that have bigger concerns than Charlotte. Snyder is gone from Washington, so only Jerry Jones in Dallas has a twitchier reputation as an owner than Tepper right now.

Morgan, Canales, his overall assistants much more on same page than Reich’s all-star hires array. Cam Newton being an edgy dresser and great community ambassador means something less today. That Canales become the whisperer of QB touchdowns and wins from team is only valid concern.

— Jerry Jones didn’t keep McCarthy/Prescott because they’re good guys, 12-5 three straight years is a desirable level of winning, but its possible Belichick *didn’t* get a gig because he isn’t though.

Take the Points

While ‘No’ is going to be a common response for Panther fans on believing the next edition of team is going to be All That, its legitimate to take the relative points looking upward. Consider holding back any collective opinion that it *couldn’t* get worse than 2-15 felt for next two months to NFL draft, or seven months till home opener vs. Washington Commanders though.

Dave Canales has been given a six year contract (still haven’t heard a number to go with that), a decently different scale for a guy who made $400k as QB coach two years ago, but its kind of a penalty stroke on MrTeppers$. If Ben Johnson (Detroit) was putting a $15M per year figure on his candidacy, and the thankfully gone Matt Rhule got 7 years/$60M, midpoint on that would be $12M-13M+.

Many opine math of paying off a third big coaching contract, if he gets antsy about un-major progress, should give even a billionaire owner like Tepper reason to let his football people control operations and actually STAY in background, not just use it as a line with a reporter.

Sports

Super long off-season ahead for Panthers in 2024 (and Please! not Belichick)

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Super long off-season ahead for Panthers in 2024 (and Please! not Belichick)
Panthers face a murky, uncertain situation on the field and in the front office. Getting #MrTeppers$$ to take a seat vs. trying to run football operations himself, here’s hoping for more light and fun in the future.

So you opened Fansided mail Monday and found out Scott Fitterer is no longer a Panther management person. There’s a regular stream of departures on player side coming as well, not many ‘make good’ one year contracts panned out. (Perhaps I drank the KoolAid, *might* have thought so too), but guy who said, “All that’s necessary is dropping a good QB into mix for 2023 Success” is working same unemployment line as ex-HC Frank Reich.

A LOT of NFL teams aren’t happy with their results – Arthur Smith is gone in Atlanta (7-10 all 3 years), Chargers will continue getting blown out if Herbert doesn’t throw five TDs (give Dan Marino a call about Truth of that). If Belichick and Pats are calling it quits as dance partners, the joy of millions awaits official word of the split. Asking #MrTeppers$$ to not bring him here is legit – nobody liked HIM, just the rings Brady won for all.

That Detroit Lions are only #3 seed based on ref’s decision in Dallas game (sigh, this crew has a hoo-hah *every*week*), its still a considerable way up the professional mountain to NOT be considered the proverbial red-headed step-child (31-68) that the Carolina Panthers have become.

Admitting that dissing the Lions organization about the Matt Millen years (don’t ask) was always an easy blast, now I’m stuck with the Loser’s Refrain, “We’ll getcha next year.” Can’t knock their Pistons hoopsters, who recently recorded 28 straight losses for a single season record, when Charlotte (8-25) and San Antonio (5-30) have ugly as sin records too.

After Dan Campbell’s first year (2021), Lions were 3-13-1, getting Jared Goff and three high draft picks in return for long-suffering Lions QB Matt Stafford, who promptly won a Super Bowl with Rams. Stealing OC Ben Johnson from them (with considerable #MrTeppers$$), maybe call it payback for letting Panthers think they could do same thing by just adding a QB (and a coach for every position)?

Three Months to Draft

No sense getting cranked up about2024 draft when #1 pick Panthers clearly need is in hands of Chicago, who will decide to keep Justin Fields after last few solid games this year www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4362887/justin-fields, or trade current QB for more draft capital. The smart money is on them using that improvement as a solid rationale for trading Fields and selecting Caleb Williams (USC) at #1 this year.

Fields had a very different second half of the season, noooo doubt he has arm and legs to do even better, but if Tepper wasn’t happy with results of previous QBs Fitterer brought in, grabbing an iffy fourth-year guy who seemed on edge of gone in Chi-town won’t fly. Bears will want max return from in any trade, challenge (ha!) would be Panthers having no draft capital to work with.

Fitterer is GONE – Who’s in?

Welcome to the Carolinas, and top flight coach and necessary General Manager, know your boss will have you on speed dial.

I came to Charlotte the same year as Panthers (1995), saw my first game at Clemson, and getting a picture of Steve Young about to be met on a goal line quarterback sneak by a missile named Sam Mills, was a thrill. There have been two Super Bowl trips for Panthers, New England (Brady’s 1st win, 2003) and Denver (2016), neither of which ended in wins. The Cam-Olsen-Kuechly-Davis unit Charlotte loved (HC Ron Rivera, 76-63-1 has most victories) was cool, but 2023 was a HUGE trough for Panthers,

Since the offensive line was a primary sore spot, with Young frequently wearing someone with other teams jersey by time he took second step from center, thats GOT to be place to start. Ikem Ekwonu at OLT two years ago seemed like a godsend for stability, but a huge falloff in overall effectiveness (and brutal overall injury situation, just sayin’) was at center of Panthers pathetic output.

The difference in Newton at 6’5″, 260 running the RPO (run-pass option) with his size and speed from Game One couldn’t be further from the reality of 5’10” (maybe) 190 lb. Bryce Young being sacked *62 times.*

–Myself and EVERYONE in Charlotte, throughout 2023 season. Howell (Wash.) was a victim 65 times. 3rd was ol’ Zach W. (Jets, 46)

Yes, I thought off 7-10 record, with terrific running game results from D’Onta Foreman, and a solid defense would benefit the new quarterback greatly. How Foreman wound up in Chicago on a one-year contract is NOT what should have happened, and Fitterer was certainly the loser on that contract. How much $$$ did D’Onta want again? becomes relevant when he/Panthers were willing to part with their only talented receiver, DJ Moore, to get absolute #1 pick, and he had a career year with Chicgo https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoorD.00.htm .

If the Panthers find their Head Coach before Ground Hog Day (that’s fast), it will almost surely be because #MrTeppers$ whacked someone like Detroit’s Johnson with his checkbook. Best practices is using FOOTBALL PEOPLE to make such decisions, which would mean he really hasn’t chosen to use those resources yet. With the deepest pockets among NFL owners, that whacking is undoubtedly his (second/only) best route, because overpaying after the shine has come off Panthers in a big way seems mandatory.

Tepper gave up on Reich, but he can’t go after another QB in draft. For anyone who really thought the choice of Young was unanimous, that Tepper miiiiight have pushed for him will probably take a while to be outed.

Business, Community based pr, Sports

Fans and #MrTeppers$$ are Dissatisfied, Charlotte Teeters on ‘Loserville,’ Young survives 2023

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Fans and #MrTeppers$$ are Dissatisfied, Charlotte Teeters on ‘Loserville,’ Young survives 2023
Looking good for NYE always counts, but even Daddy Warbucks cut couldn’t save Panthers from a shaved monkey effort vs. JAX

Nobody is likely to say it out loud and proud, Charlotte area sports fans are having a crisis of belief in local teams. That the Pistons lost 28 in a row is only a distraction to our own situation (5-27). There’s Fields doubters and another #1 pick possible in Chicago, both NY teams, with $45M Rodgers and Zack the Unloved, plus Danny’s $40M ACL, are bigger deals, Discomfort with sub.500 in Charger-land with strong armed Herbert, and gutless-cheap leadership? We got a guy doing double duty here!

Cleveland? Yeah, $92M into Watson deal, still something seriously wronger there QB-wise, but congrats to Flacco and Brown’s defense. Patriots? (Bleep) Belichick.

Truly, a great many teams are dissatisfied with their football prospects this late in their seasons. Hey, they’re barking about playing bad for real in Philly, and Kansas City too. That 7’4″Wembanyama kid in San Antonio, getting 18.9 pts., 10.3 rebounds, 3 blocks, and Spurs are 5-27. Forty, maybe sixty more pounds, he’ll be the second coming of Ralph Sampson.

Saturdays dinner date seemed to hedge her approval on my acceptance of her poor USC (5-7) Gamecocks, so losers are everywhere, not just Panthers.

Chicago must’ve felt the love, at least they sent thanks again for officially gaining Panthers 2024 #1 overall pick – and of course, for DJ Moore having his best day ever.

Does the last game matter?

While a considerable number of teams are still technically alive in the NFL parity world, #MrTeppers$$ took an unkind swerve with what’s inevitably going to be labeled a #TepperToss while at game in JAX. Feeling foolish, maybe a little thin-skinned DT? Sure seems like it. Gettin’ whupped 26-0, with half-dozen sacks to finish out the Panthers 2023, some trash-talking Jax fans might push your buttons.

Whether Mr. T has become introspective about previous meddling as adverse to Successful Football Operations, or he still wants to ‘pair’ coaches is still in question. If Detroit’s Johnson was close last year, that $15M-plus payday could be real, but who feels good about a non-expert Boss standing on their turf? Evero will probably stay on defense vs. assume HC role, but as noted before, Sportwriter Guy me being wrong about every turn for three years, we’ll see.

Last games matter because its what everyone gets plenty of time to remember, players and fans, and coaches. People still say, ‘Cam didn’t reach for that ball!’ in the 2016 Super Bowl. In a 2-14, slow train wreck season, with busted expectations aplenty, players still want opportunities to do better. If your contract is up, can anything done *today* keep me in memory of those who might still have opinions about my playing anywhere again? Do Zack Wilson or Ken Pickett wish certain things hadn’t been said or confirmed about playing time?

Ask Russell Wilson how it feels to get benched for his last games in Denver, so he doesn’t get dinged! and Broncos wouldn’t be allowed to cut him to save a $54M contract year in the spring. Will Brian Burns *still*put himself on the line one more game without a new contract? Will Panthers defense want to mess with Mayfield getting a rich contract in Tampa? Could be a pride thing both ways.

Ask a long haul COVID sufferer about an old axiom about what fails to kill us only makes one stronger, 2-14 losing is bad losing. Steve Wilks got major credit for 2022 team‘s intestinal fortitude, amping fan interest, an effective, run-oriented offensive line, and team cohesion. Wilks was stiffed by Tepper, another choice is necessary, so WhoDat? in 2024.

–1/2/24 Glenn S. And Everybody wants who? and how much? so that’s where the betting sites are going overtime.

How many Oles! does Fitterer have?

Having admitted that Sportswriter Me left the sackcloth wearing and moaning to others most of this season, the question in bullfights and management moves is slipping the sword behind the animals strong neck to end things, hopefully with the elan-deadly seriousness of a matador. We’re talking about #GM Scott Fitterer now, because the talent level, albeit with a surprise or two, isn’t comforting to many. How many Oles! might be fulfilled by someone besides ‘the guy who wants to be in on everything,’ will be part of 2024 considerations.

I only caught pieces of the Jaguars game, was thrilled that the Kung Pao sauce I tried with chicken/broccoli stir-fry, and a bold California red from my arrived-for-New Years shipment from Nat Geo wines, was so tasty as a working lunch. Just my job to see the slog before the blog. No pressure to produce in the immediacy of a blitz like Bryce sees, a late, ugly crumbling by the Panthers just a feeling to be noted.

The good game against Green Bay, that last-gasp 33-30 loss, might have meant something…but no, goose egg.

I could afford to be civilized – a good game on another channel wouldn’t be a problem. Still had wine and good kung pao, no throwing laptops required. Brother and I later opined about relative calm of Mr. Richardson’s generous spirit over 25 years of Panther ownership and community, compared to the number of flawed, expensive relationships since Tepper. It still sucks he got run out, Daniel Snyder lasted 20 years.

Are we super aware #MrTeppers$$ supercedes all else over six years of ownership? Nope, just regular aware, and aware of his $875M Rock Hill facility deal blowing up too. I’m actually wondering who’d take the job here (Just please, not Belichick!)

Loserville? Check the numbers

For those who desire major league baseball here, an established and beloved team like the Hornets – rescued to some degree by Carolina hero Michael Jordan (who got paid off LARGE, and given an attaboy!) for trying so long with this franchise – the Hornets seem financially incapable of fielding a quality team. That said, there’s no real option for a bigger baseball stadium , and the $$$ for a lineup to fill a 45,000 seater with a *competitive* team would require *real* deep owner pockets for half of 162 game season is a fantasy. What new management can do about fanning interest for Hornets is also in question.

For seven years and 364 games, the Hornets led the NBA in attendance 7x, essentially sold out (capacity 23,819). Charlotte lost its team because Mecklenburg County taxpayers said NO! to a new arena for owner George Shinn. In 2022-23, their regular season average was 17,123 per game, (89.7% of 19,077). Now, LeBron sells out.

The sellers-scalpers don’t come down on prices for Steelers, Cowboys, Giants, Packers games at BOA. but even with a cheap flight and two overnights in Charlotte, the economics of tickets here aren’t a problem for those fans who can’t get tickets back home. Fans leaving at halftime because they have a 4:00 BBQ, *that’s* a problem.

  • Panthers (2-14) Still tough to believe Tepper yanked plug on Reich mid-season. Was there consensus on 5Ws of coaching hires, or BRYCE?
  • Hornets (7-23, 13th (of 15 in East) Scoring 110.6 ppg, allowing 121.4 ppg. This hasn’t been your Dad’s Hornets for a long time.
  • Knights Baseball (International League, 18-56 in 2023, 29.5 games out)
  • Checkers Hockey https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Checkers (16W-11L-3T, 6th in Atlantic Div. AHL – Hershey leads with 54 pts),
  • Charlotte FC (10W- 13Draw-11L) in 2023, 13-3-18, 42 pts. in 2022 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_FC. (Hiring 3rd coach, same as Tepper with Panthers last 3 years)

Give the Queens University Royals Mens team some slack for 6-9 record in second season of Division I basketball, but 0-8 on the road. Games on 6th, 10th, 12th.

#leadership thought, Business, Sports

Poof! Sportswriter expertise isn’t a sham, just MrTeppers$ has blown up predictions for years

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Poof! Sportswriter expertise isn’t a sham, just MrTeppers$ has blown up predictions for years
Fannies definitely weren’t this plentiful for 9-7 win vs. ATL Falcons. Terrible weather, but Young completes a 17 play, 92 yard drive, taking last 7:35 of 4th quarter, a max-gut check performance ending with Pinero’s winning boot.

Hunger Games attitudes about coaching fiefdoms? I’ll leave that for another day. Whether GM Scott Fitterer is going to be gone with a front office re-org isn’t known on my paycheck level, but dammit! the offensive line wasn’t supposed to be talked so negatively about six months ago. 8 right guards and 7 LGs later, yeah, its still going to be talked about.

A ‘walk-on-by’ non-destination for Head Coaches according to SI’s Peter King? Just PLEASE don’t let him pick Belichick)

I take the blame for accepting a LOT after McCaffrey escaped without squawking, and I’m much less certain about it being *unanimous* with the Brain Trust about Young as the Must Have QB (CMC and an MVP, I see it happening).

Also, I was positive 2022 #3 pick Matt Corral would get benefit of that good coaching coming in for Bryce. Good reputations, but who got extra coaching I approved of Tepper spending on?

–Glenn Shorkey – I have proof of lauding middling picks as small genius Fitterer, a cool #3, but given away in ’23 after broken ankle as rookie.

Mayfield-Rhule was worst prediction of 2022, but…

Last year I stated ‘Rhule probably needs to win nine to keep job,’ and he was bounced early in Year Three, a waaaay bad prediction. Then, can anyone forget how interim coach Steve Wilks and a run-oriented offense, with D’Onta Foreman and minimal quarterback output, won six of ten after they started running ball control to the max?

Except for DJ Moore’s helmet violation costing the Atlanta game, and a Tampa Bay loss in Brady’s semi-last hurrah, 4 TD day, Panthers could have taken the division. It was an outstanding coaching job, by a LOCAL HERO, a reboot on healing a losing culture and fanbase, mucho attaboys! across the league, and a can’t lose Head Coach choice.

That kind of thinking and $10.50 (plus tax, tip?) will get you a premium 22 oz. draft in Charlotte. Nothing like, y’know, Respect though.

Stiffing Wilks became a sack-fumble by #MrTeppers$$, hero winds up in San Francisco with MVP candidate C-MC, two guys waiting for a ring.

‘Yeah, I guess I must suck, I was only guy not to score.’ – McCaffrey, after *not* scoring a TD in 18th straight game for record.

(He’s still getting married to Former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo in the off-season.)

Absolute Biggest Miss 2023, Sorry to Mislead You  

Working Their Process Delivered Right Guy for Panthers – Expectations Start Early for #1

Draft-wise, everything was predicated on top pick, and when Young stopped doing visits, with lot of talk about how impressive he was, sure seemed obvious about done deal on franchise quarterback. Until then, I had said CJ Stroud, like everyone else would, now.  

Two specific expectations came through quickly at beginning of 2023 season. Offensive line was *covered* acccording to me, Panthers even signed extra bodies, had fixed long time ballet (jumping people around) they’ve used for injuries in past. OMG! I said “It’s talked about (as a problem) until its not, and now its not (a problem).” Could I *BE* any further from the truth (say like Chandler in tribute)?

Yes, throw $25 million free agent Sanders in as lot less satisfying run production by proposed tandem (Hubbard, 741 yards, 4 TDs season, a yay! for rainy second victory), and documented leaky pass protection into mix, what happened to that hard core, productive O-line?

People point out Young’s sack total weekly (7 against Dallas, 51 this season, Sam Howell/Commanders is most sacked, 59 times), that he barely gets second step from center before wearing other teams jersey on his back. How many Panther fans agreed that ‘All we need is someone who can throw the ball’?

Oh hey, its not the weak offense, but Burns STILL doesn’t have his contract either. Trades offers were ignored, will he decide for himself?

“Panthers don’t have anyone that can hurt you long.”

Easy to nod agreement to Comment #2, every other commentator and myself has noted, “Panthers don’t have anyone that can hurt you long.” 100% bingo! dead as a doornail fact. And if your secondary can handle anyone as a receiver, and Panther tight ends are invisible but not in a Greg Olsen-ninja way, loading the box and blitzing have been useful against rookie QBs forever.

Chark and Mingo have been injury scratches often, both were afterthoughts, like bandaids as useful when needed before this Sunday. You *want* your valuable new guy surrounded by capable support, but until Right Now, its been more like Notre Dame QB Rich Clausen’s rookie year here in the meat-grinder, never given a TE to dump passes to and being blitzed mercilessly.

Young found Chark and Mingo during final drive, elevating players who had low bars to meet, this might later be called a turning point for him.

While Cam arrived along with two All-Pros in Jeremy Shockey (former) and Greg Olsen (about to go Legend) from Chicago, the Panthers haven’t gotten production from TE position since (Ian Thomas, Tommy Tremble and Giovanni Ricci combined for 471 yards on 48 catches), free agent Hayden Hurst 18/184 yds, 1 TD, concussion), Tremble, and if I’m surprised Ian Thomas is still around as a pass catcher (since 2018), I’d concur he’s one of early cuts expected from roster after season ends.

We’ll see how potential people coming IN – both on the field talent and where the front office bears changes – stacks up with Panther needs, what those soon departing didn’t provide. Bottom line, Charlotte may not be as attractive a free agent destination as before. It seems like Fitterer has gotten whatever was tasked, including ‘the talented’ Darnold and ‘also under-loved’ Baker at a bargain price before. The All Defensive Draft (2020) including Jeremy Chinn is only shining moment for Panthers, and three years of stud-dom later, I question why there’s not a spot for Chinn?  

Mea cupa, about #MrTeppers$$

I didn’t write a lick about the Panthers most of year, not much of a homer-rah rah! guy, and little to add to the recent kicking that seems focused on #MrTeppers$$ and meddling. Yes, it’s a long-time axiom about $$$, it doesn’t equal brains nor guarantee Success.

‘A walk-on-by, non-destination for potential Head Coaches’ one sports guru says, requiring major cultural change capability (and please don’t let it be Belichick). Tepper has paid out a lot of good money while gaining some warts as an owner. He kind of owns the situation though.

Arriving in Charlotte at same time as Panthers, 1995, it was a revelation and on-going fact I relate, that until they whipped Dallas on Thanksgiving to go 10-0 that Super Bowl year (2015-16), Charlotte fans didn’t truly BELIEVE the Panthers success was for real. The collective ‘We’ thought being NC nice to Darnold might overcome those NY scars, getting another under-loved QB who also under-performed as a thrower, with no shiny, fast, super-good CMC to hand off to, ‘We’ haven’t liked things any better than Tepper.

That same collective was stunned big time when Wilkes wasn’t rewarded with a contract for that 7-10 finish off Rhule’s bomb of a start in 2022. Going from that splashy 6 year, $62 million or whatever bidding war with the Giants for Rhule, to a Hunger Games fiefdoms and SCHOLARLY approach with Reich and a highly paid patchwork of coaching philosophies? Geez, and I thought that was a GREAT use of his cash?!

Panthers coaching upgrades, Goal of #1 QB (CJ Stroud) makes sense, Tepper-organization $$$ speaks to cap, results

 Panthers last drive Sunday, THAT is going to stick in the minds of many though. Taking whole last 7:35, QB goes 5-5 in wind and rain, tippy-toe catches, and Chuba Hubbard! It was flag-planting time, and for all the attention given to fannies who braved the elements, yeah, I admit not being up for the nasty. I sat in some inch-deep gushing downpours on aluminum bench seats in Tampa, aware of ‘The Lightning Capital of the World’ fact all around, watching soccer games. Best of wishes, good for you all doing the deed.

The day BEFORE that finale for Reich, I stated definitively Tepper would NOT admit such a massive and expensive failure, again, at 1-10. Guess he forgot ‘We have full confidence…’ press conferences come first.

Sorry I couldn’t warn you sooner, Charlote, I drank the KoolAid. Quite a few teams will have top spots open in Coaches and Front Office Land, with names to ponder here or there. Specifically HERE though, will require someone who accepts the large on field challenge AND has ability to build a fence of mature outlook about their Football Smarts vs. Empire Operations Re: MrTeppers$. Four years for $50M *might* get some interest, probaly six would be ‘penalty stroke economics.’

FYI, nobody is going to let go of that $850 million fiasco in Rock Hill in the near future either. Tepper is a well-tarnished brand going into 2024.

Sports betting propositions will soon become part of my blogging expertise on MrTeppers$, Panthers, Rock Hill, microeconomy. My unofficial look at Head Coach candidates – and as of early January, a new GM in Charlotte.

I’d bet a chunk of change Mr. Wilks won’t be fielding any calls from Charlotte, Tomlin wouldn’t mesh well with a handsy, I’m-The-Decider owner, nor can I imagine how rebuilding here would be to his liking. If its just about MrTeppers$, and Fitterer gone as GM being a losing parlay, getting the guy from Detroit with OC Johnson as HC, they’ve already have success together, how high is up for Detroit guy is question. It’s not Question #2, its Fact #2, less people are going to give Tepper the benefit of personal, organizational doubts in 2024.

As of early March, speculation about tag and trade for Brian Burns is abundant, and THIS is when that extra $45M or so to distribute should show up, DO SO, DAN!