Fox/Hurney on the hot seat?
July 15, 2007
In his latest article, Tom Sorenson makes a few interesting claims.
First that Dan Morgan is as significant or almost as significant as Julius Peppers and Steve Smith. While Morgan, when healthy, is a solid player and has pro bowl potential, his level of importance on the team does not reach a Smith/Peppers level. The Panthers do not win without Steve Smith, as we saw in the first three games of the season last year. The Panthers do and have won many games without Dan Morgan. Julius Peppers continues to redefine the DE position in the NFL. The league has never seen someone with the size, speed, and strength combination of #90. Opposing teams gameplan their offense around Peppers. They adjust to him. Morgan, while a strong MLB, does not force opposing teams to do extra game planning because he is on the field.
Secondly, Sorenson postulates that Fox/Hurney are on the hot seat this season. If the playoffs are not reached, their services will not be retained in 2008. I think Tom is right this time. Most Carolina fans have grown an emotional attachment to Coach Fox, and rightfully so with bringing an NFC championship to Carolina. However, the Richardsons have not become successful businessmen by developing emotional attachments to people who do not perform at or above their expectations. The playoffs were the expectation last season, and again this season.
You do the math.
