Why the outrage?
November 27, 2007
It seems a good number of people outside of the Panthers fan community do not understand the current outrage over the 2007 season. The Carolina Panthers lost their starting QB, so are the fans truly expecting to much from their team? Are they being overly critical?
In a word, no.
Panthers fans are not disappointed in the 4-7 record. It was expected the moment Jake Delhomme was put on injured reserve. They are not angry about losing games in the least. Thats not to say they are not angry and dissapointed.
In general, the fans of Carolina are disappointed in the overall picture put before them every Sunday. They are concerned not by the losses, but in the losing effort, or sometimes, lack of effort.
From the beginning of the season, the entire team has appeared lackluster and uninspired, even with a healthy Jake Delhomme who also led a losing effort to the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. With the exception of a very few players, they seem to be going through the motions, not playing with passion. They appear to be playing to the end of the game, not playing to win the game.
Julius Peppers is the personification of this entire situation. Julius is not less talented than seasons past. He has not lost muscle mass or quickness. He has not lost experience.
What he has lost is a level of preparedness and motivation required to excel in the national football league.
But he is not the only one by a long shot. The vast majority of the team is in the same dismal situation.
The above circumstance described is the ‘how’. The reasons for the poor effort. The ‘why’ is a bit more complex. There is no single reason, but rather a perfect storm of several reasons put together over the last few season.
- The losses of Brenston Buckner, Mike Minter. The on-field leadership of the defense is down to almost nothing. Jon Beason appears to be the answer here, but putting that on the shoulders of a rookie is not exactly reasonable.
- Lack of quality defensive coaching. For many seasons, the poor defensive coaching at the coordinator and position levels were overcome by experience and leadership by players on the field. This is no longer the case, and the band aid over that scab has not been slowly and painfully pulled off.
- A new offensive scheme with players that do not match it. It is obvious the new scheme of Jeff Davidson hinges on athletic offensive linemen who can react and block effectively as opposed to manning up. More times than not, it is the offensive line you see picking themselves up off the ground after a play, with the opposing defense walking around. It is that simple to see who is winning the battle at the line.
These three things have had the most impact on the season and have contributed not only to a 4-7 record, but to a team fans can hardly recognize as their Carolina Panthers. The Cardiac Cats are no more.
Game Grades – Saints at Panthers
November 26, 2007
Does anything really need to be said about this game, or will I just be pouring salt on the wounds of the fans?
Clearly this season is officially over heading into the absolute worst game of the season to be played.
The Panthers vs the 49ers I suspect will be much like watching my 4 year olds play soccer. They don’t even keep score, because really, whats the point.
Game Grades – Panthers at Packers
November 19, 2007
I stated in early October that this season’s Carolina Panthers team was not a contender or even playoff caliber. This game was hardly a surprise to anyone. It was not the worst game overall, but it was still an unacceptable performance. We, the fans, deserve better.
Offense:
The score is not horrible, but it does not accurately reflect the game as the entire 4th quarter was garbage time with the Packers in a prevent defense. The honeymoon is officially over for Vinny who looked liked he should have been wearing a throwback orange Buccaneers uniform. Poor decision making resulting in interceptions.
The Offensive Line continues to struggle. I am beginning to think it has less to do with the new scheme and more to do with the physical limitations of the current players. They just don’t seem to be able to push anyone around, and far to often they are the ones picking them selves off of the turf, not a good sign.
Keary Colbert will be released this offseason, hopefully the WR and QB coaches will follow. They have produced absolutely nothing as far as player development.
Offensive Grade – D
Defense:
Overall roughly 1.5 quarters of decent performance, which sadly, is an improvement. I will say this one more time and hope it gets to the ears of the Panthers front office. Invest in Jon Beason. Jon has it, and would benefit greatly from not only offseason physical conditioning, but also leadership training. Beason is our biggest hope for the future. Invest, and for god sakes, keep Trgo away from him.
Defensive Grade – C-
Special Teams
Again, for the third time this season, I ask how Danny Crossman is still employed in the NFL. How is it possible?
Here is a great idea, free of charge, for the Panthers to fill some seats at BoA this Sunday. Have a drawing before the game for “Special Fan of the Day”. One fan would be chosen at random from the stadium to coach Special Teams for the game, which essentially, is what we are stuck with now anyways. Why not benefit from it?
Special Teams Grade – F-
Toys for Tots Bike Drive in Full Swing
November 16, 2007
Thats right ladies and gents, once again it is time to dig deep into your change pockets and help make a wonderful Christmas memory for an underprivileged child.
Last season Carolina Huddle donated 135 bicycles and helmets to the Toys for Tots through the Carolina Panthers donation program. This season we hope to break that record.
A bicycle and helmet costs only 35 dollars through our bulk purchasing deals.
For your convenience, we have setup a paypal donation system. Remember, 100% of your donation goes to buying a new bicycle and helmet for a child. If you have a business that would like to donate, we do have a non profit tax ID you can use for your records. Email us for more information. info@carolinahuddle.com
Thank you everyone!!!
Jon Beason Q&A
November 13, 2007
Ask rookie of the year candidate Jon Beason a question!
Panthers in Need of Playmaker/Leader
November 6, 2007
Last season I asked Mike Minter who on this team inspired him to play at a higher level. This was his answer:
“Steve Smith is a guy that I look at and say, ‘man you know if this guy can go out and compete and play hard like that then I want to do that too.’ Guys on the defense like Pep, Ruck, Dan Morgan, Ken Lucas, guys like that that I look at and see them going out 100 mph it’s definitely going to make me want to compete on that level also.”
John Fox has often said that stats are for losers and that what he wants on his team are playmakers. Since I asked Minter that question he has retired, Peppers has disappeared, Dan Morgan is out for another season, and Rucker is playing on the downside of his career.
The only player on defense left that Minter named is Ken Lucas. Lucas has a big contract and has made some plays this season. He is a veteran and nobody else on the team takes as much pride in the way they play the game than Lucas. If he wants it, he has the opportunity through these events to step up more and become the leader of this defense. There is much room for this team to be inspired and motivated to play at a level their talent would suggest.
On offense Steve Smith is a capable playmaker captain, but he can’t throw the ball to himself. His play inspires others to play harder but it’s hard to inspire in that method if you don’t ever touch the ball. There is still a lot of football left, and plenty of time for the Panthers to get on a roll. There are more than a dozen coaches and a 53 man roster of professionals that are capable of getting their problems fixed.
The Bright Side…
November 6, 2007
Yes, there are a few bright spots to look at in regards to the Carolina Panthers season.
Allow me…
- Jon Beason looks to be the most promising first round draft pick since Jordan Gross. The coaching staff would be wise to keep him at MLB regardless of Dan Morgan’s health.
- Fans can once again get tickets on Sunday for twenty dollars or less. Corporate club seats will be hard to give away at the offices.
- Jeff King continues to develop into the first real TE on the team since a guy named Wesley Walls.
- Don’t let the lack of offensive production sour you on Jeff Davidson and the system he brings. The offensive line will not completely grasp the concepts until a full season is under their belt. It starts to become effective when the players no longer have to think about the scheme, but instead mainly react within it.
- Kris Jenkins has emerged as a team leader on defense, for better or for worse. His contempt for the Carolina fans is worrisome, hopefully it will not spread to the others.
- Carolina teams usually finish stronger than they start. At 4-4 with eight games to go, the Panthers are far from mathematically out of the playoffs.
