The idea is ludicrous.
As has been mentioned, John Fox needs to win this season to save his job (or get a different one). Some suggest it's over his head, but nowhere has he given the slightest indication that he isn't on board with the current plan. And really, do you honestly think Jerry Richardson would throw a whole season down the toilet just to get rid of a coach he could just fire if he so desired? :nonod:
But set that aside for now. Let's look at the decisions that have been made individually.
Not franchising Julius Peppers: Done so as not to tie up a boatload of money inone player who didn't want to be here anyway
Releasing Jake Delhomme: Does anyone really want to argue this decision had no merit? Delhomme was in obvious decline, had a high salary and could have been the center of locker room contention (on his behalf).
Releasing Ma'ake Kemoeatu: There was speculation from loads of people that this would happen due to age/salary/injury. Should come as a surprise to no one.
Releasing Na'il Diggs: The team had younger, cheaper options in Dan Connor and James Anderson step up in the late season, so again it made sense.
Releasing Damione Lewis: This is one I somewhat disagreed with, but given that he was a rotational player in a starter's role and making starter's money, it can be justified.
Releasing Landon Johnson: Come on
Releasing Brad Hoover: Did it hurt to see Hoover go? Sure, but he's been in decline for a while now. Back problems can do a lot of players in and can be especially tough for a fullback. Yes, we'll miss him, but as much as I hate to say it, the move made sense if you look at it from a business standpoint.
So looking at each one, all the decisions made this offseason can be justified from a football/business standpoint. Each of them would have just made just as much sense any other year, given the same set of circumstances in each individual situation. Throw in that some of them probably would have already been made in prior years had not cap constraints prevented it.
And seriously, looking at this list, outside of perhaps Peppers, is there really anybody on here that you can look at in their current condition and say with any credibility "boy it sure will be a lot tougher to win without them"?
Please :nonod:
If we're just tanking and don't care about winning, why are guys like Steve Smith and Chris Harris still here? they're older,and they each have some trade value. If you're just rebuilding, why not toss them too? Or for that matter, why re-sign a guy like Tyler Brayton? And why did you bother picking up good special teamers (I mean, outside of the fact that the team needed players like that, because after all we're not interested in winning).
"What about the lack of free agent activity?" you ask. To which I ask, "Have you ever watched a Panthers offseason before?" If you think this is unusual, you've probably not been paying attention.
But if you still want to buy into this line of thinking, go ahead.
While you're at it, commiserate with the Eagle fans, because apparently their owner has decided to tank the season too
Edited by Mr Scot, 09 April 2010 - 10:33 AM.
