The Myth: The Carolina Panthers will win the Super Bowl.
The Truth: Carolina will finish last in the NFC South.
I appreciate Ryan Kalil's moxie, taking out a full-page advertisement in the Charlotte Observer to declare that the Carolina Panthers would win Super Bowl XLVII. Kalil didn't back away when we pressed him on SiriusXM Blitz on SiriusXM NFL Radio. However, he's absolutely nuts. I know quarterback Cam Newton and Carolina are a trendy playoff pick. I think Carolina is the fourth-best team in its own division.
The New Orleans Saints*** are in a chaotic state, dealing with the stench of the "bounty" scandal and the season-long suspensions of coach Sean Payton and linebacker Jonathan Vilma. But they still employ quarterback Drew Brees and are loaded on offense. Steve Spagnuolo is a major upgrade over Gregg Williams at defensive coordinator. The Saints*** have more talent and experience than Carolina.
It's well-documented that the Atlanta Falcons struggle in January, but they don't skip a beat in the regular season. Quarterback Matt Ryan and receivers Julio Jones andRoddy White comprise a more polished passing attack than Newton, Steve Smith and Co. in Carolina. New Atlanta defensive coordinator Mike Nolan is a gem, to boot.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quit on coach Raheem Morris last season. Greg Schiano changes the culture. He's the right guy at the right time. Tampa Bay upgraded the offense in a big way this offseason, drafting physical running back Doug Martin, signing difference-making receiver Vincent Jackson and pilfering tackle Carl Nicksfrom New Orleans to solidify the offensive line. Martin is going to get 20 carries per game and will be my pick for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Fellow rookie Mark Barron is a winner at safety, plain and simple. Quarterback Josh Freeman will bounce back under Schiano, offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan and the rest of the new staff. I love Tampa Bay to rebound this year and knock on the playoff door. The Bucs are the surprise team in the division -- and they're better than the Panthers.
I told Kalil when we spoke on SiriusXM NFL Radio that he had raised the bar too high. Carolina won six games last year. Eight wins in 2012 would represent progress. The Panthers still have gaping holes behind Smith at receiver. And the defense has a bunch of question marks, even after the savvy draft pick of linebacker Luke Kuechly. Kalil says he can take criticism because he is "fat, bald and has short arms." I love the self-deprecation. Better to laugh than cry when the Panthers are in the basement.
Adam Schein's Preseason Myths (Myth = Panthers are Good)
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Posted 01 August 2012 - 07:19 PM
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Posted 01 August 2012 - 07:19 PM
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Posted 01 August 2012 - 07:22 PM
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Posted 01 August 2012 - 07:23 PM
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Posted 01 August 2012 - 07:23 PM
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Posted 01 August 2012 - 07:24 PM
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Posted 01 August 2012 - 07:24 PM
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Guest_Bwood_*
Posted 01 August 2012 - 07:25 PM
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Posted 01 August 2012 - 07:28 PM
The Truth: Adam Schein...
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Posted 01 August 2012 - 07:30 PM
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Posted 01 August 2012 - 07:35 PM
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Posted 01 August 2012 - 07:36 PM
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Posted 01 August 2012 - 07:38 PM
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Posted 01 August 2012 - 07:41 PM
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Posted 01 August 2012 - 07:44 PM
I don't think that's how it works Adam.
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