50 replies to this topic

[Achilles]

I thought I saw some flashes from Josh Thomas, too. He seemed to be consistently good throughout the winning streak. Not that I think he is the long term answer. Norman does have something great in him, but he was not consistent. Also, I think coaching and play calling had a lot to do with him playing 7-10 yards off. I remember sets where he was more like 20 yds off the LOS. I didn't think he lacked toughness, just pro experience. There's no doubt that it is very rare for a CB to come in to the league as a rookie starter and NOT be picked on by opposing WRs. He held his own occasionally. Flashed a few times, but got beat a lot.

It is true that we have fine depth at CB, but we don't have an ace back there. Even if Gamble does return at full strength, we are still missing a starting CB and a starting FS. CB is of greater need, I think.

Maybe Norman will rise to the top and be that #2 we need. Maybe Thomas will develop. We know Munnerlyn is best suited for the nickel. Stlll, I think we are going to have to get a top DB in this draft. As well as OL, WR, DT, and LB.

This defense was top 10 ( All things considered, I think it is a fair measure of our overall year) most of that success was without Norman. That says something I think to the next GM. He's not looking like the permanent solution.

[Swaggasaurus]

I think we have too many 3rd CBs. We need a true #2. Maybe that's Norman or maybe not. I just know we can't keep all of them. And usually the youngest prevail. I'm not optimistic of Munnerlyn's return. I have a feeling we're going to try to upgrade the #2 spot and have that person compete with Norman with Thomas and Dockery backing them up. Munnerlyn already expressed his displeasure of being a backup. Move on from him and give him a chance to start elsewhere if he can.

Let me get this straight, Norman gets a chance to compete for the starting gig, but you are designating Josh Thomas to backup? Some of you obviously don't watch the games or don't understand what is happening during them.

[spartan_pantherfan]

Let me get this straight, Norman gets a chance to compete for the starting gig, but you are designating Josh Thomas to backup? Some of you obviously don't watch the games or don't understand what is happening during them.

They don't, everyone fell in love with Norman cause he talked trash to Smith in training camp, so now when Rivera benches him and puts in players who perform better its "something something stupid Rivera doghouse " its the same with dang Gettis. So sick of hearing about the dude who had 1 good game back in the day and is now the second coming that Rivera refuses to use.

Gamble at 1
Thomas/Norman/Hopefully new guy playing for 2
Captain at 3 - Rivera came out and said he thought Captain was one of the best NB in the league.

[Jackofalltrades]

I'm not certain Gamble comes back. I think it has a lot to do with the cap implications but I could see him as a cap casualty this offseason.

[MHS831]

If he can get in touch with Hardy's "Medical team" and Keiser's "Chia farm" we are in business.

i hear ya. Let me add that I am not in favor of tyring out a new position in the pros. Usually causes problems.
I can say that I was impressed with Thomas. He as physical at the line and he was better in coverage. We may have something there.
And I don't think either of us would seriously consider moving Davis to S S unless it was to find a way to get Beason on the field.

[MHS831]

Is it really completely up to Norman whether or not to give a cushion?

I always thought that was part of the play call.

Against Chicago, for instance,fans got so mad during that last drive when the play calling was soft.
Maybe that exposed Norman because the calls were made because he lacked the physicality and the recovery speed to be more disruptive. In other words, maybe Norman's physical limitations affect play calling. I never saw him successful jam a WR or take the slant away. He is a rookie, so that is good news. He will be 25, however, so the window is closing

If a kicker is struggling, you punt 50 yards out instead of going for the FG. If your QB is not good, you don't put him in situations where he has to carry the team.

The league seemed to know Nornan was weak because he was thrown at a LOT.

Just my theory--guessing. I am not one of the posters who claims to have supreme knowledge of all things related to football.

[DaCityKats]

but why keep a CB who is slow, and refused to get physical in your starting position for so long? if you told him to tighten up his cushion a long time ago, but allowed it to go on for 10 plus weeks before you bench him, who fault is it when you lose games because of the liabiltiy on the field?

[broseidon]

Being ranked 6th in the league for 3rd down percentage is a pretty good way to measure defensive success.

Thats cause the other team very rarely got to 3rd down, it comes down to a lot of first and second down conversions

[SIGCHI222]

i hear ya. Let me add that I am not in favor of tyring out a new position in the pros. Usually causes problems.
I can say that I was impressed with Thomas. He as physical at the line and he was better in coverage. We may have something there.
And I don't think either of us would seriously consider moving Davis to S S unless it was to find a way to get Beason on the field.

I too was impressed with what I saw of Thomas, but I seriously think with another off-season of healing, TD could play Safety. He would wreak havoc and instill fear in all of our opponents.

It's not going to happen, but that doesn't change my opinion.

[Marguide]

We haven't missed Gamble at all since he's been out. He counts approximately $10-$11 million against the cap next year. We are a team in cap trouble.

I am almost certain we've seen the last of Chris Gamble as a Panther.

[BigBeast52]

Ya when you suck you should get benched, good on rivera for having the balls to play the better players

[SparkyDevil]

Norman played OK for a 5th round pick, but he was certainly outclassed later on in the season. He needs to work on his tackling, route running and physical play, but he's a great depth guy to have - not a starter at this time. If the Panthers restructure Gamble, and perhaps add a free agent, you could have a pretty solid CB group. Safety is the bigger concern IMO - Godfrey played pretty well, and Campbell and Nakamura/Martin are good for a 4th/5th safety.

[chknwing]

I dont get Rivera. He states that hes going to play the young players so they can gain experience etc and so that the coaches can get a look at them but then benches them for making a mistake.

[Sloth]

I dont get Rivera. He states that hes going to play the young players so they can gain experience etc and so that the coaches can get a look at them but then benches them for making a mistake.

We did play Norman. He got a chance for a majority of the season despite his struggles. Norman was outplayed by both Thomas and Dockery. Rivera did the right thing by rewarding performance with playing time. Hopefully Norman is pissed and comes into TC hell bent on winning his spot back. Good for the team either way.

[CRA]

Against Chicago, for instance,fans got so mad during that last drive when the play calling was soft.
Maybe that exposed Norman because the calls were made because he lacked the physicality and the recovery speed to be more disruptive. In other words, maybe Norman's physical limitations affect play calling. I never saw him successful jam a WR or take the slant away. He is a rookie, so that is good news. He will be 25, however, so the window is closing

If a kicker is struggling, you punt 50 yards out instead of going for the FG. If your QB is not good, you don't put him in situations where he has to carry the team.

The league seemed to know Nornan was weak because he was thrown at a LOT.

Just my theory--guessing. I am not one of the posters who claims to have supreme knowledge of all things related to football.

But my issue is when we were playing "soft" coverages teams weren't picking on Josh Thomas. Norman played soft coverages even softer than intended IMO. Rivera would consistently address the manner in which Norman played the zone coverage.

He is a 5th round CB from a small school. too early to give up on that bc he didn't play like a first round rookie thrown into the fire