Dragoon11

Remind me of who their starting QB is in week 1? Oh, well... would be a safe bet that would be their plan no matter what our roster looks like.

There are legit arguments to both sides of this, but also other variables we are missing here. What kind of leadership and presence does Burns bring to the locker room? Is he respected, team Captain material? Does he make players around him better? I think we know the answer to that. Burns works very hard, is a true professional and student of the game. He also tends to STAY on the field (don't want to jinx, so I just say that). I don't see this guy being selfish and slacking after he gets paid in that kind of way. His stats have gotten better every season. He is growing the way you hope a player grows. Remember, Burns was a bit undersized when he entered the league, and the expectations were that he grows into the game... well he is meeting that expectation and then some. I see Brian Burns as a guy that aspires to be (at the end of his career) one of the best DE's in the game and in Panthers history. The rest of how he is measured will speak for itself. None of us have a crystal ball, we just have to judge a person by the content of his character, and YES, by his performance. I do not see a downside to paying this guy. Does not mean he has to get TJ Watt money, just find a middle ground... no reason a reasonable deal cannot be made here.

Exactly! New coaching staff, new first round QB... all new everything. What we have to hope for is SEEING these guys buying in and showing by the end of the season the Panthers are going to be a force to be reckoned with next year. I remember interviews after games with the players during the Rhule area... these guys were NOT buying what he was selling. We will see buy week 6 or 7 IMO if this team likes this system and the locker room is gelling. That's where it really is! And if BY turns out to be what we hope, even if there are some growing pains, which most likely will be, this team will be a threat to the whole league. May take a year or two. That's fine as long as we see that "it factor" the whole team needs. I remember when we had our first playoff game with Cam. Was against the 49er's AT home. We were not ready that year, niners whipped us, but you could see where the team was heading.

I agree... people need to take a deep breath. If we finish 7-10 this year but Bryce starts showing us that something we've been looking for during the season, particularly later in the season. If he gels with receivers, checks out of plays correctly, reads zones correctly, shifts protection... etc. The Panthers could shock the world and Bryce Young could turn out to be the first first round draft pick in his rookie year to take his team to the Superbowl. I mean, we can dream, but why don't we be a little more realistic and pragmatic? What I want to see is a QB that improves as the season progresses. At the end of the the year you just know... YES, this is our QB!! What was Cams record his rookie year? And he and Young are two totally different types of QB's.

Look... you can talk hypotheticals based on those kinds of " well if in 2022". None of that means anything. We have ZERO idea what this defense will look like or achieve. We all know that a crappy offense that turns the ball over a lot or that cannot sustain drives will make a defense look worse than it truly is. I HATE trying to figure out how a coach will do based on what he did with last team. Ultimately, it's about whether or not our guys gel with what they are trying to achieve You guys will give yourself migraines making comparisons like you are. None of that matters now its all about how OUR roster responds... all there is to it. It's wait and see!!!

I tend to agree with you. I understand what the other guy is saying, but here's the deal... coaching matters!! Rule and company were abysmal. It's a part of Panthers history I wish we could erase. But, I think with the coaches we have now, you are going to see a vastly different, yet efficient defense. It may take a few games for everyone to gel, but with this coaching staff I feel a different vibe. Of course, we've gotten our hopes up before just to get them crushed. So, lets just watch the preseason, see what the energy of the team is. The best thing about preseason is that by the 2nd or 3rd game you can tell if the players are buying into the program. We'll soon find out.

And if this guy could find a motor similar to Warren Sapp, sky is the limit. Now, I'm not saying he could be Warren Sapp, I'm just saying if he can find some inspiration on the way the best DT's approached the game he could have a great future in the NFL with hard work and determination. We'll wait and see, but all signs says he has the drive and motivation. And yeah, he was UNDRAFTED!!!

Even if that is the case, as long as you can see that IT factor we all talk about and the team rallying around him, that would be ok. Rome wasn't built in a day... neither was Jalen Hurts (so to speak).

Honestly, if he could achieve two TD's to one INT every game (average), say 34 TD's to 17 INT's, of course, who wouldn't take that? If the Panthers have a strong running game this year, which based on our roster is highly probable, I think this could happen. Even if it's more like 24 TD's to 12 INT's. If it's close to that 2 to 1 average, that would be a success IMO. So, who cares if he throws an INT in 8 straight games? That could end up meaning nothing. Especially if he has 15 to 17 TD's to go with it, and the Panthers have as winning record. We can throw "what if's" up here every day. Bottom line, we'll find out soon enough.

That DOG mentality!! Perfect response!

Really like this pick! He's got that "dog" in him. He has that potential to take it the distance every time he touches the ball! 6' 2" 225 lbs and runs a 4.46. Supposedly, Smitty was scouting this guy. I see this kid making an instant impact. Pray he stays healthy! Him and TMJ could be a great tandem! Young to Mingo... will be hearing this a lot by the commentators!!

Well good grief... do you think Smitty MAYBE has put on a few pounds since retiring??

Damn, in that picture Stroud does not look much bigger than Young standing next to Reich.

Look no further than us to prove that point. How long did Cam stay healthy? And he was about as big, fast and strong of a specimen you will EVER find for an NFL QB. 6'5" and 250lbs... yes, yes, I know, the way he was used, I get it. TJ Watt hit him while he was in the pocket, obviously prior/nagging injury, but that happens to every QB. Point being, I'm pretty sure the Panthers will not use Young (if drafted) the same way Cam was used. That's the problem with bigger QB's. If they're not a pure pocket passer or it just doesn't work out that way, then they will be utilized to use that size and speed outside the pocket, which increases injury risk. Honestly the chances are pretty much the same IMO. Could Young be like Tua and more prone to concussion? It's possible, it's also just as likely for ANY QB. Luck will always be a factor with injuries in a contact sport, especially the NFL. I just think you do not look at one of the most prolific passers in SEC history and say... nahhh, can't take a chance, he's too small. If it doesn't work out, there's always another draft year. No guarantees no matter who we pick. We still don't know if Corral is a bust or not.

Yeah, I'd say you're splitting hairs with whose game he fits. Plus, I've seen Thielen make plenty of big catches in scramble drills. Ultimately though, that's not the NFL game. Either QB will have to develop timing with their WR's. Young is crazy accurate with ball placement, so is Stroud. Like Shannon Sharpe says, "you throw receivers open in the NFL". I just feel Young has the edge when it comes to "who can they win with now?". Panthers will have a solid O-line, they know they will have to protect either QB to have any shot. I don't know, when I watched Young play I could see that "it" factor. He just seems to process things way faster than the rest. Not saying Stroud doesn't, I just think it will take him more time at the NFL level. We could all be wrong though, knowing the Panthers they could pick Will Levis, lol.

I think this is why we got Thielen, Hurst, and Sanders. Plus, we'll probably get another playmaking WR in draft or FA. On Pat McAfee show Thielen said he went to Carolina because he believes they can win NOW. That they are trying to surround WHOEVER with as many options as possible. Based on who we've brought in so far I think it is because the organization truly feels Bryce Young has those playmaking intangibles to win in his rookie season. His film from last season shows he is CLUTCH when it matters. I Don't think you can say the same thing about Stroud or any other prospect, think they will need a little more time to develop. Who out of the bunch would give you the best chance to win the NFC South right out of the gate? It has to be Bryce Young IMO.

Honestly, I like Young because he seems to have that "clutch" gene that a successful NFL QB needs. I watched a QB breakdown on AR on YouTube, a good one too. To me, he has a ton of upside and is a physical specimen. Can throw the ball out of the stadium, but to me it's less about arm strength and physical ability than it is to consistent accuracy, pocket presence, and just having that it factor in tight moments of the game. He is Cam Newton 2.0. Stroud shows some of that clutch gene, but nowhere near as consistently as Young. I watched a bunch of 'Bama' games (my father is a huge Tide fan) and saw so many moments when Alabama was down, or the momentum started swinging to the opponents advantage. Then suddenly, Bryce Young rallies his guys and starts making big time throws in tight windows at the most crucial moments to put the Tide back on top. It happened so many times. I even told my father that this guy has that Brady/Mahomes ability of just will the team back into the game. That is something that is not coachable, you either have that will, leadership, and ability, or you do not. We saw a little of that with Jake Delhomme (I said a little), and to a degree, with Cam. To me, that is the immeasurable variable that separates great QB's from JAG's, the "in the moment" ability to bring out the best of yourself and your team to stay in the game. I understand the size issue brought up about Young, that being said, management should make a priority of having a top 5 O-line every year, that would help. Drew Brees was a tiny QB and one of the best ever. Plus, QB's are protected more in todays NFL. Bottom line, and sorry for the long post, I feel like that's what the Panthers have needed in a QB for the longest time... just simply, that big time playmaker QB in big time moments CONSISTENTLY.

Too long? It is a personal choice. If they still have a passion for the lifestyle who are we to say when it is time to hang it up? I love building Jeeps and rock climbing with them... if I can do it until I die (or die doing it, lol) I'd die a happy man. We all have a passion for something. Some things just have a physical limitation. But, if you feel like you can still do it and it makes you happy then good on you! The times they were at their peak and dominated doesn't just disappear.

Perfectly stated my man!! If she truly loved him she would realize he will not be able to play forever. Will still have PLENTY of years with him outside of the one thing he excels at, even if she had to wait another year or two. STAND BY YOUR MAN ladies! Not like he's a fug up. Of course, I'm assuming the reason for divorce is his playing too long, lol.

The way I see it... Panthers control their own destiny. They need to just take care of business and win out! Then, we could honestly say they deserve to be there despite how bad the division has been. Besides... teams that are hot going into the playoffs can be dangerous. I'd rather see that than some 7-10 situation where we limp in by attrition.

This^^^ Sam threw for 250 yards today when the Panthers ran for over 300, which honestly, that's impressive. Sam looked good today for sure. But, Sam has always struggled when the pressure is high and he is needed to carry the offense. He's never been able to handle high pressure moments mentally it seems. He gets rattled pretty easily. These last two games will really say a lot about where Darnold is as the pressure will be as high as it gets. No way Tampa lets the Panthers rush for over 300 yards. There's going to be times when Sam is going to have to step up and make big time throws in crucial moments and finish drives. If Sam plays well and the Panthers win these last two games, then plays well in a playoff game, then maybe, just MAYBE Sam Darnold is starting to figure it out... he is still young. We're all about to find out. Personally, I'm rooting for the kid (of course).

What if the Panthers got hot, run the table, somehow win the division, then win a home playoff game? Or at least be very competitive in a loss? I know that's a bit of a long shot, but not impossible. Does that change the dynamic?

Definitely not a sh*t team... Panthers are good QB play, a playmaker or two, and an OC away from being a solid team.

Lol, it's not like he didn't give the organization a chance. Guys play speaks for itself... imagine if Panthers had the other pieces in place to compliment. It's been a VERY long time since RB's carried teams to the playoffs.

I think overall, no matter the studies, do whatever the players prefer. After all, they are the ones that make this sport what it is. This shouldn't be too hard to figure out. Just not enough common sense anymore.