Martin

Not sure I agree with the 5 HCs in 3 years thing, even though it is correct in theory (or 6 coaches with all 3 interim coaches accounted for). Tepper didn’t make any changes initially in year 1, but it was time for Ron to go. I think I’ve read that he let Ron go early to give him a head start for other openings. He held on to Rhule for too long, I don’t know who can argue against letting him go. He wanted Ben, but had to settle for Frank as Ben said no to all teams (not just Panthers). I also don’t know how you can argue against letting Frank go, he was an absolute disaster. So Tepper has hired 2 HCs in 5 years, both bad hires I might add, but it’s not like he’s churning through new hires every year.

I don’t doubt he understands he has been part of the issues in the past, the question is what he will do next?

Agree, neither of them have held back on criticism. Sure their sources could’ve lied to them, but it is far from a puff piece

I wouldn’t be surprised if it plays out this way, but I also wouldn’t be shocked if we hire a real GM this time. I think Tepper knows that is the right thing to do, but will he be able to put his ego aside and actually do it? That’s the question and probability is probably not that high. But…

Not so sure about this. It depends on what the future org would look like under a new GM. But we’ll see.

If Bryce finish strong and we have the 33rd pick, it makes us a lot more attractive to prospective GMs and HCs. The one thing that would take the wind out of the sails completely is if we keep Fitt.

Agree with this one, I’d love the 33rd pick if we can get it.

I agree with Hill, McCaffrey and Lamar being the clear top 3. Their teams are depending on them and they could be dropped in on any team and would immediately raise the level of play on those teams. And that is what the MVP should be about.

I naively thought Burns would turn in to a game wrecker in a 3-4, I was soooooo wrong. I think they just went for the best DC, and his system happens to be a 3-4. There was obviously not a single second spent on what systems the new coaches would bring meant to the roster, painfully clear in Franks case.

I actually think the Deshaun debacle was a contributing factor to teams hesitating going through a long negotiation again.

These people are very few. Most people were just acknowledging the fact that Bryce looked really bad. He struggled to get zip in his passes, couldn’t feel the pressure, could read the defense etc. His surroundings were really bad but so was he. But anytime any criticism was mentioned the “you’re a hater” army came running in full force, “didn't you see that one elite throw he did (that most backups in the league can also do)?” It’s not anti Bryce, it is the reality of what he’s shown most of the season. I hope he becomes a world beater, but he’s looked awful for most of the year. Hopefully he can build on the last game, and that my friend, would be really exciting.

I would think there is at most two people who fit this description. The rest of us are just healthy skeptics who wish Bryce can prove us wrong.

Agree with this, really fun game today. Now we need to see it again, until he can string a few together I’m not sold, but hopefully he can.

Tremble was a big difference maker today, looked really good. He runs hard after the catch.

The most fun I’ve had watching a game this year. Great second half by Bryce, a few spectacular catches by Chark, Tremble looking great etc. Hopefully it will carry over to next week to make sure it wasn’t a one off.

I do like the B+ for Caleb W at 16 lol. Sometimes the grading in these is hilarious

No offense, but pulling the “he will be gone by our pick” already in December is hilarious.

This from Dianna Rossini of the Atlethic is potential great news: “In Carolina, owner David Tepper has taken hit after hit around the league for meddling and creating a culture of fear, but a league source said Tepper has been self-reflective, blaming himself for almost all the mistakes made this season. The source said, “He’s incredibly accountable and ready to make it right. He’s rejuvenated.” For a man worth billions of dollars who is paying two coaches who aren’t even working, that should be a positive sign to Panthers fans. A league source said Tepper has his eye on Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who was his first choice last hiring cycle. Johnson is a native of western North Carolina and a former UNC walk-on quarterback but turned down a chance to continue conversations about the Panthers job last year because he didn’t feel ready to take over as a head coach. Now, the source said, Johnson is ready and is expected to have options.”

I was excited to see game management period, it’s been a few years since I last saw that.

ESPNs Matt Miller just posted an updated QB article that looks interesting, anyone able to get behind the paywall

Adding to that is that he plays close to 100% of snaps, which is crazy at his size. And the effort is always 100%. Him and Luvu (and potentially Horn) are pieces to build around. They are also great for the team culture. I like Burns, but we are better off tagging and trading him, using that money to overpay a top WR and O-lineman.

I think of a game manager as someone that excels within the system but maybe doesn’t have a lot to offer when things break down, a complementary player is missing etc. e.g. when Debo Samuel was down, Purdy didn’t look as good, when Cam was missing someone he just stepped up his game. Game managers are also great at avoiding mistakes, they usually don’t cost their team a win. So it is not a bad thing.

I think he’s known for not spending a dime outside of mandatory player salaries.

I think it is ok to disagree. Purdy and Tua are both 3 inches taller, 35lbs heavier, have stronger arms and have great deep ball accuracy. Would Bryce do better in those offenses? Yes for sure. But it is extremely hard to get that set of skill players. You still believe in Young’s potential, a lot of us do not. And that’s ok. We all hope he will turn it around. I’m a Panthers supporter, I’m rooting for the team. I want the Panthers to win and I don’t think Young is the player that can take us there. But I think the language and behavior on both sides of the argument is disappointing.

Not sure how you make the link of him being happy after the win with him having a special drive, but maybe I’m misunderstanding something? Overall it was great for him, the team, and us supporters with a win. I know I really enjoyed it.