Khyber53

See, I have a different view of it. I think that just the opposite is very true, and often proven on our very own team. Look at the impact that CMC had when he was here. Look at how bring in two top rate IOL to play guard last season made a huge difference in finally getting a stable front for Bryce to live behind. It took a while for it to bear fruit, but those last games were just relevatory. And off ball linebackers like Luke Kuechly, not just running a defense but dictating the game when he's on the field, truly remarkable what a difference that makes. Personally, he had as much or maybe even more to do with that Super Bowl appearance as Cam did. What I see in the NFL is teams trying hard to cover up for a lack of good linebackers by stacking the D-line. But it gives them a crust defense, one that is hard and crunchy on the outside but a feast within. Linebackers shouldn't just rule the middle of the field, but should be directing traffic and working as enforcers. But hey, whatever. "Devalued" positions often come back to bite you in the ass when they are neglected. Ask anyone who has had to clean up the mess left behind by a former college coach who took over a pro team and brought their college recruiting mindset in. Yanno, like Matt Rhule did.

Oh, I wasn't glossing over anything. You just can't polish a turd, so why even try? (And let's talk about what might be the real problem with our entire defense... and that guy isn't even on the field -- Evero.)

They keep saying things like "the position is devalued". They say the same things about running backs, strangely enough. Then our like of linebackers give opposing running backs the most historically bad defense to run against in league history. It sucks when people who don't understand football tell you how football is played in the modern age.

No one knows what he will be yet. We won't until he takes the field. Many times. Same with all the rest, from Tet on down to Moose 3. It's kind of exciting, the anticipation and all. But it has been disappointing too many times recently for me to get too over the moon about any of it.

Improving the line in front of him should give us a better look at what the young man can really do. Couple that with a year of experience under his belt and I hope he can take off. Sure would be nice for the linebacking corps here to be league best once again. We did set the mark very, very high around here.

And, honestly, there's only so much you can attempt to do in the draft. And every draft pick is a roll of the dice. But that's where grabbing a ton of UDFAs, and targeting the best, makes a big difference. Sure, their individual chances of getting a hit here is less, but that shotgun pattern might just hit something. Right now, we need bulk, partly to rebuild and partly to dilute the deep level of stank that has developed on this team in the last six years. If we're going to rebuild a culture built around culture, accountability and winning, then these UDFAs we bring in each season have to be the wash water that gets out that leftover dirt. Canales seems to be a smart, culture-first, build up the good ones kind of guy. I like that and I hope he can keep it going here. But he was working against a locker room that had been taught to lose and taught to distrust or ignore coaches. He's got his work cut out for him, still. He does seem to have it moving in the right direction and that's something I was pretty amazed with by the end of last season.

I tend to look at all of these guys and wonder how committed they are to doing special teams? It's a big deal when you're fighting for roster spots. And we need massive refreshes to all phases of the special teams game. And the idea that four or five of these players could see rotational use outside of special teams would be a win. This team has accumulated quite a bit of dead wood over the last five years and its time to take an axe to some of it. These new fellows have a shot to benefit from that if they can really push. That being said, wow that receivers room is crowded right now. I'm not sure if I was a vet player with more than 2 years experience other than Adam Thielen if I'd be too sure of my future here. Tet is guaranteed a spot, Coker earned his for sure and they aren't done with XL developing yet. That's only two to three spots left for the entire room. It's going to be very competitive and better for Bryce's future, too. Safety and linebacker are the opportunity spots here this season. There's room for the right guy and we may see a starter eventually from one of these UDFAs, either by merit or injury.

Sheesh, I can barely afford to watch the games on TV.

Good luck to him. Really good guy, constantly found himself on bad teams. Wishing him the best. Now the Saints, not gonna lie, they've had this season coming for a while. That Voodoo Mamba they paid off to get that Super Bowl win and playoff appearances is coming back for her pay.

That ain't the kinda "pro" I meant.

She's here for the celebrity rub as much as anything, the sugar daddy money is a side benefit. But... he hasn't put a ring on her finger, so there's no long term money investment or worries for Bill. What does Bill get? Well... just look and you can tell. The guy has cut quite a few all-Pro players in his career. Just saying.

I don't like to talk bad about Panthers players, present or former. So I'm going to just wish him well in his next endeavor.

I'm okay with this. I hope the young guy can heal up and take the field again at full strength. In the meantime, some other folks are going to get their shot. It's all good.

It's giving me hope, but I've been disappointed before. We all have. I'm going to cheer them on, doing my part. Can they, finally, do theirs?

It's amazing what people will throw away their good names on.