Bear Hands

Lots of reason for optimism with some of the young players on defense. We’re a few guys away from rounding out the unit but the secondary has serious potential. Seems we’re playing better against both man and zone so far, but are still breaking when the pass rush and LB play has been off. ILB will be a big focus in 2026

First win since the Wilks stretch that felt like a commanding, thorough old fashioned butt whooping. Shout outs: Chau Smith-Wade - he has been getting better and better. I've really enjoyed his development and could turn into a quality starting nickel for us. Ryan Fitzgerald - He's looking great. I would caution to brace for some rookie kicking moments, but he seems like a kid who could stay here a minute. His kicks today were at big points to force ATL into high percent passing scenarios Cade Mays - from what I saw, he had a solid day. OL with some exceptions with Zavala played very well. Lathan Ransom - He's one guy I'm willing to crown a tad prematurely, but I really think he's a safety that will stick. Just solid play, no real mistakes. Good communication today. Rookie EDGEs - Scourton and Princely won't show on the stat sheet but they were disrupting the pocket from the edge. Played really tough today, good effort. No shout out: Christian Rozeboom - Oof. He still looks really rough. Wallace was a little better today/didn't have any egregious screw ups but Christian seems pretty rough. If we can find someone average here, it could really help this defense.

It has been 5 years since we last held a team under 7 points. Lions game 2020, 20-0

Fitz baby. Chau & Fitz get the damn game ball

We made the Falcons bench their guy. Love to see it

It's okay, we've destroyed a team and played extremely well on defense. Soak in this feeling -- winning a game due to defense just completely shutting the other guy out.

Today is nice. Completely tearing a team apart who was hyped for the playoffs. We are stomping on ATL and it feels damn good. Evero is owning some of his old peers. Secondary has played fantastic. Horn, Ransom, S-W, Jackson, just awesome.

Good Defense gives me good feels This has been long missed. ATL looks terrible, but the defense came to eat.

I don't usually diss picks or toot my own horn, but oh wee mayne

This team is soft top down.

The fact that we're STILL questioning if he should be starting is all that needs to be said. If this week doesn't turn out well, the boiling point could hit soon. Don't think 0-3 does it, but it could be soon. Considering our schedule, it may happen if things fall off the rails. We have 3 winnable games by week 9. If we're just sitting 2-7 or 1-8 after the Packers game, that would be near the end point of this situation in its entirety. It took what, a 1-10 start to can Reich in his first year? I think a 1-8 start to Bryce in his 3rd would be reasonable to politely end his tenure in Carolina.

Smitty bores me these days. Feel like he's just fishing for a viral moment.

Somewhat OT - This franchise forgot what it felt like to have an elite talent on defense that helped create the whole unit's je nes sais quoi. Moehrig hasn't shown it yet. Horn doesn't give me that; he's a top 10-CB at his best, but I don't get the sense he's this guy who just elevates the unit. Same goes with DB. All seem like strong assets moving forward, but it shows with our defensive output being sh*t. You need at least 2 of those tenacious vocal leaders and captains. It is MIA entirely from defense (although I think Princely and Ransom are interesting) I know you need the talent, but they just don't seem to elevate around them much.

Yeah I always viewed him as a guy who would be a quality enough complimentary piece at LB. Don't think he was some top-LB but was good enough to hold the defensive locker room together and serve his role well. Funny enough, I think the young version of him in the league right now is the guy the Bills are hoping he helps develop in Dorian Williams who had a decent 2024. A B who would have more A moments than C moments, but was never sub-C.

If you put "X" player on a great team, he could be good.

He always had a type and a fixed system. We brought him in to collaborate with different philosophies from McVay's/and other systems. Totally uneven marriage because Reich didn't actually seem that adaptable. I don't even think it's entirely on him, he had a long career, he wasn't just going to change everything he's done to good effect. Reich preferred large receivers with maybe one gadget dude. He needed at minimum an average (taller) QB with an above average arm. To execute the throws in the middle of the field, you need the stature to stand tall in the pocket and rip. Nothing spectacular, a heavy dose of zone running with a passing game w/mesh & triangle concepts. Nothing fit. A big part was Fitterer wasn't really pairing players & system. He was building from a different background and out of context/his depth. At least now, it seems Dan/Brandon/Dave are more or less on the same level with vision and scheme. Once we get competent Defense and QB play, maybe we'll start to see something aight. Doubt it's anytime soon.

Rams fans did not like him. They almost disliked him as much as Reeder who is Nakamura-esque status for them.

Bengals fans were really rooting for him for what it's worth. Were bummed he didn't make the roster.

Steichen as HC if Tepper didn't find him awkward

No trades. Baker/CMC/DJ Moore/Ladd with Slater as our LT Yeah.

Yeah that one was odd. The rest of the crew weren’t even running their routes like they were options so it seems it always a true slip screen. So…If this was intended to be a Hubbard play by design, wtf was Bryce doing?

My guess is Icky-Lewis-Mays-BC-Moton Yosh & Zavala the remaining depth. Likely picking up a FA/elevating PS

Losing Hunt really is the season. He was the locker room guy for the offense.

With Hunt out, there goes the running game. Sorry Chuba FF owners. And now we're absolutely looking at a top-3 overall pick. Luckily we've got em all this year!