SaltAndPepper

Tight end Dalton Schultz, another former Cowboys target who signed a one-year, $6.25 million contract with the Texans this offseason, has become another force in the Texans’ passing game. Schultz is an expert at presenting a favorable target to his quarterback, as he did on this 31-yard catch against the New Orleans Saints in Week 3. This was a two-man route concept with Xavier Hutchinson running the vertical seam route on the left side, and Schultz clearing New Orleans’ deep Quarters coverage from the right. And then, there’s receiver Nico Collins, who’s especially good at finding voids in zones, and making contested catches when a defender is matching him anywhere on the field.

"Every receiver is exceeding expectations." Of course it helps when your rookie quarterback is a cyborg, but the Texans’ receivers are giving major bang for the buck of late — and there isn’t a single one you’d consider a Top 10 guy in a neutral situation. Third-round rookie Nathaniel “Tank” Dell is the most explosive receiver on the list, catching six passes of 20 or more air yards on 12 targets for 213 yards and three touchdowns. When you have a receiver who can just scorch defenses with speed like this… well, you get why Stroud loves this guy downfield. Carlton Davis of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is probably still recovering from the filthy stutter move Dell put on him on this 29-yard Week 9 touchdown. Dell is more than just a straight-line speed target.

Thought this was an interesting article about the Texans as a whole. Sure, Stroud as been amazing, and is worthy of the praise given to him, but let's not get it twisted. This is NOT the same texans time that went 3-13-1. Kudos to Ryans. https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/c-j-stroud-demeco-ryans-houston-texans/

With time ticking, is Panthers’ Frank Reich preparing to take over the offense again? CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers managed to lose ground even during their mini-bye, which is on brand for a 2023 season that has soured like month-old milk. The Arizona Cardinals’ comeback win against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday left the Panthers with the NFL’s worst record at 1-8. In most years that positioning at the top of the draft would be the ultimate consolation prize. But the No. 1 pick belongs to the Chicago Bears. Given the weekend to think about how he might try to fix a flailing offense over the second half of the season, Frank Reich said he’s still thinking. Specifically, the Panthers’ first-year coach declined to say whether offensive coordinator Thomas Brown would continue calling plays. That’s twice in four days that Reich had a chance to offer public support to his 37-year-old coordinator, and twice that Reich chose not to do so. It certainly appears that if Reich is going to go down on this sinking ship, he’s going to be the one at the helm. “Have not totally dialed that in,” Reich said Monday. “We’ve been collaborative to what we do. Still evaluating the whole thing and how it’s actually gonna function.” The Panthers’ offense has been a picture of dysfunction since Week 1. Receivers and tight ends not getting open. Offensive linemen not protecting. Running backs failing to make much out of limited running lanes. And most troubling, rookie quarterback Bryce Young beginning to look like someone who’s a bit unsure of himself as the whole thing has crumbled around him. While C.J. Stroud is having one of the best seasons ever by a rookie QB, Young has ranked near the bottom of most passing categories all year. Some observers don’t believe Young has gotten much help, including some at the upper-most reaches of the organization. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported “those in power” want to see the Panthers start running an offense that more closely resembles what Young excelled in at Alabama, with more bubble screens and RPOs, the latter of which have been virtually nonexistent in Reich’s scheme. “We haven’t been as productive in some of those areas as we want to be, and we’ve gotta continue to work on that,” Reich said. “But that’s one of the advantages of him being in (shot)gun. It does bring an element to the run game on some of the RPO stuff that you don’t have from under center.” Several coaches and executives believe the Panthers are relying too heavily on shotgun and pistol (a mini-shotgun) formations with Young, which limits the effectiveness of play-action passes. They say adding more play-action from under center would slow down the opponents’ pass rush because they’d have to honor the run, and create more separation for receivers between the second and third levels of defenses. But the 5-foot-10 Young is most comfortable in the shotgun, and Reich indicated that’s where he would continue to align most of the time. “That’s what Bryce has been good at his whole life. Two percent of his snaps in college — 1 or 2 percent — were under center. We have introduced it. He does do it, he does feel comfortable doing it. There’s no problems doing it,” Reich said. “But as we continue to develop what we’re doing as an offense, for right now it’s just gonna be a smaller part.” Reich said he’s still mulling potential personnel changes to an offense that ranks 30th in total yards (275.6) and 29th in points (17.0 a game). But arranging the deck chairs likely won’t do much good, according to at least one well-known analyst. Kirk Herbstreit, who called the Panthers-Bears game on Thursday for Prime, said the Panthers lack the personnel for the offense they want to run with Young. Even if Reich agreed with Herbstreit, that’s obviously nothing he would say publicly. “With the vision that we have for our offense this year, we don’t need anybody else. We got winning receivers. We got winning tight (ends). We have to just play winning football,” he said. “That starts with me. I have to do a better job as a head coach getting our offense playing more consistently to win football games.” With owner David Tepper frustrated by the offense and its lack of progress, according to Russini, Reich has left open the possibility he will call plays again. When he handed the play-calling duties off to Brown during the bye week, part of Reich’s thinking was Brown would get to break in during a softer portion of the schedule — home games against Houston and Indianapolis, followed by the prime-time game at Chicago. Instead, the Panthers went 1-2 and managed just two offensive touchdowns in 12 quarters with Brown calling plays for the first time. “However we’ve done the play calling — whoever’s been doing the play calling — we haven’t performed as an offense. So let me just make that point clear, first of all,” Reich said. “As I look toward, now, the last half of the season, what’s the best dynamic and why? Any decision that’s ultimately made is just gonna be based on that one pure factor. So that’s how we’ll approach it.” It might not matter if Bill Walsh were calling plays for the Panthers this week. They’ll try to bounce back from Thursday’s anemic effort against the Dallas Cowboys, who boast the league’s third-ranked defense and outgained the New York Giants on Sunday by 468 yards, the largest margin in Cowboys’ history. Dallas (6-3) opened as a 10-point favorite against the Panthers, who have not been favored in a game all season and might not be. Cowboys fans are expected to take over Bank of America Stadium, a scene that is becoming all too common in Charlotte. Ask Matt Rhule, who was fired last October a day after the San Francisco 49ers routed the Panthers 37-15 in front of a sea of red jerseys at BoA. Steve Wilks took over and went 6-6 as interim coach. But Tepper wanted to hire the franchise’s first offensive-minded head coach and, after Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson backed out, signed Reich to a four-year deal. Not 10 games into that contract, Reich is already facing questions about his future, which means Panthers players are facing questions about Reich’s future, too. “Honestly, it hasn’t crossed my mind at all if I’m being real with you,” left tackle Ikem Ekwonu said. “Obviously, we love coach Reich. We want him here. Gotta be better, I guess. Just make sure we don’t put guys in those positions.” That the Panthers are back in this position already is hard to believe. While the defense and special teams have played well, especially of late, the offense has been unwatchable at times. That’s Reich’s baby, and he might be running out of time to make it right. Here's the full article on The Athletic.

Bill Polian

Since Panthers football isn't on, we all have a Sunday to enjoy or to better ourselves. What're you guys doing today? I'm taking my dad out to a birthday lunch. Old man turns 52 today.

17-10 panthers.

69

Hear me out... But do we really want to fire Scott? The whole reason we ended up getting Scott in the first place is because there was already a coach in place, and no one wanted to come here as a GM without having roster control (think cereal without milk). If we fire Scott we're just going to keep on having this cycle of perpetual firing of *It's the GM* *It's the coach that needs to be fired* I'd rather give Reich and Scott until the ended of Bryce's second year (2024). By then, we'll have a full two seasons to know if Bryce is the guy. If not, fire both of them and then use the 1st rounder you have in 2025, trade JC/ Derrick Brown for Draft capital, and there you go, you can keep rebuilding since 2018. TLDR: If we fire Scott only and not Reich, we'll just keep this cycle of firing one at a time. Wait until 2024 to fire both of them and bring in new faces across the board at both coach and GM.

I'm going to turn in my fan card for now. Goodbye y'all.

In Bryce we trust!

28-3 there. universe is fixed.

laughing at the failcons and their fans never gets old. Arthur Smith, never change

Frank Reich was #6 on this list. Watching the video it's stark to see him in 2003 versus now, but people forget he was a good QB back in the day.

you can't be serious... Have you not seen Rivie's Stonehenge face?

How did Demeco know that was a pass??? How are we that predictable, even if it was a TD?

Watching the game I think Goodell is here to make sure Tepper doesn't do something dumb after this game.

wilks getting roasted on twitter lmao

To be running to the left when you're right handed makes throws so much harder.

I'm sorry for making two, but the other thread has my full analysis. If the mods can delete this one for me, or lock it, much love.

I was watching Colin Cowherd for the herdline news when they brought up Thomas Brown, and as usual instead of sticking to the topic they go off on a random tangent, this time, would the Panthers be sellers at the trade deadline? Logically they brought up Brian Burns because he's the only semi-household name on the team. When both of them tried to think about playoff teams that would part with draft capital to make a Super Bowl push, they couldn't. Their best guess was Miami (but they already paid Bradley Chubb). Eventually they went silent for 10 seconds before moving on... But it made me think. Who would he even get traded to? or more specific, Who needs him? These are the 7 playoff teams. This thought experiment goes off of the assumptions that 1) These are the playoff teams we'll see in January. 2) They won't trade foralso someone else. This also keeps in mind that Burns is not really good in the running game, so teams aren't really tradiing him for run support. Starting with the AFC: 1) Kansas City Chiefs: Tied for the 12th most sacks (17). They have Chris Jones, and George Karlaftis (1st Round Pick). Trade Possibility : 3/10 2) Miami Dolphins: Tied for the 3rd most sacks (21). They traded for Bradley Chubb last year for 1st Rd. Pick + change, and gave him long term money. Also have to pay Tua and Waddle. Trade Possibility : 0/10 3) Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens are tied for the most sacks with 24. They have two young rushers, and a Linebacker they're paying a lot (Smith). Trade Possibility: 0/10 4) Jacksonville Jaguars: They have a horrible pass rush, tied for 4th worst in Sacks (12). They do have two young pass rushers though in Travon Walker and Josh Allen. Trade Possibility: 2/10 5) Buffalo Bills: Tied for the most sacks. Have arguably the best depth defensive line wise not named the Eagles. Trade Possibility: 0/10 6) Pittsburgh Steelers: While they're middle in the pack in terms of sacks, they already have two handsomely paid Edge Rushers. (Watt & Highsmith) Trade Possbility: 0/10 7) Cleveland Browns: The browns are middle in the league in sacks. They have one of the best though in Garrett, but haven't been able to find a proper long term replacement. They do have Zadarius Smith who is a cut candidate in the offseason. Unfourtunately, they don't have a first round pick this year. Trade Possibility: 3/10 So far, the only AFC contending team that could pay for a Brian Burns trade to make a realistic superbowl push, and to help their Pass Rush, is the Cleveland Browns. But they don't have their 1st round pick, so a trade would only result in 25 and maybe a 26 first round pick. Now with the NFC: 1) San Francisco 49ers: The niners are middle of the road in sacks, but already have expensive Contracts for Hargrave and Bosa. Wouldn't be fiscally responsible to trade heavy draft capital and give Burns a hefty extension. Trade Possibility: 1/10. 2) Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles have an embarassment of Pass Rushers, and are 5th in Sacks (20). They are also paying for Hassan Reddick, so like the niners, a trade for Burns wouldn't make sense to them. Trade Possibility: 1/10. 3) Detroit Lions: The Lions are middle of the road in Sacks (15). They have Aidan Hutchinson, who will be getting a significant extension, but he really doesn't have a proper running mate. This results in him getting put in choke holds that are egregious holds (good job zebras). A trade for Burns would honestly scare me on par with the niners and Eagles, and their GM has shown to make unorthodox moves before (see RB at draft choice 12). Trade Possibility: 6/10. 4) Bucs: I don't even have to review them. Possibility: 0/10 5) Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys have 16 sacks, right on par with league average. They have a 3-4 good rushers, led by Micah Parsons. Considering that he's going to ask for QB type money, they can't pay for a Brian Burns. Possibility: 1/10. 6) Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks are a team that is in the upper third in sacks. Boye Mafe and Jarren Reed lead the team in sacks, but they don't have a true bonafide Pass Rusher, something they had in the LOB days. Scotty Fitt also came from Seattle. They also have shown they're willing to pay significant capital for a defensive Player: Trade Possibility: 6/10. 7) Los Angeles Rams: The rams only have 10 sacks, as AD seems to be getting stopped more than usual + age. They are also rebuilding and are not interested in paying a significant piece, instead opting to put more resources back into Offense. Trade Possibility: 3/10. So, out of the NFC, the best places are Detroit and Seattle. The other NFC teams 1) Have no need for Burns 2) Can't pay Burns 3) Both. So, in this thought experiment, the Browns, Lions, and Seahawks are the only teams that can really make a push for Brian Burns. Assuming we want to get a first round pick this year, this leaves the Seahawks and the Lions. And they would be expected to part with significant draft capital AND pay Burns an extension when both teams have weaknesses. (Seattle: Offensive Line) (Detroit: Secondary) Thank you for making it this far, if you did. This was my first time actually making a valuable contribution to this Board. TDLR: Don't expect a Burns trade unless it's from the Seahawks or Lions... and even then don't expect it. We messed up buy not trading him to the Rams last year for that haul.

I was watching Colin Cowherd for the herdline news when they brought up Thomas Brown, and as usual instead of sticking to the topic they go off on a random tangent, this time, would the Panthers be sellers at the trade deadline? Logically they brought up Brian Burns because he's the only semi-household name on the team. When both of them tried to think about playoff teams that would part with draft capital to make a Super Bowl push, they couldn't. Their best guess was Miami (but they already paid Bradley Chubb). Eventually they went silent for 10 seconds before moving on... But it made me think. Who would he even get traded to? or more specific, Who needs him? These are the 7 playoff teams. This thought experiment goes off of the assumptions that 1) These are the playoff teams we'll see in January. 2) They won't trade for someone else. This also keeps in mind that Burns is not really good in the running game, so teams aren't really tradiing him for run support. Starting with the AFC: 1) Kansas City Chiefs: Tied for the 12th most sacks (17). They have Chris Jones, and George Karlaftis (1st Round Pick). Trade Viability: 3/10 2) Miami Dolphins: Tied for the 3rd most sacks (21). They traded for Bradley Chubb last year for 1st Rd. Pick + change, and gave him long term money. Also have to pay Tua and Waddle. Trade Viability: 0/10

Also, the NFL has already disallowed this, so there's mute point of him asking for it now. https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/nfl-bans-giving-equity-stakes-to-players-employees

1958- Pete Dawkins chose a military career instead of being drafted 1993- Charlie Ward chose playing in the NBA over the NFL. (Damn nice PG btw) 2003- Jason White (history of knee injuries)