MHS831

Yeah, but I was focused on the defenders near the WR and they were safeties and LBs on a #1 WR---I would think that part is coaching. Bartholomew (who gave up the first London TD) was all over the WR---I was impressed, even though he did not win the battle.

I want to make a few points and see what others can contribute. Something I heard: He does not like the large, 330lb NT. Currently, we have Tuttle (300 lbs) as the Nose (DT) and A'Shawn Robinson (320 lbs) is listed as a DE (3-4). We also have Ray (290) at DE. However, we were blown off the ball all year with no real adjustment. Something I observed today: The Falcons' #1 WR London caught ten passes today for nearly 200 yards and 2 TDs. While we saw two catches where he outmatched former practice squad player Bartholomew (Ga Southern) who had damn good coverage on him, several other catches were made over the middle where there were only safeties on him. His second TD was due to #57 (Wooten) not getting his drop. I have a problem with Safeties and dropping LBs being responsible for the other team's #1 WR. Perhaps I do not understand the concept and you can explain it. Pennix threw 38 passes and 18 of them targeted London, and we are letting him run out of the CB zones and into the dropping LB/Safety Zones. Did we adjust? Take away their #1? No, we let him run free across the deep middle and man up with a practice squad CB on the outside. And we nearly lost as a result. Nor did I see an adjustment when they were averaging 10 yards per pop on the offensive right side--something the announcers referred to often. Just guessing, but this suggests Evero has checked out. I dunno.

That is what I am thinking, of course, people trading up think that as well.

Just happy that Bryce stepped up and took starting QB off the table. At #8, that would be problematic, as it was in drafts past. Since Ward and I am going to guess Sanders will be gone--and Hunter--We will get a top five or six player. Gotta feel that on Jan 5 that it will be one of these players: DT: Graham (The problem taking Graham is that there are about 6 DTs in the first two rounds that are studs--We could take a more scarce (talent) position and grab a solid DT (we already have Brown there) in round 2) WR: McMillan (I do not see him as a top 10 player--would rather invest this pick on D) CB: Johnson (most are not talking CB, and I am not a big fan of this, but he is a player) Edge: Carter (He could be a stud--and I think he will be the pick)

If you trade the pick, it is very much about the points.

Damn. Pulling for Sam Darnold again. The difference between 7th and 8th is 100 points--the same as the 100th overall pick--or a third round comp pick--fwiw.

I think if Jets beat Miami (winning by 12 with 10 minutes left) then I think we pick 7th--have not been reading all posts, so hope this is right.

We need another WR at least as good as XL and Coker. Moore would be an excellent 5th WR. I am of the mindset that this draft has some really solid backup QB candidates in the mid rounds--Howard, Rourke, Dart, Beck--all could use a couple years of development. I think the aging veteran is a coach more than a player--just my opinion.

yeah, but I think Mays improved--enough? Not sure. However, with limited resources, I would give him another year and invest in the other positions you mentioned. Hard to say anything definitive right now.

I am guessing Vrabel? They could want offense, however.

to put it all in perspective, I have shared this on a few other threads: Starting in November through today's game, the Panthers had 3 close losses to playoff teams (Chiefs, Bucs, Eagles) and were 4-5 overall. Not bad.

Starting in November through today's game, the Panthers had 3 close losses to playoff teams (Chiefs, Bucs, Eagles) and were 4-5 overall. Not bad.

Starting in November through today's game, the Panthers had 3 close losses to playoff teams (Chiefs, Bucs, Eagles) and were 4-5 overall. Not bad.

gotta focus on inside out, front to back--so I think we could trade back--if there is a demand. Looks like we are going around #8.

Hey!!! I am not a punk.

Yep. Move back if you can--I think we could go S if Starks is there, but I would not draft a S with the needs we have. I also think your comments about WR are spot on. I think adding CB Will Johnson might be the move--and I would get it-- Abdul? Not sold yet. Graham? I keep seeing him in Panther blue when I fall asleep when texting while driving. Odd. And someone is going to take Jeanty in round 1 and will have a stud RB for a half decade that teams have to game plan around. He is one of about 2-3 top players in this draft. Using the "inside out, front to back" logic of meeting needs, Graham makes the most sense, but the draft is deep at DT, imo. If I am the GM (and we all know I should be), I trade back and add a second rounder. Not many people are talking about Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka. He had 900 yards while playing in the shadow of generational talent Jeremiah Smith (1200 yards). I think he is pretty quiet right now--he suffered some injuries in 2023, but had over 1100 yards in 2022. If we move back, maybe?

The Jets could leapfrog us with a loss, but they are -1 vs. Fish--I can't understand that, unless the Fish are throwing in the towel. Jags, Giants, Jets and Titans are our best hopes to win to propel us up the draft board. I see the Jets (Rodgers will make a statement today on his way out the door--the "enigma" and Titans as our best chance. No idea about Jags or Giants. I also see it rather likely that the Panthers beat Atlanta. It is in our DNA to win meaningless games.

He might be playing DT for us this week.

Too many options at this point--I like the depth of second-tier QBs in this draft--even after a few have announced that they are returning. Howard, Rourke, Dart, Beck--all could benefit from sitting for a year or two before being tossed into the fire. Beck, for example, lost his confidence and it got to him--Howard has shown he can play well on a big stage, Rourke took Indiana to the promise land on a torn ACL--and Dart is supposedly a good leader and his biggest problem is he tries to do too much. I agree that it would be helpful to have a veteran in Bryce's ear, but Rush is not competition. Bryce did not pick it up until he thought Andy was going to take his job. Rush has never been the permanent starter on any team--he is a drifter who wants to make $350k a game holding a Surface tablet. While this draft is not full of starting QBs, it has depth in the area of developmental QBs. That is where I cast my line. Cheaper too. Need an experienced adult near Bryce? That is called a coach.

If you want to lose the locker room, let the players feel that you are trying to lose to replace them. You are exactly right-- Losing games makes it tougher to lure free agents, so the losses hurt you in that area, helps you in the draft--but that is the GM viewpoint only. Losing is like a cold, dark rain cloud that covers the practice field all week long. It is in the backs of everyone's mind. It is like going to work every day thinking you could be fired or demoted or that your closest teammates and friend are temporary. Losing is cancer. Losing today keeps that rain cloud over you all off season. A win, however, gives you more hope and encouragement. It is easy to make it about numbers--winning is a culture. Today we will see the Giants, Patriots, Titans, and Panthers (etc.) fighting for their jobs. I think the Panthers are going to win and will draft ninth overall.

I am starting to think that we will move on from Evero---just a hunch--but there is some feeling that everyone was given a vote of confidence for this season--we shall see. I can argue in Evero's defense as well as argue for his termination.

This represents an informed and logical look at Horn. He is a good to very good CB, but this makes him elite--I do not see it. When he is matched or outmatched, he is very grabby and gets penalties. He is not a bad CB and teams have thrown away from him a lot, but they also throw to their #1 WR when he is on the Panthers' #2 CB....This recognition will be taken to the negotiating table for his contract and he will demand elite money when he is often injured, often penalized, and often covering the second/third WRs. I am not celebrating this because it costs the team money. I don't care about trophies and ribbons for players who are already making more in one week than most do all year playing a game. The Panthers are no better if he is all-pro or not. I will add that some of this is not Horn's fault; perhaps he is being misused and Evero is not getting the most out of him. He had a heck of a year in run support, fwiw. As I said on his draft day, and I was born in Columbia while my father was playing for the Gamecocks so I am actually biased for Horn, I would have picked Surtain over him.

Jets/Panthers strength of schedule tied at .498 again.

Have you heard he might change his mind? He is not yet 21, so I can see staying in, but his stock may never be higher--he has 2 days....Sanders seems to be a "boom or bust" candidate, but something about his SEEMS entitled...

Going back and reading this stuff from last April--Yikes!!!! Our comments did not age well.