12-4.....and why it was so bad.

[Carolina Cajun]

Our GM doesn't play favorites. He'll make a move if he feels one is necessary.

 

He better feel like Shula needs to be moved out of town.  Best example of what affect an O-coordinator can be is what's going on in San Diego right now.  Remember when Philip Rivers was washed up, he was bad, he couldn't get the job done, and he was never gonna regain that ability...yea that was only 2 years ago.  Last season, insert Ken Whisenhunt.  Rivers suddenly stops turning the ball over and becomes a top 5-10 QB with a rookie being his #1 receiver (sound familiar).  Right now, there is not a guy who knows how to really work with Cam, atleast not to effectively use him correctly.  We have a O-coord who is not utilizing him effectively.  Realize, his passing stats have diminished every season since being in the NFL.  Did he start throwing the ball worse?  I don't think so, his release is still quick, he could use some work on his footwork (which I'm not sure they've ever worked on), but his ceiling as a passer is still good.  I honestly think part of the problem is he's getting run so much he gets tired, then his fundamentals get off.  Also, I think it's been forced into his head to manage the game, and not make mistakes that now he no longer plays like a gunslinger like he did his first season or 2.  There is a way to utilize a gunslinger, it just needs some coaching.  On top of that, passing, like everything else in football is a rhythm thing.  So what is the solution?  We need a O-Coord and QB coach will will work with Cam as a passer and tailor an offense around his arm and let his legs be occasionally used and not relied upon constantly.

[Marguide]

No, I wasn't shocked when SS was cut, it was the right call.

 

 

I agree with you that Shula should go, but I never wanted him here from the start.  We were forced to sign an OC to a very short contract.....and you know what you get when you have to do that.

 

But Hue Jackson said he would have loved to be our OC had we picked him. The contract didn't prevent us from hiring a better OC, it didn't prevent us from looking at more than just 3 candidates, these are things Rivera decided upon and he has to live with the consequences. 

 

Too often, this organization has chosen to "settle" for second or third tier coaches, afraid to take another risk because of the failed Seifert experience. The result? Consistent mediocrity. Why should we be surprised?

[thefuzz]

But Hue Jackson said he would have loved to be our OC had we picked him. The contract didn't prevent us from hiring a better OC, it didn't prevent us from looking at more than just 3 candidates, these are things Rivera decided upon and he has to live with the consequences. 

 

Too often, this organization has chosen to "settle" for second or third tier coaches, afraid to take another risk because of the failed Seifert experience. The result? Consistent mediocrity. Why should we be surprised?

 

 

I can't remember exactly, and I don't have enough time to look it up, but didn't Hue say that he wanted to be the OC, but never really knew the details?  Honestly I can't remember if he knew it was a 1 or 2 year gig.

[Marguide]

I can't remember exactly, and I don't have enough time to look it up, but didn't Hue say that he wanted to be the OC, but never really knew the details?  Honestly I can't remember if he knew it was a 1 or 2 year gig.

 

I just remember someone interviewed him at the airport after his visit and he talked about how much he wanted the job. No hint was given that there were any major obstacles, he sounded like a guy who thought he had the job locked up.

 

Then Shula happened.

[WhoAmI?]

I just remember someone interviewed him at the airport after his visit and he talked about how much he wanted the job. No hint was given that there were any major obstacles, he sounded like a guy who thought he had the job locked up.

 

Then Shula happened.

 

That really almost made me cry. I wanted Hue Jackson so badly in the offseason and now it turns out he really wanted the job. Instead, we settled for Shula again for "continuity". I'm depressed now. I also wanted Chip Kelly when he was coming out, but we kept Rivera for his 3rd year.

 

[MHS831]

You were probably colored shocked when JR let G-Man cut Smitty too. 

 

I don't see Rivera as a problem, and I don't see him getting fired any time this season or offseason, he'll get and should get the first half of next season at least. BUT Shula needs to be fired right now he is fuging pitiful.

 

I don't see Rivera getting fired either.  I think he got lucky as hell last year, rising from a near-death experience to win 11 of 12 games.  However, if the ref throws the flag vs. Kuechly in the New England game, if Wallace catches that pass in Miami, if the snap does not fly over Ryan's head in Atlanta, and if Hixon does not catch that pass after the 65-yard drive in less than a minute vs. New Orleans, we are 8-8 and Rivera is likely fired.  4 plays-- quite possibly the difference between 8-8 and 12-4.  (I realize the Seattle DW fumble and the Buffalo confusion could counter this, but they occurred before the lucky streak started)

[WhoAmI?]

I don't see Rivera getting fired either.  I think he got lucky as hell last year, rising from a near-death experience to win 11 of 12 games.  However, if the ref throws the flag vs. Kuechly in the New England game, if Wallace catches that pass in Miami, if the snap does not fly over Ryan's head in Atlanta, and if Hixon does not catch that pass after the 65-yard drive in less than a minute vs. New Orleans, we are 8-8 and Rivera is likely fired.  4 plays-- quite possibly the difference between 8-8 and 12-4.  (I realize the Seattle DW fumble and the Buffalo confusion could counter this, but they occurred before the lucky streak started)

 

Exactly. We had a lot of calls and bounces go our way last year. Rivera's tenure here has been consistent with this year. This has always been him. 1 winning season out of 4 is not good.

 

[Camp Fodder]

The team looked set up for sustained success last year. Young franchise QB winning games in the 4th Quarter, the 2nd ranked defense in the NFL with the defensive player of the year at MLB. A defensive line that lead the NFL in sacks that featured two rookies playing a significant number of snaps.

Problem is, they didn't upgrade ANYWHERE on the roster. They downgraded the offensive line, the WR's are about the same, the secondary is worse. You can't have this huge amount of turnover on the roster year to year and expect to win every season.

and special teams is mych worse

[Kuhndog94]

What depresses me is we could've had a chance to sign Chip.

[CoastalCat]

I normally try to keep a low profile on The Huddle after losses, especially to division rivals, but I felt I needed to touch on this.

Without last seasons run to the division title, I believe that the Panthers would be in a much better spot than we find ourselves today. I have touched on it a couple times in different threads, but figured I would toss it up here with the rest of the BS that is flying around.

Riverboat Ron would most likely be gone, along with Shula, who IMO is the worst part of this football team outside of the cap mess. Now, we are most likely stuck with Ron for at least 1 more if not 2 more seasons, and I don't know if he has it in him to get rid of Shula.

Last season was fun while it lasted, but I think that we will feel the repercussions for a couple more seasons to come because of it.

Say this all you want now, but show me one of your posts from week 17 last year that the coaches needed to be fired.

The lynch mobbing on this forum over the past 24 hours is ridiculous. I could understand all of this if the team was healthy and losing like this, but damn. The injuries are extensive, we're starting players from Canada, and signing off of the Rams practice squad. I'm not sure if play calling is the issue here.

[CoastalCat]

I don't see Rivera getting fired either. I think he got lucky as hell last year, rising from a near-death experience to win 11 of 12 games. However, if the ref throws the flag vs. Kuechly in the New England game, if Wallace catches that pass in Miami, if the snap does not fly over Ryan's head in Atlanta, and if Hixon does not catch that pass after the 65-yard drive in less than a minute vs. New Orleans, we are 8-8 and Rivera is likely fired. 4 plays-- quite possibly the difference between 8-8 and 12-4. (I realize the Seattle DW fumble and the Buffalo confusion could counter this, but they occurred before the lucky streak started)

I'm not sure if you're being serious or not. "Before the lucky streak started"? Should that phrase be used during the firing meetings?

[teeray]

12-4 is never bad. Last season was so much fun.

[teeray]

I don't see Rivera getting fired either. I think he got lucky as hell last year, rising from a near-death experience to win 11 of 12 games. However, if the ref throws the flag vs. Kuechly in the New England game, if Wallace catches that pass in Miami, if the snap does not fly over Ryan's head in Atlanta, and if Hixon does not catch that pass after the 65-yard drive in less than a minute vs. New Orleans, we are 8-8 and Rivera is likely fired. 4 plays-- quite possibly the difference between 8-8 and 12-4. (I realize the Seattle DW fumble and the Buffalo confusion could counter this, but they occurred before the lucky streak started)

Should I go through the list of "ifs and buts" that could have resulted in 3 winning seasons and 3 straight playoff appearances?

[PandaPancake]

I'm so tired of hearing about, 'what if....'