Voth reviews the Gettleman presser

[Mr. Scot]

Dave Gettleman’s 15 Most Intriguing Comments

 

Excerpts:

 

1. “We’d like to get faster. We need more speed, we know that. We’re not silly. We’re not going to miss the obvious.”

When asked how the Panthers need to improve, adding speed was the prevalent answer from Gettleman and coach Ron Rivera. Gettleman won’t fall out of love with big hog mollies anytime soon, but look for the Panthers to add faster guys to the receiving corps and secondary.

 

2. “I told you guys last year at the post-season presser that we were going to struggle, and it was economic-driven. I’ve also said that when that cap jumped five million, that put us in a bad spot. I told you guys last offseason, again; it’s the credit card concept.  I owe 15 grand on the credit card, all of a sudden I got a big raise, oh boy, now I can jump it up to 20? Uh uh, you can’t do it. That cap-jumping and the UFA signings we did in the offseason was economics-driven.”

The Panthers had to know they needed speed last year, but none of their free agent signings addressed the issue. Jerricho Cotchery, Jason Avant, Roman Harper, Thomas DeCoud? Yeah, they’re not fast. But Gettleman was committed to getting the cap healthier last spring, and fast players cost money. Unless you’re talking about Tiquan Underwood, and when he couldn’t catch, the Panthers found themselves in a big bind.

 

6. “We need him to be more consistent and the players around him need to be more consistent, … He told you himself after the Arizona game — he needs to improve his mechanics. It’s a building process. Everybody wants a player to be great yesterday. It doesn’t work that way with everybody. It doesn’t work that way with anybody. It takes time.”

As is his policy, Gettleman wouldn’t answer questions about contracts, even though reporters tried to get him to bite on Cam Newton’s future. Both Gettleman and Rivera stressed that Newton needs to be more consistent, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they want to see that consistency improve next season before they hand him a gigantic new contract.

 

7. “Yes.”

That was Gettleman’s answer when asked if he still sees Newton as a franchise quarterback. Newton will eventually be paid, and it’s highly likely it will be in Carolina, it’s just not a guarantee that will happen this offseason.

 

 

8. “We knew that we were going to rebuild the secondary, the offensive line, and the wide receivers. I’ve told you guys this before, I believe defense wins championships. Offense scores points; defense wins championships. I thought it was extremely important that we keep the front together. That’s why we made the decision to franchise Greg, and obviously it blew up.”

When the Panthers put the franchise tag on Greg Hardy, they never intended on signing him to a long-term deal. He was a rental, and it made sense. The best way to make another playoff run while rebuilding at other spots was to keep the dominant front seven intact. Hardy’s legal situation threw a wrench into that plan. And while Gettleman and Rivera won’t come right out and say it, Hardy is not in the franchise’s future plans.

 

9. “I need to talk to DeAngelo. He’s a pro’s pro. He had a tough season. The obvious, the loss of his mom was very, very difficult. He only played six games this year. It was tough for him, and before I say anything, just know he’s a pro’s pro. And they way he finished the season, he finished it like a man. And I’m proud of the way he finished.”

Few think DeAngelo Williams will be back in a Carolina uniform next year, and Gettleman seems to have learned from his mistake of talking about Steve Smith’s ‘evaluation’ while using the past tense last year. Sitting down and talking to the franchise’s all-time leading rusher before the parting of ways is just something that needs to happen.

 

 

10. “Byron showed flashes. It’s about consistency. I give him a little bit of the benefit of the doubt; it was his first year playing there. But I think we’ve shown if a player shows up that we think is going to make us better, we’re going to go get him.”

Gettleman stopped well short of praising left tackle Byron Bell. In fact, it’s hard to say he said something nice about him. The Panthers could sign Bell, who’s about to become a free agent, to a very small deal, but he wasn’t the answer on the roster.

 

11. “I’m thrilled for Steve, and I’m thrilled for us. I think Kelvin, as he learns how to play, he got deep Saturday night, unfortunately it was too close to the back of the end zone. Corey definitely gives us the speed we want. No, I don’t regret the decision. I think it was a win-win.”

Gettleman took a lot of heat for his controversial decision to release Smith last year, but he’s right — it was a win-win. Rookies Kelvin Benjamin and Corey (Philly) Brown likely would not have grown as quickly if Smith’s presence still permeated the locker room. Smith had a solid season in Baltimore, but it’s unlikely the Panthers would have gone much further with him..

 

13. “Do I have a say in Ron’s staff? I can make suggestions. But he’s going to make the ultimate decisions.”

When Rivera spoke earlier on Tuesday, he insinuated no changes were coming to the coaching staff. If it’s truly up to him, fans who want to see offensive coordinator Mike Shula and special teams coordinator Richard Rodgers replaced will be left disappointed.

 

15. “It’s going to be strong at wide receiver again. It looks like it’s going to be strong at offensive tackle again. It looks there’s going to be some depth at defensive end, pass rushers. You know how I feel about pass rushers.”

It’s going to be hard enough to predict what the Panthers are going to do in the draft on the night it starts, let alone three months before that. And while Gettleman will always go with the best player available, it’s not a stretch to start focusing in on the available receivers, offensive tackles and defensive ends.

 

[Nick_81]

Just read that.  Can't really disagree with anything.  Always good content.

[Anybodyhome]

Same story, different off-season.

 

Didn't I say there will be pages upon pages of posts trying to decipher what G would say? And what did he say, besides the fugging obvious?

[Nick_81]

Same story, different off-season.

 

Didn't I say there will be pages upon pages of posts trying to decipher what G would say? And what did he say, besides the fugging obvious?

That's the thing.  He says a lot when he's talking to the media, but it always has to be deciphered.  Who's going to get it correct?

[The Huddler]

Its not a bad thing that he keeps things in house and only speaks the obvious.

[Snake]

If I was a betting man I would say Hardy is gone as of right now. I think with some discussion and negotiation Hardy may return for a short time. It benefits both parties if this happens. I could be wrong and maybe his trouble is not worth his talent but if he really wants to be in Carolina I don't see him leaving.

 

Also I just cant see how Rivera can sit and be happy with ST. If anyone on this staff needs to be fired its that guy. If you allow that many fug up other coaches will take notice.

[chknwing]

wait, how does he not praise byron bell.  I mean the guy thinks hes gonna be receiving a $100 million contract after the way he played this year.  Surly byron bell isn't that delusional

[gettlemanjack]

“Do I have a say in Ron’s staff? I can make suggestions. But

he’s going to make the ultimate decisions.”

[EMSMedic79]

I was a little relieved to hear his comments about Byron Bell. I think he knows better than anyone we cant go into next season w/o a reliable LT.

[Nick_81]

“Do I have a say in Ron’s staff? I can make suggestions. But

he’s going to make the ultimate decisions.”

Maybe not so bad if his suggestions are worded like... "you'd be wise to get a new coach for X"

[TheSpecial1]

Good stuff

[Diehardpanther02]

Didnt really need the "analysis" to explain what he meant. You can tell what he means by the comments he makes, and his enthusiasm

[Chief Keek]

Anybody else read that in Gettleman's voice?

[Brothergrim427]

Gotta love our GM truly what we needed