Steve Reed sums up the blueprint of Panthers' success

[top dawg]

You know, some of you talk junk about Steve Reed. Breaking news is not necessarily his forté, but he does provide an astute synopsis and analysis of what is transpiring with the team. His latest article, though not necessarily earth shattering from the perspectives of the hardcore Panthers fan, engages the reader anyway by making the players and coaches more human and easily identifiable with casual fans and others. Moreover, this article provides the history---a timeline of sorts since the beginning of last season.

 

"The Panthers didn't bring in any big-name free agents. They didn't fire any coaches. And they didn't make a change at quarterback.

Instead, they remained true to their blueprint and stayed the course. They allowed young players to develop into core players. They added moderately priced, mid-level free agents in the offseason who were familiar with the team's system. And Ron Rivera and his staff kept on coaching."

http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/panthers-stayed-rise-respectability-35836008

Reed has obviously kept his finger on the pulse of the players and coaches, and portrays it very well in this relatively short piece. On its head, the article is about Rivera and the players. But you know, it also is perfectly representative of a man's mindset that Reed simply mentioned in passing: Dave Gettleman. Reed either knowingly or unknowningly exposed the conservative and old-school ways, but ever evolving stratagem of the Panther's GM while barely mentioning his name. He has captured the Panther Way in a way that is so Panthers, and in a way that I am sure Gettleman approves (as well as J-Rich) .

There is something brilliant about that.

[FootballMaestro]

I didn't even finish this  article. And I can say it's an excellent piece for someone who didn't follow the Panthers who wonders how a team that made the playoffs with a losing record last year, is now undefeated (and counting-hopefully) the following year.

And of course, this is because Steve Reed Follows The Panthers regularly as the AP's Charlotte Sports or Panther reporter.

Saying all that: Wonder how many people will get to read this, to learn more about this team?

[FootballMaestro]

Still reading.

Yes. This article is a true blueprint for anyone who doesn't follow the Panthers to know how they got to where they are now.

[FootballMaestro]

Yes. Excellent synopsis, covering the past two seasons, to to where we are now!

No national reporter should ask "how the hell did this happen", and "who are they", after reading this article. Nope.

This was in ABC News, News section, and USA Today. So it should get some good exposure.

[CPcavedweller]

Grew up reading his articles in the morning Sports section. He is a much better writer and journalist than any (dead)beat writers we have. (Jonathon Jones seems to be good as well)

[t96]

It's truly amazing that DG came in here and didn't fire Rivera and try to hire his own guys. That really never happens when a GM gets hired.

[IGSaint]

I remember  people complaining about the Panthers making the playoffs last year with a losing record but it's funny how they aren't complaining about that with the NFC East this year. 

[motocross_cat]

Just now, IGSaint said:

I remember  people complaining about the Panthers making the playoffs last year with a losing record but it's funny how they aren't complaining about that with the NFC East this year. 

They are big time man.  Lots are calling for rule changes and what not.  

[Kevin Greene]

Nice little write up. 

Quote

Rivera was on the hot seat. Newton was being talked about as a bust. The Panthers seemed in shambles, even though they were still in the thick of the playoff hunt at 3-8-1.

But only the galactically stupid were suggesting Cam was a bust.

[UpstatePanther]

4 hours ago, thomas96 said:

It's truly amazing that DG came in here and didn't fire Rivera and try to hire his own guys. That really never happens when a GM gets hired.

Thankfully, we don't have to think about that possibility any more, but I think had we not made the playoffs in 2013, Rivera may have been fired at the end of the season. It's just a hunch, but I feel like Gettleman was willing to give Rivera the opportunity to prove his worth and Rivera did just that by reeling off 8 straight wins against some very good teams. Thankfully, Rivera did make good use of the opportunity he was afforded. 

[juliosantos]

5 hours ago, IGSaint said:

I remember  people complaining about the Panthers making the playoffs last year with a losing record but it's funny how they aren't complaining about that with the NFC East this year. 

exactly lol double standard 

[Hoenheim]

6 hours ago, Kevin Greene said:

Nice little write up. 

But only the galactically stupid were suggesting Cam was a bust.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/694994-carolina-panther-cam-newton-is-the-worst-nfl-draft-pick-ever

reminds me of that article. Is this guy still going to follow through on his word?

[TheNewStandard]

So glad Rivera is still with us. I think the players are too. 

As stern and stone-faced Rivera is, he's somehow still a players coach and keeps his emotions in-check in game-day.

we wouldn't have the defense we have without him and to me, the defense (and keeping them fresh,) is the secret to our success.

He believes in our team, even when we didn't...and the players have bought in. This is truly a team and...from top to bottom, including the practice squad. 

There aren't many teams where a player can come in off the street and have success and make plays on the following Sunday...and that's what has been going on here.

im so excited about the current state and personnel that makes up this team. 

[PandaPancake]

Quote

They've won 17 straight regular season games since — tied for the fourth-longest streak in NFL history — and have become Super Bowl favorites with a chance to join the 1972 Miami Dolphins as the only undefeated champions.

I stopped reading after this. I heard what I needed.