Jump to content

  • Welcome!

    Register and log in easily with Twitter or Google accounts!

    Or simply create a new Huddle account. 

    Members receive fewer ads , access our dark theme, and the ability to join the discussion!

     

Gil Brandt: Five best offseasons of 2017

TheSpecialJuan

By TheSpecialJuan,
in Carolina Panthers

Recommended Posts

TheSpecialJuan Grand Master

TheSpecialJuan

Posted
Posted

3) Carolina Panthers

The Panthers finished at the bottom of the NFC South with a 6-10 record -- but they also lost six games by three points or fewer, meaning there wasn't that much separating them from contention. Cam Newton's cast of pass catchers was lacking in 2016, but the Panthers' first two draft picks (the ultra-versatile Christian McCaffrey and the sure-handed Curtis Samuel) both project as matchup nightmares who can provide some serious juice to this aerial attack. I'm not worried about Newton's surgically-repaired shoulder, but I am extremely high on McCaffrey and Samuel, and I'm confident the rookies will help Carolina's QB return to his MVP form after a down season.

I liked what Carolina did in bringing back defensive end Julius Peppers and cornerback Captain Munnerlyn. They might be late in their careers, but I think it made sense in terms of fit and locker-room impact. Peppers is only one year removed from a 10.5-sack season, while Munnerlyn can provide guidance to the youngsters in the secondary. This defense plays pretty well, and adding pass rusher Daeshon Hall in the third round will only help. Locking up Kawann Short was huge. Adding veteran Matt Kalil and rookie Taylor Moton will boost the offensive line. Ultimately, McCaffrey and Samuel are the keys, and I think they have Newton and the Panthers primed for a turnaround.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Nails Newbie

Nails

Posted
Posted
18 minutes ago, KillerKat said:

Just imagine if DG did his job last season. We'd be a power house.

We definitely wouldn't have Daeshon Hall.  We probably wouldn't have Short after this year.  VERY unlikely McCaffrey is a Panther.  And, maybe, the Falcons wouldn't have been able to blow a 25 point lead.  It was worth it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Hoenheim Grand Master

Hoenheim

Posted
Posted
6 minutes ago, Nails said:

We definitely wouldn't have Daeshon Hall.  We probably wouldn't have Short after this year.  VERY unlikely McCaffrey is a Panther.  And, maybe, the Falcons wouldn't have been able to blow a 25 point lead.  It was worth it.

Yup gotta think of the butterfly affect essentially. You can change one small thing and that could totally change a bunch of different outcomes of the future. 

Maybe keeping norman would have let us win a few more games, but if we had the same injuries occur our record probably still would have been mediocre. Our 2016 draft would have been totally different and 2017 draft also. 

The one thing you can say is its highly unlikely we get McCaffrey if we kept norman . So alot is hinging on how well our 2nd year CBs do, if Butler has any impact this season, and if McCaffrey/Samuel can electrify the offense. If all these things work and we have a deep playoff run, losing norman was worth it . If we spirial into mediocrity again for the 2ndstrait season? The conspiracy theroists will be everywhere haha. That and a bunch of coaches should be fired if we miss the playoffs 2 strait years after going to a super bowl 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Hoenheim Grand Master

Hoenheim

Posted
Posted
1 minute ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

I recall multiple media people criticizing the Panthers for their offseason, prior to the draft.

They killed DG for spending so much on Matt Kalil

that'll still be a pretty valid criticism if Kalil is as bad as his most recent years with the Vikings. There's a hell of alot riding on him , Oher's health, and Moton's potential to effectively play on either side. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Saca312 Experienced

Saca312

Posted
Posted
4 minutes ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

I recall multiple media people criticizing the Panthers for their offseason, prior to the draft.

They killed DG for spending so much on Matt Kalil

Actually, once the details came out, it's a VERY team-friendly deal that won't cost us much to cut the rope after 2 years. Not as bad of a contract like everyone originally assumed.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
TheSpecialJuan Grand Master

TheSpecialJuan

Posted
  • Author
Posted
2 minutes ago, Hoenheim said:

that'll still be a pretty valid criticism if Kalil is as bad as his most recent years with the Vikings. There's a hell of alot riding on him , Oher's health, and Moton's potential to effectively play on either side. 

indeed. Gman gambled and won big with Oher a few years ago. He's gambling once again and needs Kalil to, at the very least, stay healthy.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • PMH4OWPW7JD2TDGWZKTOYL2T3E.jpg

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • Basbear
      Teddy Checkdown in trouble

      By Basbear · Posted

      All I heard was uber rides, weight trainers, and t shirts??? Maybe some meals too........ What a monster and he should be tossed in a rusty wood chipper!!!1!11!!!!!  
    • frankw
      Deebo wants out of SF, and our current odds are high

      By frankw · Posted

      This is from 5 months ago. It was one or the other. Trade for one or draft one. We apparently called the Jets about Wilson. We also talked to the Seahawks about Metcalf. Drafting our own guy was the best course of action given the required investment. Regardless now is the time for Bryce Young to produce. We are fourth amongst all teams in cap spending on the OL. Back to back first round picks at WR and multiple young TE draft picks now. Very solid and respectable backfield. New pieces across the defense. The time is now.
    • Basbear
      Get ready for ‘SUPER MEN: The inside story of the 2015 Carolina Panthers’

      By Basbear · Posted

      That was just the worst time to have their worst game of the season. One key deal was the broncos guess the Panthers would NOT change any plays or flow to the game. Another key point overlook that bronco defense was truly one of the best in the NFL history. It was the best defense the Panthers faced that year, by far. They were not ready for it, but broncos were ready for the Panthers. Mix in that bad luck, poor refs showcase, and this is the golden boys last game........ Panthers needed to win by 20 and the broncos defense was not going to allow that.  Panthers were the favorites and I believe they also thought that it was going to easier than them destroying NFC playoff teams as they marched to the SB. I've heard darin Gantt say the play calls were to give remmers help, but for some reason the team never did it. During the year they never had that problem, so maybe never practiced giving help via TE/RB, or WR chip. Cam was superman that year, no need for any adjustments...... Until you meet a legendary defense with studs at all levels, Think about it, Peyton was throwing wingless dunks for the whole season, the defense had to carry his corpse to the SB. That's how good they were, not many defense are able to get to the playoffs and win a SB without decent QB play. If you recall the beginning of that defense took Tim Teblows and his non-throwing arse to the playoffs couple years before. That's insane the level of defense needed to overcome.   
×
×
  • Create New...