Some Marty Hurney radio links

[KB_fan]

I thought it would be interesting to go back and try to find some of the Inside the Lines archives and listen to Marty Hurney's thoughts on the Panthers in recent years.  

I'll post links as I find any I think are interesting.

If others have links they know of, please feel free to post them.  If possible, please note topics discussed and perhaps timestamps to help people find segments of interest.

[KB_fan]

http://www.espncharlotte.net/podcast/marty-hurney-12-29-16/

From Dec 29, 2016 - just prior to the final Panthers game of 2016 vs. Tampa Bay

- timestamp 2:15  - Marty talks about KK's play in 2016, the likelihood of franchising / re-signing KK, and his importance to the team.  He talks specifically about the importance of inside pass rush.  Sounds like he's learned abit.

timestamp 3:30 - he talks about running back situation, likelihood of drafting a new RB.  "It is important to have a big physical back."  Thinks Stew still has something.  Yes, think about drafting a new back.  Doesn't think CAP is the same style of back as Stew - more of a "complementary" back.  Thinks we should target a big downhill runner in the draft.

timestamp 5:20 - Should Dave be more aggressive in free agency this year?   Number one priority is to keep your own guys.  Turner, Addison, KK, Norwell.  That's where you start.  Find the guys (FAs) who are good fits financially, don't break the bank in the 1st week  Be Patient, trust your evaluation skills.  They've done a good job with that in the past few years.

timestamp 6:50 - Do you think the Panthers might use a high draft pick on running back?  "I still think Stewart has gas left in the tank"  But maybe look for a physical back who can fill in behind Stew.  Focus on needs at LT & DE - thinks those positions might win out, bigger needs.

 

[KB_fan]

December 15, 2016

http://www.espncharlotte.net/podcast/marty-hurney-50/

Prior to MNF versus Redskins

1:50 - would you play Luke?  Hard decision.  Normally if a guy is ready to go, he plays, but dealing with concussions is different.  I made it a policy to listen to the doctors,   Long-term health is important.  It's easy to say things, but I don't know, being on the outside.  Being around Dan Morgan maybe factors into my caution.  Might not want to take the risk, but Luke's gonna want to play.

4:40 - "Did you see a lack of effort from KB on Sunday?"  (vs Chargers)  No, absolutely not.  I think there's a certain amount of frustration.  Things aren't in sync.  This offense is out of sync.

 

6:15 - "Mock draft came out yesterday, in your mind what is biggest need?"

DE - outside pass rusher big need

Secondary looks like it's developing well and has a chance to be better next year.   Tre Boston has made huge strides, has great athleticism.

LBs:  Would be great if they could keep AJ Klein.  He is so valuable.

D-line:  Pass rushers are biggest need

Offense:  LT is the biggest need. 

Need a slot receiver on offense, a guy who can get separation on those underneath routes. 

3 biggest needs:  DE, LT, slot receiver.

 

 

[Saca312]

Hurney learned that inside pass rushers are important. That's a good sign.

This comment really sticks out:

Quote

Should Dave be more aggressive in free agency this year?   Number one priority is to keep your own guys.  Turner, Addison, KK, Norwell.  That's where you start.  Find the guys (FAs) who are good fits financially, don't break the bank in the 1st week  Be Patient, trust your evaluation skills.  They've done a good job with that in the past few years.

Although he hasn't said anything about making sure you're keeping your own guys at a decent price, at least he shows that he doesn't think overspending on the flashiest FAs is the smartest thing.

Quote

Need a slot receiver on offense, a guy who can get separation on those underneath routes. 

Dave Gettleman got like three of those lol.

[therealmjl]

6 minutes ago, KB_fan said:

Secondary looks like it's developing well and has a chance to be better next year.   Tre Boston has made huge strides, has great athleticism.

LBs:  Would be great if they could keep AJ Klein.  He is so valuable.

Both of these players would have been retained under Hurney and given head scratching deals.

These are Hurney type players. Average at best (though Klein could be better than I'm giving him credit for), but would have been given deals that far outweigh their worth.

[KB_fan]

December 27, 2016

THIS ONE IS REALLY GOOD:

http://www.espncharlotte.net/podcast/marty-hurney-53/

Discusses Cam's development;  Offseason needs; Potential Coaching changes.

Given lack of back to back winning seasons, are coaching changes needed?  No, don't overreact.  Address what went wrong, but this staff led them to 3 division titles. 

Changes in offensive philosophy needed. Need to evolve. Hits to Cam a problem. 

Need a better intermediate passing game, get the ball out quickly.  These are things you need to evaluate, but don't let emotion lead to an overreaction.

Evolution of the running game, Cam running less.

They need a slot receiver.  They miss Cotchery, need open receivers in short routes.  Get the ball out quicker.  Realistically the read option is not going to be as big a part any more.  Cam is able to do this, can be accurate in intermediate.  His mechanics have slipped a bit though, needs to be a priority to improve.

Kelvin Benjamin:  what about his lack of separation?  Thinks part of it is still coming off ACL.  Still room for improvement.  Ted Ginn currently best receiver.  Can separate.  Didn't get production from Philly Brown this year.  Last year (2015) Cam was taking what was there, intermediate passing game.  Not enough this year.

Defensive Line:  What about extending KK or Addison?  Addison has certainly increased his value.  Important guy to try to re-sign and bring back.  Pass rush is among top two or three needs along with LT.  Evaluate Kony Ealy.  CJ has played pretty consistently.  Can you get him back cheaply again?

Safety:  Molly says - I know you like Kurt Coleman. Marty replies  "I also really like Tre Boston, he's improved as the season's gone on.  You can't coach the range & athleticism.  He''s one of the bright spots" But maybe look for a veteran safety too.

Possibility of cutting Stew due to Cap Hit?  Have to look at big picture..  He still brings a lot.  Power running game important.  "Whatever we have to do, if we can keep Stew another year .... that's a critical position, ball control type of style.  Look at how his contract fits.  See if it can get done."

Michael Oher situation:  Have to address LT, even if doctors clear Oher.  Critical need.

[beginning around 13:00 the show then goes to a call in format....  if I hear anything else of interest, I'll add it below]

Ron does a good job in coaching his coaches.  Key role of head coach.  But it's easy to immediately cry for change after a season like this.  But sometimes patience pays off.  Dave & Ron will need to evaluate.  Coaching changes may be needed, but that's often a reflex action.  May not be needed.

Strength of Offensive line is inside:  physicality of Trai Turner ("blue" [i.e. premium] player), Norwell & Ryan Kalil.  Keep them intact.

[KB_fan]

14 minutes ago, mjligon said:

Both of these players would have been retained under Hurney and given head scratching deals.

These are Hurney type players.

Yup, I thought that as well... But other than these 2 guys (Boston & Klein), a lot of Hurney's comments on players seem to match the moves we made in the off season.

He mentions the importance of re-signing Addison, KK, Turner (obviously Dave had that nearly finalized).  Praises development of Bradberry.  Talks of need for LT, better pass rush, slot receiver, need for offensive evolution.  So, there's a lot of agreement, which is a good thing,

[KB_fan]

As far as I can tell, Marty wasn't on the radio much from January to April, except a post-SuperBowl commentary.

But here's a segment with Marty's thoughts on drafting CMC:

April 28, 2017

http://www.espncharlotte.net/podcast/marty-hurney-on-christian-mccaffrey/

"This is a guy who fits the Panthers blueprint perfectly.  I think they were holding their breath, hoping he'd be there.  There must have been high fives all around when we got him.

DG does such a good job of being patient and letting it [best player] come to him.

Interesting to hear how the offense evolves.  He can fill the slot.  Fills a big need, big weapon for Cam.

Last year they had problems who could separate, allow Cam to get rid of ball quickly, he fills all those needs..

[KB_fan]

I'm pretty sure that short (< 3 minutes) April broadcast above was the last time Marty was on the radio.

I may go back and look at links from earlier in the 2016 season, or even if there's anything re: 2015 season...

[KB_fan]

June 3, 2016 seems to be the earliest Marty podcast that's online (without resorting to something like the Wayback Machine internet archive or much deeper digging...)

http://www.espncharlotte.net/podcast/marty-hurney/

He discusses Panthers 2016 OTAs.  [link seems to be broken]

***

Next up is July 29, 2016 - recapping Panthers 1st day of training camp

http://www.espncharlotte.net/podcast/best-of-inside-the-lines-072916/

Listened to 1st 10 minutes or so.  Not much of substance... Talking about fan excitement,  Cam's 1st press conference since the Super Bowl... question of his image & leadership.  Marty says "Those who criticize are just wrong.  Nobody gets his impact on this team, his leadership in the locker room.  What this guy brings is swagger, confidence, a refusal to lose, that's contagious.  It goes back to year 1. He hates to lose.  The value of this player to this team is invaluable"

***

August 16th:  http://www.espncharlotte.net/podcast/12906/

Quote

Marty Hurney joins inside the lines to discuss Cam Newton and players speaking out on social issues. We also talk Dak Prescott & other promising backup QB's.

[I didn't listen to this one]

***

August 18th 2016:  http://www.espncharlotte.net/podcast/marty-hurney-4/

Quote

Tune in to hear what former Panthers GM Marty Hurney has to say regarding the Panthers cornerback & offensive line situation as he joins Molly & Brian on "Inside The Lines"

Just prior to preseason game 2.

First game looked sharp.  Position wise, Left Tackle - been working out new guys as backup LT.  Daryl Williams is not that guy.  David Foucault hasn't proved anything.  They're obviously looking for a backup LT, a legitimate need. 

WR:  Liked what he saw from Bersin, Stephen Hill.   Evaluate Byrd as a wide receiver only - he doesn't have much experience in returns..  Gotta think about what happens if Ted Ginn is injured.  Need another speed guy.

Daryl Williams:  road grinder.  Has value at RT and guard. 

DE:  Who's behind Johnson & Ealy?  Addison can pass rush, but who can play the run?  Struggle to set the end.  Who can you put in as sub to rest CJ? 

[In spite of the blurb mentioning cornerbacks, I didn't hear any discussion of them....]

 

[KB_fan]

August 25, 2016

http://www.espncharlotte.net/podcast/marty-hurney-6/

Quote

Marty Hurney joined us in studio to discuss the philosophy of the Carolina Panthers, how important a pass-rush is to a team, and why he hired Panthers coach Ron Rivera!

just prior to week 3 preseason against the Patriots.

Ron as a player's coach compared to Belichick.  Both ways work.  "You want a head coach that gives the direction and has a plan to win games consistently"  "Both of these coaches are doing that."

Good pass coverage starts with the pass rush.  ... a lot of it comes down to the communication skills. ... thinks situation with letting norman go is going to work out.  You can do so many things scheme wise if front 4 are getting good pressure.  Yes the Panthers will miss Norman, but it's a process.  Most important is pressure from front 4 & front 7.  Thinks Shaq can be a help in pass coverage & blitzing.

"What did you see in Ron that led you to hire him as head coach?"  Follow the players that he coached.  I used to make a list of potential head coaches every year even when I knew I didn't need one.  Good communication.  HC ability to connect with players, might be the most important trait.  Unless you can translate your message to the players, keep their interest, keep the connection.... they have to know you care about them as people... Ron had all those traits, plus his excellence as defensive coordinator   He did it with 2 different schemes Bears vs. Chargers.  He made both top defenses.  Ron self-evaluates every day.  He goes to great lengths to gain more knowledge.  This could be the best assistant coaching staff in the league.

Preseason Game 3:  Looking for the mental aspect, need to execute cleanly.  Strength in the team's core, the continuity is a big plus. 
 

 

[jfo89]

I hope he listens to the people that get paid to evaluate players, because Tre Boston was garbage. Flashy athleticism means nothing if you can't take the correct angles, break down and make tackles.

[KB_fan]

August 30, 2016

http://www.espncharlotte.net/podcast/marty-hurney-10/

Right before roster cut downs

Marty Hurney joined the show to discuss the Panther's acquistion of Pro-Bowl Punter Andy Lee, who fills the final roster spots, and what position group will leave the Panthers with the hardest decision to make!

***

VERY INTERESTING to hear Marty talk about the trade for Andy Lee and how much we paid.  If he comes in and does his job and we win games, no one's going to care about the trade or what he cost(!!!!)

Part of being a good GM is finding the right trading partner.  This is win-win for both sides.  What matters is the Panthers have found somebody good to come in, someone they have confidence in.

"I hate this time of year. (roster cuts) The personal side of it and ending the dreams of some of these young guys.who've come in and done everything you asked."

He goes on to talk about ideal roster composition.  25 / 25 /  3

O-line:  9 or 10.  It will probably be 9 because of swing players.

WR / RB:  6 WR , 4 RB

TE: 3,  QB 3:

Defense:  9 / 6 / 9

5 CBs / 4 safeties

Hardest decision is going to be LBs.  Jeremy Cash?  Risk he could be claimed and not clear waivers.

 

[ColumbusCounty]

Perfect Yes-Man...He disagree's with nothing...

Almost as if he was told to watch his comments because one day he'd be back. 

Also, concerning he valued Boston so much. I guess all we can do is play the cards we're dealt though.