Info from the mini-conference

[SBiii]

28 minutes ago, trueblade said:

I think the Panthers would be well served by new leadership, but it's not my call. I'll just wait to see what Mr. Tepper decides.

We know it's not your call....

....but, you can get on the record with a prediction....

....and it won't cost you a penny!

What say ye?

 

[Zeek]

17 hours ago, Mr. Scot said:

One other thought...

"Don't quote me"?

How is it you arrange what's essentially a press gathering and then tell everybody they can't quote you? 

They can paraphrase! It likely means he didn’t pre-write any answers so he didn’t want exact quotes.

[1of10Charnatives]

17 hours ago, Mr. Scot said:

One other thought...

"Don't quote me"?

How is it you arrange what's essentially a press gathering and then tell everybody they can't quote you? 

Happens all the time in more serious arenas covered by journalism like government. Reporters are gathered together and given background info that helps them do their jobs and gives their reporting context but their may be specific reasons why those giving the information want little of what they’re saying to be quoted. Maybe a bit more unusual in sports where owners are concerned I’m guessing, but probably happens more often with GM’s than you might think.

[MHS831]

You guys are correct to assume that Tepper's mental process related to business and success is significant.  Your brain stays with what works.  So to understand the situation, what specifically has worked for Tepper?

Tepper researched distressed companies and often bought stock when panicked sellers were abandoning ship.  These were literally called "bets" in the market.  Research that suggested the company could rebound, be merged, or profit from a potential government bail out (he made $7b that way) influenced his purchasing of junk bonds or plunging stocks, in many cases.  While others were breaking even or making single-digit profits, Tepper was earning 57% by making calculated risks that run contrary to what the majority is doing.  In other words, you don't rise above the rest by doing what the rest do--that is why "mediocrity" is such a despicable word to him.  

This is not day trading, and it is not riding a long-term investment.  He analyzes the climate, the variables, and places his bets.  That is what he is doing with RR, MH, and CN.

Are there signs in Ron Riveraland that suggests the Panthers are going to turn it around and achieve the success rate he desires? Ron has been up and down and he is often outcoached.   In that regard, he is somewhat connected to Cam Newton; Ron's success is tied directly to Cam's success. Since Tepper has been here, the only way the team has won consistently is when Cam was healthy.   Without a healthy Cam (a variable), how good is Ron?  1-7 at the end of last year, 5-5 this year.  In the last 18 games, in other words, Ron is 6-12.  Unless he wins four, maybe five games on the schedule down the stretch, there is little to convince a hedge fund manager to bet on Ron Rivera for another year.

There was another subtle indicator of Tepper's influence in relation to Marty Hurney.  He basically told reporters, "The jury is still out" on Cam.  When Tepper does his research, does Cam have the upside (at his age and physical condition) to rise above mediocrity?  And the comment suggests that Tepper, not Hurney, will be making the decision.  Is that a tell?  Here is the rub:  Cam is the second coming and Rivera did not win a ring in 9 years while "taking his Maserati four wheeling."  If so, Rivera is out and Cam is a maybe.  Marty is possibly out, considering the fact that Tepper is making comments about players using first person language.

So I predict that Tepper will fire RR and place a bet on a rising young talent.  I also think he has indirectly demonstrated a lack of confidence in Hurney--speculative at best.   And Cam?  I think he shops Cam in the off season and cuts him if needed.

Tepper was willing to take a 25% hit before earning $7b in the 2000's investing in Enron, Washington Mutual, and other banks that went under during the crisis in 2008 or so.  Tepper will invest in the future, even if taking a short-term hit is a result. 

Just a guess--like everyone else--but the man has had tremendous success thinking this way---why change?

[Mr. Scot]

Our buddies at The Roaring Riot have their own writeup (good to know they were at the meeting) and it's probably the most complete one I've seen. You should check it out (The Riot Report)

One item I found of particular interest...

Quote

Tepper shied away from speaking in specifics about specific jobs, but the billionaire made it clear that he would not be content with long-term mediocrity. The team that he purchased ahead of the 2018 season was in shambles from a business perspective – there was no Team President and changes were needed across the corporate structure – but on the football side, they were also a team that had never had consecutive winning seasons and their record in 20+ seasons hovered right around .500. The current regular season record sits at 195-198-1. That’s the opposite of what Tepper wants – and he’s willing to take a period of losing to create a culture of excellence; while he’ll pace himself, he’s not going to wait forever – but he wants to make the correct decision for long-term success. But the current Panthers team has had some unusual circumstances – the franchise quarterback has been hurt for most of the past two seasons – so that’s got to be weighed.

Can't help thinking that means a rebuild is a genuine possibility.

[thefuzz]

20 hours ago, Mr. Scot said:

Our buddies at The Roaring Riot have their own writeup (good to know they were at the meeting) and it's probably the most complete one I've seen. You should check it out (The Riot Report)

One item I found of particular interest...

Can't help thinking that means a rebuild is a genuine possibility.

Foregone conclusion, IMO.

It's why the under 26 or whatever thread was so scary to me.

We have no real defensive linemen or offensive linemen to build around....maybe Moton....and I don't really consider Burns a D Linemen.

[Mr. Scot]

Just now, thefuzz said:

Foregone conclusion, IMO.

It's why the under 26 or whatever thread was so scary to me.

We have no real defensive linemen or offensive linemen to build around....maybe Moton....and I don't really consider Burns a D Linemen.

Brings up a good point.

We acquired a bunch of defensive players with an eye toward a certain system that we're now not running.

Does a new coach stick with those players and try can make that system work or does he scrap the whole thing and start from scratch?

(my guess would be option two)

[thefuzz]

17 minutes ago, Mr. Scot said:

Brings up a good point.

We acquired a bunch of defensive players with an eye toward a certain system that we're now not running.

Does a new coach stick with those players and try can make that system work or does he scrap the whole thing and start from scratch?

(my guess would be option two)

Agreed, which would make Burns a luxury pick if the new coach goes to a 4/3.  Dillard or Bradbury would have been the better pick long term (if they are both actually good)....IMO.

[PootieNunu]

2 hours ago, Mr. Scot said:

Brings up a good point.

We acquired a bunch of defensive players with an eye toward a certain system that we're now not running.

Does a new coach stick with those players and try can make that system work or does he scrap the whole thing and start from scratch?

(my guess would be option two)

The only way a new coach would stick with the same scheme would be if its a another terrible coach. MoRon is still trying to force Square pegs into round holes. The best coaches scheme to their players strengths they don't force them to fit into a crappy system.