Ron Rivera doesn't take dictation

[Cat'sGrowl]

Forgive me guys, but I'm friggin ecstatic right now.

I've been watching vids from that '03 year, and I'm so excited at the great memories we're about to make..

Jake to Proehl on 4th and 12..

The blocked Extra point..

The OT win against Indy..(and many others..)

Locking up a playoff birth on a last second FG versus Arizona

The Smitty punt return vs NY (which is still our last punt to go for a TD in the regular season, sadly..)

Whooping Dallas with no penalties..

X-Clown..

Foster's Keep Pounding Run at The Vet..

All the moments of the Super Bowl...

The original Double Trouble..

The list goes on and on and on and I'm DYING to get that back.

It's been SO long..

Yes, Charlotte, there is a Super Bowl, and we're in it!

[pantherclaw]

This is why I wanted him as our head coach.

He'll help make our defense even better, while making our offense back to being balanced....and more aggressive.

[Mr. Scot]

Something else I picked up on listening to the presser: Rivera seems to be a believer in "cross scouting" between units.

Specifically, the defense can point out where the offense is weak, as well as pointing out issues that opposing defenses might have.

Likewise, the offense can help the defense shore up so they're more stout against opposing offensive units.

That might seem somewhat basic, but it's really not. And if you do it right, it's pretty useful.

[bbell21]

The thing I loved about the presser was he said he would work with Hurney and Morrision and the scouts and pro personnel people to help find players that will best fit their philosophy!

[RealisticFan]

Halftime adjustments???

That is what I was thinking too. Well...I am hoping for. I know that there is a game plan coming in, but there has to be a contingency plan in case things are not going the Panthers way.

[davos]

I am a very relieved dude

[top dawg]

One thing you might see in the scouting is more of an emphasis on really smart players.

New England puts a premium on players with "football intelligence". It's a necessity for them to be able to maintain their versatility.

I won't be surprised if that becomes a point of emphasis for us too.

I alluded to this last night in one of the Fairley threads. Rivera might not want to pick up a player that consistently makes boneheaded decisions on the field. Being aggressive is one thing. Being stupid is another.

Being stupid is developing a rep as a dirty player, and then showcasing it on national television for 27 million homes to see. Not too bright.

[Mr. Scot]

I expect he'd interview Fairley to see whether it was "boneheadedness" or something else.