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!

     

something to feel good about in the offseason..."could be something special brewing in Carolina"

Captain Morgan

By Captain Morgan,
in Carolina Panthers

 Share

Recommended Posts

Captain Morgan Grand Master

Captain Morgan

Posted
Posted

Fox's McKenna says we win the division

enjoy this exerpt

Yes, I have the Panthers in the fourth spot after taking home the NFC South title. Few were paying attention at the end of last year, but Bryce Young put together an eight-game run that completely changed my perspective on him — and coach Dave Canales. There could be something special brewing in Carolina. It won’t take much to win the NFC South. It might simply take an aligned coach and a QB. But on top of that, the Panthers will also have a slew of offseason additions, from WR Tetairoa McMillan to DT Tershawn Wharton to safety Tre’von Moehrig. Carolina is tied for the fifth-easiest strength of schedule, according to last year’s records. Things are lining up.

Interesting that we are in the longest playoff drought ever.  A little odd for a team that has never had back to back winning seasons.  But we are an odd franchise.

More at the link.  Also, has us losing in our first playoff game, but I'll take it.  

  • Pie 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites
tukafan21 Grand Master

tukafan21

Posted
Posted (edited)

Unless a miracle happens and we're legit SB contenders, I want to just miss the playoffs due to some close losses, not win the division to lose in the first round.

We finally have all of our picks again next year, I'd rather be picking 5-7 spots higher in each round, while at the same time, then having a 2nd or 3rd place schedule next year instead of a 1st place one.

I just can't see any scenario where we are true contenders this year, but we should find out if Bryce can be our QB of the future.  If he isn't, then we're not making the playoffs anyways and will have a high pick to replace him.  If he is, it means 2026 is the real opening of our SB window once we add some more defensive pieces, so I'd rather go into that season picking earlier and have an easier schedule.

And yes, I know people will say think like "you need to win to gain confidence and experience, blah blah blah"

But just missing out on the playoffs because you lost couple close games is certainly a way to make a team hungry going into the offseason and keep them motivated to be better.

I've said it before and still think it holds true, we need to look at the Lions and hope to repeat their path.

Our last few years were their early 2020s when they sucked.  This year can be our version of their 2022 when they missed the playoffs in week 17.  Then our 2026 can be their 2023 when they made a run to the NFC Championship game (and really should have won it).  Which then puts us in line to be one of the best teams in the league going into 2027, as they were last year.

Edited by tukafan21
  • Poo 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • Popular Post
PadresPanthersFan Rising Star

PadresPanthersFan

Posted
  • Popular Post
Posted
34 minutes ago, tukafan21 said:

Unless a miracle happens and we're legit SB contenders, I want to just miss the playoffs due to some close losses, not win the division to lose in the first round.

We finally have all of our picks again next year, I'd rather be picking 5-7 spots higher in each round, while at the same time, then having a 2nd or 3rd place schedule next year instead of a 1st place one.

I just can't see any scenario where we are true contenders this year, but we should find out if Bryce can be our QB of the future.  If he isn't, then we're not making the playoffs anyways and will have a high pick to replace him.  If he is, it means 2026 is the real opening of our SB window once we add some more defensive pieces, so I'd rather go into that season picking earlier and have an easier schedule.

And yes, I know people will say think like "you need to win to gain confidence and experience, blah blah blah"

But just missing out on the playoffs because you lost couple close games is certainly a way to make a team hungry going into the offseason and keep them motivated to be better.

I've said it before and still think it holds true, we need to look at the Lions and hope to repeat their path.

Our last few years were their early 2020s when they sucked.  This year can be our version of their 2022 when they missed the playoffs in week 17.  Then our 2026 can be their 2023 when they made a run to the NFC Championship game (and really should have won it).  Which then puts us in line to be one of the best teams in the league going into 2027, as they were last year.

We had our close losses last year to playoff teams. Ill take winning any day. Fug a couple draft spots. Gimme a couple more wins and a playoff berth all day

  • Pie 11
  • Beer 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites
jfra78 Grand Master

jfra78

Posted
Posted
41 minutes ago, tukafan21 said:

Unless a miracle happens and we're legit SB contenders, I want to just miss the playoffs due to some close losses, not win the division to lose in the first round.

We finally have all of our picks again next year, I'd rather be picking 5-7 spots higher in each round, while at the same time, then having a 2nd or 3rd place schedule next year instead of a 1st place one.

I just can't see any scenario where we are true contenders this year, but we should find out if Bryce can be our QB of the future.  If he isn't, then we're not making the playoffs anyways and will have a high pick to replace him.  If he is, it means 2026 is the real opening of our SB window once we add some more defensive pieces, so I'd rather go into that season picking earlier and have an easier schedule.

And yes, I know people will say think like "you need to win to gain confidence and experience, blah blah blah"

But just missing out on the playoffs because you lost couple close games is certainly a way to make a team hungry going into the offseason and keep them motivated to be better.

I've said it before and still think it holds true, we need to look at the Lions and hope to repeat their path.

Our last few years were their early 2020s when they sucked.  This year can be our version of their 2022 when they missed the playoffs in week 17.  Then our 2026 can be their 2023 when they made a run to the NFC Championship game (and really should have won it).  Which then puts us in line to be one of the best teams in the league going into 2027, as they were last year.

Naw, I'd rather go to the playoffs than save 5-7 draft spots.  

  • Pie 5
  • Beer 2
  • Flames 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites
tukafan21 Grand Master

tukafan21

Posted
Posted
12 minutes ago, PadresPanthersFan said:

We had our close losses last year to playoff teams. Ill take winning any day. Fug a couple draft spots. Gimme a couple more wins and a playoff berth all day

 

6 minutes ago, jfra78 said:

Naw, I'd rather go to the playoffs than save 5-7 draft spots.  

It's not only about the draft spots, the scheduling is a huge factor.

We already have a tough 2026 schedule by playing the North divisions, that's possibly 7 playoff contenders there and a few true SB contenders between the Lions, Packers, Vikings, Bears, Ravens, Bengals, and Steelers (Browns will still suck lol), while also pulling the AFC West for the 17th game.

Let's just say for the sake of argument we are going to be true contenders in 2026 in both scenarios

Would you rather go 9-8 and to make the playoffs as the last WC or worst division winner, lose in the first round and then have to add likely the Eagles/Commanders, 49ers/Rams, and Chiefs/Chargers to an already tough schedule because we have a 1st/2nd round finish this year, while picking 19th in the draft (where the worst playoff team picks)

or

Or lose an extra game to finish 8-9, while ending up in 3rd (obviously need Falcons/Bucs to get a WC spot) and miss the playoffs, but then get to add likely the Cowboys/Giants, Seahawks/Cardinals, Broncos/Raiders to the schedule while picking 13th in the draft (the highest an 8-9 team picked this year).

I can understand why some people would just want to go to the playoffs again, and I can't fault that thinking.  But I'm always a bigger picture person and looking at what is best for the future of the franchise and winning a SB, not my immediate feelings that game/season.  

So I'm taking those 3 SIGNIFICANTLY easier games and the 6 better draft spots.

If we're a true contender in 2026, those 3 games based on divisional finish could very well be the difference of a 1 vs whatever seed.  Right now the top teams in the NFC are the teams who play in places you don't want to have road playoff games at... GB, Detroit, Philly are some of the toughest stadiums to play in, especially if cold weather games for the outdoors ones.  Give me the few extra easier games to hopefully make the difference in getting home field advantage.

Making the playoffs to just lose in the first round isn't worth the first scenario to me when the alternative is losing maybe one or two more games while looking better while doing so.  I can stomach those extra losses in a much improved season when it's for the betterment of our future.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jfra78 Grand Master

jfra78

Posted
Posted
30 minutes ago, tukafan21 said:

 

It's not only about the draft spots, the scheduling is a huge factor.

We already have a tough 2026 schedule by playing the North divisions, that's possibly 7 playoff contenders there and a few true SB contenders between the Lions, Packers, Vikings, Bears, Ravens, Bengals, and Steelers (Browns will still suck lol), while also pulling the AFC West for the 17th game.

Let's just say for the sake of argument we are going to be true contenders in 2026 in both scenarios

Would you rather go 9-8 and to make the playoffs as the last WC or worst division winner, lose in the first round and then have to add likely the Eagles/Commanders, 49ers/Rams, and Chiefs/Chargers to an already tough schedule because we have a 1st/2nd round finish this year, while picking 19th in the draft (where the worst playoff team picks)

or

Or lose an extra game to finish 8-9, while ending up in 3rd (obviously need Falcons/Bucs to get a WC spot) and miss the playoffs, but then get to add likely the Cowboys/Giants, Seahawks/Cardinals, Broncos/Raiders to the schedule while picking 13th in the draft (the highest an 8-9 team picked this year).

I can understand why some people would just want to go to the playoffs again, and I can't fault that thinking.  But I'm always a bigger picture person and looking at what is best for the future of the franchise and winning a SB, not my immediate feelings that game/season.  

So I'm taking those 3 SIGNIFICANTLY easier games and the 6 better draft spots.

If we're a true contender in 2026, those 3 games based on divisional finish could very well be the difference of a 1 vs whatever seed.  Right now the top teams in the NFC are the teams who play in places you don't want to have road playoff games at... GB, Detroit, Philly are some of the toughest stadiums to play in, especially if cold weather games for the outdoors ones.  Give me the few extra easier games to hopefully make the difference in getting home field advantage.

Making the playoffs to just lose in the first round isn't worth the first scenario to me when the alternative is losing maybe one or two more games while looking better while doing so.  I can stomach those extra losses in a much improved season when it's for the betterment of our future.

 

Whatever, give me the playoffs every tine

  • Pie 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • PMH4OWPW7JD2TDGWZKTOYL2T3E.jpg

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • LinvilleGorge
      something to feel good about in the offseason..."could be something special brewing in Carolina"

      By LinvilleGorge · Posted

      I've been hearing all about this "winning culture" for years while watching us piss away top shelf draft position with meaningless late season wins when we're already eliminated from the playoffs but being assured this is building "winning culture" just to inevitably suck again next year. With that said, I'll always take a playoff berth. Just make the dance and you have a chance to make some noise. But spare me the "winning culture" bullshit.
    • Gapanthersfan
      something to feel good about in the offseason..."could be something special brewing in Carolina"

      By Gapanthersfan · Posted

      Winning culture trumps ALL.    Here’s my way to long take:  Last season this team started out breaking the sports books and being the lead pipe lock of the week. They finished by being a tough out for both SB teams.  I don’t think they’ll pick up right where they left off, but for the first time in years they’re on the legitimate upswing. Honest to God NFL talent has been infused.  Offense is already going to be good for 2-3 more 3rd down conversions (I don’t think anyone will argue that) a game over last year so I’ll go (very optimistically) 5-6 more points better than last year’s team. ADDED: A legit backup RB and a money WR who catches everything, along with 2 promising rooks. No significant losses (sorry Miles). KEYS: Can Dave bob and weave play calling if things aren’t working? Does protection continue to hold for Bryce. Did this team pick up dudes who know how to find the end zone or will the struggle of 3rd and goal continue.  Defense. If they can force even 2 (hopefully 3) more stops a game on third down (not asking a lot, hopefully more), that’s good for -4 (optimistic) points for opposing teams.  ADDED: legit run stuffers. Legit (appearing) edge guys. LOST: Clowney. Question: With legit 3-4 talent can Evero finally show what we have been VERY patiently waiting on? To me, EVERYTHING on defense hinges on Evero. Everything. Every position group was upgraded (still not good enough, but certainly improved).  Losing Brown early and Luvu… completely and utterly devastated the run defense. Luvu put up one of the best seasons at LB this team has ever seen. His under appreciation by some fans was criminal. He alone was our 3 down stop machine. Brown was pretty much it up front. Those 2 held RBs in check long enough for safety help to arrive.  Coaching: Halftime adjustments and no prevent defense. In a nutshell, that’s pretty much it. No cutesy offense to show off WRs/Bryce when it’s not working. Use your sledgehammers, Dave.  There is finally veteran leadership and legit NFL talent. It’s going in the right direction (I couldn’t have been more wrong last offseason) to build a winning culture, but teams have to learn how to win, especially the games where nothing is going right (this team has NEVER been able to do that). They will still lose more close games than they win, and that alone is where it all hinges.     
    • OldhamA
      Well, the Niners just doomed themselves to mediocrity

      By OldhamA · Posted

      With his current level of play I'm quite content to not activate his 5th year option and let him walk away for free after year 4. 
×
×
  • Create New...