I have memories

[Cam's New Arm]

2015 was a long time ago. The world passes each day and all we connect with are memories. Some good, some worse. Enjoy what you have and gloss over the negativity. Each moment is only a possibility for the next. 

That's to say, Bryce is pretty fuging limiting but at least he gives us a chance to win. We have a RB right meow that is goating and a defense that's playing inspired.

Any fuging given sunday, gentle men and gentle ladies.

Until our next drink,

Me.

Signed: no proofreading. 

[jfra78]

Nice, I can't remember poo anymore.  

[SmokinwithWilly]

I remember when I drank a lot. Sort of. 

Last Sunday.

And probably tomorrow 

And next Sunday.

[L-TownCat]

I remember when it was fun to be a Panthers fan, and this board was hilarious and awesome.

[Gapanthersfan]

I’m an optimist by nature, and try to find a good time in anything, well, almost anything.

For most of the Tepper era, this team has been completely unwatchable. It was beyond embarrassing. Not just bad, UN-F’IN-WATCHABLE. Complete utter darkness. The get right game for everyone. Only a few players would have even made the rosters on other teams. 

PTSD is real, and we all have it, and yes, to a large degree what we are seeing now is fools gold… ish. Yes, Rico is carrying the offense and yes, without him we lose to Miami, Dallas and GB… but the talent turnaround in just 2 seasons has been incredible. Not just food (I seriously hope they show the team that segment before every game). This is the best o line depth this team has ever had. Our RB looks like AP. We have a blue chip WR who looks the part of a top 10 in the making. The TE room is now upgraded to… average. In one offseason the defense went from the worst ever in the history of the NFL to now stopping the run (sort of, mostly) and playing very solid pass coverage. Our DT ragdolls grown ass men and draws at least 2 holding calls a game. We have a bonafide shut down corner. both are signed long term. Our LBs aren’t as bad as we all thought they would be (yes, still need better).

For this team to be where it currently stands with the utter gross negligence in management from 3 off seasons ago (decline the Burns offer, dump Darnold, trade the world for Bryce, jettison Moore, completely blow 2 crucial picks on XL and Brooks)…. admit it or not, to be where they are right now is a minor miracle. They by all rights SHOULD be getting SMOKED by EVERYONE. 

If nothing else, this proves to me that people who actually understand the NFL are now calling the personnel shots (with Tepp’s blessing of course). This team now has a true franchise LT, finally (yes, I know it’s before Dan took the reins). Rico is setting franchise records. Game wrecker WR in the making, who is looking like the best round 1 pick this team has had since Cam (and Cam was the ultimate layup). 2025 is looking like the best draft since, when? Legit o line depth. Best special teams we’ve had in a very long time. Clutch kicker (for now). Major defensive turnaround in just 1 season. 

There is identity. There are vet leaders. There is bonafide talent. There are some dawgs and the trajectory is very positive. I NEVER thought I’d ever see that again, much less in just a couple off seasons. 2003 doesn’t happen without the foundation that was being built in 2001 and 2002. I have no doubt that they will take another step forward next season, despite what the ptsd tries to tell me. Games are now entertaining, at least to me.

I watch each game knowing there is a good chance they will lose the game because of Bryce, but that’s just what it is. If I watched with the sole intention of validating my pre-conceived bias, I would be affirmed,  but I would also miss what is otherwise a lot of good football coming from everyone else. 

The future IS promising. Football people are obviously running the show. Dan and co know what NFL football players look like, they all know Bryce ain’t it, and never will be. I think they’ll ride it out this season with him, while taking their time in evaluating his replacement, and putting trade feelers out across the league. They probably already have been. The concern I once had about them signing BY long term has been partially quelled when thinking about where the team was and where it should be had recruitment not changed drastically. It may be giving undue credit, but for where this team now stands, they’ve earned it.