Is Rivera making his mark on the Big Cat?

[top dawg]

Mr. Richardson seems to be mellowing in his old age. Perhaps he is finally come to the realization that the ultra-conservative route is not necessarily going to lead to championships. I really didn't think hat he'd draft Newton, being that the guy made some very bad decisions in the past. Now, with this guy Brandon Hogan, I am almost at a loss for words (not really). Perhaps the Big Cat has put down that high horse of his, and is now ready to extend some grace, take a few chances, and loosen those purse strings...just a little bit. I am thinking that Ron Rivera has infused some life into this organization, and has given the old man a new perspective---a reality check---maybe just by being here. Richardson really has bought into what Rivera is selling. By no means do I believe that J-Rich is going to let the inmates run the asylum, but he seems to be putting a lot of faith in the new staff's ability---in particular Rivera's---to get the team to where it needs to be, even if it means going to places that the Big Cat wouldn't normally go.

Interesting. I think I like it.

[Cat'sGrowl]

Did everyone miss that awesome article that was posted on here last night?

[Jackofalltrades]

I must have.

[Millions]

JR told Shockey to keep his attitude right? Fox was the conservative guy not Richardson that's why JR loved Smitty and Fox/Smitty had problems (which was reported) the past few seasons.

If anything JR knows Rivera wont take any sh1t.

[NJPanthers12]

i have actually read recently that smith and fox had a great relationship and smith has the upmost respect for him.

[top dawg]

Richardson is conservative in the sense that he was loathe to hire a guy with a "history", and i don't blame him (in light of the Rae fiasco). This thread is not about on the gridiron, this is about off-field issues.

[blackcatgrowl]

I think the abandonment of pure conservativism started with the firing of Fox and the hiring of Rivera. Rivera is what... the second latino coach in NFL history? That's not following the norm at all.

And Rivera seems to understand that to win in this league, you have to be original and dynamic. I'm loving our team's new direction. I'm waiting to see how it translates to the field and the win-loss records.

[Mr. Scot]

JR told Shockey to keep his attitude right? Fox was the conservative guy not Richardson that's why JR loved Smitty and Fox/Smitty had problems (which was reported) the past few seasons.

If anything JR knows Rivera wont take any sh1t.

The fact that they signed Shockey at all was a clue that things were changing.

It's become pretty clear that the unwillingness to look at guys with excess testosterone probably had more to do with John Fox than anyone else.

I don't see us turning into the Bengals though. Rivera's too much of a hardass.

[The_Cannon]

Richardson is conservative in the sense that he was loathe to hire a guy with a "history", and i don't blame him (in light of the Rae fiasco). This thread is not about on the gridiron, this is about off-field issues.

People have to understand why Richardson is like that now. He's always been a family type guy and wanted to bring a competitive team without sacrificing his personal morals. But at the beginning of this franchise we had A LOT of issues with players A LOT with Collins and Carruth being at the top of the list. The Panthers had a reputation for being bad boys and that embarrassed Richardson so you have to understand why hes a little hesitant about taking troubled players.