Rivera remains upbeat during lockout

[pantherfan81]

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — As Carolina Panthers players organized a week of workouts this week, their new coach was forced to find out secondhand how they went.

"Guys who have been able to go out and see them have been able to tell me some really nice things about our guys," Ron Rivera said Friday. "They say, 'Coach, they're working hard. It's good to see. They have 54 guys out there.'

"That's outstanding."

Rivera would like to add a veteran defensive linemen, linebacker and defensive back. He thinks the offensive line will be OK — as long as right tackle Jeff Otah comes back from his knee injury. He's happy with the running backs and tight ends.

But there are big questions at quarterback. Rivera said Matt Moore, who began last season as the starter, could possibly be re-signed. Rivera wants to sign a veteran to work with Newton and Jimmy Clausen.

And Rivera acknowledged they must "resolve the wide receiver position."

That means figuring out what to do with four-time Pro Bowl pick Steve Smith, whom Rivera acknowledged has expressed misgivings about returning. But Rivera said trading or releasing him is "not a foregone conclusion."

"One thing I did tell Steve is that we'll make a decision that we feel is best for the team," Rivera said. "and at the same time keeping him in serious consideration for what he would like."

Read more

Fug this lockout!

[armistice]

Let Moore go imo, and spend the money on an actual veteran FA. If the Panthers trade Smithy that'd be a silly move, unless we got something really good back.

[neverlosethefeeling]

There's not doubt that for me, Rivera has been a breath of fresh air.

[The Saltman]

Ron Rivera gives me a hard on.

But who doesn't?

[davos]

Wow. He actually answered a question directly about player movement? Damn I'm happy to have a new coach.

I really see Malcolm Floyd & Coefield as our 2 big signings once this mother flippin' lockout ends

If Moore is gone, I'm thinking we push for either Hasselback, Pennington, or Volek (who I don't really care for anymore)

[Mother Grabber]

Ron Rivera gives me a hard on.

But who doesn't?

Al Davis?

[TheRealDeal]

Why is Cam wearing receiver gloves in your avatar OP?

Moore going to be throwing passes to Cam next year instead of Smitty?

[weymouthst]

Those hands are worth millions of dollars. I'd say gloves are acceptable during a workout.

[pantherfan81]

Why is Cam wearing receiver gloves in your avatar OP?

Moore going to be throwing passes to Cam next year instead of Smitty?

Come on TRD didn't you know? Those ARE his hands! They aren't gloves he's fugging bionic.

[panthers55]

What I like is that he will make the best decision for the team with consideration for Smith but ultimately it is about the team. That can mean that they may not trade him if they can't pick up someone of equal worth, they won't trade him if the other receivers on the team don't continue to progress, or that they are willing to trade him but it may not be to the team he desires who presumably would not be willing to give up much for him. Versus a less desirable team who is more willing to give us good value.

Personally I hope they tell him they are going to build the offense around him and for him to man up and be a team guy. If you want to be a leader then be one. Otherwise they will trade him but to the team that makes the most sense for the Panthers, not Smith.

[jtm]

Oh my goodness, we didn't hear "the whole coaching staff will sit down when the moments right and evaluate the tape then make a decision." "We will go with the players that give us the best chance to win." Man I don't miss Fox!!!!

[rayzor]

i wonder what he's got in mind at LB. i know he's probably looking at OLB, but ILM he could be looking for someone with experience in a 3-4. i know beason could probably figure it out, same with connor, but those two would still be newbs. in fact all of them would be in a 3-4. even though we will still be running a 4-3 base, i expect we'll be seeing a lot of 3-4 plus a good few other looks.

plus, no guarantee that we'll be keeping james anderson and thomas davis. we should keep them, imo, but we need to be stronger on depth and be prepared for another setback with TD.

[jtnc]

i wonder what he's got in mind at LB. i know he's probably looking at OLB, but ILM he could be looking for someone with experience in a 3-4. i know beason could probably figure it out, same with connor, but those two would still be newbs. in fact all of them would be in a 3-4. even though we will still be running a 4-3 base, i expect we'll be seeing a lot of 3-4 plus a good few other looks.

plus, no guarantee that we'll be keeping james anderson and thomas davis. we should keep them, imo, but we need to be stronger on depth and be prepared for another setback with TD.

That's probably why Rivera drafted Lawrence Wilson.........meh.

[rayzor]

there isn't really much in the way of FAs from the chargers right now as far as OLBs go, but there are a couple good ILBs in kevin burnett and stephen cooper.

i actually don't know if there is anyone significantly better at OLB in FA than TD and anderson. maybe rocky mcintosh at WLB and pisa tinamosa for SLB. not sure about either of those guys in a 4-3, though. rocky didn't exactly handle the transition to 3-4 well. maybe manny lawson and antwan barnes?