The New Panther Mentality

[xerxes]

As I've followed this offseason, I've been hearing a lot of the same phrases over and over again.

(all quotes are paraphrased)

Cam Newton (talking at the Underarmor Game):

"Respect this (points to a football) and the rest will come."

Jon Beason(pre-draft interview):

"Honestly I don't care if we draft a kicker, so long as we get somebody who is willing to come in and give everything he's got everyday to help us win."

Luke Kuechly:

"I just love playing football."

Amini Silatolu:

"I play as hard as I can every game and every play."

Go back and look at some of the other guys. The safety from the Ravens, Tolbert, etc. They all just love playing football. Ron Rivera is building a team that is full of high motor, dedicated men, and it all starts with Cam Newton.

Why did they pick Silatolu over Glenn Cordy?

Weakness for Cordy -

He could stand to lose some weight

He's soft, and that has no place on the new Panthers RR is building.

You may not like some of our picks, and I'm sure not all of them will work out, but be happy about the type of men that are coming here. Give RR a few years, and we're going to have a

Go Panthers!

[Guest fug]

yeah, most teams like players that like to play.

[TANTRIC-NINJA]

CORDY also has a bit of trouble with movement and hitting the second level. really did not fit the system...and yes..passion means alot.

-Duke Robinson

- Jarrett

2 examples of guys who didnt care.

[xerxes]

yeah, most teams like players that like to play.

Yes but in the past we've drafted players that lacked the will or desire to be dedicated to the game. We might have some busts with our current picks, but it won't be because the players did give maximum effort.

71 out of 71 players showing up for voluntary workouts isn't an accident. It's a change in mindset.

[Cold Cat]

I'm loving all these "team first guys" as well as all the "high motor" guys that we are getting. Its awesome to see this kinda thing happening with our team. It started last year and there is more to come.

[GRWatcher]

It's what Ron Rivera said his first day here. He also believes they need to be upstanding citizens off the field.

"We're going to be an aggressive, physical football team, whether we're running the football, throwing the football, pass protecting or tackling," Rivera said. "I want it to be a physical, no-nonsense, get-the-job-done identity."

http://www.panthers.com/team/coaches/ron-rivera/848931a2-11cf-4e45-84db-f5745b09e275

[DawgzLife]

The trade & Alexander picks are the only things that have made me upset so far, but what helps a lot is knowing that Rivera is involved, not only Hurney...I am not confident in Hurney.

[Gallagher]

We also seem to be creating a team of players who love to tackle.

[Tarheels23]

I really feel that the Alexander pick will be one of those picks we look back on and say, "wow we got this guy in the 3rd?"

[Mr. Scot]

I'd say our new mentality is defined by the phrase "we'll rip your throat out".

[bleys]

"smash, kill, destroy"

[Mr. Scot]

[xerxes]

Another example of what I'm talking about, from our 5th round pick.

Norman says his knack for turnovers is rooted in a simple love for the game. He has slept with a football in bed each night since he was a kid. If it's in bed with him, it might as well be in his hands on the football field. "It's like my wife," Norman said. "A friend of mine stayed over one time and was like ???You really have a football in there? ???I have never seen anything like that.' And I said, ???Trust me. You don't come before it.'"

[The Special One]

Ron "chico" Rivera kind of no-nonsense attitude.