Q&a: Ron Rivera Feels Good About Carolina Panthers Direction

[CatMan72]

From the Charlotte Observer:

Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera is wearing khaki shorts with a blue Panthers sweater Friday when he greets a visitor with a handshake.

Rivera is upbeat. Unlike a year ago, when there were no players at Bank of America Stadium because of the lockout, the facility has been a beehive this year, with the Panthers getting nearly 100 percent participation at their optional workouts.

That makes Rivera happy.

So, too, does the work ethic of quarterback Cam Newton, last season’s Rookie of the Year, and the return of several defensive starters from surgery.

But Rivera doesn’t want to get too excited. As the team prepares to begin the practice portion of OTAs (organized team activities) this week, Rivera talks about keeping the carrot in front a couple of key offensive players, and in front of the team as a whole.

Read more here: http://www.charlotte...l#storylink=cpy

Love this quote:

There’s some people that want to say, oh, we’re the favorites (in the NFC South). I don’t give a crap what people say. We’re not the favorites. If we want to become the favorites, if we want to win it, then we’ve got to take the next step.

[Achilles]

I think it took Rivera and this staff a little too long to move LaFell into the starting spot. However, that's a fan's perspective, not knowing exactly what the coaches were seeing in practice. Obviously, LaFell didn't impress.

Every time I read or listen to an interview with Rivera, what always sticks out to me is his mentality that you can never assume anything, whether that's making the playoffs or Cam blowing up in year 2, or the TE/RT situation, etc. The guy understands how to build character in players and I think his responses are more authentic. It's not just about winning, it's also about doing it the right way.

I like Rivera, I think he's a smart coach and I look for him to show much better mastery of game day coaching, which was his biggest weakness last year.

[Hairless Cat]

Great write up - I think Rivera is going to be a hell of a coach for us - I like his attitude - reminds me of what V Testaverde told De Will he had to do before he had his breakout season. I like how hes not afraid to call guys out - and challenges them - he knows both LaFell and Otah have a chance of being great - but they also have a lazy streak - and he uses his words to try to get the best out of them - in other words hes a coach - not an empty suit figurehead.

[Kurb]

I read the comment section and want to break peoples faces for being stupid.

[CatMan72]

I read the comment section and want to break peoples faces for being stupid.

LOL, I've trained myself not to read the comments section.

[Kurb]

Read the comment section and never wonder why we have such large masses or other teamers in the stadium.

Charlotte has to have one of the large populations of mouthbreather sports fans in the nation.

[Mr Smiley]

If we ever have a dynasty type franchise that will change the whole dynamic of not just the stadium but of charlotte, here's hoping.

[Marguide]

Read the comment section and never wonder why we have such large masses or other teamers in the stadium.

Charlotte has to have one of the large populations of mouthbreather sports fans in the nation.

I especially liked the one calling for Gross to be benched.

It's easy to understand why players stay way from newspapers, fan sites, etc.

[jayflip]

Ugh. CO comment section is an abomination of free speech.

[Ivan The Awesome]

The Panthers did well at the end of the year because Fua and McClain got hurt and the replacements were much better than them. I hope he has the guts to cut those two this year or at least move them to the bottom of the depth chart.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/05/19/3252871/qa-ron-rivera-feels-good-about.html#storylink=cpy#storylink=cpy

I want to take a chainsaw to his nads....

[La Pantera]

Part 2:

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/05/20/3255525/qa-ron-rivera-says-carolina-panthers.html

In the second part of the Observer’s Q&A with Ron Rivera, the Panthers’ coach discusses the upcoming OTAs (organized team activities), how communication lapses hurt the defense last year, the return of linebackers Jon Beason and Thomas Davis from surgery and competition at the No.2 cornerback position.

[Iceberg Slim]

Good read, I like Rivera, very plain spoken

[fieryprophet]

If I was a player, I would not want to have Ron Rivera's foot up my ass. Man don't play.

[X-Clown]

I read the comment section

Well that was mistake number one.