Panther Paw Prints - Vikings Win Edition
by Jaxon on Dec 22, 2009 9:38 AM EST
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PrintThe Panthers Sunday Night Football victory over the Vikings left a lot of Panther fans feeling more optimistic about the team for 2010. I think John Fox certainly helped his cause for being a part of it, or at least Scott Fowler thinks so:
Scott Says ...: 5 things I liked in Panthers' win over Vikings
4) John Fox and the coaching staff. Talk about trying hard to keep your jobs -- a superb game plan yielded a great result. I was all set in this space to rip Fox for not going for the 52-yard field goal at the end of the first half, but given the fact Carolina beat an 11-2 team by 19 points, I don't have the heart.
Speaking of heart it was nice to see Peppers playing with some serious heart:
Tony Romo carries Cowboys; Panthers stun Vikings; more - Peter King - SI.com
Peppers' dominance got Bryant McKinnie yanked from the game. (When's the last time you saw a top-10 left tackle get pulled for performance, not being hurt? Ever? I don't recall it.) It forced Brad Childress to put pedestrian Artis Hicks at left tackle, and to keep a back in to chip on Peppers when the game got desperate and the Vikings fell behind in the second half.
Still no word if McKinnie truly got benched or if he suffered some type of injury. Maybe something similar to getting run over by a truck!
For all the attention placed on Steve Smith's comedic interview with Andrea Kramer on the sideline, he had some truly profound words to say later:
It's like old times again for Smith - CharlotteObserver.com
"The bottom line is we play this game but it's also our job," says Smith. "There are a lot of men in there (the locker room) and there are a lot of young men in there and this is their lifelong dream. This game means more to them than you can explain with words."
This guy wears his heart on his sleeve every week and it rubs off on the other players:
Panthers show their pride - CharlotteObserver.com
"As a man, as a team, the most important thing is pride," said center Ryan Kalil. "We have this job, we get paid a lot of money to do what we do. So that's what I really like about this team. "We've got guys who take a lot of pride in what they're doing. Now we have to concentrate on finishing."
Yes Ryan, lets finish it!
Why was this such a big deal?
Minnesota Vikings vs. Carolina Panthers - Recap - December 20, 2009 - ESPN
"Brad wanted to go in a different direction. And I wanted to stay in the game," Favre said. "It's not 70-6, but we were up 7-6. I said I'm staying in the game. I'm playing."
So they argued, why is that international news. HCs and QBs argue when they are getting killed.
DE Jared Allen, who so many Panthers fans point to as one DE better than their own Peppers, is in awe of the Pep:
Favre, Childress argue, Panthers beat Vikings 26-7 - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
"We were playing great defense until the fourth quarter," said Vikings defensive end Jared Allen(notes), outplayed by Carolina counterpart Peppers. "We’ve got to dig down, we’ve got to find that fight within us to win games. You’ve got to battle for it."
I case you missed it here is Smitty Kramer interview:
Steve Smith: "I had to establish the rules and regulations of the game" - Shutdown Corner - NFL Blog - Yahoo! Sports
"You know, uh... You know, #22 [Vikings cornerback Benny Sapp(notes)] had something to say to me on the field. So, little youngster (note: Sapp is 28) ... (he was) just telling me who he is, so I had to establish the rules and regulations of the game." When asked what the "rules of the game" were, Smith was succinct: "89." Dramatic pause. "Bottom line. That's why he going home."
Still cracks me up. So does this description of the Vikings:
The Minnesota Vikings Are Soft As Ballerinas | Bleacher Report
They harried the Vikings pass blockers so much that left tackle Bryant McKinnie had to be benched. His replacement, Artis Hicks, apparently didn’t want his tutu to get smudged, either. Julius Peppers, playing in front of a national audience on a one-year contract, had Brett Favre on speed dial the entire evening. Peppers played like a ferocious, well,...panther.
We haven't used the cliche in a while.
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Danny Crossman....
anyone??? We could blame the players as well, but he has had different players during his 7 year tenure as special teams coach.
I tried being reasonable, I didn't like it.
And he's been successful on more than one occasion.
In two of the last four years, we’ve had a top 10 ST unit.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 22, 2009 10:25 AM EST up reply actions
Attributable to...
Rhys Lloyd and Mark Jones in 2008 the other year was???? Case could be made for players or the coaches….it’s like the chicken and the egg debate.
I tried being reasonable, I didn't like it.
Last I checked...
Jones wasn’t the only player on the field when he was fielding punts. And it’s not like he had been a stud returner before he got here. He easily had his best season under Crossman.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 22, 2009 11:48 AM EST up reply actions
What years are you referring too?
Top 10 at what?
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
2006 and 2008.
Top 10 in the well-respected rankings put out by the Dallas Morning News.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 22, 2009 1:27 PM EST up reply actions
Wrong
Rick Gosselin ranked us our ST #12 last year.
and talk about not liking somebody’s metrics! Gosselin uses 22 categories, giving equal points of 1-32 for each — this means if a team has a 100% extra point conversion ratio, they get 1 point, the same as another team who allows the fewest punt return yards. Anybody think that makes sense?
nice
the whole idea of a top 10 special teams unit makes no sense at all, and i appreciate you smelling the stink in that garbage. you can have a top 10 return team, coverage team, kicking team, etc, but to rank special teams in general is ridiculous. i mean, if you return a half dozen kicks for TDs, but the opposition has an average starting field position of the 38 yard line, how do you rank that?
“well-respected rankings put out by the dallas news….respected by who exactly? and for what?
by usana_gaines on Dec 22, 2009 4:47 PM EST up reply actions
Personnel managers and media members, as a tool to evaluate the ability of NFL special teams units.
47,000 Google hits for ‘Dallas Morning News special teams rankings “well-respected”’
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 22, 2009 8:52 PM EST up reply actions
47,000 Googler hits = well-respected??
So how many Google hits has Paris Hilton had? Is she well-respected?
How many personnel managers do you know personally, by the way, and how many media members have you spoken to personally, to be able to claim that crap?
The crap you’re spouting on here gets weaker by the post — give it up. That big L on your forehead is starting to shine.
And if you're gonna quote them as saying we're Top Ten...
…prove it.
I was one of those 47,000 who Googled them, and I assure you I’m not respecting anything about them. Especially when they ranked us 12 in 2008.
Where do we rank in each individual category
I’m more interested in that than our overall ranking.
The early bird catches the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
by Flowing Willow on Dec 23, 2009 11:09 AM EST up reply actions
Also...
the Panthers have the longest streak without running one back.
I tried being reasonable, I didn't like it.
I really want Steve Smith to get on this blog, and have a weekly column.
he could call it “The Rules and Regulations” and it could just be his thoughts on upcoming and past games, or current NFL and team news.
When he doesn’t have anything to contribute… he could just write… “89”
Get on it Chris… get Smitty on the blog.
by Tater596 on Dec 22, 2009 10:21 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
1+
How wonder blogs have players that actually post? I know that Chris Harris has posted the last couple weeks. I think that is freakin awesome!
by The Duke Dude on Dec 22, 2009 2:02 PM EST up reply actions
AWESOME!
The early bird catches the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
by Flowing Willow on Dec 23, 2009 11:04 AM EST up reply actions
"HCs and QBs argue when they are getting killed."
A 7-6 lead in the fourth quarter is “getting killed?”
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 22, 2009 10:26 AM EST reply actions
I meant in terms of 'physical abuse'.
Favre was taking some hits…which is the same intent of Childress’s issue with Favre when he discussed removing him from the game. Come on MP, you knew what I meant.
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
Attitude is a big problem, and I don't know how much the coach can change that
We have failed on so many levels this year at special teams, I don’t know if it is a coaching problem at this point. I think the perception of it needs to be reset by a new season.
We had some miscues early on in the season. This can mess with people mentally. It is to the point that everytime we are going to receive a kick I am not thinking about the return… I am thinking about the return man just completing the catch. You think that hasn’t trickled down to the players? I think it has. I think every person they stick at KR or PR has so much pressure on them not to screw up, that they inevitably overthink it, and do just that.
I think we could have Joshua Cribbs at this point, but it would even affect his ability to just go out there and return kicks. The attitude on special teams needs to be fixed by a new season.
"I think we could have Joshua Cribbs at this point, but it would even affect his ability to just go out there and return kicks."
Fact.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 22, 2009 10:58 AM EST up reply actions
1+
True. And that’s everyone’s fault – management, coaches, and players.
by The Duke Dude on Dec 22, 2009 11:02 AM EST up reply actions
Other
40% management
30% Special teams coach
30% Players
posted from a yellow submarine.
by Figgi4life on Dec 22, 2009 1:11 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I'll be the first to say that special teams analysis isn't my forte...
But what’s so difficult about running down the field as fast as you can and tackle a guy?
I’m talking purely the kickoff cover players in the above sentence. Yes, I know there are blocking assignments and other considerations, but I find it hard to imagine it’s Crossman alone when he’s been with the team so long and we’ve been at least decent, but this year we fall off the face of the earth?
I think the burden is on the players, followed by management. We have mediocre guys who can get the job done, but haven’t been. That burden is on the players, the fact we have mediocre ST talent to begin with… that burden in on management.
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
Hard for management to improve the ST depth...
When they’re forced to use inexperienced, minimum-salary players.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 22, 2009 8:53 PM EST up reply actions
it would be nice
To have a ST coach and a speed guy back there returning… is dexter jackson still on the practice squad?
can't wait till...
by Steve785 on Dec 22, 2009 3:11 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Yes.
He’s awful. And if speed was all you needed, Goodson would have stuck.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 22, 2009 8:53 PM EST up reply actions
well a year in the system...
And maybe they develop. Goodson has a ton of skill he just wouldn’t listen. He wants to make 10 quick cuts and break 22 ankles but its not going to happen in the NFL. Maybe he will figure it out by next season. The kid has a skill set he just needs to be coached. As for jackson I dunno but he was a 2nd rounder 2 seasons ago no? I know he’s fast sooo coaching. We need a good coach on ST bottom line. If we coach 33 up and teach the other 10 how to block we would be in good shape…and I know he was dropping some balls but that will change
can't wait till...
by Steve785 on Dec 23, 2009 12:07 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
He's a former second-rounder that his head coach took less than a year to regret drafting.
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/apr/22/gruden-we-reached-when-picking-wr-jackson/news-breaking/
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 23, 2009 1:42 AM EST up reply actions
Yep
He came from my alma mater, Appalachian State. His numbers there were helped significantly by great QB play from Richie Williams in his first year, and then Armanti Edwards.
He has 4.2 speed and good hands… but the perception I got watching him trying to return kicks for the Bucs was that he was terrified. As in scared to take the big hits.
I know I was shocked. I had forgotten about the name Richie Williams. Thanks for reminding me of him. I wonder where he is now.
by bengoodfella on Dec 23, 2009 9:34 AM EST up reply actions
He apparently played in the CFL for three years.
He was even a player of the week in ‘08. But he got cut this past summer and hasn’t resurfaced.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 12:49 AM EST up reply actions
you think he has no chance?
Sounds like maybe he needs to get used to the game imo. I mean since we picked him up for the ps then I could imagine fox saying something like “he was a guy we knew coming out of college…we are familiar with him and what he can do…we will evaluate further as we go along” something like that yes? So maybe we get the guy coached and maybe he can contribute…how many app st. Guys have been able to make the transition to the nfl? Can’t say I would feel comfy using a pick on edwards
can't wait till...
by Steve785 on Dec 23, 2009 9:51 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
In a word? No.
As awful as Dwayne Jarrett’s career has been, he’s still caught a pass every year of his career.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 12:43 AM EST up reply actions
he only had 1 year
How many dropped passes did he have? How many times was he thrown to? I hope he can mature id love to see that speed go to good use. Is there any way to find out how he’s been doing on the ps?
What have you done for me lately?
He wasn’t thrown at in seven games. I struggle to see how that could be painted as anything but a bad thing. And yeah, there’s a way to find out how he’s doing: not particularly well. We desperately need both a receiver and a returner, but he’s still on it.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 9:42 AM EST up reply actions
that's true
I just can’t imagine him being that bad. I was watching videos of him in preseason with the bucs…he can fly man. I just can’t understand how he can make it this far and he sucks so bad that he can’t return a punt oer work out of the slot. Its a shame.
What have you done for me lately?
Oh man…I forgot about Goodson. I hope this injury doesn’t set him back too much. He was showing TONS of promise.
he wasnt injured bro
He just makes too many cuts and ends up not getting any yards. That’s a maturety (spell check on tthat 1) issue in the league. He has a ton of promise indeed so I’m hoping that he has learned a thing or 2 sitting on the sideline. I expect him to contribute next year
can't wait till...
by Steve785 on Dec 23, 2009 9:43 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I think he did suffer a concussion, which kept him out one game
Since then, I think it’s a combination of his early fumbleitis, and Tyrell Sutton’s emergence as a dependable, yardage gaining 3rd RB.
What injury?
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 24, 2009 12:49 AM EST up reply actions
ST
Our ST play last season was nothing to write home about good or bad. Lloyd was blasting kick offs out of the end zone and Mark Jones had steady numbers and the occasional big return. The team also had a number of blocked punts some returned for TDs.
This year well…..the phrase “failing in every phase of the game” took on a whole new meaning.
Great ST coaching keeps the opposition behind the 20 and your guys at the 30 or beyond. Great players will get the ball down within the 10 and your guys into the end-zone. The Panthers have neither great coaching this season or exceptional players, returns are painfully short for us and laughably long for the other team. As far as having STmers making the minimum that should only be incentive to be impressive every time they take the field, failure to see that is a failure of the coaching staff to imprint it.
Really?
Which teams average an opponents drive start inside the ten yard line?
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 23, 2009 1:43 AM EST up reply actions
I'm sure he isn't speaking literally.
But that should be the goal anytime there is a punting situation around or inside your opposition’s 50. An NFL punter and ST squad should be able to touch that thing down inside the 10 each time.
Without having every single punt result in front of me...
I’d say we’ve done a good job. Baker ranks in the upper end of the league when it comes to I20:TB ratio, as well as his overall I20 percentage, which is obviously a stat heavily reliant on where the punt comes from.
Overheard in press box, from local reporter: 'If this Moore kid was any good, they'd be up 31-0 right now.'
--Darin Gantt, on CAR@NE
by MichaelProcton on Dec 23, 2009 9:58 AM EST up reply actions
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