Panthers Rivera Gives Candid Interview on Team Needs
by Jaxon on Jun 5, 2011 10:38 PM EDT
in Panther News & Notes
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This is going to take a little getting used to, a Head Coach who actually answers a question with more than hyperbole. Panthers new HC Ron Rivera gave a candid interview to the Fayetteville Observor and others while at Ft. Bragg that was published yesterday. For me it was his answer to this question that I found to be surprisingly candid given what we are used to in Carolina:
Q: When this thing is over, obviously, free agency will be open. What are the big things you need to take care of right away?A: "Well, I think there are a couple of positions we most certainly need to make sure there are some good veteran depth there. We’re going to look at some of the defensive positions. We made a couple of moves here in the draft, but we’d still like to see if we can find a veteran defensive line guy who could help us. You look at our linebackers and we’ve got a couple of guys who are coming back after injuries, so we’ve got to see if there’s potentially if there’s a veteran guy we could bring in. The same thing with the defensive back position. Offensively, we feel pretty comfortable with our offensive line and our running back situation. We’ve got to resolve the wide receiver position and see how all that unfolds once this is done. Our quarterback position is what it is right now. We’ve got to talk about where we want to head as far as the veteran back up is concerned.’’
I was most surprised that he mentioned LB in his list of needs. With four good LBs returning in Jon Beason, James Anderson, Dan Conner and Thomas Davis returning it makes you wonder how they would fit in a veteran. I agree there has to be concern that both Davis and Conner are returning from knee injuries. Yet the Panthers appear to have some quality back-ups in place who could hold things down behind an upgraded d-line until these guys shape up. The Panthers return Nic Harris, the former Bear Jason Williams, Jordan Senn, Sean Ware and rookie draft pick Lawrence Williams.
Could this mean there is a good chance Thomas Davis doesn't return? If that were the case I could understand the thought that we need another vet to support the remaining three starters in Beason, Conner and Anderson. With these three to shose from we are back to that unanswered question we had all last season, what to do with Dan Conner? He's strictly a MLB in my view and Beason's ability to play in coverage seemed to minimized at the WLB early last season. Yet I thought the run defense was better with Conner in the middle.
The other positions mentioned by Rivera were not much of a surprise. It's a forgone conclusion CB Richard Marshall is a goner hence the need for a vet CB. Rookie Brandon Hogan might be a long-term solution but not many want to see him out there as a rookie. A lower probability would be to move either of the safeties Charles Godfrey or even Sherrod Martin to CB. Both have played the position before; Martin was actually projected to be a CB after being drafted but got moved during his rookie season.
Even after drafting two DTs the Panthers could certainly still use a vet up front until these guys get their feet wet. That tells me we will have several changes in the depth chart once camp opens (I'm remaining positive on that). We've got a number of young guys who had better impress this new coaching staff soon or they might not last long; guys like Corvey Irvin, Andre Neblett, Nick Hayden and Ed Johnson.
Rivera even acknowledged they have yet to decide on two positions: QB and WR. Obviously the Steve Smith situation remains up in the air. Rivera addressed this question directly:
Q: Are you planning the wide receiver position without Steve Smith?A: "We’re planning, when this all breaks, to sit down and visit and come to a decision. One thing I did tell Steve is we’ll make a decision we feel is best for the team, and at the same time keeping in serious consideration what’s best for him as well. I don’t want to put words in his mouth. It might be in his mind (to leave), it might not. I do know we had a great conversation. He was honest and and forthright. He did kind of leave me at a point where I was wondering exactly where did he want to go with this. But I’ll wait until we can sit down and talk when the time comes.’’
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Ron Rivera: Certified BAMF
Proud Member of Cat Scratch Reader and coiner of the (minus Bowers) meme
by Ivan459 on Jun 5, 2011 10:47 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
In museums, he's allowed to touch the art.
One cries because one is sad. For example: I cry because others are stupid, and it makes me sad.
regardless... Rivera did still manage a single "It is what it is"
This comment section has officially been Tater'd.
In his own words
They’re looking for a veteran backup QB. Unless he goofed, and he doesn’t seem like the type to mess up, that means Cam is starting.
by Scotch on the Prowl on Jun 5, 2011 11:21 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Agreed
I think RR is planning on Cam’s development being quite Flacco/Roethlisbergerish if you will. The D-line, corner and (depending on 89) the WR comments I understand. None of that leaves me perplexed in anyway shape or form. More than anything I hope the lockout gets resolved so that we can see what the plan is at LB. Granted 2 of them are potential FA’s and one of them (Conner) is very limited in his role but when healthy we have 4 stud LB’s and I hate to hear that to be considered a weakness when their only a step away from being one of the best in the league.
But I digress. Time will tell
From how he said it mentioning coming off injury
He may just want another LB in case TD or Connor can’t come back to form.
Well, Clausen isn't exactly a vet, either
He is just a year older, and was rated higher in the 2010 draft than Newton was in 2011. I don’t think that particular comment says anything about who will start. Even Matt Moore only has a few starts in his career and hardly qualifies as a veteran.
by robert ethan on Jun 6, 2011 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions
it wasn't the veteran part that was telling
but rather that RR referred to a veteran backup. The implications being that we have our starter on the roster already. It seems to indicate that the vet will be there to mentor and step in if needed rather than be a placeholder/game manager while our rookies develop.
by Floods on Jun 6, 2011 6:09 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Remember....
Smitty said he wanted to be in competive enviorment. Team that can compete. So maybe he thinks the team can compete right away, and keep smitty. I still think we should hold him 2 his contract. Lol
by bird2jasun on Jun 5, 2011 11:57 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Smitty still has plenty of tred on the tires!
He will be plenty good for awhile. He hasnt fallin off, we just cant him the ball, but with chuds offense, he will emerge again!
by bird2jasun on Jun 6, 2011 12:00 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
"Our quarterback position is what it is right now."
C’mon…I can’t have been the ONLY one who chuckled at this.
by Mr_Sticky on Jun 6, 2011 2:31 AM EDT reply actions 7 recs
i think my brain automatically censored that for me.
after 10 years of Foxisms, I’ve apparently developed a few defense mechanisms.
by Floods on Jun 6, 2011 6:11 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I have to wonder sometimes if he slips in a Foxism here and there on purpose. =)
I mean, it is a pretty commonly used phrase amongst the general population, so it may be inadvertent. But, during one of his earliest interviews on WFNZ, he said something similar to this at the end of the interview: “I’ve been told not to say ’It is what it is,” too much. What’s that about?" LOL.
Anyway, despite the occasional use of the phrase, he still answers questions much more openly than Fox did.
"One play can win a game, but one play cannot lose a game." - Coach Peterson, Boise St.
"When you get into coaching, you strive to be a Super Bowl-winning head coach. That’s what my goal is, to come here and become a Super Bowl-winning head coach and to sustain an atmosphere of winning." - Ron Rivera
I was hoping I wasn’t the only one who caught that
Nothing ventured, nothing gained...sometimes you have to go against the grain.
by Disciple of Carolina on Jun 6, 2011 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Let me try and translate that for you...
“We drafted a QB 1st overall, and there are no great FA options.”
“Oh and also, I once had an awkward moment, just to see how it feels”
stay thirsty my friends
by southtunnel on Jun 6, 2011 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Id love it if we do add any sort of vet presence on this team at all. We are extremely young and it will be nice to have some older experienced guys to show how its done. On and off the field
"I have opinions of my own -- strong opinions -- but I don't always agree with them." - George Bush
"I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant." - Robert McCloskey
Ranking The Panthers Needs
1. Re-sign DE Charles Johnson – Evan Silva expects Johnson to re-sign with the panthers for 4 years, at $45 million, but if he becomes unrestricted, then I expect the Falcons to make a big run at him. If he doesn’t re-sign, then the Panthers have no pass rush. It would leave Hardy and Brayton on one side, with Brown and Norwood on the other.
2. Sign a Free Agent DT – It would be great if they could afford 2, but re-signing Johnson will cost a lot. DT’s Barry Cofield and Brandon Mebane are the best options. NT Sione Fua (pick #97) had the lowest tackle total (23) of all DT’s drafted this year, and DT Terrell McClain (pick #65) had the 2nd lowest tackle total (24).
3. Sign a Free Agent starting CB – The Bengals Johnathan Joseph would be a great addition, but JR won’t pay the likely $12 million a year he will probably get. The Panthers #98 pick Hogan will be useless this season, recovering from his ACL tear, they really should have drafted CB Chimdi Chekwa (#113 to the Raiders) rather than Hogan.
4. Sign or replace both OLB’s – The Panthers really need to re-sign James Anderson if they can, but Thomas Davis can be replaced more cheaply, with someone with a better injury history. A perfect replacement for Davis would be 25 year old WLB/MLB Justin Durant (6-1, 232, 4.51-40), of the Jaguars, as a free agent. Evan Silva points out that Durant was the NFL’s 2nd best run stopping OLB last season (by the stats), and believes he will come cheap (1 year, at $2.75 million), and re-signing Davis will cost at least half a million more than that. Silva describes Durant as “A poor man’s Jon Beason, with even better speed”, and he can provide insurance against losing Beason and Connor as free agents next year, if they sign him long enough.
5. Sign a MLB for 2012 – Both Beason and Connor will be Free Agents next year, and they need to get a backup in place this year, along with re-signing Beason. Connor has missed as many games with injuries in his 3 season as he’s played, and the Panthers should maybe trade him now for whatever they can get (3rd or 4th round pick. I wish the Panthers would sign rookie free agent MLB/SLB Mario Harvey (5-10 7/8, 257, 4.43-40), though he’s more of a 3-4 player.
6. Sign a rookie free agent SS – The Panthers need to sign a rookie free agent SS or 2, just in case Godfrey leaves as a free agent in 2012. I hope they sign both Newberry’s Ron Parker (5-11 3/4, 206, 4.34-40), who the Panthers tried to hide from orher teams, and Keanemana “Mana” Silva (6-0 3/4, 206, 4.41-40, 40 inch vertical) of Hawaii.
OFFENSE:
1. Sign a good veteran WR – The Panthers need a #1, go to WR, but the need wouldn’t be as great if the Panthers had selected Miami WR Leonard Hankerson (6-1 1/2, 209, 10 5/8 inch hands, 4.43-40) at #65 (to the Redskins at #79), rather than DT Terrell McClain. Hankerson is sort of like a young TO, not afraid to go over the middle, or get hit, and has strong powerful hands. I really like WR Kealoha Pilares, though his 88 catches in 2010 are inflated by the Hawaii pass happy offense (their top pass catcher Greg Salas had 119 catches), and he basically a young replacement for Steve Smith. The Panthers will now have to find a free agent answer at WR, but have never been willing to pay the big money for a top WR in the past. The best fit for the Panthers needs, on their limited budget I feel might be Jaguars free agent WR Mike Sims-Walker (6-2, 209, 4.35-40).
2. Sign a veteran Free Agent QB – The Panthers need a veteran QB to help guide the development of Cam Newton, who could start the seaason until Newton is ready to start. Matt Moore might be the best (you don’t want a QB so good he keeps Newton on the bench), and cheapest option, if they re-sign him. However, here’s an off the wall idea, select Terrelle Pryor if he enters the Supplamental Draft. Pryor (6-6, 235, 4.42 to 4.48-40) is like a clone of Cam Newon, with the same skill set, even same accuracy problems (though he completed 65% of his passes in 2010), and has a 31-4 record. By having the same skill set as Newton, the offense wouldn’t have to change if Newton has to come out of the game. I hate it what a backup QB who can’t run at all is forced to replace a good running QB, it disrupts the offense more than anything a defense can do. Spend a 3rd or 4th round pick on Pryor, and you’ve got the perfect backup for Newton, that you can trade in a few years.
3. Find a TE for 2012 – None of the Panthers are signed beyond this year, while Rosario and King are free agents now. Weslye Saunders and Zach Pianalto may be the best undrafted TE’s available, so the Panthers might sign 1 for the Practice Squad, and re-sign Rosario.
4. Sign a rookie free agent RB – It’s almost a sure thing that DeAngelo Williams is gone, so the Panthers need to add 1 or 2 rookie free agent RB’s. If Chud wants a Darren Sproles type RB like he had with the Chargers, the West Virginia’s Noel Devine (5-7, 179, 4.26-40) is the answer, though he has little return experience. Auburn’s RB Mario Fannin (5-10 3/4, 231, 4.38-40) wasn’t as productive as hoped in college, but he’s a great blocker, who could be able to be a backup FB as well. If they just want a good RB, then UTEP’s Donald Buckram (5-9, 195, 4.40-40) rush for 1,544 yards, 21 TD’s, a 6.2 yard average, and 30 catches in 2009, then was injured for much of 2010, though now recovered.
5. Sign a backup C – All they need is a backup or a Practice Squad player. 5 or 6 Centers that were rated in the top 250-300 players in the draft went undrafted (Kris O’Dowd, Zane Taylor, Tim Barnes, Jake Kirkpatrick, Alex Linnenkohl, and Ryan Bartholomew), and any one will do. Kalil may leave as a free agent next year.
Thanks For The Welcome
Thanks Jaxon for your welcome!
I just found this site a few days ago, and was highly impressed with the quality, and civility of the post, so I jumped in. I see you have by far the most post, and I love the ones I’ve read. You have great stats in your post, where do you find them all.
According to what he said, don't expect FA starters to be signed
If a FA starts, it’ll be because a rookie wasn’t up to speed. NOT because they were brought in to fill a starting need.
stay thirsty my friends
Not re-signing Thomas Davis would be dumb in my opinion. If he comes back from his injury well he is a top WLB and our best cover linebacker.
I fully expect them to resign Beason, no point risking him getting to FA.
For WR there is also Sidney Rice and Terrell Owens…. and what limited budget we have the 2nd most cap room.
I think D. Will leaving is a lot less likely to be leaving them some hope and others fear.
Good stuff
Well, now we know we’re looking for a veteran backup… so really that rules out a lot of guys. Forget the pipedream of trading for Carson Palmer, cross Matt Hasselbeck off the list, say bye bye to Donovan McNabb… this really solidifies what the framework will be for Carolina in 2011.
It will be interesting to see who the Panthers will get. Collins has said he’s not interested in being a backup, Marc Bulger has been linked to Arizona… the market is really weak for vet QBs this season
Billy Volek?
Perhaps another Chud QB, Derek Anderson?
Yes I'm a dude.
by Flowing Willow on Jun 6, 2011 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Anybody but Derek Anderson…
As Woody Paige used to say on Around The Horn “Derek Anderson couldn’t play dead.”
One cries because one is sad. For example: I cry because others are stupid, and it makes me sad.
His one respectable year came in Chud's system.
And he has the arm to make all the throws required. His accuracy is crap, so obviously we’re not building around him, but for a guy to hold the seat for Cam I think we could do worse.
Yes I'm a dude.
by Flowing Willow on Jun 6, 2011 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Of course we could do worse...
We could start Jimmy.
(Couldn’t resist.)
One cries because one is sad. For example: I cry because others are stupid, and it makes me sad.
Or Brian St. Pierre.....
Yes I'm a dude.
by Flowing Willow on Jun 6, 2011 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Hey...
The guy did get us what tied for the second longest passing play in Panther history.
He did follow it up with back-to-back interceptions, though. So that kind of nullifies that bomb to Gettis. =)
"One play can win a game, but one play cannot lose a game." - Coach Peterson, Boise St.
"When you get into coaching, you strive to be a Super Bowl-winning head coach. That’s what my goal is, to come here and become a Super Bowl-winning head coach and to sustain an atmosphere of winning." - Ron Rivera
I believe it actually might have been the longest.
88 yards, Jake to Moose was 85 yards.
But yeah when you throw back to back scores to the other team it kind of nullifies that. It was a great route by Gettis too.
Yes I'm a dude.
by Flowing Willow on Jun 6, 2011 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Hmmm...
I was thinking that Kerry Collins had one that was 89 yards. I may have QB/receiver passes screwed up.
"One play can win a game, but one play cannot lose a game." - Coach Peterson, Boise St.
"When you get into coaching, you strive to be a Super Bowl-winning head coach. That’s what my goal is, to come here and become a Super Bowl-winning head coach and to sustain an atmosphere of winning." - Ron Rivera
Collins was way before my time so you might be correct.
Yes I'm a dude.
by Flowing Willow on Jun 6, 2011 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions
You're right Jamie.
Kerry Collins to Willie Green in 1995, for 89 yards.
One cries because one is sad. For example: I cry because others are stupid, and it makes me sad.
Great advice.
One cries because one is sad. For example: I cry because others are stupid, and it makes me sad.
Thanks guys! =)
But I make an idiot out of myself plenty of times.
The thing is, I do that on purpose so everyone else can feel smart every once in awhile. :P Kidding!
"One play can win a game, but one play cannot lose a game." - Coach Peterson, Boise St.
"When you get into coaching, you strive to be a Super Bowl-winning head coach. That’s what my goal is, to come here and become a Super Bowl-winning head coach and to sustain an atmosphere of winning." - Ron Rivera
Regarding Dan Connor
He is capable in the middle however to use him you have to move the Beast to a position where he’s not in Beast mode.
I’m sorry but we should cater the Linebacker corps to Jon Beason and let him maximize his talent rather than adjust for Connor just to get him in the game at the expense of underutilizing our ProBowl MLB.
IMHO
Typically when you run a 3-4 you have one big, stout MLB and one fast, flowing MLB.
We have those guys in Connor and Beason. That’s when Connor will see playing time—when we use the 3-4 here and there.
"Has the whole world gone crazy? Am I the only one around here who gives a sh!t about the rules? Mark it zero! "
The 3-4 will be used sparingly
Do you think Dan Connor will remain on the team as a situational LB? I don’t see that happening, he’s good enough to start for other teams.
by Swamp Panther on Jun 6, 2011 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
I think there is more playing time to be had for Dan.
If he’s the top backup MLB and say he’s the top backup SLB, he will see plenty of snaps. Goal-line formations. Short-yardage formations.
And, unless I’m wrong, he is still under contract.
"Has the whole world gone crazy? Am I the only one around here who gives a sh!t about the rules? Mark it zero! "
I think Connor could fill in very capably at strongside linebacker if we let Anderson test free agency.
Dude’s instincts and tackling in run support are practically flawless. We’d have to be a little careful in coverage though, he’s mediocre in that regard.
Yes I'm a dude.
by Flowing Willow on Jun 6, 2011 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I say let's trade Connor for a DT or CB equivalent.
Were never going to get beyond this play Connor and Beason at the same time garbage. So make the trade and fill another need.
stay thirsty my friends
Now this is a trade that I could potentially support.
I do feel like Connor could play SAM, though. But not better than Anderson.
He’s nice to have as insurance, but if we could trade him for a starter then you have to listen to offers.
"Has the whole world gone crazy? Am I the only one around here who gives a sh!t about the rules? Mark it zero! "
by ERL on Jun 6, 2011 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
The Giants
"Has the whole world gone crazy? Am I the only one around here who gives a sh!t about the rules? Mark it zero! "
by ERL on Jun 6, 2011 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Chargers.
Instead of Smith for Garay, Connor for Garay?
Yes I'm a dude.
by Flowing Willow on Jun 6, 2011 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm just kind of breaking apart what the BAMF said.
We made a couple of moves here in the draft, but we’d still like to see if we can find a veteran defensive line guy who could help us.
Something I think to take note of is that he said a veteran DEFENSIVE LINE guy, and not specifically a DT. Does he think that there’s a possibility that CJ’s gone? Maybe it’s unfair of me, but his Twitter account doesn’t paint him in the best light as far as I’m concerned. He was an absolutely dominant DE last season, and I’m insanely impressed by what he was able to do. But does commitment to his play only extend to his on field performance, or does it really expand to commitment to doing his part to make the Panthers the best team possible. I don’t know that he is really committed to this team. A move to Atlanta does seem very, very possible considering his ties to Georgia. I’m starting to get a bad feeling about CJ’s likelihood to return to Carolina. As much as I love the Kraken, I don’t think he’s ready to rise to CJ level quite yet. Eventually, absolutely. But the thought of a DE corp consisting of Hardy/Brayton/Brown/Norwood does not make me comfortable. Maybe Brown and Norwood will put on a little more weight and get past the “tweener” stage they’re at now. I have to wonder if Rivera’s declaration that Norwood will be a DE has to do with a suspicion of losing CJ. But, I do certainly think that a vet DT is needed. I think I’m going to like McClain. Neblett certainly showed some flashes last season. I’m curious as to what happened to Ed Johnson last season. Did he do something to land in Foxy’s doghouse?
You look at our linebackers and we’ve got a couple of guys who are coming back after injuries, so we’ve got to see if there’s potentially if there’s a veteran guy we could bring in.
At first, I was shocked to see linebacker listed as an area to look for vets. Anderson/Beason/Davis as starters sounds like a killer lineup. But, Davis has had multiple ACL injuries in a very short period of time. I really, really liked Jason Williams in his limited time at WLB, but he had a ACL injury last season. I wasn’t crazy about Harris taking over that role. He was “eh.” I love Connor, but he’s coming off of a chipped hip bone, and as much as I hate to say it, he could be good trade bait. At the same time, who in the heck can come close to matching Beason at MLB if God-forbid something happens to him? It’s hard to ask for a better replacement there than Connor. Also, if you’re giving a lot of 3-4 looks, then Connor is definitely worth keeping. Another thing to consider – how well could Connor play if he had to be kicked to the outside? Rivera’s addressing of the LB position makes wonder about Anderson’s future here. He’s due for a big pay raise. And another team needing more help at LB might pay a pretty penny for him. I’m not going with the JR’s cheap thing, but it’s not unreasonable to take money into consideration when you do need so much vet help at so many different positions with less depth; that money may be better spent in other areas. Yes, we have huge cap space, but depending on how many quality people you need to bring in to be competitive, that cap space is going to seriously shrink.
Anyway, the main point is, the LB position really may be in more flux than a lot of us have previously thought.
The same thing with the defensive back position.
Yeah, that’s no surprise for anyone here. Gamble’s missed time at the end of the season was likely a combination of both being literally injured (IIRC, he had both hamstring and ankle injuries – neither of which are real concerns) and being in the doghouse. I assume he’ll get a fresh start with Rivera, but if things don’t go smoothly, will he pitch another fit and walk out? Marshall’s gone. Cap’n is awesome, but he is undersized. Hogan looks like he could be a beast. But is he ready to be a starter on Day 1? I don’t think so. But I honestly wouldn’t be surprised to see him considered for a starting position sooner rather than later. IIRC, he was a QB in high school. Yeah, yeah, QB in high school is a seriously different thing than being one in the NFL. But, I do think that it at least gives him a little more insight – and consequently, more anticipation – as to what a QB may be thinking and/or showing. Being a former WR, Hogan has some good hands – a possible INT machine? Biggest question with him – can he not be the defensive counterpart to Jarrett?
Also, we have limited depth at S. We just have Godfrey, Martin, Pugh, and Hudson. Pugh may have to play some CB depending on what happens with that position. But I don’t know that you want to have players having to play multiple positions.
No question, DB is a need. Taking the draft into account, DB may be one of, if not the, biggest needs. Just my opinion.
Offensively, we feel pretty comfortable with our offensive line and our running back situation.
The confidence in the RB situation is completely warranted, IMO.
O-line, eh…I’m not AS comfortable as he seems to be. I’ve said multiple times that I just don’t have confidence in Otah making it through the season. Maybe I’m being unfair, but I have to wonder about the guy’s drive and/or health when he was expected to make it back on the field in a few weeks, and never made it out there. I can’t remember where I read it, or how accurate the source was, but I did read that he’d had multiple MRIs where the doctors could find absolutely nothing wrong with his knee. Did he decide that he’d just rather sit out and collect a paycheck? But, I really did think that G. Williams did a solid job at RT. MacBern is not Wharton. Let’s hope Wharton’s going to be good to go. He just had turf toe, so he shouldn’t enter the season with any issues. Gross seemed to improve as the season went on, so I think I’m good with him. But, if something happens to Gross, who in the heck could fill in? Can Wharton slide to the outside and maybe Zeimba play LG?
Anyway, there are quite a few backup O-linemen, but how versatile is the line as a whole? For example, Schwartz looked like an entirely different player when he moved from RT to RG. The issue of player versatility is where I would have the most concerns.
We’ve got to resolve the wide receiver position and see how all that unfolds once this is done.
It’s kind of interesting that Rivera has said that he walked away from the Smitty meeting not really knowing what Smitty wants to do. Whether he stays or not, it still wouldn’t be a bad idea to find a vet playmaker who’s a few years younger than Smitty. I like the young ones we have, but having someone with a little more experience would be great.
Our quarterback position is what it is right now. We’ve got to talk about where we want to head as far as the veteran back up is concerned.’
I’m just glad to know the vet QB is something that they’re concerned about. =)
Very interesting Q&A. Thanks for posting, Jaxon.
"One play can win a game, but one play cannot lose a game." - Coach Peterson, Boise St.
"When you get into coaching, you strive to be a Super Bowl-winning head coach. That’s what my goal is, to come here and become a Super Bowl-winning head coach and to sustain an atmosphere of winning." - Ron Rivera
Re: Ed Johnson
He never really got into shape.
I feel like the need at DL (and Rivera may have been referring to a D-lineman who can play anywhere on the line—to be dictated by situaitons) outweighs our need in the secondary. We need at least one more vet DL. At least.
It would be nice to add a big safety. Just a guy to add to the rotation on early downs.
As for WR, if Smitty is traded (which I hope he’s not) then WR is a big, big need, IMO…That’s why I don’t get trade talk. So we trade him for some crappy fourth round pick? We are left with next to nothing (in terms of proven commodities) at WR. I’m not laying into you about it, just don’t understand the recent sea change. Dude’s got two years left on his contract. Suck it up.
"Has the whole world gone crazy? Am I the only one around here who gives a sh!t about the rules? Mark it zero! "
Round is a shape, does that count?
One cries because one is sad. For example: I cry because others are stupid, and it makes me sad.
Sorry, I'm confused (and this isn't in a snarky tone)...
I’m not laying into you about it, just don’t understand the recent sea change. Dude’s got two years left on his contract. Suck it up.
Are you saying that I’ve had the recent sea change, and that I’m the one who needs to suck something up?
It’s kind of interesting that Rivera has said that he walked away from the Smitty meeting not really knowing what Smitty wants to do. Whether he stays or not, it still wouldn’t be a bad idea to find a vet playmaker who’s a few years younger than Smitty. I like the young ones we have, but having someone with a little more experience would be great.
I feel like what I just wrote was pretty neutral. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to suck up.
I do think that it may be best for both parties to part ways, but if any proposed compensation in a trade just doesn’t make sense, then tell they guy he’s playing out the rest of his contract and hope that his likely disgruntled state wouldn’t outweigh what he could contribute as a player. I do feel some anger toward/ frustration with Smitty for various reasons. I’ve lightened up in some ways because I do find it interesting that he came out and said that he realized he wasn’t the best teammate he could have been. But I ultimately want what’s best for the team – whatever that may be. Yesterday, I started thinking more about what we could get for Smitty in a trade. And if we couldn’t get anything amounting to better than a 3rd rounder (whether in the form of a draft pick, a player, or a player/draft pick combo), then it doesn’t make much sense when he could walk at the end of the contract and we’d likely get a 3rd round compensatory pick for him.
I’m a girl…so I’m natural fickle. LOL. But I just don’t know how what I just wrote above represents an entire sea change or what I need to suck up. Maybe I’m missing something. Like I said, I ultimately want whatever is best for the team. I have subjective feelings toward Smitty. But whatever is objectively the best thing to do for the team is what I want. The FO and coaching staff are far more qualified than I am to make that decision. I just like to pretend that I’m a GM sometimes. =)
"One play can win a game, but one play cannot lose a game." - Coach Peterson, Boise St.
"When you get into coaching, you strive to be a Super Bowl-winning head coach. That’s what my goal is, to come here and become a Super Bowl-winning head coach and to sustain an atmosphere of winning." - Ron Rivera
I wasn't telling you to suck it up. Smitty needs to suck it up.
As far as a sea change…I mean everyone on here, not you.
If we did a poll right now, I’d bet that more people would be in favor of trading him, which I find non-beneficial at this juncture.
"Has the whole world gone crazy? Am I the only one around here who gives a sh!t about the rules? Mark it zero! "
by ERL on Jun 6, 2011 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Ah...got it. =)
At least as far as I’m concerned, I really didn’t put as much as I should have into the possible values to gain/lost in a trade until yesterday.
"One play can win a game, but one play cannot lose a game." - Coach Peterson, Boise St.
"When you get into coaching, you strive to be a Super Bowl-winning head coach. That’s what my goal is, to come here and become a Super Bowl-winning head coach and to sustain an atmosphere of winning." - Ron Rivera
I think you've come out on the right side.
FWIW.
"Has the whole world gone crazy? Am I the only one around here who gives a sh!t about the rules? Mark it zero! "
by ERL on Jun 6, 2011 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Please stop saying “suck something up”….. :-)
One cries because one is sad. For example: I cry because others are stupid, and it makes me sad.
LOL...
After I posted that, I really wanted to go back and add a “That’s what she/I said.”
"One play can win a game, but one play cannot lose a game." - Coach Peterson, Boise St.
"When you get into coaching, you strive to be a Super Bowl-winning head coach. That’s what my goal is, to come here and become a Super Bowl-winning head coach and to sustain an atmosphere of winning." - Ron Rivera
by jamiedk on Jun 6, 2011 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That would have been perfect, lol.
One cries because one is sad. For example: I cry because others are stupid, and it makes me sad.
P.S.
My rant was not meant to be directed at you. Pretty much at…1.) Smitty. and 2.) Panther fans who feel that trading Smith is best for the team.
"Has the whole world gone crazy? Am I the only one around here who gives a sh!t about the rules? Mark it zero! "
by ERL on Jun 6, 2011 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I understand...
In a lot of my replies, I make general comments, and then later think that the person I replied to probably thought I was talking directly to him. =)
"One play can win a game, but one play cannot lose a game." - Coach Peterson, Boise St.
"When you get into coaching, you strive to be a Super Bowl-winning head coach. That’s what my goal is, to come here and become a Super Bowl-winning head coach and to sustain an atmosphere of winning." - Ron Rivera
I think unless Charles Johnson wants out like Peppers did.
He’ll stay a Panther. We have the means and motive to sign him, you don’t let a young franchise DE like that get away for peanuts. And while Johnson’s personality is a little abrasive, I don’t see him causing a problem as long as he gets paid. Which of course brings up another issue, will he perform after his contract year? Luckily the DE class next year is looking strong should we need to shore up the position.
I can see where he’s coming from with the linebackers. My guess is that we go through whatever TC and preseason we get and evaluate their rehab. Then we claim a guy off of waivers or trade a late round pick if there’s cause for concern.
I think our secondary is in good shape. Gamble is solid, he’ll do his part, if not it’ll be a shocker. Munnerlynn looked fantastic, a lot of people forget he was the #1 corner late in the season and still performed well. However he is undersized, which might pose some mismatch problems. Hogan looks like a player, however I don’t expect to see him on the field until later in the year because of his ACL rehab. In fact you could see him on the PUP for six weeks. Robert Mclain and Jordan Pugh looked pretty good for where they were picked last year, I think they could step in at nickelback and play pretty well. At safety I’d love for us to pick up DeAndre McDanial or Deunta Williams. It’s astounding neither of them were drafted. Meeks working closely with the DB’s will be key this year.
As for OL, I feel really good about our starting five of Gross/Wharton/Kalil/Schwartz/Otah. But you have to bank on at least one guy going down. Currently, if it’s Gross we’d slide Wharton over and put Bernadeau/Robinson/Ziemba in at LG. I only say Bernadeau because he looked semi-respectable at LG last year. Wharton, same. Kalil we’d really be screwed as I don’t think we have a good backup center. If Schwartz goes down I have high hopes that either Duke Robinson or Lee Ziemba could step in and continue the beastliness on that side of the line. Gary Williams is an okay backup at RT. So I’d say add a backup swing man who can play center and guard and we should be good.
Just breaking down your breakdown of Rivera’s breakdown. :)
Yes I'm a dude.
by Flowing Willow on Jun 6, 2011 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd for
Just breaking down your breakdown of Rivera’s breakdown. :)
by BusyBeingAwesome on Jun 6, 2011 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I approve of your breakdown of my breakdown. =)
"One play can win a game, but one play cannot lose a game." - Coach Peterson, Boise St.
"When you get into coaching, you strive to be a Super Bowl-winning head coach. That’s what my goal is, to come here and become a Super Bowl-winning head coach and to sustain an atmosphere of winning." - Ron Rivera
by jamiedk on Jun 6, 2011 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Rec'd
For an awesome photo that made my day.
Yes I'm a dude.
by Flowing Willow on Jun 6, 2011 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Munnerlyn
Munnerlynn looked fantastic, a lot of people forget he was the #1 corner late in the season and still performed well. However he is undersized, which might pose some mismatch problems.
I like how Munn keeps his head on a swivel and plays the ball, not the reciever. He really minimizes the size issue by doing so. I just keep remembering him guarding 6’4’’ recievers on the fade route in the endzone and beating his reciever soundly by doing so. Doesn’t matter if you’re short when you can jump 3.5 feet in the air in front of the reciever. I only think Munn gets exposed when he ends up under a TE in some form.
I’m relly optimistic that Munnerlyn will shock the league as a solid starting corner next year. He reminds me a lot of Smith.
Yes. He and Smith are peas in a pod.
I recall seeing Munny say something about how he hopes Smith is still a Panther moving forward. I think they see themselves in each other.
"Has the whole world gone crazy? Am I the only one around here who gives a sh!t about the rules? Mark it zero! "
by ERL on Jun 6, 2011 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions
A lot of people have the season opener in their minds when they think of Cap.
Hakeem Nicks toasted him a couple times because he was just too big. However he improved vastly after that game, and I believe he’ll continue to do that, especially with Meeks as the secondary coach.
Yes I'm a dude.
by Flowing Willow on Jun 6, 2011 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm going to get to reading this...
As soon as I wrap up reading my Encyclopedia Britannica.
stay thirsty my friends
by southtunnel on Jun 6, 2011 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Sorry...
I get a little carried away sometimes. =)
"One play can win a game, but one play cannot lose a game." - Coach Peterson, Boise St.
"When you get into coaching, you strive to be a Super Bowl-winning head coach. That’s what my goal is, to come here and become a Super Bowl-winning head coach and to sustain an atmosphere of winning." - Ron Rivera
It's all good
I’m sure there’s some great stuff in there. I just have a short attention span ;)
stay thirsty my friends
I always know when I'm reading one of your comments..
As soon as I look at it, for that very reason. ;)
http://twitter.com/#!/TheeSteveJohns
https://www.facebook.com/TheeSteveJohnson
by Thee Steve Johnson on Jun 6, 2011 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Rivera echoes the diversity of CSR commenters regarding Smitty...
wondering exactly where did he want to go with this
stay thirsty my friends
I'm not too enthusiastic about how he plans to address our needs
1. He want’s veteran depth. I do too. But I also think we need at least a couple veteran starters. He mentioned D-line draft moves after saying this. Sounds like he’s planning on starting both these rookies. Ugh! Can we get at least one proven DT up in here?
2. I agree with him that we just need depth in the secondary, LB and that RB is fine… WR and WB are a quandary.
3. But… “Offensively, we feel pretty comfortable with our offensive line”??? Say what? I’m not! We got some solid starters, yes. But history has proven that they will NOT last an entire season. Get some strong backups for these guys Rivera!
stay thirsty my friends
Seems like it goes like this....
Injuries on the O-line? Uh-oh, I see 7-9 or worse on the horizon.
O-line completely healthy all year? 11-5.
"Has the whole world gone crazy? Am I the only one around here who gives a sh!t about the rules? Mark it zero! "
by ERL on Jun 6, 2011 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Well that's awfully optimistic
I think .500 would be a great accomplishment regardless.
stay thirsty my friends
I was referring to past seasons.
"Has the whole world gone crazy? Am I the only one around here who gives a sh!t about the rules? Mark it zero! "
by ERL on Jun 6, 2011 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions
It's so hard to tell
We dumped a lot of vets last year. And I’m not sure everyone on offense was totally giving Clausen all they had.
stay thirsty my friends
I don't think any QB who played last year was getting the best out of his teammates.
Say what you want about Delhomme screwing the team over with INT’s, but he inspired the other players to go above and beyond what they were capable of doing.
Yes I'm a dude.
by Flowing Willow on Jun 6, 2011 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions
And he was close friends with these guys
I think they felt sorry for him when he performed poorly. Whereas Clausen’s performance probably just annoyed them.
stay thirsty my friends
You could totally tell a difference when Moore came back in the SF game.
They looked like they 1.) knew they could win. And
2.) looked like they wanted to.
"Has the whole world gone crazy? Am I the only one around here who gives a sh!t about the rules? Mark it zero! "
by ERL on Jun 6, 2011 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Maybe my opinion is skewed because of my Moore love...
But it looked like an entirely different offense that game. He was clicking with every receiver on the field. (Yes, there was one pick-six, but I can forgive that when there’s a 308 yd. performance and a win.) There was an obvious rhythm in that one game – and that rhythm never really showed up again.
"One play can win a game, but one play cannot lose a game." - Coach Peterson, Boise St.
"When you get into coaching, you strive to be a Super Bowl-winning head coach. That’s what my goal is, to come here and become a Super Bowl-winning head coach and to sustain an atmosphere of winning." - Ron Rivera
The only thing I can't get over.
Is why they couldn’t carry that momentum over to St. Louis. I think we took advantage of a bad day by the 49er secondary and a chance strike of the injury bug to their QB.
Yes I'm a dude.
by Flowing Willow on Jun 6, 2011 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions
I felt like they had all the opportunity in the world to beat St Louis
They just couldn’t pull the trigger. That game went from feeling like such a tease to being downright depressing.
by BusyBeingAwesome on Jun 7, 2011 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions
That game was a black comedy of errors.
Moore throws 3 picks, the last not his fault, but the first sure was – a flea-flicker on the game’s 1st play, thrown off his back foot;
25 team yds rushing, on 17 attempts (ugh);
Smitty fumbling once, and letting a pass bounce off his face mask.
And with all that, we were only down a TD going into the 4th Qtr.
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