Panther Paw Prints: Thursday Edition

by Jaxon on Feb 9, 2012 11:19 PM EST in Panther News & Notes

Here's my latest batch of Paw Prints starting with some 2012 predictions that in my view do not measure up:

First glance at 2012 playoff teams - NFC South Blog - ESPN
The Carolina Panthers are predicted to go 7-9. Again, that’s possible. But let’s remember, Carolina has an explosive offense with Cam Newton and linebacker Jon Beason and defensive tackle Ron Edwards will be coming back from injuries. Add a few more pieces to the defense and the Panthers easily could jump over the .500 mark.

That's a timid prediction in my book, a single game improvement from last year. I think I like this bold prediction much better:

30 Bold NFL Predictions for 2012 | Football Nation
The Carolina Panthers will win 11 games

I would add "Cam Newton will account for 40 TD's in 2012. That's only 6 more that he accounted for in 2011, a performance now labeled a defining moment in the 2011 season:

Newton wastes no time - Defining Moments of the 2011 NFL Season - Photos - SI.com
The No. 1 overall pick needed one week to prove he could play quarterback at the NFL level. And if a rookie-debut record 422 passing yards in Week 1 was not enough for skeptics, Newton topped himself the following week with 432 yards. The Panthers' quarterback threw for a rookie-record 4,051 yards this season. Newton tossed 21 touchdowns and ran in 14 more.

With free agency starting in a month I know many Panthers fans have asked for a vet receiver, Here's a couple mentioned that some say carry high risk in addition to a high price tag.

Peyton Manning's, Matt Flynn's futures at forefront of NFL offseason issues - Don Banks - SI.com

Then there's Kansas City's Dwayne Bowe, who the Chiefs need and want back. But who can forget Bowe growing those alligator arms late in a loss at home to Pittsburgh in Week 12, which should serve as a cautionary tale regarding his effort level in key moments. He's the best pass-catching threat Kansas City has, but selling out is apparently not part of his career plan.

San Diego's Vincent Jackson also comes with some risk-reward quotient. He's a game-changing threat, but he did have those two DUI arrests in a three-year span, and in 2010 he was cited for driving on a suspended license on the morning of a San Diego playoff game. In fairness, Jackson has kept his nose clean for the past two seasons, but at age 29, you're supposed to learn the error of your ways and grow up.

I don't see the Panthers being able to afford either of these players.

With the Panthers being a bigger draw we might actually get a better announcer team, such as this duo one pundit is calling the best in the NFL.

Ranking the NFL’s announce teams – Audibles

The Elite • Brad Nessler and Mike Mayock, NFL Network: Because the NFL’s Thursday night slate didn’t start until Week 10, this pairing only worked together a handful of times. But man, were they good. Nessler is energetic without being overly excitable, saving his best calls for the moments that necessitate them. His demeanor turned out to be the perfect match for Mayock, who was so good that SI’s Richard Deitsch named him the "Person of the Year" in his annual Media Awards. Not only does Mayock sound extremely prepared each game, but he takes that knowledge and easily translates it to the viewer.

Seems we always got the Alberts/Johnston/Siragusa team or the Buck/Aikman tag team.

If this truly is the price for the Dolphins to jump from #8-9 to #2 I would say forget it no matter how good RG3 looks:

Price for St. Louis' pick (and who might pay it)
So what would it cost the Dolphins to rise from No. 8 or No. 9, depending on a coin toss, to No. 2? A lot. It will take at least two first round picks and probably closer to three first round picks. And it might actually take this years No. 1, next year's No. 1, the 2014 No. 1 and possibly something else like a third or fifth rounder thrown in there.

All these guys had to do was ask us who the Ultimate Panther Franchise player is and we could have saved them some time:

Carolina Panthers 'Ultimate Franchise Player' Selection
So via process of elimination and having the most impressive overall body of work, MSF’s Ultimate Franchise Player for the Carolina Panthers is… STEVE SMITH

Duh!

By the way, check out our new Twitter List embed in the right sidebar for the latest tweets from Panther players and beat writers.

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Comments

Nice read before I head to work.

I have been seening alot of pridiction of a one game improvement. I am not saying such a season could not happen but it is doubtful. A 10-12 game winning season is as likely at this point. IF the D was healthly and there that would have gotten us four game more this year, so with a full offseason for the coach to get the players he wants and get the peices he would like in place a wild card season is ceritanly in our future.

Steve Smith, the Panther Mojo, the Guru of Spunk, The Might Mouse of the Carolina’s is the Ultimate Franchise Player for sure.

I am a proud supporter of troll hunting.

by bigred28655 on Feb 9, 2012 11:29 PM EST reply actions

I really am not understanding a one game improvement prediction.

Look, I know it’s insanely early for these kind of predictions and that every year we see a team like San Fran come out of nowhere, but here’s what I see:

- 2 wins against Tampa, still reeling and rebuilding under Sciano
- Washington
- KC
- Seattle

Those are games I’m fairly confident in.

I think the Bears, Chargers, Cowboys and Eagles are all distinct possibilities, and I think we’ll steal another one in the division.

I’m not seeing the same kind of deck stacked against us that I did 12 months ago

Follow me on Twitter! @James_Dator

by James Dator on Feb 9, 2012 11:34 PM EST reply actions

Next year is tricky...

The AFC West was such a mess, it’s hard to really gauge which teams are legitimate threats.

But things are definitely brighter this year than last year when most people were thinking we would be 4-12 or 5-11.

by aceofsween on Feb 9, 2012 11:53 PM EST up reply actions

Exactly

I think the Bears are going to take another step back next year unless they get a stud WR to make them a potent offense. And I also think the Falcons will take a step back next year because they could lose some key free agents on defensive. Plus Abraham is 34 and slowing down and their prized free agent last year Ray Edwards (who Warren Sapp said was better than Charles Johnson lol) had a whooping 3.5 sacks last year and one of those sacks came on a broken play. Yea, next years schedule is no where near as daunting as it was last year…

by mlrupert on Feb 9, 2012 11:54 PM EST up reply actions

I see a few more games that I think we should win.

I think Oakland, Denver, and San Diego should be wins.
San Diego is a mess, they’ve been overrated for far too long, living in KC, I see at least 2 of their games each season, and year in, year out, they just don’t use the talent that they have.

Oakland just released their number 1 corner, and unless they make a big move in FA, they’ll be hurting in their secondary.
I trust Newton over Palmer in a shootout.
Granted, Oakland can actually run the ball, so it’s not a cakewalk.

I also don’t see any game next season that I don’t think is winnable. The entire NFC East is beatable. The entire AFC West is beatable.

That said, I could see the record anywhere from 7 wins to 13 wins, I think 9-10 wins is the most likely scenario.

by Philipkcks on Feb 10, 2012 3:21 AM EST up reply actions

I'm with you

Another prediction I saw, had Carolina repeating 6-10. Really? Carolina shores up the defense and learns to close out games, you can add another 4-5 wins to our record.

Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values

by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 10, 2012 8:57 AM EST up reply actions

I'll hold off predicting anything until I see who we draft and what FAs we acquire.

The D needs a lot of work.

"Nah, you look like Elijah Wood." - danmerqury

by OldhamA on Feb 10, 2012 9:03 AM EST up reply actions

Btw... for that picture...

Does anyone else get the impression that Tebow is crying into Cam’s shoulder and Cam is just like, “Yo man, whatever…”

by aceofsween on Feb 10, 2012 12:02 AM EST reply actions

I'm really thinking we need a caption contest for that...

Here are my two so far:

Tebow: Cam!!!! My brother from another mother!!!

(hugs)

Newton: …………………………………………………………….

Tebow: The writing is on the wall man… it’s on they wall! They don’t want me man….. it’s a matter of time. Tell Jerry you want me to back you up. Please… I want to back you up… I NEED to back you up!!

Newton: …………………………………………………………….

Follow me on Twitter! @James_Dator

by James Dator on Feb 10, 2012 12:44 AM EST up reply actions

Tebow: Wanna buy a laptop?………

Newton: ……………………….

"If Grandma had balls she'd be Grandpa" Steve Smith

Proud member of the Panthers Mafia!

Saving The Environment One Green Comment at a Time

"I don't see no ceiling. I don't see no breaking point." - Cam Newton

by MMA_PITBULL on Feb 10, 2012 12:48 AM EST up reply actions

I was thinking more like...

Tebow: Man, Cam. I love you man. Ya know? You’re my man, Cam. I love you.
Newton: Yeah, Tim… We cool… but we not that cool…

by aceofsween on Feb 10, 2012 12:50 AM EST up reply actions

Tim: you smell like my priest.

Cam:…………….

by Lost_terrapin on Feb 10, 2012 12:57 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs

i just laughed out loud

" I am the gatekeeper to my own destiny, and i will have my glory day in the hot sun." - Nacho

by Night_Scratcher on Feb 10, 2012 9:41 AM EST up reply actions

and rec'd

I needed a good laugh

Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values

by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 10, 2012 10:57 AM EST up reply actions

Better yet...

Tim: Did you hear? ESPN says I’m one of the greatest athletes to ever play the game!
Cam: . . . . . . . . . . .

by aceofsween on Feb 10, 2012 1:00 AM EST up reply actions

Tebow: (sobbing) Dang nabbit, gosh darnit, blasted bannanas, Shit-ake mushrooms! I was in a team meeting and lightning struck, the lights blinked and He walked in. He starred straight at me with his Holy eyes and like that he took everything away from me that I love in life. He said I was judged and found unworthy. That I was a poser and not a true disciple. He said that I was given more TV attention than He, himself, had received. He had accomplished great deeds as the Son of God and many miracles. Then He took away my playbook, my team ferrari with the Jesus is my CoPilot sticker, my locker, and soon my house. Fudge, Cam, I am sorry to unload this on you.

Cam: Are you talking about Jesus himself?

Tebow: (blinking in surprise) No Cam, it was Peyton Manning

Cam: (looks away in disgust)

by Panthster on Feb 10, 2012 8:47 AM EST up reply actions

I'm sorry but that isnt funny

It’s kind of offensive

by PantherPlane on Feb 10, 2012 12:24 PM EST up reply actions

No, it's not really that funny...

But not because it’s offensive (which it’s not).

Too many people are overly sensitive.

by aceofsween on Feb 10, 2012 1:00 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs

people are oversensitive

there is too much political correctness in the world now. but making fun of Jesus takes it too far for me.

by PantherPlane on Feb 10, 2012 2:34 PM EST up reply actions

right....

Says the guy who is being oversensitive. Try being a little more self-aware next time. Aceofsween is referring to you, PantherPlane.

by keebler elf on Feb 10, 2012 2:41 PM EST up reply actions

It was meant in good fun....

And frankly, more of a jab at Tebow’s PDF’s (Public Displays of Faith) than Jesus Christ himself. I’m certain Panthster and Aceofsween meant you no disrespect.

"Keep Pounding" -Sam Mills
Follow me on Twitter

by ALAC on Feb 10, 2012 2:51 PM EST up reply actions

Wow...

I apologize if I offended anybody with that post. It was an attempt to make fun of the (dare I say it now) of the god-complex that Peyton Manning may have and/or how Peyton might walk onto his next team (Denver in this pun) and take control of the whole offense including coaching and front office decisions (a slight against Fox). I also was attempting to imply that Tebow would prefer to study under Peyton Manning (become his disciple) instead of being let go.

Clearly, if I have to explain it to this extent, it was a major FAIL at my attempt at humor. Sorry PantherPlane et al.

by Panthster on Feb 10, 2012 5:53 PM EST up reply actions

Thank you for the apology

But really, my venting wasn’t directed at you. The religious jokes about Tim Tebow just aggravate me as a whole.

by PantherPlane on Feb 10, 2012 8:39 PM EST up reply actions

No apology was necessary...

At least not to a person that thinks it’s okay to make fun of overweight people and not okay to make fun of religious people.

by keebler elf on Feb 11, 2012 6:12 PM EST up reply actions

Oh and another thing

You said that “there is too much political correctness in the world now”, yet you get offended when someone says something bad about a subject that is important and sensitive to you. So, basically you are saying it’s okay for people to insult things that are important to other people, but it’s not okay if it insults you? You can’t have it both ways. Either everything should be up for scrutiny and to be poked fun at, or nothing should be. Sorry about that rant, but I find the hypocrisy quite annoying.

by keebler elf on Feb 10, 2012 3:39 PM EST up reply actions

there is no hypocrisy in what I was saying

the political correctness I was referring to was meaningless things like how you can’t say people are “fat”…they are just “heavy” or “big-boned”. There are plenty of times we see people make harmless jokes and get killed in the media. But there should be a limit, and my limit is making jokes about Christianity. So you can lay off the lecture and quiet the cries of hypocrisy because it’s not going to work.

by PantherPlane on Feb 10, 2012 4:45 PM EST up reply actions

Its the exact same thing, and is textbook hipocrisy

Weight is more touchy to some than religion, its simply a matter of priority and belief. It is not up to you to decide which should be taboo and which should not.

by ppalm on Feb 10, 2012 5:06 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

It's exactly as ppalm says...

You don’t get to set the rules for what is and isn’t off limits for any one other than yourself. You can ask people to respect those boundaries… But chances are just as likely that you’re going to cross theirs just as often.

by aceofsween on Feb 10, 2012 6:09 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

You obviously don't understand the term "hypocrite"

You may need a dictionary

by keebler elf on Feb 10, 2012 7:34 PM EST up reply actions

I don't need a dictionary

or a lecture from someone who is clearly less educated than I am. I was merely making a point that there should be less sacrilegious jokes in the blog comments. Every time Tim Tebow comes up, somebody decides they are a comedian and makes an inappropriate joke. WHY?? I don’t get it. Why are we making fun of somebody that never cusses, doesn’t degrade women, doesn’t get drunk, and doesn’t knock up every girl he comes into contact with. He is a great human being, and people make fun of him for it! We should be making jokes about these idiots with 15 children, who punch out their wives/girlfriends, and routinely shoot up the club. Whatever, I’m through venting. This is the end of this conversation for me.

by PantherPlane on Feb 10, 2012 8:40 PM EST up reply actions

Maybe some aren't religious

And things like weight and sexual orientation might be touchy while religion is not. Like someone else said, it’s all or nothing. No one has the right to determine what is untouchable.

And I personally choose the “make fun of everybody” route, with myself being my top target.

by JDeLong42 on Feb 10, 2012 10:40 PM EST up reply actions

Right...

I’m not the one that is having trouble grasping the concept of hypocrisy here, yet I’m somehow less educated than you. I guess using logic isn’t your strong suit. Let me explain the whole Tim Tebow thing to you, because it’s quite obvious to most capable people. The reason people make fun of Tebow is because he is in the public spotlight. He openly and boisterously displays his faith (Tebowing, etc.). Is there anything wrong with that? No, of course not, but don’t expect other people to not make fun of him. Not everyone is religious and believes in such things as you and Tebow do. Some people find it to be annoying and/or funny. If he was displaying his faith at a religious function and not during a secular NFL game people probably wouldn’t make fun of him as much. Also, because someone is poking fun at Tebow that doesn’t necessarily mean they think he is a bad person. I’m sure he’s probably a great guy. It’s a simple concept to understand. Almost as simple as understanding what hypocrisy means ;)

P.S. – Haven’t you ever heard of a Plaxico Burress joke before? Or maybe a Whitney Houston/Bobby Brown joke? Or maybe a John and Kate Plus 8 joke?

Everyone gets made fun of and most jokes offend someone. Learn, laugh, and get over it.

by keebler elf on Feb 11, 2012 6:09 PM EST up reply actions

Hmm...

I just realized I can’t respond without being “offensive.”

Decisions, decisions…

by aceofsween on Feb 10, 2012 6:07 PM EST up reply actions

Lol

by Panthster on Feb 10, 2012 6:10 PM EST up reply actions

Lol...

Welcome to the club!

"Keep Pounding" -Sam Mills
Follow me on Twitter

by ALAC on Feb 10, 2012 7:47 PM EST up reply actions

um

Cam:did you just grab my butt?… let me guess it was Tim Turbo… right

by Clausenstwin on Feb 10, 2012 3:42 AM EST reply actions

i think cam having 40 combined td's is going to be a very tough goal.

When you look at his passing yardage in the second half of the season you can see that teams were getting more accustomed to him. How many 300 yard games did cam have in the second half of the season? Obviously we became a more balanced offence which had something to do with it but another 4,000 yard season will be very tough. Don’t get me wrong I have every faith in cam but its gonna be a real challenge to repeat the numbers from his rookie year. I think its also more likely that we’ll use the running backs to run more in the red zone, simply because teams will be expected a qb run or option more (ergo less rushing td’s) but we’ll have to wait and see.

Save us Pilares

by LimeyPanther on Feb 10, 2012 5:24 AM EST via mobile reply actions

stopping Cam on the goal line is easier said then done. Also teams will be better prepared this time around this is true but id suspect we see a even better Cam next year as well. He showed great improvement last off season and he didn’t have a full schedule or his coaches and teammates to work with. Entire offense with one year under there belt and time to install the full playbook and redzone packages equal even more points imo. Not to mention a softer schedule. But like you said we shall see but i dont see Cam or this offense slowing down any time soon

"If Grandma had balls she'd be Grandpa" Steve Smith

Proud member of the Panthers Mafia!

Saving The Environment One Green Comment at a Time

"I don't see no ceiling. I don't see no breaking point." - Cam Newton

by MMA_PITBULL on Feb 10, 2012 7:21 AM EST up reply actions

i agree with you

I’m just preaching patience. Reading some comments you start to see people having visions of grandeur. 10-6 would be an incredible season for us, anything higher and I think you’re asking too much of our defence. But you’re right, having an entire off season will benefit this time massively. Not just for cam but for the other rookies to, I would hope to see fair improvement from mcclain and fua as well.

Save us Pilares

by LimeyPanther on Feb 10, 2012 8:15 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

I don't think 40 combined TDs is too much to expect

Especially if his INT numbers come down.

by aceofsween on Feb 10, 2012 8:13 AM EST up reply actions

Is it smart though?

It’s not really a good idea to have Newton take a beating getting to the endzone all season. We have two good backs. I would suspect we’ll see less and less of Newton diving for the endzone. It’s not worth the risk.

Follow @chopattack

by mdhenshaw on Feb 10, 2012 8:18 AM EST up reply actions

Not sure that has anything to do with it

I mean, I didn’t say he needed to run the TDs in himself. He can pass the ball after all. And a lot of his TD runs were untouched into the endzone.

Once we get into the redzone, it’s extremely hard to stop us, because when Cam has the ball he has so many options. He forces defenders to play the pass and the run simultaneously, which will create a hole in one of the two.

by aceofsween on Feb 10, 2012 8:50 AM EST up reply actions

8 or 9 of his 14 (depending on one's POV) were 'un-touched.'

We need a nose tackle.

by ERL on Feb 10, 2012 2:36 PM EST up reply actions

Bold Prediction?

He has Tebow completing 60% of his passes for the season. The only way that happens if he goes 6 for 10 and gets hurt for the rest of the season.

Follow @chopattack

by mdhenshaw on Feb 10, 2012 8:16 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

haha

by keebler elf on Feb 10, 2012 11:20 AM EST up reply actions

I don't defend Tebow very much as I don't think he's a great QB

However, it should be noted that Tebow throws deep a far greater percentage than most other QBs.
It’s natural that his completion percentage will be under average. He threw for 6.4 yards per attempt which is the same average as Matt Cassel who completed 59% of his passes.

That said, I agree that there is no way Tebow completes 60% of his passes(maybe it was a typo and they meant 50%).

by Philipkcks on Feb 10, 2012 11:59 AM EST up reply actions

is it too late?

to nominate that photo for the official DNWD?

by Lost_terrapin on Feb 10, 2012 10:18 AM EST reply actions

yeah...we've already made a decision

The truth will set you free, but not until it is finished with you. ~David Foster Wallace

I may not always be right, but even a blind nut finds a squirrel every once in a while.

Follow me on Twitter! @bdubsmitty

by BW Smith on Feb 10, 2012 10:56 AM EST up reply actions

yeah, i know. but it's almost too perfect :P

by Lost_terrapin on Feb 10, 2012 4:31 PM EST up reply actions

Which of the following teams is most likely next year's surprise Super Bowl contender?

35.0% Carolina…

In Cam Newton we trust, plus you have to figure the Carolina defense will improve from being last in the league. I don’t know if that makes a Super Bowl contender, but it should make for a team that chases after a wild card.

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/ramblings/2012/2011-football-outsiders-awards

by panthersnbraves on Feb 10, 2012 10:59 AM EST reply actions

Cam Newton will account for 40 TD's in 2012…..Not so fast………….

Before we start predicting 40 TD and 10 wins, I will like to know what Panthers management does in their draft/FA acquisition and adjustment they make in this areas:

First, Our defense needs some serious upgrade, we can’t just assume once all the injured players are back everything lines up properly. We have not seen how the defense plays truly under the new HC schemes

Panthers need to add more pass rushers. Sean McDermott needs to improve and coach better. Personally, I do think his schemes are too complicated and confusing to execute. I get that he had lots of key injured players but he can and should do better in making it more about bringing the best of his players.

Very few teams can get away with complicated defense. The best formula for good defense is simplified defense and let the players play (Wade Philips model). We need to borrow the page from 49ers, Houston Texan and Giants defense. You win easier when you simplify your defense and let your player play. Football is NOT rocket science and any attempt to try to make it that is just being "STUPID" and a sure way to LOSE…..

Second, I want to see how we upgrade our current receiving corps. Our opponents will lock down Steve Smith, I don’t see us having enough consistent reliable deep threat the opponent fears. This is a fact. As a homer, we can think highly of our players rightfully so but our opponents know who is more dangerous and who is not. They will ensure they take out the more dangerous ones and leave the mediocre ones alone because they know those won’t hurt them. I can assure you that 49ers will never ever go into any championship game again with only one reliable weapon in Vernon Davis. They have learnt their lesson well.

My quantum physics teacher use to say, "Assumption is the MOTHER of all "SCREWUPS"…let’s not assume all the injured players will be back and not miss a beat……That is what our opponents want us to do…. ASSUME….. so saying Gettis is ready and good to go without seeing his knees in real action making those explosive cuts, stretching out the field won’t cut it for me. CAM needs more weapons to effectively execute the vertical schemes. If not, we are only setting him up to FAIL like what the St Louis Rams did to Bradford and then wondered why Sam Bradford regressed. If we don’t have enough deep threat, then please change that vertical offensive schemes and let’s RUN the ROCK more. We have three stellar guys who can run the ball. At the end of the day, You are not given medals for running the most complicated schemes but rather the medals goes to the team that WON the game..Using grandma saying…..So lets cut our cloth according to our size :- )

Third, I want to see our special team upgraded, the current dog can’t hunt….That is a fact…let’s be serious now…Our current Special team needs LOTS of help. We’ve seen how a good special team can give any team the extra edge needed to swing the momentum and win tight games. Giants won’t be doing the Super Bowl parade without the performance of their Special Team. Having an explosive offense will NOT make up for the limitations of Special team.

In a nutshell, if we upgrade our Pass Rush, Receiving Corp and Special Team plus simplify the defensive schemes only then should we be confident that 2012 promises lots of more WINS……

by ProScout on Feb 10, 2012 12:06 PM EST reply actions

I think 40 TDs and 10 wins are 2 completely different stats.

Yes, 4 players did have 40+ TDs this past season. Yes, all 4 players teams did make the playoffs.
However, all 4 of those teams also had a bottom 10 defense.

I think our team will be healthier if we have a balanced offense, and Newton ends the season with somewhere around 30 TDs.

With the talent we have in the backfield, I think it is a mistake to have 75% of our TDs be from Newton(more than 50% of our rushing TDs).

I honestly think that if Newton has over 40 total TDs that means our defense is atrocious, and we’re underutilizing Stewart and Williams.

I think we could end the season with the same scoring or slightly higher or lower than this past season and we’d be in great shape as long as our defense is average.

I do have some confidence in our defense improving. We have a very complicated defense, and we now have the secondary coach that we wanted, and an actual offseason.
We should also have some players coming back from injury, and I can’t imagine that we don’t pick up some budget players who are upgrades in the offseason.

I think anything less than 9 wins will be a disappointment, but I don’t think that double digit wins, or a playoff spot is a foregone conclusion.

by Philipkcks on Feb 10, 2012 12:56 PM EST up reply actions