Opposing Fan: My View On The State of Carolina

[SamMills51]

I've been a Carolina fan since 1995, and I feel like I should share what I believe the current state of our team is.

It's been a rough season for sure, so many games I personally feel we've only got ourselves to blame. Many close calls, many times we could've win, many times coaching has proven inadequate, coupled with costly mistakes. Injuries have proven to be detrimental in many cases, leading to the likes of Zach Sanchez and Teddy Williams as STARTING cornerbacks against the Saints (in case you didn't know, Sanchez was cut from the team, brought back, and expected to start one week after being brought back, Teddy was basically a ST pain last year, making plenty of penalties, really all he was remembered for).

However, this week brings about a well rested Panthers, with a revamped corner group with Bradberry (who I honestly think is doing exceptionally well as a rookie), McClain (bit below average corner) and Leonard Johnson (has starting experience, and hopefully proves to be decent). We get Vernon Butler back, allowing for the possibility of a decent pash rush, with KK and CJ as the ends, and Butler and Star as the DTs, or even Butler as a DE. Film shows we've had decent success at pressure with KK and CJ as ends against the Saints. Our DEs have been a liability, with CJ showing only glimpses of his former self. This does cause DTs to underperform a bit, as no disruption for the tackles puts more responsibilities for a DT to handle. Our LBs have been studs, and they're the only reason we haven't given up 60 points a game. Our safeties are terrible, in all honesty, and they're the ones I think should be solely responsible for all our woes. Very concerning communication back there, and mistakes are blatant.

Offensively, all we can hope for is Oher comes back, because a trash can would do better than what Remmers could ever do at LT. RT, Daryl Williams is showing promise, looking way better than Remmers at RT in my opinion over a span of 3 games. Him and Trai have honestly looked like a deadly combo, and I hope the coaches this time will favor productivity over veterans. Mike Tolbert is washed up and done, pathetic at blocking, but our interior guards are studs. Our WRs need to be more reliable at catching, but honestly everywhere else looks good coming into the Cardinals. Cam just needs to get in a rhythm, get used to the short pass game, and Shula needs to dump his daddy's book, his crayons, and use his pea-sized brain and come up with good plays instead of "run up the middle with tolbert for 0 yards." The Cardinals defense isn't going to let our, and I doubt we have as much success as last year in the playoffs with the new acquired pass rushers on your defense.

Now, on the topic of our losses, I honestly believe we could be 4-2 instead of 1-5. The two games I feel we got soundly beat was against the Saints and Falcons. Falcons was an obvious bloodfest, with how atrocious our D was against Julio and Matt Ryan, and our LT (Remmers) being a turnstile. Saints we were always running from behind, we nearly were in a good situation, but our defense choked it up. Now, against the Broncos, it came down to Gano nailing a FG, the Vikings, it came down to our boneheaded penalties, lack of disciple, and just bad coaching. I feel we should've won, and could've easily. Against the Bucs, we were crippled, but still had a chance. Derek's poor decisions cost us the game, and Shulas decision to go for a pass on 1st and 1 from the goal line was terrible. Also, Gano absolutely is terrible at clutch situations lately. Very concerning, and aggravating.

Against the Cardinals, the Panthers have to prove they are contenders this year. It's entirely plausible for the Panthers to make the playoffs, noting the degrading of other NFC South teams. If they can get on a streak, the Panthers are capable of making a push in the playoffs, and make a possible Super Bowl, giving meaning to the keep pounding mantra and significance of the Panther hero, Sam Mills, #51. The Cardinals are out looking for revenge, and hoping for a break against an unproven Carolina defense. Cardinals defensively will be hoping to take advantage of Carolina's OTs, and ruin Cam's day with their pass rush. Carolina's defense will hope they can finally find the antidote for their lackluster play lately, and finally find the swagger they desperately need.

All in all, it'll either be a blowout by the Cardinals, close game either by defensively, or a big shootout if our offense proves its worth. Do I think the Panthers have a chance? Yes. Do I believe we have a pretty big chance of losing. Absolutely. I'm hoping for a good game, but I'm also gonna make sure I'll be ready for a plausible blowout.

 

[Jetstream Green]

I've been a Carolina fan since 1995, and I feel like I should share what I believe the current state of our team is.

It's been a rough season for sure, so many games I personally feel we've only got ourselves to blame. Many close calls, many times we could've win, many times coaching has proven inadequate, coupled with costly mistakes. Injuries have proven to be detrimental in many cases, leading to the likes of Zach Sanchez and Teddy Williams as STARTING cornerbacks against the Saints (in case you didn't know, Sanchez was cut from the team, brought back, and expected to start one week after being brought back, Teddy was basically a ST pain last year, making plenty of penalties, really all he was remembered for).

However, this week brings about a well rested Panthers, with a revamped corner group with Bradberry (who I honestly think is doing exceptionally well as a rookie), McClain (bit below average corner) and Leonard Johnson (has starting experience, and hopefully proves to be decent). We get Vernon Butler back, allowing for the possibility of a decent pash rush, with KK and CJ as the ends, and Butler and Star as the DTs, or even Butler as a DE. Film shows we've had decent success at pressure with KK and CJ as ends against the Saints. Our DEs have been a liability, with CJ showing only glimpses of his former self. This does cause DTs to underperform a bit, as no disruption for the tackles puts more responsibilities for a DT to handle. Our LBs have been studs, and they're the only reason we haven't given up 60 points a game. Our safeties are terrible, in all honesty, and they're the ones I think should be solely responsible for all our woes. Very concerning communication back there, and mistakes are blatant.

Offensively, all we can hope for is Oher comes back, because a trash can would do better than what Remmers could ever do at LT. RT, Daryl Williams is showing promise, looking way better than Remmers at RT in my opinion over a span of 3 games. Him and Trai have honestly looked like a deadly combo, and I hope the coaches this time will favor productivity over veterans. Mike Tolbert is washed up and done, pathetic at blocking, but our interior guards are studs. Our WRs need to be more reliable at catching, but honestly everywhere else looks good coming into the Cardinals. Cam just needs to get in a rhythm, get used to the short pass game, and Shula needs to dump his daddy's book, his crayons, and use his pea-sized brain and come up with good plays instead of "run up the middle with tolbert for 0 yards." The Cardinals defense isn't going to let our, and I doubt we have as much success as last year in the playoffs with the new acquired pass rushers on your defense.

Now, on the topic of our losses, I honestly believe we could be 4-2 instead of 1-5. The two games I feel we got soundly beat was against the Saints and Falcons. Falcons was an obvious bloodfest, with how atrocious our D was against Julio and Matt Ryan, and our LT (Remmers) being a turnstile. Saints we were always running from behind, we nearly were in a good situation, but our defense choked it up. Now, against the Broncos, it came down to Gano nailing a FG, the Vikings, it came down to our boneheaded penalties, lack of disciple, and just bad coaching. I feel we should've won, and could've easily. Against the Bucs, we were crippled, but still had a chance. Derek's poor decisions cost us the game, and Shulas decision to go for a pass on 1st and 1 from the goal line was terrible. Also, Gano absolutely is terrible at clutch situations lately. Very concerning, and aggravating.

Against the Cardinals, the Panthers have to prove they are contenders this year. It's entirely plausible for the Panthers to make the playoffs, noting the degrading of other NFC South teams. If they can get on a streak, the Panthers are capable of making a push in the playoffs, and make a possible Super Bowl, giving meaning to the keep pounding mantra and significance of the Panther hero, Sam Mills, #51. The Cardinals are out looking for revenge, and hoping for a break against an unproven Carolina defense. Cardinals defensively will be hoping to take advantage of Carolina's OTs, and ruin Cam's day with their pass rush. Carolina's defense will hope they can finally find the antidote for their lackluster play lately, and finally find the swagger they desperately need.

All in all, it'll either be a blowout by the Cardinals, close game either by defensively, or a big shootout if our offense proves its worth. Do I think the Panthers have a chance? Yes. Do I believe we have a pretty big chance of losing. Absolutely. I'm hoping for a good game, but I'm also gonna make sure I'll be ready for a plausible blowout.

You're insecure. Is your whole fan base insecure right now? Is your team insecure? Posting on another fan base site at length is a sign of insecurity. I think the Panthers as a whole have a good team and crap just happens. Now feel good about your team and they do have a chance and I doubt it's going to be a blowout either way... two good teams with a crap start, chill

 

[MrYeahBut]

Cards win with chip shot field goal in OT. . . Oh wait!!!

 

[JeffGollin]

Nice analysis, Sam.

I understand the injuries. But why has the overall talent level dropped since last year's championship team? And are Newton, Olsen et al capable of racheting it back up?

On paper, we match up well with the Panthers, but I worry about how that will work out should they get their mojo back.

 

[kerouac9]

Nice analysis, Sam.

I understand the injuries. But why has the overall talent level dropped since last year's championship team? And are Newton, Olsen et al capable of racheting it back up?

On paper, we match up well with the Panthers, but I worry about how that will work out should they get their mojo back.

Turns out you can't cover the opposition's #1 WR with cap space.

That's the difference. Their offense has "fallen" from 1st to 5th; their defense has plunged from 6th to 29th. That's not just losing their top cornerback; I think they tried to replace their entire secondary with rookies (more or less).

The other thing is that—like us—they haven't been lucky in tight games. Carolina is 0-3 in games decided by a TD or less.

 

[NashDishesDimes]

You're insecure. Is your whole fan base insecure right now? Is your team insecure? Posting on another fan base site at length is a sign of insecurity. I think the Panthers as a whole have a good team and crap just happens. Now feel good about your team and they do have a chance and I doubt it's going to be a blowout either way... two good teams with a crap start, chill

I read this post 4 times and I have no idea what you are talking about.

 

[eastcoastSUN]

There is no question that the Carolina team is talented and I would trade Minter and my unborn for Keuchly, but the thing that sticks out to me is the way your franchise player carries himself. Cam is, and always will be, a spoiled punk. Dances like a troll in front of the opposition way too much just to celebrate, at times, picking up a meager 10 yd gain. But when he loses, he pouts like a little baby and can't handle any criticism. Being a consummate professional is part of the game, I don't care how many game balls you give to the kids, you're still a hypocritical little puss if you dish it but can't take it. Imagine if he played the WR position and had to endure 5 min of what Larry endured in any of the lost seasons post-Warner, pre-Palmer. You think he'd survive an entire season?

Now, don't get me wrong, I'd love to him on this team in a heartbeat. But I'd think of him in the same way. Here's to a clean, hard fought FB game where the better team scores more points.

 

[SamMills51]

You're insecure. Is your whole fan base insecure right now? Is your team insecure? Posting on another fan base site at length is a sign of insecurity. I think the Panthers as a whole have a good team and crap just happens. Now feel good about your team and they do have a chance and I doubt it's going to be a blowout either way... two good teams with a crap start, chill

I'm anything but insecure. I'm honestly feeling good coming off a bye facing a West Coast team at home at 1pm, coming off a tough and long game. Our defense has much to prove though, but I think it'll be substantially better than 2 weeks ago, and I think our offense should be fine, if Oher gets back and Williams starts at RT over Remmers. It comes down to coaching, and our mentality.

Cardinals are the first test in a long stretch of tough games coming up for Carolina. You guys have a good team, and I honestly see few flaws. Palmer reminds me of 08 Delhomme, good in the regular season, but implodes in the playoffs. I think he could honestly overcome that, but time will tell. Your defense is stellar, offensively David Johnson is a beast, and I'm worried about how many yards he'll pick up from screens.

Only way I see us winning is our offense staying good, our secondary and pass rush show significant improvement, and our coaches and discipline are held in check. It's not a question of talent. Offensively and defensively, we have talent. It's a question of whether we execute or screw the bed.

 

[kerouac9]

There is no question that the Carolina team is talented and I would trade Minter and my unborn for Keuchly, but the thing that sticks out to me is the way your franchise player carries himself. Cam is, and always will be, a spoiled punk. Dances like a troll in front of the opposition way too much just to celebrate, at times, picking up a meager 10 yd gain. But when he loses, he pouts like a little baby and can't handle any criticism. Being a consummate professional is part of the game, I don't care how many game balls you give to the kids, you're still a hypocritical little puss if you dish it but can't take it. Imagine if he played the WR position and had to endure 5 min of what Larry endured in any of the lost seasons post-Warner, pre-Palmer. You think he'd survive an entire season?

Now, don't get me wrong, I'd love to him on this team in a heartbeat. But I'd think of him in the same way. Here's to a clean, hard fought FB game where the better team scores more points.

Hot take! I'm sure that Cam Newton has never in his life endured any criticism, justified or not. Surely he's habitually been unable to handle it. Dude was the NFL MVP last year; his first two seasons he was 6-10 and 5-11. So interesting that you didn't have these takes when Drew Stanton—a backup quarterback who did nothing—was dancing on the sideline.

 

[SamMills51]

There is no question that the Carolina team is talented and I would trade Minter and my unborn for Keuchly, but the thing that sticks out to me is the way your franchise player carries himself. Cam is, and always will be, a spoiled punk. Dances like a troll in front of the opposition way too much just to celebrate, at times, picking up a meager 10 yd gain. But when he loses, he pouts like a little baby and can't handle any criticism. Being a consummate professional is part of the game, I don't care how many game balls you give to the kids, you're still a hypocritical little puss if you dish it but can't take it. Imagine if he played the WR position and had to endure 5 min of what Larry endured in any of the lost seasons post-Warner, pre-Palmer. You think he'd survive an entire season?

Now, don't get me wrong, I'd love to him on this team in a heartbeat. But I'd think of him in the same way. Here's to a clean, hard fought FB game where the better team scores more points.

Pretty much the generic response I've come to see from opposing fans. I've come to see it too often, and I feel I need to defend him. Consider this: Carolina would have a mediocre run game at best without Cam. Not to mention our offense is a recipe of trash without Cam.

Against the Saints, Cam rallied the offense from a huge point deficit to almost winning the game. The defense let us down that game. Cam was able to make the score 38-38, leading to a possibility of a win after such a huge deficit.

Cam runs so many run plays that most QBs wouldn't even dream of trying. He puts his body on the line where it counts, and he always puts forth 20000% on the field. He cares about kids, and he just shows he's having fun. Notice Cam doesn't try and target other opposing players, while all the time you see teams just treating him like a ragdoll and trash because of the type of QB he is. He's the toughest guy on the field, by far, and his personality has nothing to do with it. Just the fact he's in one piece right now is a miracle; any other QB would be headed to career ending IR with the hits and everything Cam takes.

Cam also is a person. He has his own personality, and he hates losing. He likes to let it show. When he's winning, of course he'll dance and have fun, because that's who he is. This has nothing to do with his leadership, or really anything football related. In fact, consider Gronkowski. He shows up like your typical party-going fool, but the media laughs it off and considers it a part of his personality. Imagine Cam making any of the sexual innuendos or throwing the parties that Gronk does. There's a big difference in media views on Cam compared to other players (not racial; biggest stupid excuse I hear people use.), but it's obvious something is up since college.

Now, of course do I think Cam could be a little bit more mature? Sure. Most players could be more mature on and off the field. I'm just glad Cam resorts to having fun instead of intentionally trying to injure opponents. Yet guys like Burfict are one week talks while Cam's pressers are months long. It's saddening to see what type of behavior gets attention but it is what it is. Could Cam be more accepting of a loss? Sure, but it's Cam, and I'd rather have a real person than a generic monotone personality.

 

[SamMills51]

Hot take! I'm sure that Cam Newton has never in his life endured any criticism, justified or not. Surely he's habitually been unable to handle it. Dude was the NFL MVP last year; his first two seasons he was 6-10 and 5-11. So interesting that you didn't have these takes when Drew Stanton—a backup quarterback who did nothing—was dancing on the sideline.

To be fair, I wouldn't qualify that as "dancing" but certainly entertaining.

 

[CardNots]

To be fair, I wouldn't qualify that as "dancing" but certainly entertaining.

Not so much entertaining but certainly ass showing. An ass is an ass period. Unlike others I would not want him on a team for which I'm a fan.

 

[jbeecham]

Hot take! I'm sure that Cam Newton has never in his life endured any criticism, justified or not. Surely he's habitually been unable to handle it. Dude was the NFL MVP last year; his first two seasons he was 6-10 and 5-11. So interesting that you didn't have these takes when Drew Stanton—a backup quarterback who did nothing—was dancing on the sideline.

Let's be fair here K9, Stanton did that dance on the sideline once on a game-winning 50+yard TD. He doesn't dance after every 1st down & TD that the Cards score. He also doesn't cry like a baby & refuse to give interviews after we lose (not that anyone wants to interview him anyways). Cam has earned his criticism for being a sore loser, bad winner.

 

[eastcoastSUN]

Hot take! I'm sure that Cam Newton has never in his life endured any criticism, justified or not. Surely he's habitually been unable to handle it. Dude was the NFL MVP last year; his first two seasons he was 6-10 and 5-11. So interesting that you didn't have these takes when Drew Stanton—a backup quarterback who did nothing—was dancing on the sideline.

LOL - are you seriously comparing a habitual 3rd stringer QB who provides comedic relief, in ONE instance, AFTER the game was sealed, to a consistent All-Pro, Face of Franchise Player who plays like a behemoth but has the mental fortitude of an 8 year old?

 

[AZCrazy]

Back to the point....

Both teams have underperformed their talent this year, and the one that shows up like their true selves will win. Don't know if Carolina's season is salvageable. Ours is
on the brink with little margin for error any more.

 

[kerouac9]

LOL - are you seriously comparing a habitual 3rd stringer QB who provides comedic relief, in ONE instance, AFTER the game was sealed, to a consistent All-Pro, Face of Franchise Player who plays like a behemoth but has the mental fortitude of an 8 year old?

Another hot take. He certainly seemed soft when he was getting his brains beaten in against Denver in the season opener.

Haters are gonna hate, I guess.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

You're insecure. Is your whole fan base insecure right now? Is your team insecure? Posting on another fan base site at length is a sign of insecurity. I think the Panthers as a whole have a good team and crap just happens. Now feel good about your team and they do have a chance and I doubt it's going to be a blowout either way... two good teams with a crap start, chill

Keep it down. Regular posters can be trolls as well and this post is definitely a troll.

 

[CardNots]

LOL - are you seriously comparing a habitual 3rd stringer QB who provides comedic relief, in ONE instance, AFTER the game was sealed, to a consistent All-Pro, Face of Franchise Player who plays like a behemoth but has the mental fortitude of an 8 year old?

Well stated

 

[SamMills51]

Reeling the conversation back to the topic, I really would like to know what you guys are looking at as far as the game? I haven't personally delved into the topic of whether the Cardinals really are regressing, or if they're good, as I think they are in all honesty. What's your opinions of the matter, how is your defense/offense and the positions concerning them? Are there any weaknesses I should be aware of? Is coaching an issue?

In Carolina, biggest concerns are DE and S for the defense, CB if you still don't believe the Bradberry hype, or hope that Leonard Johnson is the missing key to our defense. If we can find a scheme that works for us, I think our defense can be dominant. Bradberry is amazing, like really good. Our safeties are terrible though, which limits our defense.

Offensively most aren't worried, except everyone expects us to have All-Pro tackles by now. Otherwise it's looking solid coming into the game.

Coaching wise: Shula is the main factor in this segment. Most Carolina fans absolutely despise Shula, considering his plays to be predictable, long-developing, and terrible. They believe Cam Newton is the only reason Shula has a job. Rivera is starting to get hate, for some of his terrible clock management, and not instilling disciple into the players, and acting way too "player-friendly" and hates how he favors some players that should not be starting (i.e. Tolbert, Remmers @ RT/LT)

 

[Son of RedRage]

I just find it funny to see that when the season started, tickets for this game were $90 on StubHub. I just looked back into it, and the same nosebleed seats are now $39.95 a pop.

 

[schutd]

PLEASE stop saying HOT TAKE! All of you. Or just the one who thinks its 1995 and a good burn.

 

[kerouac9]

PLEASE stop saying HOT TAKE! All of you. Or just the one who thinks its 1995 and a good burn.

If people would stop delivering such dumb, poorly thought out takes, I wouldn't have to comment on their temperature so often.

 

[MrYeahBut]

If people would stop delivering such dumb, poorly thought out takes, I wouldn't have to comment on their temperature so often.

I'd like one luke warm endorsement , to go please.

 

[kerouac9]

I'd like one luke warm endorsement , to go please.

MrYeahBut, you're just okay.

 

[MrYeahBut]

MrYeahBut, you're just okay.

Nice!!