pantherfan77
Footballguy
I was thinking about setting up an official panthers thread, but wanted to see how many panther fans we've got here
I live in NC and pull for the Panthers(as long as they are not playing the Skins)I was thinking about setting up an official panthers thread, but wanted to see how many panther fans we've got here
Why does it have to be only for the fans? I'm interested in seeing more Panthers discussion around here as it's one of the teams I know the least about.Set us up the thread!
If this is the official thread, I'll link it to the other offseason team threads.So do we have an official Carolina Panthers off season thread yet? Or is this it?
1. I am thinking Julius Peppers could have a big year in 2008. It's his contract year and whether or not he plays for Carolina or not in 2009, he needs to showcase his stuff and make himself more marketable than he is right now. Either way, that benefits Carolina.2. I sure hope he stays in the middle. What a great pick he was as the 25th overall pick. All Beason did was break the Panthers all-time record in tackles in a season (160) - AS A ROOKIE. Pretty impressive. Regarding Dan Morgan, I think they'll just use him where and when they can for as long as they can. He doesn't have much, if any trade value so I think they are stuck with him, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. 3. Chris Harris will most definitely remain the Panthers first choice at Free Safety. Now if they can find a Strong Safety to upgrade Marquand Manuel, who is an unrestricted free agent himself who may not be back with the team in 2008.Whats up with Julius Peppers ? Will he play for a contract next year or what do you Panthers homers expect from him next season ?Has Beason locked up the middle ? Is Dan Morgan done ?Chris Harris tied the franchise record in fumbles forced IIRC, do you expect him to be a feature in your secondary for awhile ?![]()
Whats up with Julius Peppers ? Will he play for a contract next year or what do you Panthers homers expect from him next season ? Apparently Peppers had Mono which affected him greatly as the normal treatment for the issue is steroids. He's most likely going to be playing for his contract in 08 as I'm thinking that the ownership is going to want to see something positive before they drop $60M plus on him.
Has Beason locked up the middle ? Is Dan Morgan done ? Beason has sewn up the middle. I believe that Morgan will be cut this season as he doesn't have much of a cap hit due to his re-structuring. (From a Panthers Site: Cutting Dan Morgan would result in a cap hit of $3.6 M. The Panthers would save $3.35 M in unpaid base salary and bonuses, though, so the net cap hit would only be $250 K. The move would also free up a considerable amount in 2009 and 2010.)
Chris Harris tied the franchise record in fumbles forced IIRC, do you expect him to be a feature in your secondary for awhile ? He's a solid player, but a liability in coverage. I think he gets much better if he's got a real FS to help out. in the defensive backfield
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Having Delhomme back should also keep the games a little closer maybe ? Its hard for Peppers to shine if they run the ball every down I would think. Smith is a stud WR, what do you think happens at #2 ? Delhomme is progressing as expected in his re-hab and Moore looked pretty decent when give a chance. I expect Moore to be the #2 this year with another vet brought in for depth. At #2wr, the hope is that Jarrett steps up and starts acting like a NFL player (word is that his work ethic wasn't that great and he didn't learn the playbook). Wild card at WR is Steve Smith Junior (Ryne Robinson) who came on pretty well at the end of the year as a kick returner/punt returner, but also as a pass catcher. My thinking is that a vet free agent will be brought in (Wilford, Bryant Johnson, Hackett). Someone with a little height and more of a possession receiver.
DTs - Jenkins ? Will your interior D-line be worth a damn ? How do you feel about your cornerbacks ? Jenkins is a strange one to pre-dict. He's obviously upset that we tried to trade him and he didn't come into the off season workouts and won't again this year. Word is that he wants to play closer to home which is Maryland. We may try to move him again while he has some value, but I'm not sure how much he has when everyone knows he wants out. I think our CB's will be much better if we promote Richard Marshall to a starting spot and demote most likely Chris Gamble to nickel back. There's a possibility that if we don't draft a FS, we could move Marshall or Gamble to the position and try them out.
Sorry, lot of Q's
That would be the optimum plan. I'm thinking OT and WR will be the spots we look at in the first round. Would love to see us drop down ala last year and pick up an extra second.I would like to see the Panthers trade down again and pick up some more picks. They have too many immediate needs to hold on to the 13th pick. Safety, OL, WR and RB are necessities.
Quarterback - I know several people who think Carolina needs to look in a different direction at QB other than Delhomme, but I strongly disagree with their thinking. I mentioned this before in a different thread - The average fan doesn't realize just how effective Jake Delhomme is. He reached the Super Bowl in the first year as a starter in Carolina. He is one of 10 QBs in the last four years to have 29 or more TD passes in a season. He has a 5-2 playoff record with his only two playoff losses from a last second FG by New England in the Super Bowl and a road loss at Seattle, where nobody seems to win. Carolina will rely on Delhomme and use Matt Moore as the backup next year.Wide Receiver #2 - It's hard to tell what Carolina will do with the #2 WR position until they find out the status of Drew Carter, who is an unrestricted FA. I don't think they will retain Carter, because he will try to get his market value from other teams. Carolina likes him, but they may not like him enough to pay him what he wants. We'll see. I am thinking this is the opportune time for Dwayne Jarrett to make himself known. The #2 position might very well be Jarrett, but it's possible that they will look to the draft (3rd or 4th pick) to try and find a steal. There are also a few late round WR picks that might be good for Carolina, namely Eddie Williams of Lane College. It was Lane College where Carolina found the late Fred Lane, so you've got to think there's some good rapport with their coaching staff. 2007 rookie pick Jacoby Jones also hails from tiny Lane College and he says Williams might be even better than he is. Williams is someone that draft guru and Footballguys own Sigmund Bloom seems to be very high on as a late round pick at the WR position.Having Delhomme back should also keep the games a little closer maybe ? Its hard for Peppers to shine if they run the ball every down I would think. Smith is a stud WR, what do you think happens at #2 ?
DTs - Jenkins ? Will your interior D-line be worth a damn ? How do you feel about your cornerbacks ?
Sorry, lot of Q's
Defensive Line - Do you think McGlover has earned it, or will Charles Johnson get an equal shot in camp?Quarterback - I know several people who think Carolina needs to look in a different direction at QB other than Delhomme, but I strongly disagree with their thinking. I mentioned this before in a different thread - The average fan doesn't realize just how effective Jake Delhomme is. He reached the Super Bowl in the first year as a starter in Carolina. He is one of 10 QBs in the last four years to have 29 or more TD passes in a season. He has a 5-2 playoff record with his only two playoff losses from a last second FG by New England in the Super Bowl and a road loss at Seattle, where nobody seems to win. Carolina will rely on Delhomme and use Matt Moore as the backup next year.Wide Receiver #2 - It's hard to tell what Carolina will do with the #2 WR position until they find out the status of Drew Carter, who is an unrestricted FA. I don't think they will retain Carter, because he will try to get his market value from other teams. Carolina likes him, but they may not like him enough to pay him what he wants. We'll see. I am thinking this is the opportune time for Dwayne Jarrett to make himself known. The #2 position might very well be Jarrett, but it's possible that they will look to the draft (3rd or 4th pick) to try and find a steal. There are also a few late round WR picks that might be good for Carolina, namely Eddie Williams of Lane College. It was Lane College where Carolina found the late Fred Lane, so you've got to think there's some good rapport with their coaching staff. 2007 rookie pick Jacoby Jones also hails from tiny Lane College and he says Williams might be even better than he is. Williams is someone that draft guru and Footballguys own Sigmund Bloom seems to be very high on as a late round pick at the WR position.Having Delhomme back should also keep the games a little closer maybe ? Its hard for Peppers to shine if they run the ball every down I would think. Smith is a stud WR, what do you think happens at #2 ?
DTs - Jenkins ? Will your interior D-line be worth a damn ? How do you feel about your cornerbacks ?
Sorry, lot of Q's
Defensive Line - The current line of Julius Peppers, Ma'ake Kemoeatu, Kris Jenkins and Mike Rucker will likely be without Rucker in 2008 who will either retire or sign with a team for one year and play it by ear from there. I personally think he'll sign with another team, but it's not unlikely that he'll remain with Carolina. Replacing him would be former 7th round pick Stanley McGlover with second year pro Charles Johnson getting some PT as well. Defensive Tackles Damione Lewis and Kindal Moorehead are also unrestricted FAs who could both be gone for the 2008 season. Having said all of this, Carolina needs big help on the defensive line. I can see them drafting defensive line (one DE and one DT) in two of their first four picks in the draft. There are too many unknowns here, they have to look to the draft at making some changes and preparing for filling empty slots, not to mention future injuries.
Cornerbacks - I completely think Richard Marshall played himself into a starting CB role in 2008, which would move Chris Gamble into a reserve role or for nickel and dime packages. Ken Lucas would play the opposite corner and he's no slouch. While three years ago may have been his best season with Carolina, he still can play and should be a force in 2008. I can see the Panthers drafting a CB or signing one that has great potential, but has lacked playing time with another team. They (front office) seem to be very good at picking out good players who haven't firmly established themselves as starters in the league that turn into good starters for Carolina.
Isn't Chris Harris entrenched at SS currently? When he was in CHI, his coverage skills were problematic, so I have a hard time seeing him at FS.1. I am thinking Julius Peppers could have a big year in 2008. It's his contract year and whether or not he plays for Carolina or not in 2009, he needs to showcase his stuff and make himself more marketable than he is right now. Either way, that benefits Carolina.2. I sure hope he stays in the middle. What a great pick he was as the 25th overall pick. All Beason did was break the Panthers all-time record in tackles in a season (160) - AS A ROOKIE. Pretty impressive. Regarding Dan Morgan, I think they'll just use him where and when they can for as long as they can. He doesn't have much, if any trade value so I think they are stuck with him, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. 3. Chris Harris will most definitely remain the Panthers first choice at Free Safety. Now if they can find a Strong Safety to upgrade Marquand Manuel, who is an unrestricted free agent himself who may not be back with the team in 2008.Whats up with Julius Peppers ? Will he play for a contract next year or what do you Panthers homers expect from him next season ?Has Beason locked up the middle ? Is Dan Morgan done ?Chris Harris tied the franchise record in fumbles forced IIRC, do you expect him to be a feature in your secondary for awhile ?![]()
He's played a little of both, but the depth chart says FS. I assumed that was his strength, or at least where Carolina wants him.Isn't Chris Harris entrenched at SS currently? When he was in CHI, his coverage skills were problematic, so I have a hard time seeing him at FS.1. I am thinking Julius Peppers could have a big year in 2008. It's his contract year and whether or not he plays for Carolina or not in 2009, he needs to showcase his stuff and make himself more marketable than he is right now. Either way, that benefits Carolina.2. I sure hope he stays in the middle. What a great pick he was as the 25th overall pick. All Beason did was break the Panthers all-time record in tackles in a season (160) - AS A ROOKIE. Pretty impressive. Regarding Dan Morgan, I think they'll just use him where and when they can for as long as they can. He doesn't have much, if any trade value so I think they are stuck with him, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. 3. Chris Harris will most definitely remain the Panthers first choice at Free Safety. Now if they can find a Strong Safety to upgrade Marquand Manuel, who is an unrestricted free agent himself who may not be back with the team in 2008.Whats up with Julius Peppers ? Will he play for a contract next year or what do you Panthers homers expect from him next season ?Has Beason locked up the middle ? Is Dan Morgan done ?Chris Harris tied the franchise record in fumbles forced IIRC, do you expect him to be a feature in your secondary for awhile ?![]()
I'm sure the position is far from filled, but IMO, the early clubhouse leader is McClover. Who knows what Johnson will bring to the table in his second year? On a different note, McClover has done quite well for being a 7th round pick compared to Johnson who was a 3rd rounder. I wouldn't be surprised to see Johnson come into camp in 2008 with a full head of steam. That position is far from decided.Defensive Line - Do you think McClover has earned it, or will Charles Johnson get an equal shot in camp?
Carolina's defense plays it's safeties kind of interchangeable based on the defensive reads done. Chris Harris has done well as a SS, but is more of a liability in coverage. That may be more of an issue due to having Deke Cooper at the "FS" position. FS is certainly a position that we're looking to upgrade. We do have Nate Salley who has been around a couple of years, but hasn't been able to stay healthy and we drafted CJ Wilson last year and he got some playing time towards the end of the season, but it's far from a settled position. We may take a look at what's available in free agencyHe's played a little of both, but the depth chart says FS. I assumed that was his strength, or at least where Carolina wants him.Isn't Chris Harris entrenched at SS currently? When he was in CHI, his coverage skills were problematic, so I have a hard time seeing him at FS.1. I am thinking Julius Peppers could have a big year in 2008. It's his contract year and whether or not he plays for Carolina or not in 2009, he needs to showcase his stuff and make himself more marketable than he is right now. Either way, that benefits Carolina.2. I sure hope he stays in the middle. What a great pick he was as the 25th overall pick. All Beason did was break the Panthers all-time record in tackles in a season (160) - AS A ROOKIE. Pretty impressive. Regarding Dan Morgan, I think they'll just use him where and when they can for as long as they can. He doesn't have much, if any trade value so I think they are stuck with him, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. 3. Chris Harris will most definitely remain the Panthers first choice at Free Safety. Now if they can find a Strong Safety to upgrade Marquand Manuel, who is an unrestricted free agent himself who may not be back with the team in 2008.Whats up with Julius Peppers ? Will he play for a contract next year or what do you Panthers homers expect from him next season ?Has Beason locked up the middle ? Is Dan Morgan done ?Chris Harris tied the franchise record in fumbles forced IIRC, do you expect him to be a feature in your secondary for awhile ?![]()
Agreed, it's a tossup. McClover had a great pre-season against the 2nd and 3rd string talents and was able to play a little in the first couple of weeks when Ruck was still recovering from his knee injury. McClover seemed to be pretty good at getting at the QB, but his run defense wasn't up to par. Eventually Ruck came back and took over the job which sent McClover to the bench. At the end of the year, we saw more of both McClover and Johnson. McClover seemed stronger and Johnson seemed winded (may just be rookie conditioning). I think we'll probably see a platoon situation between these two guys. The whole thing depends on what Rucker does. If he retires, we'll be drafting another DE and McClover and Johnson will be battling it out with a rookie. If Ruck stays, the need for another DE drops somewhat. I wouldn't be surprised to see Carolina make a run at a decent FA DE if one can be had.I'm sure the position is far from filled, but IMO, the early clubhouse leader is McClover. Who knows what Johnson will bring to the table in his second year? On a different note, McClover has done quite well for being a 7th round pick compared to Johnson who was a 3rd rounder. I wouldn't be surprised to see Johnson come into camp in 2008 with a full head of steam. That position is far from decided.Defensive Line - Do you think McClover has earned it, or will Charles Johnson get an equal shot in camp?
Have they upgraded the sound system? I didn't get to any games last year but in the past I noticed how poor the sound was.Bunky said:The Carolina Panthers have chosen Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Vision Systems to install new video displays at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. The displays are 31.5 feet tall and nearly 77 feet wide. They will provide some 2,400 feet of viewing area, more than triple the size of the stadium's existing displays.
they just found a reason to bump up my season ticket prices. hopefully they'll show more replays up on those screens.
Im sorry to say that Eddie Williams did not impress us in El Paso. He's got all the tools, but does not seem to know how to put them together. I won't completely count him out, but there are at least a few other late round/FA WRs I like a lot more than Williams right now.There are also a few late round WR picks that might be good for Carolina, namely Eddie Williams of Lane College. It was Lane College where Carolina found the late Fred Lane, so you've got to think there's some good rapport with their coaching staff. 2007 rookie pick Jacoby Jones also hails from tiny Lane College and he says Williams might be even better than he is. Williams is someone that draft guru and Footballguys own Sigmund Bloom seems to be very high on as a late round pick at the WR position.
I am thinking that Carolina will either...1. Re-sign Travelle Wharton and put him at LG as opposed to LT. They would then draft a LT (Ryan Clady, Sam Baker or Chris Williams)Andy Dufresne said:
I had been hearing rumblings that Wahle might get cut due to that roster bonus he was due, but man, this really shakes up the line. Gotta figure that Gross gets signed or tagged now and something has to happen with Wharton. It looks like Carolina could have 4 different linemen playing different positions than what started last year, and that's if Gross stays on the right side. They could just as easy move him over to the left and have 5 new starters with a rookie playing RT. Gives me an ill feeling in the pit of my stomach when I think about the running game and pass protection for Jake. We now may be looking at offensive linemen with 2 of our first 3 picks in the draft.I had thought we'd draft like this:I am thinking that Carolina will either...1. Re-sign Travelle Wharton and put him at LG as opposed to LT. They would then draft a LT (Ryan Clady, Sam Baker or Chris Williams)Andy Dufresne said:
The Offensive Line would be...
LT (Draft pick) LG (Travelle Wharton or Geoff Hangartner) C Justin Hartwig/Ryan Kalil RG Ryan Kalil or Evan Mathis RT Jordan Gross
2. They let Wharton go and move Geoff Hangartner to LG, but they still may need a LG via draft.
Yikes. We'll see what they have up their sleeve. I know they wanted to shake things up on the line, but wow, there's going to be some new faces. Hopefully some good faces.
Same hereI live in NC and pull for the Panthers(as long as they are not playing the Skins)I was thinking about setting up an official panthers thread, but wanted to see how many panther fans we've got here
I was that way until I saw Deion Sanders in a Redskin uniform (sorry, thinking of that makes me throw up a little). Then Gibbs brought me back some, but with him gone, its:1. Panthers2. Redskins3. Whoever's plaing the ####### Dallas Cowboys.When Snyder sells I'll reconsider.Same hereI live in NC and pull for the Panthers(as long as they are not playing the Skins)I was thinking about setting up an official panthers thread, but wanted to see how many panther fans we've got here
Panthers re-sign Travelle Wharton (6 yr contract) and Chris Harris (4 yr contract) today. http://www.panthers.com/Common/Article.aspx?id=30700 The article doesn't say if Wharton will continue to play LT or LG, I would love to see Carolina draft a top flight LT, but now I'm thinking they might be leaning towards drafting a DE with their 13th pick in the draft instead of a LT?!? Calais Campbell bandwagon anyone? Possbly Quentin Groves?I am thinking that Carolina will either...1. Re-sign Travelle Wharton and put him at LG as opposed to LT. They would then draft a LT (Ryan Clady, Sam Baker or Chris Williams)
The Offensive Line would be...
LT (Draft pick) LG (Travelle Wharton or Geoff Hangartner) C Justin Hartwig/Ryan Kalil RG Ryan Kalil or Evan Mathis RT Jordan Gross
2. They let Wharton go and move Geoff Hangartner to LG, but they still may need a LG via draft.
Yikes. We'll see what they have up their sleeve. I know they wanted to shake things up on the line, but wow, there's going to be some new faces. Hopefully some good faces.
Wahle's good. He's a very athletic guard that can easily make the necessary pull to free up running lanes. He's not the biggest of guards out there, but his speed and quickness at 6'6 is what makes him one of the better veteran guards in the league. Carolina got rid of him, not because of performance, but simply to free up cap space. Seattle's line will benefit greatly thanks to Mike Wahle. He's originally from the northwest so this is a homecoming for him. Packer fans can also attest to his abilities.Shick! said:Can someone here give me an assessment of Wahle? Would they have cut him if not for the large roster bonus?EDIT: Just read that Wahle was signed by Seattle to a multi-year deal. Details not out yet.
meh...thought he would be a difference maker...was severely mistaken. Don't pay tackle money to an above average guard.Wahle's good. He's a very athletic guard that can easily make the necessary pull to free up running lanes. He's not the biggest of guards out there, but his speed and quickness at 6'6 is what makes him one of the better veteran guards in the league. Carolina got rid of him, not because of performance, but simply to free up cap space. Seattle's line will benefit greatly thanks to Mike Wahle. He's originally from the northwest so this is a homecoming for him. Packer fans can also attest to his abilities.Shick! said:Can someone here give me an assessment of Wahle? Would they have cut him if not for the large roster bonus?EDIT: Just read that Wahle was signed by Seattle to a multi-year deal. Details not out yet.
Doesn't sound like they shelled out tackle money after reading the ESPN news story below. Will probably have to wait until tomorrow to get specifics.http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3246645meh...thought he would be a difference maker...was severely mistaken. Don't pay tackle money to an above average guard.Wahle's good. He's a very athletic guard that can easily make the necessary pull to free up running lanes. He's not the biggest of guards out there, but his speed and quickness at 6'6 is what makes him one of the better veteran guards in the league. Carolina got rid of him, not because of performance, but simply to free up cap space. Seattle's line will benefit greatly thanks to Mike Wahle. He's originally from the northwest so this is a homecoming for him. Packer fans can also attest to his abilities.Shick! said:Can someone here give me an assessment of Wahle? Would they have cut him if not for the large roster bonus?
EDIT: Just read that Wahle was signed by Seattle to a multi-year deal. Details not out yet.
Agent Neil Cornrich declined to specify the value of the deal, but it is believed to be comparable to what other starting guards in the league earn. That would mean approximately $3 million in base salary, plus many more millions in a signing bonus.
I think with the roster bonus coming up in March that Wahle was due to count over $4m against the cap this year for Carolina. When he was signed, I was surprised that we were paying him so much to play LG, not LT.Doesn't sound like they shelled out tackle money after reading the ESPN news story below. Will probably have to wait until tomorrow to get specifics.http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3246645meh...thought he would be a difference maker...was severely mistaken. Don't pay tackle money to an above average guard.Wahle's good. He's a very athletic guard that can easily make the necessary pull to free up running lanes. He's not the biggest of guards out there, but his speed and quickness at 6'6 is what makes him one of the better veteran guards in the league. Carolina got rid of him, not because of performance, but simply to free up cap space. Seattle's line will benefit greatly thanks to Mike Wahle. He's originally from the northwest so this is a homecoming for him. Packer fans can also attest to his abilities.Shick! said:Can someone here give me an assessment of Wahle? Would they have cut him if not for the large roster bonus?
EDIT: Just read that Wahle was signed by Seattle to a multi-year deal. Details not out yet.
Agent Neil Cornrich declined to specify the value of the deal, but it is believed to be comparable to what other starting guards in the league earn. That would mean approximately $3 million in base salary, plus many more millions in a signing bonus.