Can the Panthers repeat their success as the NFC Champs of last season? I know this has been an ongoing debate in the AFC South Thread that should have been named the NFC South! But let's bring it back to the Panthers board....
oh, how miniscule is the love that the panthers get...beware, john fox has shown he is a great motivator and judge of talent...lest we forget, he beat parcells, martz, and reid, and was very close to taking belicheck to OT in the super bowl...those 4 coaches get more respect and notoriety than fox does, and yet, he has done more in his 1st two years as a head coach than any of them...
Yes, but can he repeat? It has been proven that it's not so easy to do in this day and age. I think Fox is a great coach and he seems to be getting along without Del Rio. (Which I wasn't sure he would.) I think Carolina gets back into the playoffs, but that's as far as I can predict. It's early cb, too early for this football fan to know....
i know it is difficult to keep up with everthing that goes on with 32 teams, but carolina just barely lost the super bowl this season after 2 years of almost everyone saying they didn't have talent, or couldn't win against this team or that...i would think that would be enough for a little respect...they dropped 15 straight in 2001, so i understand the lack of confidence from fans of other teams, but against every question anyone has had about fox and the panthers, they have proven themselves, and they have kept even an even keel...they are still the best team in the nfc south, and i still think they are the best team in the nfc...and the fact that they truly don't get respect will burn in them this year...keep talking about the rams, eagles, cowboys, seahawks, bucs, packers, etc...just know carolina is going to better this year than they were last year...
What about the offensive line concerns? I only ask because I don't really know what the situation is there. Davis is a year older (not that he's old), but he's probably only got about 1 or 2 more really productive seasons left. The passing game isn't overused and I can't see that changing. The defense is obviously the core of the team because Fox is the man when it comes to building a great defense. Personally, I think the Panthers are better than the Rams and Cowboys, but I do think Seattle, Philly, and Tampa will compete with them this year.
I thought DeShaun Foster showed that he can carry the load too last season. Panthers running game is pretty impressive. Foster should get more playing time this year imo. I do like Davis, don't get me wrong. I just think splitting duties more evenly will help Davis to remain healthier and give him an extra season or two. My only concern is the o-line. Aren't the Panthers looking at a complete shakeup from last years version?
sorry for the delay in responding...been out of town...as for the o-line, they are changing, but for the better...jordan gross is now at his natural position at left tackle...stuessie is gone, and on passing downs, that is a huge plus for us...he was getting beat off the line and jumping offsides way too much...as for the other guys, the o-line was questioned before we got davis...they did pretty good in my opinion...and the coaches know how to get what they need from the players they have...i believe they will do very well...
The other weakness that must worry the panthers is at corner where they just don't have one guy that can be a shutdown corner. Then they handed the starting job to Ricky Manning and let go of Reggie Howard and terry cousin who were both very solid IMO. Besides the three INT's handed to him in the NFC champ by horrible route running on at least one of them (Pinkston) he was avg at best. Chris Gamble was a much needed pick but we'll have to wait and see if he is ready for the NFL since he only began playing corner a few years ago. He will be a key because Artell Hawkins, Hank Poteat, Terrance Shaw, Dante Wesley, and the others who I have not really heard of have no business starting for anyone. On a side note though I'm rooting for Mark Fields. I hope he makes a great comback story and hopefully can have a good season and get comeback player of the year.
The Panthers Defensive line sure makes the job easier for those corners. They aren't on an island too long with that pass rush.
i agree kcgsc...but, again, i trust our coaching staff...they have proven they are more than capable of putting quality players on the field...as for fields, i hear he is pretty close to being back to playing form...
I agree as well KC but I still feel better knowing we have a Ty Law on our side....well at least for this season....I hope.
