Cat Scratch Reader

Peppers Sheds More Light on Departure

2010-03-21T17:29:04Z

15 days ago: FILE - In this Dec. 27, 2009, file photo, Carolina Panthers' Julius Peppers (90) reacts after sacking New York Giants' Eli Manning in the second quarter of an NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J. ESPN is reporting that five-time Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers of the Carolina Panthers has agreed to a six-year, $72 million with the Chicago Bears. The deal calls for Peppers to earn $40 million over the first three years, according to ESPN, which cited a source it did not identify. Agent Carl Carey did not return messages and the Bears declined comment before a Friday afternoon news conference. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, File)

Browse more photos »

I'm tired of talking about former Panthers DE Julius Peppers as much as anybody yet his latest interview continues to shed light on the reasons for his departure. We have been forced to speculate on his reasons for leaving Charlotte since he rarely talked to the media the last few seasons. Now that he has left he has found his pulpit for explaining all that went wrong in Charlotte, at least in his view. I want to be clear this is not another ‘Bash Peppers' piece, I'm simply trying to put this puzzle together so we can see the picture clearly and hopefully move on.

Let's start with the notion Peppers was tired of being a big fish in a little pond:

"I'm out here in Chicago and there's just a lot of love,'' Peppers yells over the blaring music. "I think back in Charlotte, I had been there so long that everybody got used to me. I mean, I got attention there and all that. But out here in Chicago, it feels a lot more genuine.''... he continues "Truth be told, that's really one of the small reasons that I wanted to get out; because everybody knows your business in Charlotte,'' he says. "I wanted to try something different because out here in Chicago, Jordan was here. Pippen was here. They've got Urlacher. They've got hockey. They've got the baseball. In Charlotte, it was all about the Panthers.''

So there is no doubting Peppers tired of being the big fish and wanted a bigger pond that already had it's trophies. I have to admit though this type of crap would get old with anybody:

"I live on a small town on the lake, and I mean people would get on their jet skis and just post up in front of my crib, trying to see who was there in my house.''

But is that reason to leave? He did say it was a small reason...We've speculated a lot about Peppers agent Carl Carey and his role in all this. He's not an experienced agent but I better understand why Peppers trusts him, which in his world is more important than being just an agent. It starts with an incident at UNC where Carey stood by Peppers after he was accused of plagiarism:

"That was the first issue that we confronted,'' Carey says, "and believe me, we've been through a lot together.''

Carey entered Peppers life full time after his 4 game suspension his rookie season after taking a substance from a still unnamed Panther team mate:

"It was just one of those learning experiences for me, one that told me you can't really take everybody for their word,'' Peppers says. "I felt like I could trust that teammate.

"That's why I don't have a lot of close friends. Outside of my mom and Coach Foster, it's just Carl and I.''

Peppers never mentions his father so I think Carey has definitely filled that hole in his life. That explains his lack of concern for Carey's agent experience; he simply wants someone he can trust. As it turns out Peppers sounds proud of Carey now for completing the deal with the Bears for $42M guaranteed:

"That deal is so good that Carl did,'' Peppers says. "He's not even a full-time agent. He's a professor at (Texas Southern). I'm happy for myself, and I'm happy for Carl for executing it because he was much-maligned throughout the process. Things couldn't have ended up any better.''

So it seems Peppers has returned the favor by sticking by his guy who stuck by him all these years; it's come full circle.

The last topic is Jon Beason's radio interview where he essentially questioned Peppers on-field intensity. Though I agree Beason was wrong for making those comments I think Peppers had long decided to leave Charlotte so in the grand scheme of things you can't blame Beason for Peppers leaving at all.

"Beason ... he knew he was wrong for that,'' Peppers says, his tone raised a notch. "I didn't even have to respond to that because as soon as he left the radio station, he came over and apologized.

"People that really know me know how I work. You never heard one of my coaches or (other) teammates say anything about my work ethic. And that Beason thing kind of got taken out of context.''

Just chalk that up to a learning experience for Beason that I'm sure he won't forget. No doubting this is Beason's team now.

One last Peppers quote on the use of stats to judge a players impact:

"A lot of people don't really understand that a statistic is an indicator, but it doesn't really give the full picture of the body of work,'' he says. "There's been time when I've had one sack or no sacks and controlled a whole game, and I've seen other cats get three or four sacks and it had no effect on that game.

"My approach is going to be all about winning games. All the rest of that stuff will take care of itself.''

I can't disagree with this analogy at all, as long as you win games. When you don't win and you don't produce the stats either I'm sure the Chicago fans are going to be asking the same questions those of us in Charlotte have been asking.

So in summary the fact Peppers was essentially worshiped in Charlotte really annoyed him more than anything. Conversely Peppers doesn't want the responsibility of being a team leader. I think these two items are the primary reason for his leaving rather than loyalty to his friend Carl Carey or anything the Panthers organization or team may have said or done. Right or wrong, good or bad, I think I at least finally understand all this. I know, I know time, time to move on.

Panthers taking a look a Tony Pike

2010-03-21T13:37:45Z

Panthers taking a look a Tony Pike

Along with Broncos and Pats.

Mocking the Draft- Rev and Aussie choose in the 3rd and 4th rounds

2010-03-20T18:46:25Z

Today Revshawn and myself proceeded with selecting for the Panthers at mockingthedraft.com where the 3rd and 4th rounds were decided today.

There was a run on defensive tackles in the 3rd round, and we really didn't like the value we saw there. Towards the end of the 3rd round we were seeing DT's going off the board who I liked in the 4th round, so we looked for value and played the BPA game

Rev and I are rather pleased with what we did today, so read after the jump to find out who we selected.

In the 3rd round the Panthers selected: Jermaine Cunningham, DE- Florida

- We loved this pick. Cunningham is big, he's fast and he's a hard worker. Though Carlos Dunlap may have been the sizzle, Cunningham is definitely the steak of the Florida line. He was a steal in the 3rd in my opinion.

In the 4th round the Panthers selected: Dennis Pitta, TE- BYU

- While TE might not be the biggest need for the Panthers, there was no way we could pass up grabbing this 1st team All American. In fact, we swapped 4th round picks with Jacksonville and gave our 7th round pick to get Pitta. He's an elite pass catching TE breaking every record for TE's at BYU and breaking Austin Collie's record for receptions. Furthermore, he had more reps than any other elite TE.

We looked at DT prospects all day, but it wasn't happening with the value we liked. They were simply going too early to be worth getting any of them, meanwhile other players of value were falling greatly.

The Panthers now wait for their 6th round pick to select again.

Here is how the Panthers' draft looks in totality over at Mocking the Draft

2nd round: Arrelious Benn, WR- Illinois

3rd round: Jermaine Cunningham, DE- Florida

4th round: Dennis Pitta- TE, BYU

6th round:

LB Landon Johnson Signs with Lions

2010-03-20T16:09:48Z

LB Landon Johnson Signs with Lions

Former Panthers linebacker/special teamer Landon Johnson has agreed to a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions according to his agent Andy Simms.

DeAngelo Williams enjoys sharing carries

2010-03-20T13:57:22Z

DeAngelo Williams says he is happy and thankful that the Panthers will keep him in a timeshare with Jonathan Stewart going forward.

"The front office and coaching staff are single-handedly prolonging my career and (Jonathan Stewart's) career. Thirty is like the new 50 in the NFL, especially when it comes to tailbacks," said Williams, who turns 27 next month. "We’re each about 220 or 230 carries a year. I’d rather have that than 300-plus carries a year. It's going to be close to a 50-50 split no matter want." Mar. 19 - 3:37 pm et

Source: ESPN

Here's hoping we get 5 or more years of the best tandem football has ever seen.

SB Nation Survey + Chance to donate $500 to a charity of this community's choice

2010-03-20T00:47:53Z

>> Take SB Nation Survey

Hello sports fans! We're always striving to provide you with the best experience possible and it's been quite some time since we checked in with you.

So we're rolling out this survey to learn more about you and your sports world. It should only take about 10 minutes to complete.

We really appreciate your time and this is also going to help make a donation to a good cause.

By next Thursday (3/25) at 11:59pm PST the site that has the highest percentage of their community filling out the attached survey about their sports interests and consumption will win $500 to donate to a charity of their choice. We will leave it up to the discretion of the community manager(s) of the winning blog to decide how to choose the particular charity.

You can take the survey HERE

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WYR2WQT

Thanks for your support!

Mocking the draft- A Revshawn and Aussie odyssey

2010-03-19T18:49:14Z

More photos » Jay LaPrete - AP

5 months ago: Illinois' Arrelious Benn (9) is tackled by Ohio State's Brian Rolle, left, and Jermale Hines during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Browse more photos »

Good afternoon everyone. I thought I'd report in on how the Panthers' mock is looking for tomorrow over at 'Mocking the Draft'. Revshawn and I have taken up the duty of being the Panther pickers for the remainder of tomorrow's draft, so I thought I'd let the community know what has happened and what we're looking at for tomorrow.

When we came aboard the 2nd round pick had already been assigned to the Panthers by default- we picked WR Arrelious Benn out of Illinois. Despite this being a default pick I was thrilled; Benn is at the top of my board for the Panthers because he's a big body and easily the best blocking WR in the draft. He'll should help replace Moose and continue to support the running game where needed. While Rev and I both plan to be picking live tomorrow we'd like to let you in on our 'big board' for the 3rd and 4th rounds, and our current thinking for the remaining rounds- though we're still fleshing it out.

We always appreciate comments and discussion- but forgive us that we wont be changing the board in the 11th hour. I'm still running our community mock starting April 1st, but this should be a nice taste to wet the beaks of those desperate for a little mock draft info.

2nd round: Arrelious Benn- WR (Illinois)

3rd round:

DT Lamar Houston (Texas)

TE Dennis Pitta (BYU)

DE Jermaine Cunningham (Florida)

DE Alex Carrington (Arkansas State)

OG Jon Jerry (Ole Miss)

WR Jacoby Ford (Clemson)

DT Torrell Troop (UCF)

OLB Dekota Watson (FSU)

4th round:

DT Linval Thomas (ECU)

QB Tony Pike (Cincy)

CB Akwasi Owusu-Ansah (Penn)

DE Lindsey Witton (UCONN)

OLB Navorro Bowman (Penn State)

DE Kevin Baspad (Nevada)

TE Jimmy Graham (Miami)

DE DJ Wilson (ECU)

CB Al Jefferson (Fresno State)

C Eric Olson (Notre Dame)

5th round:

DE Daniel Te'o-Neisham (Washington)

SS Myron Rolle (FSU)

MLB Darryl Sharpton (Miami)

6th round:

OL Thomas Austin (Clemson)

OT Mike Tepper (California)

OLB Keaton Kristick (Oregon State)

K Aaron Perley (OSU)

RB Charles Scott (LSU)

7th round:

CB David Pender (Purdue)

DT Nate Collins (Virginia)

QB Max Hall (BYU)

QB Armanti Edwards (App State)

WR Kyle Williams (Arizona State)

As a Player, Being Sent to Another Team Isn't Always a Fun Process - @ChrisHarrisNFL

2010-03-19T16:01:38Z

Here we are right in the middle of offseason - the time of year when players are drifting this way and that way, landing new jobs, in new cities, for new teams. As a player, it's a wild experience to go through, and I would know, because I've been one of those guys who's made a move from one market to another.

I'll be honest with you... When you're told by management that you're going to another team, it can be a devastating blow. Of course, I can't speak for everybody and say that the same reaction is felt by all players facing this situation, because different moves have different circumstances, but, for me personally, I was none too pleased.

I felt like I was doing everything right in Chicago, because I was playing some pretty good ball. I started a couple years, started in the Super Bowl, got an interception in the Super Bowl -- all seemed well. My first two seasons with the Bears were great, but when I entered the next season's training camp and was told... "Hey -- You're gone -- We just traded you," ...I gotta admit that it was a pretty bittersweet moment.

You know what? <Haha> I wouldn't even say that it was bittersweet. I was really upset!

You gotta realize that I was a young guy when this happened. I was just going into my third year in the league and didn't really understand that the NFL could work like this. I had never gained an appreciation for the business side of the game - all I saw was football, football, football. I was real green and simply could not believe that the Bears had actually let me go.

I had really good friendships with the guys on the team, people in the community, my neighbors, etc. I was truly enjoying myself in Chicago. But, when I got the bad news, all I could think was...

"Dang. They don't want me anymore."

Finally, after a lot of frustration, I realized something...

The Bears hadn't released me. They traded me. I was about to go to a team that did want me.

Even though it had finally clicked that I was still wanted by somebody, I still felt so uneasy about the entire situation that I was almost in tears. I didn't know what to expect from the move I was about to make. I was about to leave my comfort zone, enter a new situation, settle down in a city I was unfamiliar with, and live among people I didn't know.

But look at me now. I can reflect back on that transition and thank God that everything worked out for the best. I've come to Carolina, been given opportunities to showcase my talents, become a starter, and stayed a starter. Ya know... God worked it out the way it was supposed to work out.

But yeah, man... When I was told that I was being bounced from the Bears, I was angry as hell (Ha!). I was confused over my loss of a city and team that I loved. But now - of course - I couldn't be happier to have come to Charlotte to become a Carolina Panther. I love this city; I love my teammates ; and I love playing for all the great people who work upstairs. Everyone who works for this organization and is a fan of this organization is very loyal, just like God knew they would be. He had a plan for me and I'm sooooo glad I followed it.

--------------------

Panthers Paw Prints - Fox on Tebow Edition

2010-03-19T01:30:55Z

More photos » Chuck Burton - AP

7 months ago: Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox, right, laughs during the team's NFL football training camp in Spartanburg, S.C., Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Browse more photos »

Panthers HC John Fox attended the Florida Pro Day and was asked his opinion of QB Tim Tebow. This journalist obviously didn't realize the futility of getting real info from the sly 'Ol Fox:

Florida Gators sports news, analysis, commentary - Gator Bytes, a PalmBeachPost.com blog " Blog Archive " Reaction from Tim Tebow’s Pro Day
Q: What can you take away from watching workouts like these? Fox: "We don’t have a lot of looks at ‘em as coaches. We just get to look at ‘em this time of year, so sometimes it’s our first exposure other than TV games along the way."

Q: What did Tebow show you out there today? Fox: "He doesn’t lack in the work ethic department, so whatever needs to be done he’ll do."

I'm always amused at Fox's non-answers...Moving on to our favorite local prospect who seems to have all the intangibles and most of the tangibles...but is it enough?

Panthers focus on Edwards, but at what position? | The Herald - Rock Hill, SC
"That’s his makeup; his intensity level, he’d play tight end — or try," Moore said. "He’s so, so competitive. You’ve seen him one day in here doing this, I’ve seen him for four years, and there’s been no drop-off. I think that’s his biggest strength, is his competitiveness and his intensity. "I think he’d have been just as good a wide receiver as a quarterback. Wherever you put him, he’s going to work hard and be competitive about it. He’s in the game for one thing, and that’s to win, and do well."

Seems like he and Smitty would be tight. He could also follow Smitty's path to stardom which began with special teams:

Darin Gantt's Panthers Blog | The Herald - Rock Hill, SC
Edwards said the Panthers had displayed "strong interest," saying he met with coach John Fox and position coach Tyke Tolbert at the scouting combine in Indianapolis earlier this month. While everyone at ASU Tuesday was eager to see him do both sets of position drills, Edwards said he's getting different signals from different teams. Some are looking at him as a special teamer only, others as a receiver only, and others as an all-purpose athlete who might play some quarterback as well.

Next season is Fox's last chance in Carolina? I'm not so sure...

Next season is Fox’s last chance - CharlotteObserver.com
The Panthers’ personnel moves, on the other hand, have been dominated by fiscal conservatism and a "go young" mission. The Panthers’ front office appears to be at peace with the notion of taking one step back now to take two steps forward later. The Panthers need to win, for Fox’s sake. But they also want to rebuild. And those two ideas are at cross-purposes.

I still believe Panther management fully expects to challenge for the division next year anyway. If that is going to happen we need some experience on the defensive line, which got a shot in the arm with the return of this guy:

Darin Gantt's Panthers Blog | The Herald - Rock Hill, SC
In many ways, bringing Brayton back was similar to the track record of the recently released Damione Lewis, who came here on the cheap, got a second contract and provided valuable leadership to a young line — though it wasn’t nearly as young as this one.

More updates on our departed Panthers:

Sports Radio Interviews " Blog Archive " Was Signing Julius Peppers The Answer in Chicago?
Whether people mistake his calm demeanor on the field for taking plays off: "Yeah I have heard that a million times and I think that is true. That is correct. That is a fair assumption to make, a fair statement to make. People do mistake that sometimes ,but that is just a part of my personality that it’s not going to change. It’s not going to change. Whether you mistake it for a lack of motivation or not playing hard or anything like that. That is just who I am as a person… Sometimes in your career people have to nitpick at silly things because there is nothing else to say. You can’t say that there is a lack of production. You can’t say anything else really but lack of motivation. That is the thing that people are going to try to nitpick at."

I was thinking it was the goose eggs he put up in key games that we were nitpicking...There was no questioning this guy's enthusiasm for the game:

NFL NOTES / Holmgren says Browns need 'leader' Delhomme
"My own belief is this team needs an aging veteran," Holmgren said. "They need a guy that is going to grab everybody by the throat and say, 'Follow me through that door.' I don't look at him as an aging veteran, I look at him as the leader I wanted."

I'm hoping that leadership rubbed off on our 2010 starter, who in spite being labeled the top free agent QB wasn't expected to get a better deal than in Carolina:

Czar: Watch for trade market to warm up - NFL News - FOX Sports on MSN
It made sense that quarterbacks like Matt Moore (Carolina) and Bruce Gradkowski (Oakland) signed with their old teams because they never would have seen similar contracts on the open market. The guy who made out the best was Jake Delhomme, who is still owed millions by the Panthers, but got $7 million more from the Browns. That’s a huge contract for a guy who may be simply a great leader and locker-room guy. But such a deal also makes it sound like Mike Holmgren knows that the Eagles won’t be parting with either Donovan McNabb or Kevin Kolb.

Right or wrong I'm just glad he's our guy.

(Video) Here's One of My Fave Fan-Created Vids of All-Time! - @ChrisHarrisNFL

2010-03-18T14:02:57Z

Here's a sweet little video my man, Kevin Ketchie, put together for me. By the looks of it, I'm willng to bet he put quite a lot of work into it. He recorded a ton of my tackles and interceptions, edited them all together, threw a little Rage Against the Machine on top of it, and pumped out something that, personally, gets me pretty pumped up. And honestly, after watching it a few times, I think I'm gonna get on out to the gym to do my thing while this adrenaline is still flowin'.

After checking out his YouTube Channel, there's no denying that he's a huge Panthers fan. So CLICK HERE and subscribe to it.

Update by Jaxon:

I hope Chris or Kevin doesn't mind me adding this one but it does have the mentioned hit on Jacobs and the even better one on a Cardinals RB (Beanie Wells?). It's not as good of quality video but still very good highlights with most of the clips different from the first one. There are so many Hitman highlights to chose from!

--------------------

Panthers sign Brayton to three-year deal.

2010-03-17T19:01:27Z

Panthers sign Brayton to three-year deal.

Brayton said he would have been 'heartbroken had he not returned to Carolina. Dollar value not reported but its safe to say the Panthers didn't over pay.

Scratch Derek Anderson off the List

2010-03-17T18:28:51Z

Scratch Derek Anderson off the List

According to sources, Derek Anderson has agreed to sign a 2-year deal with the Cardinals.

Listen to Jaxon on Cat Crave Radio

2010-03-17T18:03:14Z

Listen to Jaxon on Cat Crave Radio

I did piece for John White at Cat Crave Radio. I come in around the 31 minute mark. This is my first attempt at a webcast so be kind!

Breakdown of Current Carolina Panthers Defensive Lineup for 2010

2010-03-17T13:00:24Z

More photos » Julie Jacobson - AP

2 months ago: Carolina Panthers linebacker James Anderson (50) and teammate Richard Marshall reach to recover a fumble by New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

Browse more photos »

I don't think anybody saw the changes coming down the pipe, expect for the DE position of course. So how does the current defensive lineup look and what concerns will we be facing.

Safety
Proj. Depth	Name	Age	Yrs
1	Chris Harris	27	6
1	Charles Godfrey	24	3

It's interesting that the Panthers don't list Sherrod Martin as a safety although some fans think he should start there instead of Godfrey. But it does make it easy to figure out who will be starting at the safety position, right?. Actually I do wonder what the plan is for this position and if any shakeup will occur.

Cornerback
Proj. Depth	Name	Age	Yrs
1	Chris Gamble	27	7
1	Richard Marshall	25	5
3	Captain Munnerlyn	21	2
4	Sherrod Martin	25	2
5	Marcus Hudson	27	5
6	C.J. Wilson	24	4
7	Marcus Walker	23	1

The biggest question here is if Marshall will be offered a contract from another team. Only using a 2nd round tender is a head-scratcher and it wouldn't be surprising for him to receive an offer. I do think this was a wise move however as it gives Marshall a chance to test his value. A a higher pick would have surely locked him into the Panthers. Then whatever contract he is offered if the Panther choose to match would be at market value or receive a much needed draft pick. The way Munnerlyn and Martin performed last season its easy to why the risk was taken.

Linebackers
Proj. Depth	Name	Age	Yrs
1	Jon Beason	25	4
1	Thomas Davis	26	6
1	Dan Connor	24	3
4	James Anderson	26	5
?	Brett Warren	25	1
?	Jordan Senn	25	3
?	Mortty Ivy	23	1
?	Quinton Culberson	24	4

I really hadn't looked at our depth at the LB position before now, but maybe I should say what depth. I think Conner has the edge to start and since Anderson been on the team hold a close 2nd to Conner. The rest of the LB group I have no idea. This will be an interesting position to watch and see how the depth plays out.

Defensive Tackle
Proj. Depth	Name	Age	Yrs
1	Tank Tyler*	26	4
1	Louis Leonard	25	4
3	Corey Irvin	24	2
4	Ed Johnson	26	2
5	Derek Landri	26	4
6	Nick Hayden	24	2

I'm sure I don't have the order correct and I do wonder if we have the final pieces on the team. Yet, I also wonder how much emphasis we have put on the DT position just because of the injury issues last season. Of course the biggest concern for the full team is the whole defensive line. Out of all 7 DT currently on the roster they have a combined 3 starts for the Panthers. Yikes!

*UPDATED: Years pro for Tank Tyler*

Defensive End
Proj. Depth	Name	Age	Yrs
1	Everette Brown	22	2
1	Charles Johnson	23	4
3	Hilee Taylor	23	3
4	Eric Moore	29	5

This has to be the area with the largest question mark, no question asked. Can Brown and Johnson shoulder the load and what about the depth? Much a be debated about their readiness but obviously there is faith that they can hold their own. I do wonder when Hurney and Fox kew they wouldn't resign the DE that shall not be named or if they thought a long term deal could be reach. Regardless this is who we have and I would still expect some moment to the roster in this area.

I am by far more concerned about the how the defense will look than the offense, but I'm a believer in Meek's system and will keep the faith he can pull it off again.

An introduction, and optimism for 2010.

2010-03-17T04:17:01Z

Greetings fellow Panthers fans!

Before I begin, I would like to take a few moments to thank Jaxon for this opportunity to share my thoughts here at CSR, as I never thought an opportunity like this would ever come my way. I've been blogging on my own for quite some time now (if you would like you can pay a visit to my personal blog by clicking here), but I never thought I would get the chance to share my work with an audience the size of which we have here at CSR and SB*Nation.

With that being said, I guess I should tell you all a little about myself, since I am relatively new here.

I am a 29 (soon to be 30) year old husband and father of two wonderful kids (5 1/2 yr old boy and 1 1/2 yr old girl) originally from the upstate of South Carolina. Currently, I reside in Moncks Corner, SC (for those who are not familiar with the state of SC - it's near Charleston) where I have lived since the spring of 2007.

I have been a football fan since I was 12 years old, and I was originally a Philadelphia Eagles fan (Randall Cunningham was my hero, and was responsible for my becoming an Eagles fan). When the Panthers came into existence in 1995 I followed them because they were the local team, but I was still an Eagles fan at heart (the 2003 NFC Championship game was one of those rare "I don't really care who wins" situations, even though I was pulling for the Eagles more than the Panthers at the time).

I was a loyal Eagles fan through the end of the Randall Cunningham era, and I suffered through watching Ty Detmer, Bobby Hoying, and Doug Pederson until Donovan McNabb became the man in Philly. When McNabb took over, he instantly became my favorite player, and was my new reason for staying with the Eagles in favor of the Panthers. I felt this way until Andy Reid finally drove me away with his stubbornness, stupid decisions, and lack of game management skills (because, a man can only take so much). Since I had always followed the Panthers as my "close 2nd favorite team", I decided it was time to give my full 100% to the Panthers and have been loyal to them ever since.

That brings me to now. Now, I'm a die-hard Panthers fan who fully supports the team and will always do my best to support them through thick and thin, because I honestly believe that this is the best organization in the NFL. I am excited to find out what 2010 has in store for us, even though a lot of people seem to think that the Panthers are headed for a 4-12 bottom-feeder season based on the moves that have been made thus far.

But, I tend to be an optimist and strongly believe that we will surprise a lot of people this coming season. I said in another thread that I predict the Panthers will go "11-5 with a side of Lombardi", and I truly believe that, because I believe that we have the tools in place to do something special this year. I can't wait to sit back and watch the development of Matt Moore into a quality starting quarterback, I can't wait to watch Everette Brown turn into a pass-rushing machine, and I can't wait to watch Chris Harris straight up knock receivers silly with his hard hits.

I'm looking forward to seeing if Dwayne Jarrett can develop into a real WR threat. I'm looking forward to seeing Double Trouble wreak havoc on defenses throughout the league. I'm looking forward to watching Smitty put up yet another highlight reel season. I'm looking forward to the draft (and still hoping that we draft Gilyard). I'm looking forward to training camp. I'm looking forward to the 2010 season. But most of all, I'm looking forward to sharing the ups and downs of 2010 and beyond with all of you.

Again, thanks to Jaxon for this opportunity, and thanks to everyone for taking the time to read this introduction.

Thanks for reading, and let's go Panthers!

Panthers opponents should fear a new weapon in Double Trouble's arsenal

2010-03-17T04:04:21Z

Panthers opponents should fear a new weapon in Double Trouble's arsenal

From #81 Kenny Moore's karaoke for charity event.

Editor's note: Sorry JSO that I missed your posting of this same clip! - Jta

Breakdown of Panthers Current Roster (Offense & K/P)

2010-03-16T19:00:52Z

More photos » Patrick Semansky - AP

Browse more photos »

As with every offseason, the current Panthers roster is changing. Unlike in past years, the face of team is also changing. With that in mind I wanted to take a first look at the Panthers 2010 offensive lineup. The following is a list of who's currently on the Panthers roster broken down by position. I have no doubt this list will change before the season begins.

Because kicker and punter don't fall into either offense or defense I'm going to start with them here and get them out of the way. So, first up the "oldies" on the team:

Name	Pos	Age	Yrs
John Kasay	K	40	20
Jason Baker	P	31	10

I realize the kicker position has a longer life in the league, but to see someone with 20 years as a pro is rare. I'm glad Kasay's still here but how long will it last. There is also the question of kickoff duties with the rumor that Jason Baker will take over.

After the jump I'll go through the offensive; tomorrow the defense.

Let's start with the skill positions. I should add the projected depth on all positions are my own gut feelings and should be taken as such.

Wide Receivers
Proj Dept	Name	Age	Yrs
1	Steve Smith	30	10
2	Dwayne Jarrett	23	4
3	Kenneth Moore	25	3
4	Wallace Wright	26	4
5	Dexter Jackson	23	2
6	Charly Martin	25	2

Event with the recent 30 purge, Steve Smith position on the team is safe. The rest of the field is a giant question mark. Jarrett showed a sign of life with Matt Moore behind center but will it continue. A lot has been made of his age as well, having been a pro for 4 years but is the second youngest receiver on the roster (Jackson is a little over a month younger). Really the only reason I give Jarrett the edge is because he's a larger target and has been with the team the longest. But really know knows. Like most positions I don't think we have the final receivers on the roster.

Running Backs / Full Back
Proj Dept	Name	Age	Yrs
1	DeAngelo Williams	26	5
2	Jonathan Stewart	22	3
3	Tyrell Sutton	23	2
4	Mike Goodson	22	2
FB	Tony Fiammetta	23	2

This is one position we pretty much know the breakdown. The two biggest questions for this season have to do with Goodson, will he put the fumblitis behind him and if so will he be used more as a receiver, as was speculated before last season. My guess is maybe and no.

Quarterbacks
Proj Dept	Name	Age	Yrs
1	Matt Moore	25	4
2	Hunter Cantwell	24	1

At QB we are sporting rookie starter and a second year practice squad player. I say rookie in the sense he hasn't started a full season. I think there's little doubt we will sign another QB; I would bet two by the time training camp starts.

Tightends
Proj Dept	Name	Age	Yrs
1	Jeff King	27	5
2	Dante Rosario	25	4
3	Gary Barnidge	24	3

Same as the running back, the TE position seems to be set. The question is the depth chart, but until I hear differently I would say it stays the same.

Tackles
Proj Dept	Name	Age	Yrs
1 - LT	Jordan Gross	29	8
1 - RT	Jeff Otah	23	3
3	Geoff Schwartz	23	2
4	Rob Petitti	27	5
5	Garry Williams	23	2

Guards
Proj Dept	Name	Age	Yrs
1 - RG	Mackenzy Bernadeau	24	3
1 - LG	Travelle Wharton	28	7
3	Duke Robinson	23	2
4	C.J. Davis	23	2

Center
Proj Dept	Name	Age	Yrs
1	Ryan Kalil	24	4
2	Steve Justice	25	2

At first glance I'd have to say overall not a bad group. However, the biggest question will be our starting guard positions. But with Wharton returning and Bernadeau filling in nicely at the end of the season they are the front runners for the starting job. With the signing of Petitti I'm not sure how many more offensive linemen the team will stock. However, I wouldn't be surprised by a few more signings for body count at training camp.

In summary, the two biggest areas of concern will the 2nd wide receiver and the backup QB. To me, this doesn't seem to far from a completed line. A few moves on the offensive side of the ball and I think we have our team.

Source says Panthers will seek extension with DeAngelo Williams

2010-03-16T13:43:28Z

More photos » Chuck Burton - AP

It appears the Panthers are getting ready to commit long term to one half of 'Double Trouble'(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Browse more photos »

ESPN insider Len Pasquarelli reports that the Carolina Panthers will seek a contract extension with their Pro Bowl running back. This sentiment is echoed by beat writer Darin Gantt who says (in response to a question about Pasquarelli's report):

Trust Len always. I think both sides want to

During this youth movement and lack of commitment from the Panthers it seems surprising that they are perhaps willing to make their largest commitment now of all times. Many fans and insiders have prognosticated that the Panthers wont we able to afford contract extensions for both DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, but is this part of a master plan?

More after the jump

Based on their production I have said for a long time that both Williams and Stewart will be looking at a contract similar to what Steven Jackson got in St. Louis (6 years, $44.08 million). If this does indeed ring true, coupled with a possible reduction to the salary cap it would be very difficult to justify keeping both players. If you follow this line of thinking then an extension to DeAngelo Williams could indicate that the Panthers have already made their future decision, and could possibly entertain keeping Stewart for his rookie contract, or trading the running back- though this doesn't seem likely in 2010.

However, the flip side to this could be the possibility of severely front-loading an extension for DeAngelo Williams to ensure his big money years don't cross over with the timetable for Jonathan Stewart's extension. From where I sit this looks to be the most likely scenario. If they were to give all, or the vast majority of Williams' guaranteed money up front it would only be limited by Jerry Richardson's pockets- it wouldn't count towards the cap.

Ultimately, it's early days and Pasquarelli is the only one reporting this proposed extension, but I think it should bring a sigh of relief to some Panthers' fans who have already discounted the organization as one looking to be cheap, not competitive. It remains to be seen what the long term goal of the Panthers organization is, but for now we can rest assured that it appears to include DeAngelo Williams.

Poll

If reports are true, what do you think an extension for DeAngelo Williams symbolizes?

Panther Paw Prints - NFC South Edition

2010-03-16T04:42:24Z

This edition of Paw Prints starts with a look around at the SBN blogs for our NFC South brethern to see what they are talking about. Let's take a look:

If you think we have WR needs just look at the Bucs and you are certain to feel better:

What happened to "you get what you pay for"? - Buc 'Em
The table tells us nothing we don't already know. He [Mark Clayton] burst onto the scene in 2004, had us all scrambling to buy #80 jerseys, ready for a Hall of Fame career, and then he produced numbers that would make most running backs look like receiving threats. An honest bit of feedback here. I literally laughed when I saw his numbers in black and white. I don't know if I blocked them out or what, but this was even worse than I thought.

When I first heard Bucs LB Barrett Ruud was unhappy with his RFA tender, as suggested over at Buc'em I was thinking maybe the Bucs low-balled him similar to the Panthers placing a 2nd round tender on CB Richard Marshall. Nope, he more than doubled his previous salary after getting a 1st & 3rd round tender.

Ruud won't be skipping voluntary workouts like year ago
"I'm not the only one going through this restricted label right now,'' Ruud said. "It's frustrating, but it's something I knew was going to happen. I'm ready to have as good a year as possible and I'm ready to do as much as I can to prepare for that. For me, OTAs are helpful and I plan to be at every one of them.''

Seems like he has the right attitude to me...

Leave it Mike Florio to try and stir some crap up on New Orleans but Saints fans at CSC are having no part of it:

Mike Florio Bashes Reggie Bush - Canal Street Chronicles
Have you ever even met a Saints fan, Mike? World War III breaking out during Woodstock was more likely than Saints fans putting together any kind of revolt after finally watching their team win the Super Bowl. It's all kumbaya down here, baby. In forty-three years we've never been happier; now is the least likely time this fan base would do anything of the sort. In Payton and Loomis we trust. So if they thought they could do without Bush, I'm sure most of us would just go along with it. Besides, given Reggie's penchant for being so controversial among Saints fans, getting rid of him might actually cut back on some of the in-fighting.

Tell em like it is...At least the Falcons do get at least one splashy signing per off-season:

A Free Agency Discussion: Will The Falcons Sign Anyone Else? - The Falcoholic
Basically, we've talked about how the Falcons are unlikely to be active players in free agency now that they've signed Dunta Robinson. That would fit with the "one big splash" style of free agency we've come to expect from the Falcons under Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith. Yet here's former New Orleans Saints defensive end Charles Grant, quirking his eyebrows shamelessly in the general direction of Flowery Branch, and there's the fact that free agents suddenly want to play for the Falcons. It's kind of unreal.

For Panther fans lamenting whether CB Richard Marshall has lived up to his draft status, the Falcons went ahead and cut bait with their 2nd pick:

Lions Acquire CB Chris Houston Via Trade with Atlanta
Houston (5-11, 178) spent his first three years in the NFL with the Falcons after being drafted by the club in the second-round (41st overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft. His career numbers include:162 career tackles (145 solo), three interceptions (14 yards; 1 TD), 34 pass defenses, a forced fumble and 2 fumble recoveries. In 2009, Houston played in 12 games (10 starts) before ending the year on the Reserve/Injured list due to a hamstring injury.

That has to be tough to give up on a guy so young...Moving on to other topics, it seems the scout media has their 'golden boy' who is now the next coming of...Percy Harvin?

7 Points: Notre Dame's Tate could be the next Percy Harvin - NFL News - FOX Sports on MSN
"I really respect his game, and I really enjoy the way he plays it. He's a guy built like me — speed is similar, very tough," Tate said. "I'm not afraid to go across the middle, and I'm not afraid to go catch a ball at its high point. He's a small guy, but he plays like he's 6-foot-2 or 6-foot-3, going up to get balls."

Harvin had a good season but maybe we should let him do it again before we crown him in the 'the next coming of' category.

Finally, back to our Panthers for some slightly dated Prints:

Changes in evidence as workouts begin
"I didn't go home, so I've been here for a while," he [Dan Conner] said. "There were probably about 10 to 15 guys. Guys would shuffle in and out or go on vacation, but you always had 10 or 15 working out or rehabbing. "But it's nice to see all the guys here. Everybody's ready to get back."

Love to hear it! I'm giving Conner my inside track to winning the SLB spot. In case you missed the recent post by our team captain LB Jon Beason, it's a must read:

Vets Moving On - JonBeason Blog post - jon, beason, carolina panthers, sport, blog, official website
I just had a conversation with Thomas Davis, who is working extremely hard to come back from his ACL injury. In my eyes, we can be the best linebacker tandem in the NFL. He was a safety in college and converted to linebacker here, and I think last year he was just turning the corner before he was injured. He got to the point where he understood the position so well that he could just go out there and be a football player, not have to think at all.

From the Confusion Closet we have this move by the Jets:

LaDaianian Tomlinson Gets More Money Than Thomas Jones - Arrowhead Pride
The Chiefs signed Thomas Jones to a two-year, $5 million contract also with $500,000 in incentives. This move by the Jets has me perplexed. If you go by the money (and it's usually right), they value LT more than TJ. LT's production has declined significantly the last two seasons. TJ's has gone up. In one less year of action, Tomlinson has 600 more carries. Whatever the Jets motivation is, the reaction of the rest of the league in regards to the value the Chiefs got speaks volumes.

So you drop the leading rusher to pay an older, injury prone RB? Hmmmm...

This edition wraps with an interesting take on the CBA negiating:

Free Agency is the Key to Labor Unrest in the NFL - Mocking The Draft
Now there is one exception to the anti-trust rule. If a group (NFL) and its employees ( players association) agree to a contract that violates the anti-trust laws then it is OK because everyone is agreed and everyone had the same bargaining power. In other words, the only reason unrestricted free agency isn't the absolute norm for every player who's contract is up is because the owners and players association agreed to it. Without the CBA (collective bargaining agreement) owners will face unlimited unrestricted free agency, no franchise tags, no transition tags, and Triple Damages for any and all damages caused to individual players after the CBA expires. This should end up costing the owners more in salaries, fan backlash, and legal costs than any money they save by operating without a new labor agreement.

Panthers Sign Marcus Hudson

2010-03-15T17:42:13Z

Panthers Sign Marcus Hudson

The 2006 sixth round pick out of NC State wasn't tendered by the 49ers. Looks like a one-year deal for the dime corner and special teamer.