The Problem

[OneBadCat]

So let's dedicate a thread to the Panthers struggles and why we keep losing.
You can't deny that despite our losses that our guys have hung in there, we just blow it at the end.

Every week there is a let up. If coaching improves one game, then execution suffers, vice versa , on and on.

I think the Panthers are a talented team. But I'm beginning to think that, despite coaching woes the Panthers ultimately need to acquire players that will just dominate. Maybe it will take an early 2013 draft pick. But we need talent, not even at a specific position, but a player that is just talented enough to win the match up every time despite scheme and opposing talent.

Have a WR like AJ Green, or a DT like Suh. The offensive line needs help too. I'm not sure we can afford to use the 1st on a LT but it needs to be addressed.

[james.mcmurry13]

On the field, I'd like some new impact players at:

RT: Move Bell back in to RG, healthy Kalil/progressing Silatolu and still solid Gross makes the line great again with a new RT. If this guy can eventually slide to LT, all the better.

DT: The Edwards wall has played better than expected, but with both of them in their early 30's and neither really a standout player, I think we definitely should look for someone here. If we pick inside the top 5, Star Lotulelei is a very likely pick.

CB: A lot depends on whether or not we keep Munnerlyn. The nickel corner usually doesn't change many decisions, but if we lose him that depletes any depth we had (can't count on Hogan at this point).

FS: This is probably the biggest need, but for now it looks like the value in the draft is from 20-50 for safeties. This makes a ton of sense as a 2nd round pick.

Unfortunately, we can only really address 2 of these spots through the draft this year. I think its important we try out a lot of combinations at these positions (throw in WR too) so that we can get a better idea of what we have and can move forward from there. I think we need to see David Gettis, Joe Adams, even Armanti Edwards get some action at WR, we need guys like Josh Thomas on the field at CB, a good rotation at DT too. If some young corners show promise, then we can hold off, but letting young guys play will help us understand where we need to do better.
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[Panthers11]

Good post James, but I don't think we will know who we will take in the top 5 with the new GM. We could be surprised at the podium as he may see our roster differently than us.
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Yes we Cam. Giancarlo <3. The HORNETS are back.

[Moody]

My top positions:

WR - I like who we have, but Cam needs a young receiver that busts coverages.


FS- it's been too long since we had a playmaker back there. Corner is a need too, but I like Norman and Josh Thomas is surprising me.


DT- I like the Edwards but they aren't a solution. Putting a stud in front of Kuechly could be the best possible move. This would probably be my choice for our first round pick. If there isn't a dominant DT worth a top five pick, I say trade down and take a WR and DT.


OT/OG - clearly an issue but I don't know if we can address it and the other more imperative positions. I'd rather get a good FA to fill in.




Also, I really think this team could look at another TE in the midrounds. I think Cam's game is at it's best out of the two TE formations.

[TROJANPANTHER]

I do question how much getting an elite DT prospect will truly help this team. I just can't envision a DT having enough of an impact to help this team turn the corner.

It's certainly a need, but I'd rather have another position with what's looking to be a top 5 pick.
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Carolina Kitten - Sig God.

NFL - Panthers
College - USC, UNM

[boondock]

[Moody]

As for the argument of having an impact DT, Dwan Edwards actually left the game in the middle somewhere. We didn't get pressure the same after he left. He isn't even a top DT.


If you can find a DT that can maintain his weight and avoid injuries, you should have a top defense.

[DaveDX]

The renowned philosopher Busta Rhymes once said, "There's not a problem my squad can't fix." As great as his great mind was*, I fear he did not quite foresee this.

Panthers11 was right on both counts, it was a good post from James and we have no idea what the new GM will do. We have no idea what the seemingly more and more probable new regime will do. Right now all we can really do is hold out hope that whatever decision Richardson makes on the new GM is the best possible one.




*Pre-that shark jumping song with Janet Jackson
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[OneBadCat]

[Gang-Green!]

The problems are:

Rivera and the coaches are not dynamic.

Newton is not the answer to the team's QB needs. He seems apart from the team and appears to have lost them. It won't shock me if the Panthers draft a QB in the 1st round of the 2013 draft. In addition to the headcase part of the game, Newton is inaccurate and was throwing off his back foot every pass, even when there is not pressure.

The Panthers leaders aren't hungry. All the guys who were anywhere close to being up for contract, got theirs and mostly got way too much.

[Panthers 24/7]