www.panthermann.com

What’s Behind the Scenes?

admin — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

You got some extra http://www.cable.tv/ channels and you’re even planning a trip to the Queen City to see the Panthers in action but if you’re a real fan you know the best things going on within the Panthers organization right now aren’t on the field. Here are a few of the most interesting discussions swirling around Carolina’s team
Will Cam Win? – As in, will Cam Newton make it to the cover of Madden 2013? A lot of fans hope he doesn’t so he won’t incur the famous “Madden curse” but many others love the notoriety. Only time will tell.
What about the New Uniforms? – Carolina’s logo has changed a bit in the offseason – expect a newer, sleeker panther and flashier helmets to hit the field this year. It should make for a fascinating look.
New Stadium? – It’s unlikely but rumors have been swirling in Charlotte for years that a new stadium’s imminent. The Panther’s Bank of America home field is one of the oldest stadiums in pro football and is due for some much needed updating but will the city shell out?

Will Williams and Stewart Bounce Back From Subpar Opener?

admin — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The big story in Carolina this week seems to be about whether Cam Newton can repeat his performance from last week. However, a bigger question is whether Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart will bounce back from their less than perfect season opener performance. The Panthers are known for having a reliable running game, it has been the trademark for their offense since they signed Deangelo Williams. However, with Williams beginning to age as a running back and Stewart still needing to prove himself, will they put up good performances this Sunday?
The Panthers are focused on creating an offense that is less bottled up in the running game and more dynamic in both the passing game and running game. Cam Newton showed last week that he can provide what the Panthers need in the passing game, but for the Panthers to win games, their running game needs to be strong too. Williams has been known to be a bit streaky at times, meaning his performance is likely to go through ups and downs during the season. Since last week was a down week for him, expect him this week to put up solid numbers to bounce back and perform like his usual self. Stewart may not bounce back immediately, but as the season rolls on and he gains more experience and learns from Williams, he will start to progress as a running back and start putting up the solid numbers that have been expected from his high potential his entire short career.

Who Will Catch More Passes, Smith, Shockey or Olsen?

admin — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

With a developing offense that the Panthers are trying to center around Cam Newton, it remains to be seen exactly who the main receiving threat will be in Carolina. Steve Smith lit up the Arizona Cardinals in week 1, and Cam Newton appears to have very good chemistry with him. With teams finding ways to start controlling Cam Newton in later weeks though, will Jeremy Shockey and Greg Olsen start receiving more passes as a result of emergency dump offs from creative blitzing that leaves young Newton looking for a safety outlet?
Greg Olsen did not make the most of his talent in Chicago last season. His combination of speed and athleticism makes him a notch above most of the league’s tight ends; however, with Jay Cutler at quarterback, it was not a surprise that he did not receive as many passes as he should have, since Cutler is not known to be a quarterback that spreads the ball out to all of his receivers. Smith will return to being a huge threat in the receiving game this year though, and with Newton being a gutsy quarterback, will likely receive tons of passes despite teams finding creative ways to put pressure on Newton. Cam Newton will sling the ball to Smith because he trusts him to catch the ball and make big plays. Steve Smith will be the biggest receiving threat in Carolina this year, and if Cam Newton continues playing for the Panthers, much longer.

Can Dan Connor Adequately Replace Jon Beason At MLB?

admin — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

When Jon Beason tore his Achilles tendon in the Panthers opening game, the Carolina nation had to panic. Beason, a MLB, was coming off a season in which he had 121 tackles, 8 passes defended and 2 forced fumbles. Over the last four years, Beason had been the glue that held the Panthers defense together by routinely averaging over 130 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 6 passes defended. His veteran leadership and ability to be around the ball were a vital factor to new head coach, Ron Rivera’s defensive plans.

Tapped to replace the veteran leadership and unstoppable drive of Beason will be fourth year linebacker Dan Connor. Last year, Connor started eight games and showed some promise with 47 tackles. When he has played the middle, the former Nittany Lion has shown that he can make plays. However, the question comes in the passing game. Connor must be able to become a force in the underneath or dump off passes that Beason has controlled, at times, during his career. If he is able to make this adjustment Carolina could make the transition appear seamless. If he cannot or is himself injured then the Panthers will be in trouble for sure.

Does Jimmy Clausen Have a Future With the Panthers?

admin — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Jimmy Clausen was drafted in 2010 in the hopes that he would be the future of the Panthers’ passing game. His stats at Notre Dame during his college years showed that he was a solid quarterback, and hopefully his skills from college would translate to good stats in the NFL. However, last season when starting quarterback Matt Moore became injured, Jimmy Clausen got his chance to prove himself, and failed miserably. He put up ugly stats, and seemed to put up more sacks, fumbles, and interceptions than he did passing yards and touchdowns. With the Panthers drafting Cam Newton in 2011, does Jimmy Clausen have a future with the Panthers?
Cam Newton looked brilliant in his NFL debut. He put up over 400 passing yards along with three touchdowns. His presence sparked an offense in desperate need of a good passing game. He appeared comfortable in the pocket, and was not afraid to air the ball out to receiving threat Steve Smith unlike Jimmy Clausen. Needless to say, Jimmy Clausen was not a big hit with his teammates last season. Veteran Steve Smith criticized the quarterback on multiple occasions, and the offense looked awful. It seems that the Panthers are set on Cam Newton to be their future franchise stud, and plan to keep Jimmy Clausen watching from the sidelines as the No. 2 quarterback on their depth chart.