Getting ahead of ourselves

I like our wide receiving corps this year but make no mistake, we are not in the same league talent-wise as the Colts and Pats. We now have an average to slightly above average group of wide receivers compared to the rest of the league. The only reason they look so good on paper is a result of the lack of talent at the position over the past several years on this team. Also, I don't agree with the "fun n' gun" offense you speak of. The Panthers have followed the 2003 blueprint of adding big, tough, physical players and pounding the ball is where that team found success. We would have done it again in 2005 if it weren't for injuries at the RB position. The one thing people forget is that the 2003 team could put up points when need be, do you remember the Super Bowl? Fox has a proven system, and now that the talent is here that fits that system, I expect a pretty big year.

We have fallen off the cart was taking us deep into the playoffs. In 2003 we remained pretty injury free and had a big, downhill RB and Foster.

In 2005 we went back to the NFC Championship game with a third string RB who got hurt in the game. We really only had 1 WR at the time, so Smith was tripled.

So, there is something to the system. Don't compare us to the Colts and Pats--different system and coach. Compare us to the 2005 Panthers--we will be better than they were.

The OL is the key. We look like we are going after quantity over quality, but we never had too many blue chip OL in the past. This year we will have two first rounders, a second rounder, and a third. All our draft picks. If they jell, along with the RG, we are going to be pretty good.

I couldn't agree more. It just doesn't feel right saying that to a Catamount! But a Panther fan nonetheless, so I guess that's what really counts! But If we stay healthy, we have the talent to make a run. The only problem I have had with the Fox era is that injuries seem to mean the end of our season, and there are other teams who simply don't let that happen, i.e. Colts and Pats. The Colts were without their best receiver, pass rusher, and even a few offensive lineman--at least one I know--I'm not gonna google it to find out for sure if it was more, and they managed to make a run into the playoffs. In the NFL everyone has injuries, so that can't, and shouldn't stop a team if they have proper depth and talent. But all in all I like the makeup of this team and players love Fox, so I can't imagine this team disappointing with his head on the chopping block, these guys would go to war for him, and the way it sounds so far, and for each other also.

We were without 3 different Pro Bowl players, two at some of the most important positions in the field (QB and MLB.) We, too, were without our best pass rusher and one starting lineman. Further, our starting FS didn't play a game, and one of our starting corners played with one hand for the last third of the season. There is no team that could have overcome those kind of injuries.

Philip Rivers had a torn knee ligament, the best RB, and the best TE in the game were all out while Billy Volek led the Chargers to the AFC title game where they then came terribly close to beating the best team all year with Rivers on one knee and no LT. It can happen. The Eagles were decimated by injuries the year before and without their all-pro QB they made it to the playoffs. I'm sorry but injuries happen to everyone and it is how well prepared your team is, and how your organization has built depth to address the situation. I think Fox is a great coach, I am just simply stating that this is one area his team has fallen short during his tenure. Also, the argument about FS is moot. We never lost a game last season because of that position. Was it weak? Of course, but when you have three solid CB's as we do, you will not get burnt as often. If that is the weakest position on the defense, I'll take that anyday. There is enough character to respond to injuries on this team, where the Panthers have failed is not having enough depth and talent at need positions. You can whine and moan all you want, but other teams have shown if you have the right guys in place, trust the system, and play tough and hard every game then you can be successful no matter who is on the field. That is why you don't see coaches pulling the injury card very often, because that argument doesn't hold any water. It happens to everyone, every year, and will never end, you simply have to respond.

Nicely put.

I agree with both of you to a degree. We didn't have the depth last season. Funny thing is, most everyone would have thought our depth at QB was solid. THis year, we have depth. Name a position where a starting-calibre person couldn't come in and take over. Hard to do. FB? Last year? LG, RG, RT, QB, FB, FS, SS, OLB, MLB, WR, WR again, TE. Not only that, we upgraded almost every spot.

Appstate09, you are wise to recognize Catawisdom. (Just kidding) Panthers first!

HAHA! "Catawisdom"--That was a nice line! I agree that on paper the depth is there this year. I just think in years past it hasn't been and that's the reason injuries have been so costly--someone above mentioned drafting being the problem, well, exactly, that speaks to the depth issue. But there is certainly enough character in that locker room to respond mentally and emotionally, but physically the talent wasn't there to step in. That whole bitten by the injury bug just doesn't fly. Teams can, and have, overcome that, and I think this year the Panthers are equipped to do so. Because someone will go down for some period of time it is just part of the NFL.