While the Carolina Panthers' spending binge has slowed down for a couple of moments -- they did agree to terms with safety Sean Considine today apparently but that's not a major money deal -- I figured I would look back at the last two dizzying days and see what has transpired so far. (UPDATE: Now they have also made a trade for TE Greg Olsen, who is a good pass-catcher and gives them a complete overhaul at tight end. I'll evaluate that deal once we know what the Panthers gave Chicago to get Olsen).
Meanwhile, a few of the highlights so far....
Biggest shocker: John Kasay getting a pink slip from the Panthers. My column on why the Panthers must honor Kasay, the last original Panthers, is here.
The Steve Smith saga: Now he says he wants to be a "Panther for life," according to reports. Good. I've been advocating this -- the trade value was just too low for Smith and the Panthers need him this year as much as ever.
Quarterback countdown: Cam Newton hasn't been announced as signing his deal yet, but that figures to be a formality given the newly-instituted rookie wage scale. But who will the veteran be? I've been campaigning for Jake Delhomme (see previous blog posts), but who knows?
He's springing for dinner: Charles Johnson can't stay under the radar anymore, not after that $72-million mega-deal. Expect plenty of ribbing from Panthers teammates for that one.
The running back stable: With DeAngelo Williams back in the fold, the Panthers have one of the best running back stables in the NFL. I like this move, because the nature of the position is someone will likely be hurt in training camp.
So far, mostly so good. In Tuesday's newspaper, I advocated the Panthers doing five things right away... They've done 3.5 so far... A review...
1) Sign Charles Johnson. Check
2) Sign DeAngelo Williams. Check
3) Sign Cam Newton. No check yet, but surely this isn't going to be too difficult given the parameters established by the new CBA.
4) Sign a veteran defensive tackle and a veteran QB. DT Ron Edwards (check). The QB? Not yet. Half-credit.
5) Solve the Steve Smith situation. Check -- he's expected to be reporting for the Panthers Friday morning in Spartanburg.
We're moving!
9 years ago
Posts
39 comments:
I have read your pleas for Jake Delhomme now in at least 3 articles. We get it. You love Jake Delhomme. I love the Dolorian. But neither one is coming back. So drop it already.
I don't get the Jake obsession either. As evidenced by his performance in Cleveland, he is done. Finished. Washed-up. He is, as Kurt Busch once famously called Jimmy Spencer, "a decrepit old has-been."
If we are really that convinced that Cam & Jimmy don't know how to play QB and we need to get someone to teach them, get someone who has been in a winning program and has shown ability to play. Billy Volek comes to mind. He's only played in a handful of games, but he's been behind some very good QBs and Rivera knows him from their days at San Diego.
Panthers are making some very good moves - I'm getting pumped up for the season. It will be interesting to see how the preseason unfolds - it won't be your normal preseason, as the games will be ultra important in prep for season.
As for Jake, I think there's a better choice out there and his name is Billy Volek. He played under Chud in San Diego, is familiar with Rivera from his time there, and can mentor Cam on the offensive scheme.
What a joke. Garbage in garbage out garbage back in. $ame ole $hit just new diapers.
Smith was there last 3 yrs and did nothing. So what else is new? Newton is a big fat crook zero.
The only difference is the whole flim flam league gets to split billions more of your money stolen from your bank account.
Favre is available from the Viks. He would be the only plus.
You obviously want Cam to fail, working with a jake the fake delhommey could seriously injure Cam, teaching him to read defenses so he can lead the league in . Please interceptions. GET REAL, we need a bonafide veteran QB that can help him learn to read defenses and how to study game film. Much like the way McNabb helped Vick.
Couldn't agree more with bringing Jake back. We aren't going to the Super Bowl this year and he has been lauded for helping mentor McCoy in Cleveland.
Jake played his butt off here and deserves to retire a Panther. All those who are against bringing back the best QB our organization ever had need to go take a long walk off a short cliff.
PLEASE PLEASE no more pick 6 Jake. Get Farve.
Let me get this straight. Some of you are arguing FOR bringing in Brett Favre who famously declared he has NO INTEREST in developing young QB's over Jake who did so with a smile in Cleveland? What are y'all smoking?
BTW did any of you watch Favre last year? How is that an upgrade over Jake?
Anonymous @2:38 pm wrote:
"Smith was there last 3 yrs and did nothing."
3 years ago Smith avg. over 100 yard receiving per game and over 18 yards per catch.
"You love Jake Delhomme. I love the Dolorian. But neither one is coming back."
I'd be okay bringing back Jake provided it was Jake back from the past in a a time traveling Delorian.
But, though I like Jake a lot, I'd have no confidence in him starting while Newton learns. If Cam starts on day 1, then it'd be okay but I don't think that happens.
dagon wuh his name gon be good fo sho kid. wach out fo dat dude. jake done son. butt dat dont meen no chit eitha bee. stank out
Nothing in sports is more over-rated than the veteran mentor QB. I love Jake Delhomme for what he did as a Panther but he he will fit this new offensive scheme like a pair of Giselle Bundchen's panties would on Kris Jenkins. The only thing Jake could really show Cam is how to throw it to the other team. I think the Panthers should stick with Cam, Jimmy & Tony Pike & let their new QB guru Mike Shula earn his money.
How is this team any better than last year's team?
This team is better because of Ron Rivera, certainty moving forward, and the potential of the offense.
Dim wits!
And oh by the way - it's a DeLorean!
I hope $cam Newton never wins a game. I'll only be a Panthers fan again once they bench him. Oh, and hide your laptops, Charlotte.
For those who don't get it, the trainers and coaches would teach Cam Newton HOW to play the position in the NFL. The vet QB, i.e. Jake Delhomme, would show him how to become the leader of the team, both on and off the field. THAT was something that JD did VERY well.
LOL! J.T. . . . how could anybody improve on that! I ditto your remarks.
These Disturber sports writers get on a kick and they just absolutely can't get off. I'm so sick of hearing about Newton's jersey number I think I'll puke when (not if) they mention it again, and again and again. . . .
I hope the liberal rag goes down in flames.
We are WORSE than last year. 0-16 is a very distinct possibility.
Panthers scorecard so far...
Kept your own FA players...3
Lost players you wanted to keep..0
Will lose..R Marshall, CB
Significant FA signings...0
Go get A star CB, a star WR, and two star OG's...
put your money where your mouth is!
Great...Chad Johnson (not calling him 8 5) just get traded to the Pats. The Pats also bring in Albert Haynesworth.
The Panthers simply keep their own players.
Chad, on the opposite side of Steve Smith, With Shockey as the TE.
Yeah, I'm real impressed with Jerry Richardson and the Panthers!
Hire Jake... Just don't put him under center, ever again...
FINALLY!
We get a TE...Greg Olsen from the Bears!
Now, Go get Nnamdi, a Big WR, and two Offensive Guards!
What is with all the Jake haters? Geez he took us to a SB! Such fairweathered fans you make me sick! Bring him back as a mentor. He is a leader! That's what we need. Wake up people. And to John as well I will miss you. They did him wrong.
Jeremy Shockey and NOW Greg Olsen! Tight End hasn't looked as good since Wesley Walls was here. Now let's get a Wide Receiver like Lance Moore.
Lance M resigned with the Saints and RR stated he likes the current OLine.
3 yrs ago Smith was injured. Nice try beanbrain.
He actually has done nothing in 4 yrs.
Whatver you do, do not sign Landri. Rely instead on a 32 year old roll player and a couple of rookies who have never played a down in the NFL. The only way this makes any sense is if the team is going to play 3-4 75-80% of the time.
Jake.No Way No How.Drop it.Forget it.Get it out of your mind.
Marc Bulger....DO IT!!!
I saw a dolorian in myrtle beach, back to the future style...it can be done
Kerry Collins as mentor QB. he lives in asheboro, and is one of top 10 all-time passing. got a raw deal here, spitting pieces of his broken jaw out, due to crappy o-line. imo
DeLorean is not coming back?? CRAP!!!
Didn't he have a smokin' hot wife?
Cam starts on day one. He's that good and some of you guys should be glad you're posting anonymous since you obviously don't know jack about football.
I'm not a panthers fan but I think they should take a stab at Vince Young. I think he would be a perfect fit let cam take his time.
Cam Newton is a black quarterback.
We are screwed.
lots of the"PITTS"burghstealergangs and cowpile horse$Hiteating A$$holes still living in PantherLand, but they will be back in prison soon.You smell bad as usual.
So Scott, are you Jakey-boy's secret lover or something? That would explain the man-love you seem to have for him. To the rest of us serious fans, he's a washed up has-been. Please get over yourself (and Jake) already...we get it.
Does Michael Jenkins have enough stuff left in him for the Panthers to take a serious look at him?
LOL...Michael Jenkins never had any "stuff" to begin with.
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