Carolina Panther coach Ron Rivera sounded a little like he was singing Journey's 1980s megahit "Don't Stop Believin" Monday during his day-after press conference following Carolina's 30-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
Rivera once again fully took the blame on the clock management miscue at the end of the first half that allowed New Orleans kicker John Kasay to leisurely boot a 46-yard field goal. But he also said that the Panthers continue to make progress and that when they got better it would happen in a hurry.
"We believe it’s going to get better," Rivera said. "We believe when it turns it’s going to be really good. And it is about believing. We have the opportunity to build something very special here.... We're growing and we’re getting better and that’s what it really gets down to. Sure it’s a process -- it’s a matter of time. But this is a different set of circumstances, we have to grow and get better. I’d like to do it faster, sooner rather than later, but unfortunately we haven’t figured that out yet."
As you look through the statistics, though, it is hard to imagine the Panthers are 1-4 at this point.
All five of their games -- including Sunday's 30-27 home loss to New Orleans -- have been decided by seven points or fewer. They have 112 first downs compared to their opponents' 86 and average 62 more yards per game overall than their opponents. Rookie quarterback Cam Newton may look utterly forlorn after every loss but he is also the first player in NFL history to have at least five rushing and five passing TDs in his first five games.
Still, they're 1-4. But Rivera -- who was obviously frustrated last week and said publicly it was time for the team to "grow up" -- has changed gears this week and is acting more like a cheerleader for a team that really needs one.
One injury note: Omar Gaither, the linebacker and Charlotte native who plays mostly in passing situations, has a knee injury that Rivera said would likely keep him out 2-4 weeks.
We're moving!
9 years ago
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55 comments:
1 - 4 ....
of the 4 losses the Panthers(team) loss 1.
The other 3 were loss by the coaching staff. I see why Phili let go of Sean Mc.
Rivera needs Siefert or somebody to come down and help him as an advisor because clearly his judgement has cost us some wins.
Siefert!?!?!?!? Really? Were you not around for Sieferts 1-15 debacle here in Carolina
Our problem is definitely not talent for the most part. Coaching definitely cost the game this week. 1st was the bad time-out decision at the end of the first half. Defensive play calling is in need of an overhaul. We would have had a chance to win if we would have stopped the clock with a timeout before the two minute warning. I'd rather have close to two minutes with no timeouts than 15 seconds with two to spare. This loss was all coaches.
I was around yes when Siefert was here, i'm not saying have the old timer suit up ...but he can "MIC" up and be there when Ron is about to make a "rookie coach" decision. As we've seen him do at least twice now.
they have Marty Schottenheimer right up the road on lake norman. I'm sure he wouldn't mind helping a fellow Charger coach out. I think he got an unfair shake in San Diego anyway.
Did any of you happen to see the piece Jimmy Johnson did on Fox a couple weeks ago about giving coaches a bit of a break? If not, its worth looking up on you tube (don't know if its there, but should try). RIvera I think has done a good job so far. Last year everybody was practically packing Fox's bags for him, now we aren't even halfway through the season and the critics are once again jumping all over the coaching staff. Give these guys a break. They too are in a learning curve. I am very excited about what I am seeing out of our team thus far. I know we have some areas that need some work, but all the games have been exciting to watch. And about Seifert being an advisor....ummmm NO!
It was a good game. Been awhile since the Panthers have had some good games. Loved the support of the teammates over the deliberate hit on Smitty and telling him he don't do that on TD from their team. Really?? Yea great game yesterday. Guess the Saints did not realize they were going to have to work hard for their points.
I think some of you who are so degrading need to find another team to root for cause you sure don't deserve to comment on this team and have no clue how to support just be armchair or couch potato negative whinny critics.
There were "rookie mistakes" beyond the coaching staff. Let's not forget the first play interception that put us in an 0-7 hole. Cam is showing a lot of potential, but he is still a rookie.
The Colts were 3-13 in Peyton Manning's rookie year. Let's keep that in mind.
Well considering every game has been of 7 points or less...we've lost our two best linebackers for the season...and our #2 WR was lost for the season even before it started. I'd say we're still in pretty good shape. If we end up with a top 10 pick again, which we probably will (7-10 most likely), and use that on a corner or defensive tackle we will be contenders assuming everyone stays healthy. Cam is unstoppable, Smitty is unstoppable, and DeAngelo is getting back to form. The only thing I would recommend for next season, franchise tag Stewart and trade him because we can easily get a first rounder for him. I would love to keep him but he wants to start and Carolina isn't going to pay him that much since they just broke the bank for D-Will. THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT, VERY VERY BRIGHT.
And guys just treat Rivera like Cam...he ran one of the best defenses ever in Chicago and had the number one defense in SD last season. It's his first season as a head coach and because of the lockout there wasn't much opportunity to bring in help. We have outstanding young players, on both sides of the ball. The unit that honestly needs the most help is special teams, not the defense. Part of that is due to injuries but in the next few seasons when everyone is back to full strength and Rivera has had the chance to mold the defense the way he wants it...we will be dominant on both sides of the ball. And I agree with trading Stewart for a first rounder...we could get a CB/DT and Blackmon in the first round next year. If that happens...WATCH OUT NFL
I "BELIEVE" that coach Ron calling a timeout with 2 seconds left in the first half......cost us momentum, and ultimately THE GAME.
Give the Panthers a break. We have a new coach and new guarterback that is just less than a year out of college. He is an amazing young man and pro, but it takes time to adjust to the NFL. He has already set amazing records. They will get better and I truly believe that within 2 years we may even make it to the Superbowl.
From a Senior Citizen and Charlotte Native
no arm chair whining....i was at the game yesterday and yelled what i put on here to Ron's face. I'm sure he didn't hear me but it made me feel better.
I think it was fantastic that Kasay had a great game against the team that said he was a has been and gave him his walking papers.
lol @ the suggestion of Siefer coming to help. He couldn't even get hired by a sports network after his time in Charlotte
'get better'?? really??? how much better does it need to get?? I can sit outside, drink beer, be loud, have fun... who cares who loses??
TRADE STEWART FOR DRAFT PICKS?Are you kidding me?I rather trade Williams he is 30 and Stew is 24 in a year or two you will be looking for running back again while Stewart will be in his prime
Our main problem is pass rush and run stop,and perhaps one or two cornerbacks that we have are no longer good.We can't force any turnovers that lead to points
I disagree, I'm with the other two guys on trading Stewart. Williams is already signed and always puts up better numbers when healthy. Stewart is going to want that kind of money and there's no way they pay 2 RBs that kind of money. We could get atleast a first rounder for Stewart, maybe even a first and third. Plus we have Goodson who can take over 3rd down duties from Stewart. Williams has the least amount of carries you can possibly have for a RB who puts up numbers like him so I think he'll last longer than most RBs his age. Don't get me wrong I'd love to keep both, but Williams is just better for our offense than Stewart.
Offense scoring average doubled than last year...sounds promising, but defense.......ummmmm
Quit blaming the loss on the coach. Newton's interception cost the game.
It's a shame to read all the haters' postings here. I like my teams to win as much as anyone, but let's give 'em some support and remember where they've come from. The games have been exciting… we've been in every one 'til the end…most fans stayed through the finish yesterday. When's the last time we could say those things? And to the posters dissing Rivera and Newton for their rookie mistakes: If you want a seasoned coach and QB, move to Denver and follow the Broncos!!!
Read more: http://scottfowlerobs.blogspot.com/2011/10/bests-and-worsts-from-carolina-panthers_09.html#ixzz1aPct8xdV
The defense gave it away. Simple, as that. 89 yards. May I remind everyone we are without beason and Davis. The run defense is inconsistant, but no question, it's getting exposed. Losing, beason was bad enough, but Davis too. The NFL is an injury league. So, the team is playing with their hearts, and that's why it hurts all of us.
Rivera is cutting his chops too, but he has manned up, and taken his faults too. Just like Andy Reid did in philly.
We are building an awesome foundation, the team will keep gelling.
Also, the 3rd and 2 was guttsy, but green bay did the exact same thing last night against Atlanta. I would' ve preferred a play action, but chud is making an impact here.
I love the teams spirit not to settle. Atlanta will be a dog fight, but I'm happy knowing, we are right on the cusp.
Rivera only needs time to figure out time management.
I think we are to be spoilers soon enough!
Keep pluggin!
^^^^ REALLY? I do think we came back and took the lead of the game AFTER Cam threw that pick. WE GAVE THEM A FIELD GOAL ON A BLUE PLATTER before halftime. And ...oh yeah...we loss by hmmmm " FIELD GOAL"!!!
There is a difference in blaming a coach for a bad decision, and asking for him to be replaced. Rivera and staff made several BAD decisions on Sunday and they deserve to be criticized for it. However, they are moving the team in the RIGHT direction and deserve our support for doing so. Tighten up coach/staff and stop making mental errors.
Next year lol.
Coach Ron Rivera continues to make bad decisions. Yesterday he calls a timeout when he shouldn't that allows NO to kick a field goal and asks his quarterback (a rookie) to pass on the first play of the game(intercepted).
Against the Bears last week, he doesn't use the three timeouts he had with 3 minutes left at the end of the second quarter. He and his coaches are starting to look like screw-ups.
Coach Rivera: You and your team need to keep your heads up. Everyone on this team, including the coaches, has impressed true Panther fans SO MUCH this year. You are honest, straight-forward, willing to take chances, strict but still a players coach. Our team is exciting to watch and I'm sure that most of the players are excited to suit up every Sunday. That's something we haven't been able to say for a long time. So KEEP POUNDING...and soon we will be clicking on all 8 cylinders and the Panthers will be a force to be reckoned with, not only in the NFC South but in the entire NFL. We love you coach and we love our Panthers!!!
What Andy said. Only thing I suggest is RUN THE BALL a little more. You gave Deangelo a huge extension so put him to use!!! Everyone saw what he can do with 9 or 10 carries the last 2 weeks...so give him 15-20 next week!! Panthers are looking GOOD though
"Rivera once again fully took the blame on the clock management miscue at the end of the first half that allowed New Orleans kicker John Kasay to leisurely boot a 46-yard field goal."
Did he take the blame for letting Kasay go too?
did somebody say Siefert?
Rivera - ... and I wondered WHY no one hired you as HC?
Newton - ... You SHOULD hang your head in shame. That 1st pass int cost us the game as much as anything else.
Hurney - ... Clausen inactive / Armanti INEPT / E Brown gone in a flash -- WHEN'S SOMEONE GOING TO CALL YOU OUT YOU PATHETIC EX NEWSPAPER WRITER? -
Oh - CO wont cause they all hope they can schmooze and bamboozle some dumb owner into giving them a gig like yours.
Has anyone mentioned the 3rd and 2 long pass play call late in the game? A conservative play for a first down would have continued the drive. That play changed the game.
They have been in every game. They are mixing it up and spreading the ball around on offense, something they haven't done in several years. They have their core players signed for the long term. They have a rookie QB that for the most part isn't looking like a rookie. They may not do much this year, but fill a few more holes in thru the draft and in free agency and this team will compete for the division again within the next two seasons. Be patient with the changes that have been made. They are a more exciting team under Ron Rivera and Chudzinski's offense than they were under John Fox and Davidson's offense. They will be back.
All the whiners need to chill !!!!! Let's go Panther"s
Now that the league has seen what Cam can do and Deangelo has brought the running game back, the balance will be a lot more even and we will be more efficient on offense. This is the 2nd youngest team in the NFL, come the last quarter of the season I think we will be tough to beat. I love what the new coaching staff brings. Give them another or two to build around all the core players we just re-signed and our squad will be lethal.
Dennis is dead on. That play and the bonehead 2Q time out ultimately cost us the game. We have more to worry about from our rookie coaches than our rookie QB.
WILL IT REALLY BE A TEN YEAR WAIT?
Doesn’t Ron Rivera look a little like Peanuts comic strip kid Linus Van Pelt? It was all I could think about as Ron was reported saying, “"We believe it’s going to get better…..We believe when it turns it’s going to be really good.” Was this the lament of Linus’ Great Pumpkin? Will we have to wait until the Panthers play under the full harvest moon on a Halloween to see our fortunes turn?
The Panthers play Minnesota on the day before Halloween this year. Too soon. The Great Pumpkin doesn’t come early.
The next chance will be in 2016 when Halloween is on a Monday. A real Sunday game on Halloween doesn’t happen until 2021. That’s ten years. That’s a long, long time.
Please don’t anyone say “if” in the meantime.
Bolyn McClung
Pineville
Scott,
Guess we should still let Stewart get all the carries over DeAngelo? Nice article 2 weeks ago.
Newton is a QB on training wheels and they will think they will give him all the time he wants.
The problem is Newton will be gone in one season being the one hit wonder he is and stick this joint up the rear.
Dont be fooled. He is a con artist to the max. The new union contract JR signed allows for contracts to be bought out anytime. He gives a ratz butt about Carolina fanz. Peppers deja vu after one season.
Can everyone please calm down. This is a team with new coaching staff and first time head coach. We have a rookie QB. They have played 5 games.They had no OTA's and mini camp.We lost our best defensive player John Beason. Give it a rest guys ! Would you rather go back to boring football like we had with FOX. We will be a force in couple years. Give them a chance stop all the negtivity.
Peyton Manning was 3-13 in his rookie season. Jimmy Johnson was 1-15 in his first season for the Cowboys. Raheem Morris was 3-13 just a couple years ago with Tampa. You can go on and on. Rivera is doing ten times better than Fox in his last couple years here. You people who want to win ASAP without any thought of what it's like to grow don't know how to root for or support their football team- you're like a bunch of fair weather Miami/South Florida fans.
MEMO TO THE MORONS: Last season the Panthers were the worst offensive team in the league by a wide margin... Could not score any points... Could not even get 1st downs...
This season, the Panthers rank 5th in the league in total offense, and a respectable 16th in scoring offense...
The Panthers have actually outgained their opponents by an avg 62 yds per gm, even though they have faced 2 of the best offensive teams in GB and NO...
This team is in the process of an amazing turnabout, for which the coaching staff deserves much credit...
COACH IS RIGHT! These guys still have to learn how to win, ie, not beat themselves, but that will soon come..
John Kasay meet Ron,the guy that fired you.
Ron meet John Kasay, the guy that beat you.
Good luck John Casay. You are a class act. Maybe one day the Panthers organization will be.
HEY ALL YOU IRELLIVENT ANONYMOUS BOZOS.....SHUT UP!
The folks that don't understand rookie mistakes are idiots to the game of football that never played or seriously watched it. They only are looking at it because it's the cool thing to do in Charlotte now.
You stupid fake fans make me puke.
Gee we only lost to New Orleans by 2 points at home last year....
sheesh! glad i don't post on this board. "lie down with dogs--"
Rivera has been truly a disppointment. Cam Newton is thriving as a rookie in the NFL, but Rivera as a rookie coach is terrible so far. Undisciplined, confused on defense and special teams most of the time, and ridiculous clock management. This guy has been on NFL sidelines for many years now, but sometimes it looks like he has never been there.
Stating Cam is a one hit wonder, displays a level of ignorance that would shame a parent. These can't be real comments can they? More like guys that throw eggs at strangers just to see the reaction.
Wrong. Newton is not even a one hit wonder. Hes an overated flop who scammed his way up. Go back and learn how to read.
Ignorance begins in your own mirror.
If you want to win games in 2011 then go with the All Pro Qb named Anderson who did it the right way.
Worst fans in the world with all the fingerpointing. You deserve your frustration. Great points on Indy's 1st season, Newton & Kasay achievements.
Looking through the statistics, however, is hard to imagine the Panthers 1-4 in that time. All five of their games - including the loss of from 30 to 27 Sunday at home in New Orleans - were decided by seven points or less.
I'm ashamed of some of the fans and what they have posted on here. Seriously Siefert was the best name you could come up with.... The end of game situation was 50 seconds with 3 timeouts, not 20 with 2. 2 minutes with no timeouts compared to 50 seconds with 3 timeouts is about the same when you think about it.
The defense had plenty of chances to make a stop on that last drive, they just didn't get it done.
Just way too many flawed or ignorant comments here, it's just sad.
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