(UPDATE: Panthers owner Jerry Richardson fired general manager Marty Hurney Monday morning. The below blog post was written before Hurney was fired -- and many of the comments were posted before that news broke as well).
Sunday in his postgame comments, Cam Newton sounded as frustrated after a loss as he's ever been. And that's saying something -- Newton has now lost 15 times in 22 starts as the Panthers' franchise quarterback, and every Panther player and fan is frustrated.
His final quote in that press conference makes me want to ask you something. As I wrote in my column for Monday's newspaper, it was posed by a female reporter, asking him what the Panthers could do to score more points.
“I’m going to leave this room and I’m going to bring in a suggestion box and I want your suggestions to be in that suggestion box because I sure don’t know,” Newton said as he addressed the female reporter. “I really don’t. I wish I could tell you. But the only thing I control, sweetheart, is myself. Offensively, I am the leader of this bunch and we haven’t been getting the job done.”
OK, Newton was making a joke there (and I pointed out in the column, he shouldn't have called the reporter "sweetheart," although but I do believe it was a fairly innocent mistake). There won't be any suggestion box in the Panther locker room this week -- I feel sure of that. The Panthers -- an NFL-worst 9-29 since the beginning of the 2010 season -- still believe they can fix it themselves.
But what if there was a suggestion box and you were invited into the locker room, where you could put a slip of paper in there and know that it would be read by the Panther of your choice -- either owner Jerry Richardson, or coach Ron Rivera, or Cam Newton or whomever else?
What would you write down? Who would you address your own comments to? And what would be your suggestions on how to fix this gosh-awful mess, which has now gone on for close to three straight years? (Also, if you are a PSL holder, please note that in your comments if you wish to, along with the section in which you sit).
We're moving!
9 years ago
Posts
59 comments:
Fire the head coach and GM
My suggestion: The QB is the problem end of the story. Just like his college years its all about HIM not the team HIM! Remove your towel, take your head out of your rear, and for once in your life be a TEAM player.
fire marty, dump dwill, leave luke in the middle, sign plaxico
Act like a man and please for the love of god get rid of that stupid towel.
Get out of the pocket and scramble more. Take a class in Ballet or Ball Room Dancing to become more agile?
Fix the offense by giving up on the option and running a real NFL offense. Actual spend some time in practice learning how to run block for your 80+ million dollar backfield instead of for the qb.
Case and point, their 2nd touchdown drive they ran a no-huddle offense with no option plays, actually passing down the field and handing off to running backs with a chance to gain yards.
Cam, grow up. That "bunch" you refer to are not the problem, you are. You're always looking for the "Superman" play. You get tunnel vision on one WR. What about the underneath stuff? Last game, Seattle, you actually let Greg Olsen play in the last quarter. Quit trying to live up to your hype. If you continue,the head coach will be the first to go and you'll be on the bubble for second place. Let Anderson play and watch how a pro acts/reacts.
I wouldn't write anything, cause I fear he can't read.
He can't read defense very well, and makes little to no attempts studying in game photos of the defensive schemes. Take a look at elite qb's when their defense is on the field.
Not being able to know the game mentally was overcome in college with pure athleticism and skill, the pro game has his number now, more is needed.
I'd suggest he talk to Vince Young to motivate himself not to be Vince 2.0.
big gulps
Long term results require the GM to be let go. Short term results require the coaches to be let go. This team has as much talent as any other. Poor coaching appears on Sundays. Poor front office appears all season long.
I was at the game yesterday in section 550. From my vantage point it looked like every pass route that was run was deep. Romo killed us with the 5 yard dump pass to his back. We have two great backs and a great tight in. Throw some short stuff, it's there. The O-line wouldn't have to portect as long either. I am not a coach by any means. Just an observation I saw from my seat.
It's really ridiculous that people on this site keep talking about about a dumb towel, so what?? He needs a offensive line, period, a secondary, period and a new GM, period. Garments don't make plays nor do they make decisions so please with stupid towel comments. He's a grown man and if he wants to put a towel on his head on the sideline, he CAN!!! The panthers are scared to run a regular short yardage play because the head coach doesn't believe in his offensive line. He said during the post game press conference that Dallas had 5 big 300lb linemen on the field so he decided to pass, what???? Isn't that part of football, man against man? But he understands that he doesn't have one linemen that people are afraid of, even Jordan Gross is soft.
Sign Plaxico Burress, he would help free up the run game and allow Cam to have an option in the redzone where he can just throw the ball up.
Stop with the over kill of the option. Our run game was great without using it so much.
Cam has to make quicker decisions. 1-2 or 1-2-3 throw when under center. And count 12345 throw on a seven step drop.
We need to block better.
The entire team needs to understand what it means to have the "will" to win not just the want.
Cam said he doesn't have a clue, so that says it all, Cam sweetheart. You don't have it ^ here to win.
People are really blaming Cam for the loss yesterday?
Good lord, Charlotte fans are the worst.
Stop overusing the option. Do more traditional run plays, utilize our $50 million backfield to their strengths. They can all run, but the option slows down their speed and ability to it the hole because they have to stop and wait for Cam to make a decision. Use it some, yes, because it can be a great weapon, but overuse it like Sparano did with the wildcat and it will become useless and your offense will die with it.
Stop with the run option. Line up in the I-Formation and start getting North and South. We're spending too much time dancing East and West. Get Cam on some rollouts. Cam needs to take off more when there are lanes and stop trying to hang around in the pocket all day. We drafting him #1 because he has the athletic ability to get out on the edge and gain yards with his feet. That will open up the pass as well. Stop playing that soft zone defense. Man up with bump and run coverage. Every team kills us with that under routes gaining 8-10 yards a play.
All the Cam haters are back out in full force, you tried to wish away to another team and all he did was come in here and set rookie records. He doesn't have the talent around him to succeed. Peyton Manning threw multiple interceptions against the Chargers but his team found a way to get back in the game. Cam has himself and Steve Smith (discount the running backs because they aren't even attempting to run with such a poor offensive line). Our secondary players would start for no other NFL team. The Josh's are nickle backs at best. Richardson needs to quit looking for tatoo-less players and bring in real football players. They aren't here to win beauty contest or personality contest. Hurney continue to baffle us with bad draft picks, beyond the first round he's done nothing. Look at other franchises who know how to draft well, then look at us....
well hurney just got fired
Um...ditch the dang read option, like in that TD drive, and get back to power formations!!!!! It's not rocket science. What works better, a play that takes no time to develop or a play that takes several seconds to develop? Running it a handful of times a game will make it 10x more effective anyways.
And if you don't want to do that, get rid of 2 RB's, since you refuse to use them!
Time to get rid of Chud. As someone else has pointed out, is it a coincidence that he and DA put up huge numbers his first year in Cleveland then couldn't do it again?
Start D.A. The rest will take care of itself. Cam is the cancer on this team, and I promise you everyone will know it by the end of this miserable season.
Cam does have a clue, nobody could get the job done with such a poor offensive line and a talentless team. The O-line this year is not the same from last year. Bell is starting now and he was 3rd string last year. They are spending money in the wrong places. Too much money on RB's but no O-line to block for them. I wish someone would publish the O-line salary vs the RB's salary and you'll see why there' s no daylight to run to.
STOP USING THE RIDICULOUS OPTION AND USE A REAL OFFENSIVE SET OF PLAYS!!!!
Cam, Please be nice to your 2013 #1 draft pick Geno Smith. We need a back-up in Dallas if you two don't get along next year.
It's not all cam, dont really see how some people can even consider that. But i must say the run option play is being used way too much. We have three (3) backs with the ability to get the job done. The running game has to pick back up. Of course along with anybody who saw the game; way too many 3 & outs. Losing is kinda gettin old.
The Read option play has to go. We have 2 RBs making major loot, use them more. Find the check down reciever, scramble left or right, not straight back. Team has been keeping it close. we are not too far away.
REAL FOOTBALL FANS Don't care about a towel, we care about why we are really loosing. I bet when they get the team on track in a few years, we'lll all be waving towels, but wait the Steeler Nation is already doing that with numerous Superbowls to show for it. So how dumb does the towel look now???? It's also utterly ridiculous that Cam intelligence keeps getting question, did anyone question Peyton Manning when he was going through his growing pains? It's called hidden racism and some may say it's the race card. Grow-up and face the facts, you are who you are. Period. If any of us were better than Cam, we wouldn't be blogging, we'd be getting ready for our next NFL game.
More slant passes and screen plays.
Go hang out with Tim Tebow and learn how to finish a ball game. Tebow may be a terrible QB, but for some reason he knew how to make a play in the 4th QT. Cam has the talent, but he hasn't done anything this year or last year to lead this team back to a 4th QT victory or fend off a 4th QT defeat. A one score game in the 4th QT is an automatic defeat for this team. Yesterday was another reminder of that.
Cam - start by looking the reporters and cameras in the eye. The best at your position do - win or lose. You also need to start being a student of the game during the game. Talk to the press box, look at formations, communicate with your receivers. This isn't JUCO or even the SEC.
Cam needs to quit holding onto the ball so long when he is handing it to the running back. It slows down the running back and lets the defense get to him. Just decide what you're going to do and do it!
you asking for suggestion tells me your not getting the help you need. that is the coaches job. thank you for taking responsibility and trying to improve ,i say look else where to improve, another reputable coach. here is my two cents, the plays that work best for your are the quick ones, the longer you keep the ball in your hand--bad. the hand offs are delayed, not clean. keep your eyes up field and practice throwing while on the run.
Want to know why we can't run the ball or Cam is not escaping anymore? Cause every defense against us is dropping 8 and 9 in the box. They roll a safety over to Smith and are content to do one-on-one coverage to the 2nd receiver. The possession receiver acquisition has not happened since Moose left. I agree a receiver like Plaxico would demand secondaries play back and a spread offense would open more running lanes for the backs and cam to move around.
We have to get back to putting our running backs in the backfield with a TRUE fullback. Coach Fox ran it the best, a big reason why Williams and Stewart broke records in 2008. No more option, which is used in High school and College. Not the NFL! If can feels pressure, let em' run. However, Cam should not be the Panthers first option in running the ball. Let's get back to Panther Football! And if we dont achieve it this year, I believe Ron Rivera has to go.
Suggestions: #1 priority, ditch the read-option! Just hand the dang ball off traditionally. THEN, maybe a few times in the game MIX IN the read option.
That brings me to my next, equally important suggestion. Cam, you gotta get smarter PRE-SNAP! You said, on that first INT in the end zone, they didn't give you the look that you wanted so you were trying to throw it away. Well, if a defense doesn't give you a good look for your particular play call, AUDIBLE! I don't know if I ever see Cam call out an audible at the line. If you have an intelligent QB the read-option could be eliminated, cause the QB should know whether to hand the ball off or not before the snap. So Cam, study the opposing def more, make an effort to figure out what they're doing when you're on the sideline. MAKE SOME ADJUSTMENTS FOR PEET SAKE! And we just might be ok.
Defense is ok, kuechly needs to stay in the middle, (sorry Beason.)
Jimmy Clausen maybe?
Suggestions for Cam:
1. work on short throws most are too high or too low.
2. Don't forget Olsen. He is one of the best TE in the game and causes matchup problems with just about anybody. Use him, get in trouble look for Olsen; no one open, look for Olsen.
3. Continue to work on controlling negative emotion, when you are frustrated everything is forced.
Suggestions for Coaches:
1. Run the ball with the RBs. How can the RBs do their job when they are getting so few touches.
2. Forget the option plays. The few times they work are not worth all the times they don't. The offense does not get in rhythem when we use the option.
3. Call some quick pass plays to go with the deep ball. Let the receivers make plays by giving them a chance early.
4. Cam is not Superman. cannot do everything on his own, stop calling plays that require him to do everything or he won't last.
5. Keep your play-makers in the game. There was no reason for Williams to be on the bench that much. Williams is a very elusive back, get him the ball, screen, run, dump pass.
O-line has to improve in run blocking. We pay our backs more than any other team in the NFL and we don't run the ball. Gotta run it better, from the spread or under center. Cam needs to throw it short more, know the offense is a deep throwing O but gotta throw the short/intermediate routes. Cam is under a lot of heat but he is fine for a young QB. Just keep improving and keep your head up.
CAM....LEADERS don't need to tell everyone that they are the LEADER....LEADERS LEAD...So get on with it!!!!!
Newton clearly doesn't have his head in the game. He obviously has the physical talent. That only leaves his mental management.
Does this team have a sports psychologist? IF not they need one
Just go out and play the game!!! Cam is not the problem. I agree that he needs to mature a little, but the entire team needs to improve. What happened to all the plays from last year? All the Fire. We should have improved not went backwards. Every play on Offense and Defense this year seems as though we are not agressive. Instead of playing to "win", we play "not to lose". Get back to being aggressive. Get back to football. I Rivera can't do it, get someone else. Something has to change. 75% of the fans at the game yesterday were Cowboy fans. Charlotte fans won't support a poor team.
Cam is a head case...College wonder..Pro Blunder...get what you can for him and send him on his way...and it's about time on the Hurney firing...get somebody in here who knows personnel and how to run a football team!
Mr R with all due respect:
Fire the coach, now that GM is gone
Improve O line
Cam: Hang in there, learn from each game
Don't run so many option plays
keep view of all receivers
Cam: you can't change the personnel on the field or the coaching staff. You can only control what you do and say. Quit whining to the media, shut up and play.
Be a leader!
PSL holder - Richardson needs to send a note to all PSL owners saying he is sorry for being the worst team in the NFL the last 3 years (9-29). He should also agree to buy back their PSL from them at his market rate on the website (7,500 for 200 level as an example), if the holder wishes. His team is a joke, his stadium announcer is a joke, his entertainment at the stadium is a joke. I am better off watching grass grow! Thank goodness real football will be in Charlotte next year - Let's go Charlotte 49ers!!
Learn how to read defenses so they can stop calling those read option play and become a real passer, last year you should have thrown for over 4,000 yards always playing from behind and defenses playing prevent!
Quit being a big baby and act like a man Cam! We need a leader... not someone who is gonna cry and throw his team under the bus.
- Look short for 1st Downs... don't always go deep.
- Run the ball... we should have the best backfield in the NFL.
Cam...change your nickname to "FIG" Newton...cuz your your one cookie short of a full jar! Get your head out from under the towel and get it in the game! At the game yesterday...no plan, no clue, soft secondary, soft O line...Good onya Richardson for losing Hurney.
HooK n Ladder!
Try running the ball outside the tackles. Maybe run a reverse every now and then. Definitely get back to using our running backs. Use Tolbert on goal line and short yardage up the middle. Get Greg Olsen back in the game. Put Steve Smith in to return punts and kickoffs every now and then. Short passes to all of our receivers instead of trying to go for broke on every play. We have so much talent not being used by a coaching staff that is in over their head.
Anonymous who wrote to Southern Dude.... its "paid" not "payed" (sic) your the idiot...
At the end of the day, Cam needs to grow up... dont care about the talent, personnel, etc. Whether you win or lose, you need to man-up, grow-up and accept the situation. Leaders take the blame, all of the blame. Leaders rally and encourage. Leaders look for support, not crutches and excuses.
Somewhere here mentioned "All the Fire" from last year, it has been smothered by the towel. And to the rest of you who say it is not about the towel, it is; his demeanor demonstrates that he has little to no faith in his teammates, coaches, and for that matter himself.
Ron Rivera: Show leadership. Don't sit emotionless on the sidelines with your arms crossed as you watch the team beat itself into another loss. If your guys aren't playing well then you act like the coach you are and either take them out or talk to them about it ASAP. Don't leave it for the locker room.
Chud: Get creative! Try passing on a first down...try dumbing the stupid option play...obviously defenses have caught on. Try spreading the ball around! Steve is great, LaFell is great, Olsen is great, Murphy is useful. Use Cam's strong arm and let's start moving the ball vertically.
Cam: Stay positive...don't be like Jake Delhomme. The minute he threw an interception every panther's fan in the nation knew the games was over...learn how to bounce back. Get your natural feel for the game back. You used to know when to scramble and when to stay strong in the pocket...what happened? Also, celebrations should be at a minimum until the game is won.
Louis Murphy: Quit expecting a call! That fourth down pass was completely catchable, interference or not....IT BOUNCED OFF YOUR HANDS!!! Stop focusing on getting the call and think more about catching the ball.
Team as a Whole: I don't know if there's some locker room drama the fans aren't seeing or some unresolved issues...but maybe you guys should go "Remember the Titans" style and take a team trip to bond because you guys just aren't playing together. Get on the same page. Don't start playing when you're behind in the 3rd. Come out from kick off and dominate.
So my suggesting he apologize to the reporter for calling her "sweetheart" isn't going to get published?
No more read option. Eliminate the read option. Try to get the read option out of the playbook. Do what you can to avoid running the read option. Audible out of the read option at the line (excuse me... 5 yards behind it). Try running plays from scrimmage. Try not to do the read option so much. Have the backs run in a formation other than the read option.
Will people STOP blaming CAM. Yes he makes mistake, but so does every QB in the league. If the other parts around him would play to their potential, the team would be 5-1 (the only loss would be to the Giants). Play calling must get better (i.e running more short routes to keep Cam from holding the ball so long because all receivers don't know how to get free). The line needs to play strong, and someone needs to set an identity. Fix a few things and the season can turn around. It's not a 1-5 teams that is getting blasted, by opponents. The Panthers weekly beat themselves (i.e. self destruct as a team).
Couldn't agree more about Cam's level of maturity. He is blessed beyond belief physically, however, mentally he is a 10 year old. Watching the great quarterbacks, Payton, Brady, Brees, Rodgers.....they are true professionals. NO need to strike the "Superman" pose after something he is EXPECTED to do ....like actually score a touchdown. I love the new "first down" thing he does too.....unbelievable. Maybe look to the guys i.e., your lineman first and congratulate the guys that got you there instead of trying to shine the spotlight on yourself. Richardson should start fining those clowns every time they celebrate "themselves" instead of the team.
Coach Rivera, let Anderson play and let Newton learn. He's not ready to lead a team.....period!
Dear Cam: My suggestion...forget being an entertainer and an icon (and a Belk model). Concentrate on being a SMART football player.
Even Steve Young said Cam was wrong for calling the woman reporter sweetheart. That wasn't the little girl from the Ray Lewis Visa commercial. It wasn't a joke it was sexist.
If the offensive line can't block, no RB can run well. Hurney's biggest mistake may have been to let T. Wharton go to save money.
Run the quick offense most of the time. Let Cam run, but on busted plays, not much on option. Remember how excited the stadium got when Cam was running well? Then an interception happened (and this happens, you have to recognize why it happened, then go on to the next throw).
Given the yardage he passed for last year, we don't need Anderson to show him how to pass...
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