NFL Offseason Thread

[Blue2010]

I'll edit this later so it's not constantly at the top, but I'd like to start off with -- F*** the Super Bowl. (sighs)

What off-season moves would you guys like to see from your team?

I think Carolina needs to cut some bait and keep getting younger. It is very clear that we have some young DE's in waiting that are having to sit behind aging players. Jared Allen, Charles Johnson, for example...it's time to pass the torch. Roman Harper, probably time for the same. Would really like to see Peanut Tillman go into a coaching role with the team.

On offense -- develop the HELL out of Cameron Artis-Payne. We're a J.Stew injury away from the RB team being a disaster. Tolbert is good on short yardage plays, but he's aging as well. Have to build depth here. After C.A.P. fumbled in the Seattle game, he was benched the rest of the way...clearly they wanted to see how he handled the playoffs and were less than impressed. Could really use that "burst" he can provide. This is also the time Funchess has GOT to take that leap to the next level. He and K.Benjamin should be lethal, but he's gotta become consistent...with the way Ginn can stretch the field, this offense has the potential to be unstoppable. Way too much was expected of Olsen this year as well -- as good as he was, they could have really used him last night inside the pocket as an extra pass blocker, when needed (obviously last night). Darryl Williams needs to replace Remmers...nuff said. He was drafted to, now it's time. I would spend our 1st draft pick on a CB if available...McClain filled in surprisingly well, and I know Josh Norman likes Lou Young from the practice team, but that Bene injury damn-near crushed this season. That can't happen again...injuries happen, you have to be able to fill in.

 

[coolwaterunc]

Agreed on most points. I like Jared Allen, but it's obvious his time his up. Give Kony Ealy his spot next year; he earned it last night. I'm torn on Charles Johnson. He's not the beast he once was, but at the same time, I want to believe he still has something left. Hopefully he gets healthier and maybe we see a glimpse of what he used to be next year. Speaking of experience, is Thomas Davis' contract up? You mentioned something about it in the other thread, but I wasn't aware we were in a situation where we could potentially lose him. He is vital to this team, and we need to make it a top priority to bring him back.

Mike Remmers needs to be left in Santa Clara. Good God he sucks. It's not just last night either; all year long, every single time there's a holding call or a false start, nine times out of ten, it was Remmers. Please make sure he isn't back.

The secondary needs to be a priority too, but you covered that enough.

 

[Blue2010]

I don't think it's a contractual issue...just this nagging feeling about the fact that he's been through so many injuries already and fought so hard to play in the super bowl after breaking his arm (see the photo last night?). You just wonder how much the guy has left in the tank.

 

[coolwaterunc]

I don't see him retiring. It wouldn't surprise me, but I just don't see it. Like you said, he's been through so much, so I look at it completely opposite. He doesn't seem like the type of guy to retire in the middle of a contract. I think he'll play it out and evaluate where he is then.

I saw his arm, by the way. I have no idea how he played with that. It looked like he lost his arm and replaced it with a football.

 

[gunslingerdick]

This is also the time Funchess has GOT to take that leap to the next level. He and K.Benjamin should be lethal, but he's gotta become consistent...with the way Ginn can stretch the field, this offense has the potential to be unstoppable. Way too much was expected of Olsen this year as well -- as good as he was, they could have really used him last night inside the pocket as an extra pass blocker, when needed (obviously last night). .

Unless Cam makes marked improvement in his ability to stand in the pocket and deliver pinpoint passes on time, the quality of WRs won't matter.

Which is why I thought it was strange that Carolina didn't move Cam around more last night. And why didn't they call more designed runs for him either?

 

[coolwaterunc]

Unless Cam makes marked improvement in his ability to stand in the pocket and deliver pinpoint passes on time, the quality of WRs won't matter.

He actually has, and it's been a significant improvement. He was throwing them high last night because of a combination of him being amped up/jitters and the rush of Denver's defense.

I mean, I don't claim to know that for sure, but that's what it seemed like to me. His accuracy has been dead on for the most part all year long.

 

[Blue2010]

As cool said - he has made drastic improvements in his passing accuracy this year. KB's injury essentially forced him to. Some of his throws to Olsen this year were incredible, and the one last night to Cotchery on the fade route near the endzone that he dropped...that couldn't have been placed any better. WR just didn't catch it.

Last night, he was clearly rattled. He's been on big stages before, so I don't think the moment was too big for him...he just had a pass rusher in his face all night long. Look what they did to both Big Ben and Brady in the preceding two weeks. They are that good...no denying that. Just sucks b/c this OL has faced heavy pass rushes before and you thought they'd have handled it better.

 

[gunslingerdick]

He actually has, and it's been a significant improvement. He was throwing them high last night because of a combination of him being amped up/jitters and the rush of Denver's defense.

I mean, I don't claim to know that for sure, but that's what it seemed like to me. His accuracy has been dead on for the most part all year long.

He was 28th in the league this past season in completion percentage at 59%. The year before (2014), he was 29th. He was 16th in 2013, but still only at 61%.
2012 - 26th at 58%
2011 - 18th at 60%


He's had one year over 60%. I know it's not all on him, but that needs to get better.

 

[Blue2010]

GSD -- go back and factor in the number of drops by receivers. Also, factor in the lower denominator here b/c the Panthers are a run-heavy team. Both of those factors affect percentages (which we all know can be misleading)

 

[coolwaterunc]

I don't really care what the stats say. Watch all his games this year, and there isn't anyone on the planet who would say he hasn't made major improvements to his accuracy this year.

 

[coolwaterunc]

GSD -- go back and factor in the number of drops by receivers. Also, factor in the lower denominator here b/c the Panthers are a run-heavy team. Both of those factors affect percentages (which we all know can be misleading)

Plus, he doesn't attempt very many gimme passes for 2-5 yards. A lot of his throws are down the field, probably more so than anyone else.

 

[TarHeelNation11]

Bucs.

Need more good players and less bad players.

 

[Blue2010]

Plus, he doesn't attempt very many gimme passes for 2-5 yards. A lot of his throws are down the field, probably more so than anyone else.

True...which is even more impressive given the group he has to work with.

 

[Blue2010]

I really hope they can lock up Josh Norman too. I know people get miffed by his antics sometimes, but I love everything about that guy. Have to lock him up.

 

[coolwaterunc]

I heard they'll stick a franchise tag on Norman for the upcoming season. They need to lock him up. He can act however he wants as long as the top receivers for the opponents keep getting shut down. He blanked just about every single one. I love him.

 

[gunslingerdick]

GSD -- go back and factor in the number of drops by receivers. Also, factor in the lower denominator here b/c the Panthers are a run-heavy team. Both of those factors affect percentages (which we all know can be misleading)

I'll give you drops by receivers. But throwing it less doesn't mean anything other than his percentage is based on less throws. If anything, it strengthens the argument that he's not particularly accurate.

I don't really care what the stats say. Watch all his games this year, and there isn't anyone on the planet who would say he hasn't made major improvements to his accuracy this year.

Well, anyone that cares about stats would indeed say it.

Plus, he doesn't attempt very many gimme passes for 2-5 yards. A lot of his throws are down the field, probably more so than anyone else.

Now this is a decent rebuttal. And to your point, I think I read something not too long ago that said Cam was more accurate on deep balls. But this can also be checked by stats. I don't feel like doing it, but you could easily find how accurate he is in short passes (~5 yards), intermediate passes (6-15 yards) and deep balls (16+ yards).

Whatever the stats say and whatever improvement he may or may not have made...he was not at all accurate last night. Thus proving, he has to be more accurate to win a Super Bowl.

 

[coolwaterunc]

Bucs.

Need more good players and less bad players.

Tampa Bay is scratching the surface. Jameis Winston did a lot better than I thought he would as a rookie. They're on the rise.

 

[gunslingerdick]

I heard they'll stick a franchise tag on Norman for the upcoming season. They need to lock him up. He can act however he wants as long as the top receivers for the opponents keep getting shut down. He blanked just about every single one. I love him.

I like Norman a lot more now after his show of class with manning last night. Good stuff.

 

[Hark_The_Sound_2010]

I like Norman a lot more now after his show of class with manning last night. Good stuff.

Agreed. I think Norman improved his reputation by showing class, while Newton hurt his reputation, by showing none.

 

[coolwaterunc]

Agreed. I think Norman improved his reputation by showing class, while Newton hurt his reputation, by showing none.

Cam is he who is, a very emotional player. When he's happy, you're going to know it, and when he's upset, he's going to show that too. Would I get up and walk out of a press conference after a crushing defeat after I was just named the MVP? Absolutely not, and I don't agree with what he did whatsoever. I'm not necessarily upset about it though. The dude wants to win, and I admire that. When he loses, he's just not going to stand up there and be PC about it. He should've handled it differently, but he did what he did, and it's time to move on from it. I'm interested to see how he responds to this next year. Does this make him even better, or does he shut down?

 

[gunslingerdick]

Cam is he who is, a very emotional player. When he's happy, you're going to know it, and when he's upset, he's going to show that too. Would I get up and walk out of a press conference after a crushing defeat after I was just named the MVP? Absolutely not, and I don't agree with what he did whatsoever. I'm not necessarily upset about it though. The dude wants to win, and I admire that. When he loses, he's just not going to stand up there and be PC about it. He should've handled it differently, but he did what he did, and it's time to move on from it. I'm interested to see how he responds to this next year. Does this make him even better, or does he shut down?

It's fair to say, "Cam is who he is." It's also fair to say, "I don't like who Cam is and here's why."

 

[coolwaterunc]

It's fair to say, "Cam is who he is." It's also fair to say, "I don't like who Cam is and here's why."

lol Well yeah...

It's also fair to say I do like who Cam is, and put me in that boat. I love his enthusiasm, and I don't think there is a better quarterback fit for this team than Cam Newton. The dude hates losing, big deal. He needs to control that better, but oh well, I don't agree with everything he does. Nobody can doubt his talent, that's for sure.

 

[jcolucci]

Texans...trade Arian Foster, find a decent starting QB, dependable running back and another corner. and keep pushing Clowney

 

[gunslingerdick]

Texans...trade Arian Foster, find a decent starting QB, dependable running back and another corner. and keep pushing Clowney

I agree on trading Foster. He just hasn't been able to become the first rate RB that he was envisioned to be. And lord knows they need a dependable QB. RB is an easier spot to fill on an annual basis. QB...not so much.

But I disagree with Clowney. It doesn't look like he's going to materialize into the pass rusher that many thought he would. Whether it's health or a lack of drive, I don't see him ever becoming what he was supposed to be. But he doesn't need to be much more than the other book end to Watt. And he can make a lot of money playing second fiddle.

 

[TarHeelMark]

I'll edit this later so it's not constantly at the top, but I'd like to start off with -- F*** the Super Bowl. (sighs)

What off-season moves would you guys like to see from your team?

I think Carolina needs to cut some bait and keep getting younger. It is very clear that we have some young DE's in waiting that are having to sit behind aging players. Jared Allen, Charles Johnson, for example...it's time to pass the torch. Roman Harper, probably time for the same. Would really like to see Peanut Tillman go into a coaching role with the team.

On offense -- develop the HELL out of Cameron Artis-Payne. We're a J.Stew injury away from the RB team being a disaster. Tolbert is good on short yardage plays, but he's aging as well. Have to build depth here. After C.A.P. fumbled in the Seattle game, he was benched the rest of the way...clearly they wanted to see how he handled the playoffs and were less than impressed. Could really use that "burst" he can provide. This is also the time Funchess has GOT to take that leap to the next level. He and K.Benjamin should be lethal, but he's gotta become consistent...with the way Ginn can stretch the field, this offense has the potential to be unstoppable. Way too much was expected of Olsen this year as well -- as good as he was, they could have really used him last night inside the pocket as an extra pass blocker, when needed (obviously last night). Darryl Williams needs to replace Remmers...nuff said. He was drafted to, now it's time. I would spend our 1st draft pick on a CB if available...McClain filled in surprisingly well, and I know Josh Norman likes Lou Young from the practice team, but that Bene injury damn-near crushed this season. That can't happen again...injuries happen, you have to be able to fill in.

Good assessment. Allen is likely gone, and CJ probably as well. Let the young guys take over.

I do wish the Panthers would've given C.A.P. a few carries last night instead of Fozzy-Bear. Payne is more of a bruiser than Whitaker.

As for WR, once Benjamin returns, somebody's got to go (Cotchery, Ginn, or Brown). Probably Cotchery - who despite being a wuffie - I like the guy. Those drops last night were surprising and really hurt the Panthers.

I have faith that Gettleman will pick up the right pieces at good prices, and not overspend the way Hurney did. Hurney did draft a lot of the key pieces on the team, so I give him credit for that, but he sucked at overpaying washed-up free agents.

 

[gteeitup]

hmmm....torn a bit because romo needs a backup and a developmental guy to take over...would love for goff to fall to #4 and take him, he's the next big-time qb imo...however, romo needs help now to win with this roster because they are good enough to rep the nfc.

so, either draft goff if there, or go get guys that either hunt qb's or make plays on offense...so wr, pass rusher, or play-making lb.

sign free agent lamar miller to run the ball and maybe that corner in kc, smith is it?...it'd be nice to sign eric berry also to play free safety, but he's gonna get +$40 million.

 

[Blue2010]

Agreed. I think Norman improved his reputation by showing class, while Newton hurt his reputation, by showing none.

I'm continually impressed with this kid. I understand his feistiness gets under everyone's skin who isn't a Panthers player or fan, but it might be weird, but I kinda "get" where he's coming from here. When you have to scratch and claw for everything you get, that competitive fire just gets engrained in you. But you could tell he really doesn't want that reputation -- after the OBJ game, he was out there congratulating the Falcons receivers after catches (which I hated, but that's not the point). Just b/c someone gets that hyped up do his job on a football field doesn't mean they aren't a class act afterwards.

 

[Hark_The_Sound_2010]

Patriots... Don't have to worry about who they'll take in the 1st round, thanks to Goodell being a complete putz.

Absolutely need to get O-line help. It was blatantly obvious in the AFC championship game that Cannon and Flemming didn't have a prayer of blocking Ware and Miller. Granted, our starting tackle Nate Solder was out for the year, but still. Absolutely need to build depth there to keep Brady from getting hit that much.

May also want to build protective bubbles for Gronk and Edelman so we don't have to fight through injuries to those two again - since it was clear we couldn't overcome them.