SB Nation User Blog: southtunnel

Take em or Leave em?

southtunnel — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:40:54 -0000

On the radio when talking about individual players, I always hear stuff like "He's a likable guy" or "He's a fan favorite". They are referring to players that are in sharp contrast to guys like Julius Peppers or Jake Delhomme. This got me wondering who are the most and least liked Panther players... by fans of course, since non-fans tend to automatically dislike the players that are the biggest threat to their team. Here is a "likable" ordered list of a handful of current, more common Panther names... not me personally, but what I believe is the general perception among Panther nation. How would yours differ?

The Take Ems'

1. Deangelo Williams

Big Smile + Big numbers put this guy as possibly the most liked Panther. Even though his potential replacement was taken in last years draft, Deangelo embraced him, never complained and swore very convincingly that it didn't bother him. He topped this great attitude by having the best single season of any RB in Panther history.

2. Muhsin Muhammad

A household name... Even my Grandma knows the name Moose. He's been with the team through thick and thin, and when he left it became very evident that he would not be easily replaced.

3. Steve Smith

I wanted to put Smitty first being that he is not only the best player in Panther history, but also the most fun to watch. He has shown the nation that you don't have to be the tallest or the fastest to be the best. You just have to want it the most and never quit. I dropped him however due to his attitude and sometimes violent actions that rub people the wrong way, and sometimes leave him apologizing to fans.

4. Jon Beason

A natural leader combined with great talent. Being that he is already one of the best LBs in the NFL, he might be higher on the list when it's all said and done.

5. Jordan Gross

Even non-Panther fans like Gross because they know it's not easy to find a franchise, pro-bowl Offensive Tackle. Plus he is featured on local Fox news as an American Idol analyst, so he has to be likable... right?

6. Jonathan Stewart

Every Panther fan has high hopes for this kid. He has the build, speed and skill that fans get excited about. And with Deangelo lighting it up in front of him... His mistakes get swept under the rug.

7. John Kasay

The lone original Panther. He has literally been through everything. The only reason I don't put him higher is because he flippin' could have won us a Superbowl! Gotta hold that against him.

8. Brad Hoover

You know why he is here the first time you go to a game and hear "Hooooooooooooooooov".

9. Chris Harris

You gotta like Chris. He came from a "hate-able" team that under-valued him, and immediately showed that he was going to be an impact player. When interviewed he is always smiling but yet a straight shooter, which is refreshing on a team where the motto is "It is what it is".

The Leave Ems'

1. Jake Delhomme

As much of an asset as Jake is to this team, he also has to be the most hated. Jake is the face and the butt of the franchise.

2. Julius Peppers

Due to his lack of effort and his "Can't wait to get out of town" scheme, some fans don't even want him on the team. A weird fate for a potential Hall-Of-Famer.

3. Dwayne Jarrett

Dude came into town on a white horse. The heir apparent to the beloved Moose. But he was too over confident, forgot to study his play book and partied a way too much. It took an All-Pro wide receiver to rebuke him on television to knock some sense into him. Lucky for him, a big season in 2009 could erase everything. Fans want him to change his stars.

Poll

Who is the most "liked" Panther player?

09' Opening Game vs Panthers

southtunnel — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:55:16 -0000

The 09' regular season opens up against the Carolina Panthers, a team with the 3rd best record in the NFL in 08'. The Panthers have done very little in the off season, other than drafting speedy pass-rusher Everette Brown and bringing on Colts defensive coordinator Ron Meeks. The Eagles on the other hand have made enough off season moves for many analyst to pick them as an early Superbowl favorite. Here are few challenges the Eagles will have to deal with to win game one.

1. Maybe the best running attack in the NFL. At least that is what some analysts are predicting. In 08' Deangelo Williams had over 1500 yards, 5.5 avg, led the league with 20 TDs, and most importantly had 0 fumbles. All this while splitting carries with rookie stud Jonathan Stewart.

2. Steve Smith. What was up with those rumors last year that the Panthers might trade Steve Smith to the Eagles? The Panthers would never trade potentially the best player in their short existence. He is usually the best athlete on the field, and can take over a game any given week. His constant Houdini acts create wins out of games the Panthers have no business winning. His threat is rivaled only by guys like your very own Brian Westbrook... when healthy.

3. Potentially a much improved pass rush. Led by Julius Peppers and his 08' 14.5 sacks. Julius is not always the most motivated player, but when he is focused he is arguably the best defensive players in the league. In addition the Panthers drafted Everette Brown, possibly the best pass rusher in the draft. And they brought in Ron Meeks whose specialty is in making a huge impact with small, fast, Panther-like defenders. Add in Jon Beason, whom many call the best LB in the NFL, and this defense could be handful.

What are the biggest challenges the Panthers will have to overcome against a new, young Eagles team?

Poll

Who is the toughest team the Eagles will face in 2009?

Panther Saint Rivalry

southtunnel — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:51:17 -0000

Many analyst think the Saints have done enough to boost their defense, to get them back atop the NFC South. With the Panthers coming off the 3rd best record in the NFL, I thought it would be fun to do a Saint/Panther position comparison. Being that I know much more about the Panthers than the Saints, I am hoping you guys will fill in the gaps with Saint player/position details.

Quarterback: Drew Breeze vs Jake Delhomme
This is probably no comparison. Even many Panther fans would rather have Breeze than Jake. There is an argument to be made however for how well Jake fits in Fox's plan... and one stat Jake leads Drew in is 4th quarter comebacks. Also Drew learned last year that QB stats don't necessarily mean wins. However it is too hard to say that Drew is not the better QB. Nod Saints.

Running Back: Bush/Thomas vs Williams/Stewart
This also is probably no comparison. It is tough to compete with Deangelo's 1515 yards,5.5 average, 20TDs (most in the NFL), and more importantly 0 Fumbles. Panthers might very well have the best tandem in the NFL. Not to mention few believe that the Saints most skilled RB, Reggie Bush, can be an every down back. Panthers definitely have the better rushing attack.

Wide Receiver: Colston/Meachem vs Smith/Muhammad
Obviously Steve Smith is the best receiver on the field when these 2 teams meet. And Muhammad is possibly the best blocking receiver in the league... bringing a dimension that most teams do not have. Both are veteran players compared to the Saint's younger receivers. Colston obviously has potential, and having Breeze as your QB gives you a definite edge as well. But I have a hard time not giving this one to the Panthers.

Tight End: Shockey/King
This one is tough because Shockey is a great player, but potential to be a big headache. While King has good hands, but is primarily used as a blocking TE. I hesitate to give this to the Saints because of Shockey's drama and durability concerns. But he is too good to not give the Saint's the nod.

Offensive Line
Gross is an an all pro Left Tackle. And the Panther's right side (Vincent + Otah) dominated in the running game last year. I don't know enough about the Saints O-Line to say too much. But I think this one goes to the Panthers.

Defense
This should go to the Panthers. Peppers is the most gifted DE in the NFL and Jon Beason is one of the best (possibly the best) LB in the league. However as a team they underperformed last year. With the drafting of Everette Brown (the best pass rusher in the draft) and hiring of the Colts OC Ron Meeks, the Panther's D should be much faster and improved. Last year the Saints D ruined an incredible offense. However rumors are that that will not be the case in '09. So this one is close due to uncertainties. But I will give it to the Panthers based on multiple player's proven success.

Pep just signed his franchise tender. You heard it here first. 6/24/09 2:25pm

southtunnel — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:29:56 -0000

Pep just signed his franchise tender. You heard it here first. 6/24/09 2:25pm

I85 Rivalry (by Position)

southtunnel — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:06:54 -0000

In my opinion the Falcon/Panther rivalry is the best in the NFC South. Especially with Tampa rebuilding and New Orleans not even in the vicinity (geographically). So I'd like to compare the Panthers to the Falcons position by position and see how Falcon fan's opinions differ.

Quarterback
Matt Ryan vs Jake Delhomme: Delhomme has obviously accomplished far more. The team and staff love him, and he is one of the best at 4th quarter comebacks. However Ryan had an outstanding season for a rookie. I will give him the nod since he is the future and Jake is on his way out. Winner: Falcons

Running Backs
Turner/Norwood vs Deangello/Stewart: As great as Turner is, it seems there is doubt he can hold up if more carries are not given to Jerious Norwood. This means his production will probably go down in coming years. Deangello had 1500 yards, 18 TDs and averaged 5.5 per carry... All while splitting carries with Stewart. Winner: Panthers

Wide Receivers
White/Jenkins vs Smith/Muhammad: In my potentially biased opinion this is a know brainer. Smith is one of the elite receivers in the league... the best after the catch. Muhammad is still one of the top 2 blocking receivers in the league. Winner: Panthers

Tight End
Gonzalez vs King: A future hall of fame TE vs blocking tight end. Nuff said. Winner: Falcons

Offensive Line
Not much to say about o-lines. They either get the job done or not. Panther's line definitely got the job done. But I'd like to hear from those of you who know more detail about the Falcons line. Winner: Panthers

Defense
This one is tough. Panthers look good on paper, but under achieved last year. Abraham vs Peppers is a good one. Abraham is a situational DE, while Peppers plays all over the field. I'd take Pep even though he is known for taking games off. But defense overall? I am going to give a tie, because I have no idea how either will perform in 2009. Winner: Tie

10 Most Valuable Panthers All Time

southtunnel — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 13:29:55 -0000

Blazerfan's post got me thinking about who are the most valuable individual Panther contributors of all time. I'm sure this has already been done many times, but... What else am I to do mid-June??? This is not just players, but anyone who has made the team great. How would your list differ?

1. Steve Smith

Smitty is the only Panther I can remember who could not only take over a game, but a whole season! In 2005 and 2006 if teams stopped Smitty, then they stopped the whole team. But despite this, in '05, he still pretty much by himself took the team all the way to the NFC Championship. He was an integral part of the '03 Superbowl run. He made the pro-bowl as a rookie, and has been an all-pro almost every year since.

2. John Fox

Gotta give Foxy some love. Since the teams inception nothing much changed until he came. He took a 1-15 team, that had only one playoff appearance in its existence, and led it to 3 playoff appearances, 2 NFC Championships and a Superbowl. He is the 2nd most tenured coach currently in the NFC. And with the exception of '06 has had success every year the team wasn't overcome by injuries.

3. Stephen Davis

Davis is the closest thing I can think of to Smith's '05 performance. In that much of the teams success in '03 was due to him carrying it with consistent running. One difference was that when the running game was shutdown, Jake and company did a good job of moving the ball through the air. However after Davis went down to injury the following year, the team's running game took 4 years to recover.

4. Julius Peppers

Pep has the ability to be a Hall of Fame DE. The only thing stopping him is whether or not he has the determination.

5. Sam Mills

We all know the story... #51 is the only retired Panther's number. Even in his absence he has done much for the team.

6. Jake Delhomme

I cannot comment much because I am still bitter from the Arizona game. But Jake deserves to be up here somewhere. We would not have came so close to a Superbowl win without him.

7. Jerry Richardson

In a city abused by the George Shins and Bob Johnsons of Charlotte Pro Sports, Jerry deserves some credit for creating a great organization.

8. Muhsin Muhammed

The Panthers best all-time receiver until Smith came along. Also one of the best blocking receivers in the league. I don't think it a coincidence that the Panthers running game never recovered until he returned. A skill often over looked.

10. DeAngelo Williams

Ok, maybe this one is a little premature. But what he did last year deserves some props! In his first year as a starter he amassed 1500 yards, 18 TDs and 5.5 yard average! And all while splitting time with JStew! Even if he is traded tomorrow his records will still stand.

Poll

Who is the Most Valuable Contributor in Panthers history?

Steve Smith

34 votes

John Fox

8 votes

Sam Mills

5 votes

Jerry Richardson

9 votes

Stephen Davis

0 votes

David Carr

4 votes

Other (explain below)

2 votes

62 votes | Poll has closed

Mike Goodson AKA "Curveball"

southtunnel — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 02:44:32 -0000

"Panthers rookie RB Goodson turning heads"

If Goodson can stay healthy, he could turn out to be a diamond in the rough. In his own words "I kind of think I can be curveball guy, Jonathan is a bruiser and DeAngelo is a slasher and I'm just trying to bring a little speed to the game, trying to add another element".

According to the Shelby Star the team is using him quite a bit as a slot receiver. "I'm excited about that because lining up in the slot causes a mismatch against a lot of linebackers and lets me use my speed," he said. How awesome would that be to have a shifty, speed guy returning kicks, in the slot, and potentially wearing out defenses in the 4th that just took a Stewart/Deangello beating?

I really hope he lives up to the hype!

Poll

What will be the outcome of Mike Goodson's rookie season?

Rookie of the Year baby!

5 votes

He is going to add another dimension to an already potent offense

44 votes

He'll be used primarily as a slot receiver

5 votes

Might turn out to be a good return guy

11 votes

He'll barely even set foot on the field

8 votes

73 votes | Poll has closed

Peppers Franchised - In Retrospect

southtunnel — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 02:52:09 -0000

Just re-watched this video from NFL.com from right after Carolina slapped the Franchise tag on Pep. All this talk about Peppers having to be traded has been distracting. But these guys might be on to something. The Panthers have a formula to win now. Trading Peppers breaks up that formula.

They seem to agree that the Franchise tags means, like Hurney has been saying, they want Peppers in Carolina. They brought in Ron Meeks to take what should have been a stout defense, and to sure it up. Meeks for sure wants to work with a player of Peppers caliber. And they might be thinking he can help mix things up and convince Pep to stay here for the long haul.

Cowher Power

southtunnel — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 02:09:57 -0000

Bill Cowher is still sitting at home right? And we are as close to home for him as the NFL gets, right? I think it's time we start the Fox for Cowher pleadings!

I am starting to blame Fox for this entire debacle. Our vanilla game plan is his fault. We have seen this year in Miami how brilliant Henning can be. Then why was he so predictable in Charlotte? Jeff Davidson was said to have invented zone blocking. He wanted to implement more passing to TEs. But this year just like when Henning was here we have seen nothing but Fox football! Power running, then chuck the ball down field. The only reason it has been so successful is because we have a mammoth o-line, 2 high 1st round running backs, and one of the most explosive receivers in the league! Other teams don't have to pack so much heat to be successful! Moreover imagine what our talent could do with a creative genius behind the scene!

Enter Bill Cowher! And this team is already suited just for him. What does he like to do? Run the ball? Check! Strong defense? Check! Careful and limited QB play? Check! Proven winner? Check!

Cowher did amazing things with a Steelers team that didn't even go after high-end players. Imagine what he could do with all this talent.

Who is with me? Is it time for some Cowher Power??????