Cat Crave » hook

2011 Carolina Panthers: Reviewing the Film

hook — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:52:46 +0000

January 1, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) catches a touchdown over New Orleans Saints cornerback Jabari Greer (33) during the first quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Over the past two days, I have been looking over tape from the Panthers’ season. ITunes of all places has a “follow your team” show in which they recount entire games of a particular team by only the big plays (mind you, I hate ITunes with all of my heart so this is not product placement). For example, they will not show a play in which Deangelo Williams is stuffed at the line of scrimmage and only gains two yards. If Jonathan Stewart, however, runs for eight, the footage will make the tape. It’s a somewhat incomplete, but highly effective, method of reviewing a season. Each game is about 20-25 minutes long and includes topical segments from post-game interviews. (more…)

Free Agency: Wide Receivers

hook — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:53:27 +0000

One of the most important factors in Cam Newton’s success as a rookie were the great weapons he had around him during the 2011 season. You can’t say enough about Steve Smith and his unquestionable value to the franchise and the development of our quarterback. Greg Olsen and Jeremy Shockey, our most valuable free agent acquisitions, proved invaluable due to the matchup problems they caused for opposing defenses. Brandon Lafell, who I am convinced will be a star to our franchise, was notorious for his clutch, acrobatic catches. Even Legadu Nanee, a player once cursed by our fanbase, was a viable target to Cam and came through in a number of games. As the future of the franchise rests on Cam Newton’s shoulders, I think it is essential that we continue to surround him with great weapons. (more…)

Carolina Panthers Could Learn from New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints

hook — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:03:29 +0000

Aug 11, 2011; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and head coach Bill Belichick talk with quarterback Ryan Mallett (15) during the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-US PRESSWIRE

As a Carolina Panthers’ fan, I can’t begin to express my dislike for our opponent the New Orleans Saints. I was a first-hand witness to Roman Harper’s late hit on Steve Smith and Jimmy “Golden-boy” Graham’s repeated dives against the 5’7” Captain Munnerlyn. I cannot, however, fault them on their ability to make consistently good decisions in the off season that enable them to continually be a playoff contender.

One such approach that I cannot help but appreciate was their strategy in the 2011 draft. In case you don’t remember, the Saints took DE Cameron Jordan from Cal at #24, then traded up to take Mark Ingram at #28. As I was not in their war room, I can only speculate about their rationale. To me, however, it was brilliant. What New Orleans did was say, “Look, rather than take one elite player with an additional six that we can develop, why don’t we take two guaranteed talents and five that we can develop”. I think this was absolutely brilliant and could be emulated by anyone with any sense.

In the words of Mugatu, “I feel like I’m taking crazy pills!”. (more…)