Good Q&A with davidson:

Quote :

"CHARLOTTE — With one minicamp in the books and another soon to be wrapping up, new Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson has now had time to evaluate the weapons at his disposal and to install a good portion of his offensive scheme. This past week I sat down with Davidson for a one-on-one interview and discussed how the team’s offense is progressing as training camp approaches. Here’s what he had to say: Q. Now that you’ve been through a couple of weeks of minicamp, what are your thoughts on the offense? Davidson: “I’m happy with the way things are going. We’re still in the process of evaluating the plays. We’re running some plays out here that we won’t run on Sundays. So it’s one of those things where we are evaluating our system still, while in turn evaluating the players. And it’s coming along pretty well. I’m happy we have this time to work with and we’re moving in the right direction.” Q. How hard is it meshing the plays you want to install with the skills of the players you have? Davidson: “It’s hard now because most of the time you’re trying to simplify the formations and that type of thing and force a lot of guys into those positions. And then you see what they are capable of doing. Down the road you try to game plan to get them in the right places. It’s not that hard. The real hard part comes later on when you try to figure out how to get them in the right positions. Now it’s about evaluating the plays and evaluating the players in a lot of situations.” Q. One of the changes you’ve installed is with the zone blocking scheme. How is that going in — faster or slower than you thought? Davidson: “I wouldn’t say it’s slower than I thought because going in you know there is going to be some growing pains. Every day there is something that comes up that it’s like, ‘Hey, this is another aspect that we haven’t gotten a chance to talk about.’ But that’s why we practice.” Q. In layman’s terms, the zone blocking — how much different is it than what some of these offensive lineman have done throughout their career? Davidson: “I don’t know that. I don’t know what everybody’s history and background is before here. But from watching the things they’ve done here before, everything is a scheme. Don’t get me wrong, zone is a scheme, but it simplifies the scheme to some degree. There are a lot of rules that we have to work through and make sure everybody is on the same page with. That’s the biggest thing. As long as the guys who are working next to each other are thinking the same thing we’ll be great. If we’ve got one guy thinking one thing and the other guy thinking something else then we’ve got a problem. That’s the thing they have to grow into the fastest.” Q. You said you wanted to get the tight end more involved in the offense. In Cleveland you had a big-time tight end in Kellen Winslow. The tight ends you have here haven’t caught a lot of balls. Do you still plan for tight ends to be very involved in the passing game? Davidson: “We have a rotation going. We have seen all four guys with the first team and that’s what we wanted to be able to do. We wanted to be able to get a rotation yet. There’s nobody that is our number one yet and it’s an open competition there. We want that. We don’t know who it is going to be on Sundays yet. But yes, I do like throwing to the tight end. It’s part of the offense and I think it should be part of the offense.” Q. You also talked about screen plays being a big part of the offense this year. Is that still in your plans? Davidson: “We’ve installed a new screen play every day of practice this year in summer school. So yes, we’re well on our way to where we want to be there.” Q. And it seems like you have some pieces in there to run it too in DeAngelo Williams and DeShaun Foster, right? Davidson: “That’s exactly right. That is what I’m looking forward to.” Q. You’ve been moving guys around on the offensive line quite a bit in practice. When do you hope to settle on a starting five? Davidson: “As early as possible. I cannot put a date on it. But we want to solidify as quickly as we can who we think our best five are. But we are still in the process of evaluating who those five guys are.” Q. Steve Smith has blossomed into a star in this league and I know you’ve seen him a bunch on tape, but what are your initial impressions of watching him in person? Davidson: “Oh, he’s fun to watch. As a coach you love guys that compete every play whether it’s Sunday or on a Wednesday and Steve seems to be that kind of guy. He’s really a joy to coach.” Q. And your initial impressions of Jake Delhomme, how he’s picking up your offense? Davidson: “He’s doing a nice job also. He falls into that same category as Steve. There aren’t a lot of guys who aren’t in that category. There are a lot of guys that compete. There are some are exceptional. Those two guys (Delhomme and Smith) are simply exceptional.” "

From the Gaston Gazette....which i'm starting to think covers the panthers much better than the charlotte disturber, probably because sorensen sucks it hard.

[Edited on June 13, 2007 at 11:56 AM. Reason : 10]

6/13/2007 11:56:26 AM

sorenson has gotten kinda shitty, but i think jeff fowler covers the panthers best. ^ good read tho, thanks...

its gonna be a whole buncha ????'s until we actually get goin with exhibition games and such for the offense

6/13/2007 1:34:23 PM

Yeah, fowler's pretty good, but then sorensen will off set it with his jackassery.

I'm really glad that we have good depth at o-line.....we pretty much have 2 solid guys at each position (providing wharten heals ok), and most can play several different line positions.

6/13/2007 2:00:49 PM

2 questions...who is competing for #1 te spot? and also who is doing better in minicamp, delhomme or carr?

6/13/2007 7:31:22 PM

really think we should go after the newly released Donovin Darius to help out at Safety

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2904087

6/14/2007 1:11:18 PM

^^king and gaines are the front runners. Haven't heard who's doing better, but Jake will start the season barring injury.

^agreed, and I bet they will.

QandA with foxy:

Quote :

" On if this summer school seemed more spirited than usual: Everybody was disappointed about last season. Nobody was more disappointed than the coaches and the players. We came back this offseason with a vengeance. First the strength and conditioning program, then mini-camp, and of course finishing up here with our OTAs. So I would agree (that it has been). On how much the rookies improved in Summer School: A lot. The real test is going to be in pads at camp and then in games, where guys will perform under pressure, but from an assignment standpoint in what we’re doing, and from a skillset standpoint as far as what we’re looking for, we were able to work on that (in these sessions) and that’s why the NFL allows us to do them. They’re much further ahead now than when we started. On if he was impressed by the work ethic and determination shown by his players: We go to great lengths in evaluating these players as far as what kind of football character they have and character as individuals. We have not been disappointed at all. On the difference between offseason practices and training camp: When you think about it, it’s another 15-20 pounds of weight on you, for starters. There is pad conditioning involved. When you are talking about the offensive or defensive line there are some physical things we aren’t allowed to teach (until training camp), and that’s another step. When you put them all together, that’s how they separate themselves. On the challenge of installing a new offense: Change is tough, but it can be positive, too. It’s challenging. It’s all new, not just for the rookies but the veterans, too. I think the players have really taken to (the new offense), and (offensive coordinator) Jeff Davidson and his staff have done an outstanding job installing this stuff. "

[Edited on June 14, 2007 at 1:15 PM. Reason : .]

6/14/2007 1:14:36 PM

I like Foxy, but ^ that is pretty much a political "I'm not gonna answer anything" Q&A session

Grr, say something that gives some of us some insight into his opinion on the new offensive schemes besides that he's happy. Say something about zone blocking. Say something about the 5 QB's we have.

Just say something Foxy

6/14/2007 3:14:59 PM

Darius would be awesome

Perfect timing for a safety to go on the market

Although he's been hurt a lot recently and he is 31, so we'd have to make sure he'd be ready to play

[Edited on June 14, 2007 at 3:18 PM. Reason : x]

6/14/2007 3:17:17 PM

they better not fucking overpay for a 31 year old injured safty

6/14/2007 7:14:39 PM

unofficial panthers mascot!

6/15/2007 2:34:45 AM

Quote :

"Look," a gasping Delhomme said after finishing a series of sprints to wrap up three weeks of voluntary workouts for the Carolina Panthers. "You've probably heard this from a few people. But, without a doubt, this was by far the best summer camp we've ever had. The energy and enthusiasm and the new things we're doing -- and it's not just me saying it to give it window dressing. Players are saying it.""

good sign, or just talk?

6/15/2007 9:18:55 AM

great sign...

i swear, one of the things before last season that really had me questioning was the work ethic in training camp. I went down for a few days and we would run a few drills for 20 minutes, and then practice would be cancelled for the day. It was really really weird and it didnt seem like anybody was putting much effort into anything.

i'll be goin back down to spartanburg in July to do my annual pre-season evaluations...god i love it

6/15/2007 11:36:45 AM

I think the change in offensive scheme alone has got guys hyped.

6/15/2007 11:41:07 AM

yeah i mean hell, its hyping me up...i couldnt stand henning

6/15/2007 1:09:25 PM

PANTHER FANS JUST WISH THEY COULD BEAT THE :

6/15/2007 1:37:45 PM

It's probably been mentioned ... but the change in coordinators is huge on two fronts.

1. We don't have to deal with Hennings stubborness and inability to adapt (although i don't think he was terrible coordinator.)

2. Since there's a new scheme being put in, EVERYONE on offense has to stay on top of things. They can't just goof off in practice, because if they miss something, they might get benched ... or cut. No one's guaranteed anything, and that seems to be why the competitiveness and the attentiveness are at an all time high

6/15/2007 2:11:45 PM

Quote :

"and also who is doing better in minicamp, delhomme or carr?"

JAKE is because he is playing with the 1st team and Carr with the 2nd.

If he throws picks like last year for the first few games then I will join in with the jake/carr questioning. Until then it doesent do any good to bring it up. Jake starts. Period. He deserves as much.

6/16/2007 2:01:40 PM

^^^ Well, I believe we completely own you in the playoffs. Regular season may be a different story, but who cares?

[Edited on June 16, 2007 at 6:55 PM. Reason : .]

6/16/2007 6:55:32 PM

i have to share with you all my new custom kicks for the 2007 season

6/17/2007 4:52:05 PM

^ NIIIIIIICCCEEEE


how much are they going to cost?

6/17/2007 5:27:54 PM

Those shoes are cool. EXCEPT. I had a pair of panthers velcro shoes when I was in the 3rd grade-the inaugural season.

6/17/2007 6:48:52 PM

nvm

[Edited on June 17, 2007 at 6:55 PM. Reason : negative nancy]

6/17/2007 6:55:15 PM

if you go to http://www.rbkcustom.com and click on the sports tab you can customize NFL team shoes EXACTLY how you want them, to the finest detail...ive even got my name stitched on the back of them! $90

6/17/2007 9:12:29 PM

except they'll look gay as hell unless you coordinate your wardrobe

6/17/2007 10:15:33 PM

i agree

should have gotten mostly white with a little blue or mostly black with a little blue

the mostly blue thing makes them stand out too much, in a bad way(this is the line i had a few posts above that i thought was being a negative nancy)

6/17/2007 10:31:29 PM

Q&A with kalil:

Quote :

" Coming from the University of Southern California, rookie center Ryan Kalil is used to playing in big games. He’s used to pro-style practices and having future pros in the locker room and on the field with him. But he still had to adjust to life as a professional. Coming off his first summer school, the second-round pick said the offense he ran in college under former NFL head coach Pete Carroll helped a little, at least. “There are definitely a lot of similarities in the structure of practices and the plays and the way things are going,” said Kalil. “I think the big jump is obviously just the talent level. It’s just….grown men around here. (laughs) Most of these guys were All-Americans in college, so adjusting to that is the biggest transition for me. “When I first came in here (mini-camp in May) I didn’t know what to expect. But once you get the routine down, a lot of plays start becoming familiar. It becomes a lot easier to make calls and get in and out of the huddle. Things slow down and it makes it a bit easier.” Kalil has the versatility that the Panthers like to see in offensive linemen. The second-team Associated Press All-American says that versatility hasn’t really been put to the test….yet. “Mostly (they’re playing me at) center,” he said. “It’s something I’m strong at and something I played my whole college career. I think they’re trying to develop me there first before they start moving me around. Obviously I’m very comfortable there.” According to Kalil, the only major difference between center and guard is that the center has to worry about getting the snap off cleanly. Other than that, the two positions are very similar. “The guard position to me isn’t too much different other than you don’t have to worry about the snap any more,” he said. “I’m familiar with both positions and either one would be fine.” “As far as learning the playbook, I pretty much know what both sides of me are doing at guard. If they put me at tackle, that might be a different story, but I don’t think they’ll do that. Regardless, I have great veterans around me who have been helping me out. If there’s something I don’t know, I can look to my left or my right and guys will help me out. It’s just about learning and I’m trying to soak up as much as I can. I’ve been having a great time. "

I like his attitude. I haven't seen much of him, but from what I hear, he could be the anchor of our o-line for 8-10 years if he stays healthy.

6/18/2007 2:57:06 PM

our o-line is gonna be sick by mid-season this year.

Kalil, Wahle, Gross, Wharton and Hartwig is a fairly stacked o-line. assuming either kalil or hartwig plays guard.

imagine this o-line over the next several years:
kalil - 22
wharton & gross - 26
hartwig - 28
wahle - 30.

this group of guys could be together for a couple years.

6/18/2007 4:06:19 PM

don't forget mathis, butler and hangartner(sp).....all are young and have shown alot of skill......

this year, we'll have a solid backup at every position on the line, and almost everyone will be available to play 2+ o-line positions.

6/18/2007 4:18:22 PM

our running game is gonna be fucking sick

6/18/2007 4:23:56 PM

watch our offense explode and average like 30 a game, and our defense suck it up.....

man I would be so pissed.

6/18/2007 4:40:38 PM

our whole team is gonna be nasty as long as we stay injury-free. Our linebackers are going to be the hardest hitting and most feared group in the NFL.

Morgan, Davis and Beason - I wouldn't even want to be on the same field as those guys

Then you look at the CB's Gamble, Lucas, Marshall - Not particularly great hitters, but very solid players

DL Peppers, Maake, Jenkins or Lewis, and Rucker or McGlover (Both of those back-ups could be starting elsewhere)

S -Minter and Salley (Salley is the only weak link in the D, Minter's got one more decent year in him)

How many of these guys do ya'll think could be considered for the pro-bowl this year? i honestly think morgan, davis, peppers, and maake have legitimate shots. gamble, lucas, marshall, jenkins i think could also make it but really need to step it up to how we have seen them play at their best and be consistent at that level for every game. Assuming of course that all of them stay injury-free and work hard this season.

6/18/2007 4:59:52 PM

i hope minter has a good year...we need to get a safty

6/18/2007 5:01:39 PM

i hope we dont go undefeated in preseason then lose the first 2 games like always seem to do.

6/18/2007 6:18:30 PM

We play the Rams and Texans the first two weeks

I can see us loosing the Rams in St. Louis, but we better not lose to Houston at home

We lost to them in Houston 4 years ago whenever Smith was still immature and kicked one of thier players costing us 15 yards near the end of the game. We still made the Super Bowl that year, but still a game we should have won nonetheless.

6/18/2007 6:21:23 PM

i hope we win our first lose the next 2 and win the 4th

6/18/2007 6:22:36 PM

yeah that would be the ideal fucking situation wouldnt it cockmaster

6/18/2007 6:26:04 PM

whats going on with jordan carstens? that kid really impressed me in 05. Is he going to step back on the field again?

6/19/2007 7:56:36 AM

I saw Jacksonsville cut Donovan Darius...any chance the Panthers bring him to keep at safety or is he too old?

[Edited on June 19, 2007 at 8:04 AM. Reason : .]

6/19/2007 8:04:16 AM

i hope they bring him in.....we need all the insurance we can get at S.


Baker Signed an extention to.....he's one of the highest paid punters in the league now.

6/19/2007 8:56:41 AM

I'm sure Del Rio and Fox are having some discussions about DD right now.

He wouldn't improve our coverage dramatically, but DAMN if our two safety's wouldn't scare the shit out of every WR in the league.

6/19/2007 9:02:12 AM

^that's what a really good saftey does, make receivers apprehensive about going deep over the middle even before the play starts......that's half the battle right there. Minter was great at that in his prime....he can still lay a lick on people, he's just as slow as molasses now.

6/19/2007 9:24:50 AM

is darwin walker and cory redding demanding new deals going to help us or hurt us in negotiating w/ jenkins?

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0706/gallery.nfl.players.seeking.new.contracts/content.1.html

or is it going to affect us at all?

6/19/2007 7:43:24 PM

^ uhhhh....come again???


i dont see how that has any relation

[Edited on June 19, 2007 at 7:46 PM. Reason : .]

6/19/2007 7:45:44 PM

ship his ass

6/19/2007 8:00:09 PM

i mean if either team tries to trade either of these guys it would affect any trade that jenkins might want.

6/19/2007 8:01:11 PM

also try and use it as evidence for what he might [not] deserve in a contract

6/19/2007 9:37:46 PM

^^in regards to the question about Carstens, an article came out a couple weeks ago saying that he was diagnosed with some kind of disease last season. kidney maybe? i'm too lazy to look it up. that's why he didn't play but like 1 or 2 games last year. don't think he'll play this year, but he's pretty positive he'll make it back on the field eventually. hope he does. i like the guy

6/19/2007 9:53:04 PM

^they are actually just looking for the right combination of medicines to give him for the disease. as of right now he is on blood thinners which is why he can't play.

6/19/2007 10:05:46 PM

cnnsi Truth and Rumors mentions that we have made contact with Donovan Darius but not sure if we've made a formal offer yet.. really hope we can get this done to shore up our Safeties

6/20/2007 10:55:04 AM

Good to hear. We've absolutely got to do something at safety. Nate Salley, although a big-hitter and a great tackler from what I've heard, leaves me feeling nervous as shit about our defense. With Darius, I'd feel a helllllll of a lot better.

6/20/2007 11:06:03 AM