they can't mesh when they're not on the field (not to mention he's been in the league 3 or 4 years already)......plus I think hangartner falls into the "he's talented" give him time and he'll be great" category moreso than hartwig. He did a pretty good job for just being thrown in last year.....consistent, and much cheaper too.

[Edited on March 28, 2007 at 1:09 PM. Reason : 4]

3/28/2007 1:08:49 PM

Hangartner was definitely a surprise, considering he was a low-round draft pick (5th round I think)

3/28/2007 1:14:49 PM

I wanna know when gross is going to live up to a 1st round pick too....granted he's been switched to a new position every year, but he was supposed to be the anchor of our line and he gets beat bad fairly frequently.

3/28/2007 1:22:20 PM

^yeah^^. So we have quite a few supposedly solid OLmen. If they stay healthy long enough to mesh, then OL shouldnt be a big problem....

Im more worried about our once great, but now deteriorating, defense ...
(and hoping that dan morgan can get more out of that oxygen tent of his this season)

3/28/2007 1:50:12 PM

watch for mcglover at DE....before the season is over (hopefully sooner) it'll be mcglover/pepps starting on either end, and it will seriously make QB's piss their pants.

3/28/2007 2:32:07 PM

this makes me

Quote :

"Carolina Panthers might look more like the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos of recent years. Coach John Fox revealed Wednesday that the Panthers will begin using zone-blocking schemes in their offense, a dramatic change for a system that's been built around a power-running style. Fox said new offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson will begin installing zone blocking by the offensive line at minicamps and organized team activities this spring. "We have not been much of a zone-blocking team," Fox said at the NFC coaches breakfast during the annual NFL meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. "Yet, we're kind of set up that way, to be real honest with you. That's something (Davidson) has a belief in, and I think he has the presence to get it across." In a zone-blocking scheme, linemen are responsible for blocking any defender who appears in their zone, instead of focusing on one defender. The Broncos and Falcons have had success with the system, which features smaller, more athletic offensive linemen and can create running lanes on the inside and outside. That system could fit Carolina's personnel better than the power running system Fox had used under former coordinator Dan Henning. Running backs DeAngelo Williams and DeShaun Foster might be better suited to run the stretch plays that go with zone-blocking schemes than to pound away between the tackles. However, Fox said the change is due more to the talents of the offensive line than the running backs. After a season in which the Panthers had to shuffle their line because of injuries, Fox said the plan is to use Travelle Wharton at left tackle, shift Jordan Gross back to right tackle, keep Mike Wahle at left guard and Justin Hartwig at center. Geoff Hangartner, who filled in at center last season when Hartwig was injured, likely will compete with Evan Mathis at right guard. Gross, Wharton and Wahle fit the profile of athletic linemen who excel in a zone-blocking scheme. "If you're an athletic offensive line, it makes the defense honest," Fox said. "That's the key. It's about keeping the opponent off-balance and creating good matchups." Fox said he doesn't expect the transition to be difficult. "Some of your blocking schemes in trap systems are harder to read and harder to maneuver than zone blocking," he said. "

i'm already looking forward to watching this play out......I think it'll help our running game a lot.

and this

Quote :

""I think one of the trends you'll see this year is a little bit more of that no-huddle (offense)," Fox said. "There's been success with it. Cincinnati had it. Indianapolis has been having it. The Jets did it. It's just another way of dictating tempo, which is not all bad.""

also, harrington and carr to visit next week, and Fox talked about Jenkins not being at the offseason workout program.....hmmmmm.

[Edited on March 29, 2007 at 12:52 PM. Reason : .]

3/29/2007 12:47:17 PM

^i agree...i think it will compliment their running styles too...they seem more of a quick back type thing instead of a stephen davis or tiki barber type of battering ram type runners

3/29/2007 1:00:53 PM

I am not sure how much I like the Zone blocking scheme....I am partial to the old school blocking scheme: Gap, Down, LB...but I have always Enjoyed Denver's running game...but they were best when they had a Good QB (Elway) and a TE & WR corp - Sharpe & Smith and not to mention clutch McCafrey (sp?).

But I say give it a try, maybe it will work out for something big....the Offense needs a shot in the ass...this could be it.


III

3/29/2007 11:16:01 PM

Hopefully they can make the scheme work in year 1

3/29/2007 11:20:13 PM

I have heard it is an easy enough system to implement and see success provided you have ATHLETIC, VERSITAL, and relatively SMART OL. That is why alot of schools went to system. You don't have to be a genius...still not sure i like it...but hell, Go Get Sum Panthers...


III

3/30/2007 9:24:57 AM

Great change in my opinion.


Our o-line has been undersized the past few seasons and our running game has been absolutely ANEMIC.

Foster and Deangelo are better in open space than they are between the tackles anyway, but particularly when there are no holes to be found.


The article doesn't mention Delhomme but I think this change will benefit him as well. If we have a more dangerous running attack and quicker passing scheme we'll be an all around better offense. We need to take advantage of the way delhomme moves around in the pocket and knock it off with the long dropbacks.

3/30/2007 9:57:59 AM

I asked Brentson Buckner about zone blocking a couple years ago and he said we didn't really have the personnel for it...but at the time we were still deadset on smashmouth running which hasnt worked since S-Davis retired

3/30/2007 9:59:26 AM

i just think it'll work better with the RB's we have currently.....hell, maybe this will keep foster from being hurt his standard 4 or so games this year.

3/30/2007 9:59:36 AM

if we dont have massive roided up offensive linemen and big bruiser backs like Davis then i'm all for it

3/30/2007 10:11:28 AM

Quote :

"which hasnt worked since S-Davis retired"

In all fairness it didnt work the year before he retired either. I think he was the reason moreso than our o-line though.

I've never seen someone go from being a stud to a complete piece of shit that fast

3/30/2007 10:15:38 AM

well the year before he retired he was quite effective in short yardage situations for about the first half of the season...he had multiple 2-TD games but yes the OLine definitely had something to do with it as well...because Dr. Short got busted

[Edited on March 30, 2007 at 10:18 AM. Reason : .]

3/30/2007 10:17:57 AM

WOW. This changes everything. Whole new offense here we go.

I honestly must say that I am shocked with this announcement. I never thought Fox would buy into the zone-blocking scheme. I wonder if the chop-blocks are gonna come along with it?

3/30/2007 2:38:08 PM

^Unfortuneately it sort of comes with Zone blocking...not meant to hurt or injure anyone but sort of instinctive in that kind of scheme as an OL...got get to the person on your ZONE...includes LB's and DE's at an angle most of the time...


III

3/30/2007 3:34:13 PM

if we can have a run offense that even comes close to the success of Atl or Den, we'll be doing great.

3/30/2007 3:36:45 PM

Come on Panthers, sign Carr please.

I think he could have a Romoesque mid season takeover.

3/30/2007 5:18:03 PM

^^ seriously. we already have the passing threats in place, while denver and atl both can't move it through the air.

3/30/2007 5:57:51 PM

should be an easy sign with Carr considering what he has done in Houston with no line and the balls he has thrown to AJ.

Harrington is washed up

3/30/2007 6:42:17 PM

Man, im kinda pissed about the Zone blocking scheme....

I always loved talking shit about ATL and Wake because they chop blocked the hell outtof our D lineman and put them on the DL. Now I have to hear about the dirty chop blocks done by my team and that sucks....

It had better pay off .,...

3/30/2007 9:16:40 PM

Carr in Charlotte for a 2 day visit with panthers........

4/3/2007 9:27:15 AM

how much David Carr have any of yall really watched?

4/3/2007 10:04:09 AM

i dont even remember where he went to college

4/3/2007 10:12:33 AM

^^i've watched him steadily increase both his comp. %age and his QB rating each year, behind a perennially bottom 5 offense....all while averaging 50 sacks per year, and you never hear a complaint from him.

4/3/2007 10:16:32 AM

I can see Carr as a back up and potential future starter. He needs a new place and new people around him. I don't think his confidence is shook, but I think he does hate is OL and the area he is in.

I have not got to really watch many of his games, but the ones I did see he showed that he has ability and skills. He does a good job with what he has to work with. I think with a good OL and our weapons he could be very effective....Would be a helluva a back up.


III

4/3/2007 10:57:13 AM

^^^ fresno state

4/3/2007 1:32:34 PM

I didn't get to watch him much, but at one point last year he had the highest passing percentage in the NFL (about 5-6 weeks in). So I think he might have the tools, just needs an OL. Plus if he is still standing after the years of beatings he took out there, then the guy is at least tough.

I wouldn't mind to see him get his shot with us, but he'll definitely go straight to 2nd right behind Jake. And if Jake doesn't improve drastically from last season (hopefully the new OC will help) then I could see him getting pulled.

4/3/2007 7:15:31 PM

I think he looks decent when he is not getting sacked. Better than fucking Weinke

4/3/2007 7:23:46 PM

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2824661&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Free agent David Carr traveled to North Carolina on Tuesday to visit with a Panthers team in need of a backup quarterback.

Carr, the No. 1 overall pick by expansion Houston in the 2002 draft, was released by the Texans last month. His agent, Mike Sullivan, did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment. Carolina general manager Marty Hurney does not comment on free-agent visits.

Carr completed 60 percent of his passes with the Texans, but threw 65 interceptions and was sacked 249 times in five seasons. Some believe Carr could flourish behind a better offensive line. Carr is also expected to visit Seattle this week.

The Panthers are looking for a backup behind Jake Delhomme after releasing Chris Weinke last month. The Panthers have also shown interest in former Miami quarterback Joey Harrington.

The Panthers, who have been quiet during the free-agency period, are about $9 million under the salary cap.

[Edited on April 4, 2007 at 1:34 AM. Reason : fr]

4/4/2007 1:34:10 AM

idk something about joey harrington always made me hate that guy

i think carr just had such a shitty offensive line that it fucked with him

i'd rather have carr over harrington

4/4/2007 3:45:33 AM

I would rather have carr than fucking harrington

4/4/2007 8:53:07 PM

I would take Carr over the other guy....but if we can't get Carr...then Joey will be a must


III

4/4/2007 9:00:54 PM

It would even be good too see carr compete for the start. Delhomo isnt that good, and carr isn't that bad.

4/4/2007 9:43:53 PM

Don't think he would get Jakes spot...Jake is good with a healthy O-line and a RB that can see the holes...not saying Carr could not be better, but lets let him learn the system and back up for a min


III

4/4/2007 9:47:10 PM

it would be good for jake if carr came in imo. He's gotten to comfortable....he know's he is the starter unless he get's hurt.

He needs someone in the rear view pushing him.

Panthers on the clock ESPN draft coverage:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2825122

[Edited on April 5, 2007 at 9:32 AM. Reason : link]

4/5/2007 9:08:54 AM

^I can agree with that.


III

4/5/2007 9:40:26 AM

Quote :

"The Panthers should bring back very much the same team that they had a year ago, which might not be such a great idea. "

agreed, but two or three key additions could make a world of difference....problem is, it looks like they're banking on getting them all in the draft which is a big stretch.

Quote :

"Carolina lacks depth at defensive end and should draft Rucker's eventual replacement. "

McGlover is Ruckers replacement, and it won't be so eventual.....if not by seasons start, he'll have the starting job a few games into the season, and we'll have the best DE combo in the league.......20-25 sacks between the two.

4/5/2007 10:01:23 AM

What about our DB's???????? WE NEED THEM BADLY


III

4/5/2007 12:06:01 PM

Saftey and LB are 1a and 1b concerns.

Imo we should draft one of the following four in the first round, based on availability when we draft:

1. Landry (S)
2. Willis (LB)
3. Posluszny (LB)
4. Nelson (S)

if they get LB in round one, they need to look S in round two and vice-versa.

4/5/2007 12:41:56 PM

What schools those guys from....I recognize some of their names, but can't remember thier schools. And your right...LB's are def a concern.

But I still think a TE is a must also...


III

4/5/2007 2:38:29 PM

1. Landry (S)- LSU
2. Willis (LB)- Ole Miss
3. Posluszny (LB)- Penn St
4. Nelson (S)- Florida

4/5/2007 2:45:20 PM

Thank you...


III

4/5/2007 3:09:16 PM

Sportcenter...Panthers on the Clock...they talked about with First pick Panthers taking Olsen-TE from The "U" (Miami)...your thoughts?

I kind of like the pic...helps the offense immediately


III

4/5/2007 7:03:33 PM

Defense needs more help. We are rapidly aging and we need some quality depth now so we have time to develop them. We need to hit free agents harder and bring in a TE and some O line help, but that doesnt appear to be happeneing

4/5/2007 7:23:12 PM

^^It seems like every year ESPN's pick for them is a TE and it never happens.

4/5/2007 8:07:42 PM

if we can get olsen with our first pick i would be happy

he has the possibility of being awesome

4/6/2007 12:39:28 AM

Panthers have agreed to terms with Free Agent QB David Carr

http://www.charlotte.com/141/story/76173.html

4/6/2007 5:35:35 AM