A Team On The Prowl - Carolina Panthers

[Domino606]

As I said in my Seattle franchise, I accidentally deleted my Madden 11 file, instead of 10. So instead of restarting the Seattle one over and going through the trouble I decided to start with a team, with possibly more or equal issues but with some talent to build around.

HOUSE RULES

Teams - I will be controlling all 32 teams to ensure league stability and teams keep their core players.

Trading - I will be trading since this is a rebuilding team, I will be acquiring draft picks and some role players, possibly a potential starter. I will not be trading for the likes of say Calvin Johnson or Dwight Freeney. Draft pick trades must match up through the NFL Draft Pick Value Chart and make sense. I will make computer trades see fit, for example say Bills have 3 potential starting RB, the Packers lost Ryan Grant, it makes sense for the Packers to make a trade for a potential RB. Real life rumors will affect who I trade also. Also if I am trading a player over the age of 30, I can not accept higher then a 2nd round draft pick for them.

Draft - I will be mainly building through the draft. I will not be using the scouting tool and will basically go into the draft blindfolded. I will draft need first unless the Best Player Available is a smarter selection. I will draft the 1st round for all teams by need, say if the Colts lose Peyton Manning for the year and wind up 4-12, I will obviously not select a QB in the 1st round.

Free Agency - I will only be allowed to sign a maximum of 5 free agents per season. Only one of the free agents can be rated an 83 or better. If I can't sign the free agent on the 2nd contract offer, I will not be able to proceed to sign the player. If the free agent is not working out I can't trade them until the following off-season, and it will have to be for a draft pick. R. You and Frisch were made 12 OVR Kickers.

Re-Signings - I will resign the players that I see will have a future with the organization. I will not re-sign and trade a player in the same year.

Gameplay - 12 minute quarters with 25 run off. Playmaker's sliders. Salary Cap on. Sim Injuries On.

[Deuce2223]

Re: A Team On The Prowl - Carolina Panthers

Will miss the Seattle Chise. but Carolina is my 2nd favorite team as I know their Left Tackle Jordan Gross. In fact we are going to the Dec 5th game in Seattle to watch Jordan play.

[Domino606]

Re: A Team On The Prowl - Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers Draft Recap

The 2010 Panthers draft came with a few surprises, the draft was not able to address a lot of needs, but it did give the Panthers organization key players to possible help the organization going forward. A lot of critism both ways for this draft as some thought it was a solid draft, others thought it was a complete waste of all of their picks. Only time will tell.

PICKS

2 (48) Jimmy Clausen | QB | Notre Dame - Clausen arguably had 1st round talent, the Panthers were unsure if Matt Moore was their future, so they pulled the trigger on Clausen when he had fallen to the 48th pick. Clausen is a 4-year starter in a spread offense, his mechanics aren't the sharpest and his win-loss isn't stellar. It remains to be seen if he has what it takes, for Carolina's sake they better hope he does.

3 (78) Brandon LaFell | WR | LSU - Around the league it was known, the Panthers need someone opposite Steve Smith to be able to run their offense. LaFell is a tall physical receiver that can really benefit from Smith's style of play. Needs to work on the route running, good YAC receiver.

3 (89) Armanti Edwards | WR | Appalachian State - Edwards claim to fame was the upset victory Appalachian State provided over then top ranked Michigan. Edwards was a QB, but will make the transition to WR. Edwards has the speed and the natural born athleticism to make you think an Antwan Randle El type of player. Hopefully Fox utilizes Edwards to best of his abilities, cough Wildcat cough.

4 (124) Eric Norwood | LB/DE | South Carolina - The career sack leader in South Carolina history. At this point it remains unknown in Norwood will be at OLB or DE, he would be an undersized end, but his coverage ability makes him a liability outside, especially at the strong side position.

6 (175) Greg Hardy | DE | Mississippi - Another SEC player taken by Carolina. Hardy has tremendous upside and brings the Julius Peppers esque look with him. Hardy will add depth to the questionable defensive line in Carolina, and will be on everyone's "Player to Watch" list.

6 (198) David Gettis | WR | Baylor - A good combination of speed and size. Gettis did all he could with what he was given at Baylor. A projetc to say the least, but his size and speed will allow him to make the roster.

6 (202) Jordan Pugh | CB | Texas A&M - All-Big XII honorable mention

6 (204) Tony Pike | QB | Cincinnati - Yet another QB taken, Pike has a lot of question-ables. He is huge at 6'6, but yet is so fragile. Very injury prone, it is hard to see Pike anything more than filling out the roster. A career back up at best. Although the greatest Cincinnati Bearcat QB to ever play.

7 (223) R.J. Stanford | CB | Utah - Picking up another CB, makes you think Richard Marshall's numbers in Carolina are numbered.

7 (249) Robert McClain | CB | Connecticut - Solid at UConn.

[Domino606]

Re: A Team On The Prowl - Carolina Panthers

Will miss the Seattle Chise. but Carolina is my 2nd favorite team as I know their Left Tackle Jordan Gross. In fact we are going to the Dec 5th game in Seattle to watch Jordan play.

Haha I just keep picking your favorites. Thats awesome that you are pretty close to an NFL player, and one that is pretty talented at that. Hopefully Gross doesn't let me down.

[Domino606]

Re: A Team On The Prowl - Carolina Panthers

John Fox On The Hot Seat?

Last season was an absolute disaster for the Carolina Panthers. They failed to resign their star defensive end Julius Peppers, and their franchise quarterback Jake Delhomme was atrocious.

The defensive minded John Fox who is in the last year of his contract, may have to pull a miracle to get a contract extension. Fox's team has been inconsistent throughout his coaching tenure. Fox is 71-57 as the Panthers head coach, with 2 division titles, 3 playoff appearances and the 2003 Super Bowl loss to the Patriots. The Panthers have some talent this year but the questions are still out there on this young team.

New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton thinks high of Fox. In fact had some nice things to say about the current Carolina head coach.

"If John Fox hits the open market after this year, he'll be the top free agent available," Payton said. "Just like Julius Peppers was the top free agent a year ago, Foxy will be the top free agent this year.

[Domino606]

Re: A Team On The Prowl - Carolina Panthers

DeAngelo Williams -
"No big deal" About His Contract

Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams, a 2006 first-round draft pick, has rushed for 2,632 yards and scored 27 touchdowns the past two seasons, emerging as one of the NFL's elite running backs and with a 2010 salary of $2.1 million, he could easily make the case that he's underpaid.

But Williams' attitude is simple: He's going to honor the contract he signed.

"My whole thing is I signed a five-year contract here and if the owner doesn't want to re-sign me or do a new deal, that's all him," Williams said, per Steve Reed of CarolinaGrowl.com. "I'm not going to get upset or anything like that because I knew when I signed my five-year deal that I was committed here for five years, so why put up a fuss?"

He is one of several young stars the Panthers have said they want to keep long-term - including linebackers Jon Beason and Thomas Davis, and center Ryan Kalil - but to whom they haven't given contract extensions.

Nevertheless, Williams said his contract status has made him wonder whether the Panthers want to keep him.

"I'd love to be here," he said. "But somebody has to show me that they want me to be here. It's not my choice, unfortunately.

[Domino606]

Re: A Team On The Prowl - Carolina Panthers

Roster Breakdown

Spoiler

Key Arrivals:
DT Ed Johnson
LB Jamar Williams

Key Departures:
DE Julius Peppers
QB Jake Delhomme
QB A.J. Feeley
WR Mushin Muhammad
DT Ma'ake Kemoeatu
LB Na'il Diggs
S Chris Harris


Offense: Everybody knows what Carolina does best and that is run the football. The Double Trouble duo of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart will be the main focus of this offense yet again. The duo became the first teammates to each rush for 1,100 yards in the same season. This year especially Carolina will have to rely on the run as no one is certain about the quarterback play this year, especially with the less then stellar wide receivers opposite Steve Smith. Williams enters the final year of his contract, as talks have yet to begin with the Panthers, this could mean they are ready to let him go, which is a dumb move or the possibility of a trade depending on how the team fairs early on.

To the passing game, if you want to argue that there is one will be the reason this team succeeds or not. The likely starter going into the season is Matt Moore. Moore was pretty good in the final few weeks of last year, which made letting Jake Delhomme go smoother than expected. Moore will have Steve Smith as his main target, the tiny, explosive, cocky, desired, receiver, and well pretty much just Steve Smith. No one on this roster proves to be a receiving threat. The Panthers did draft some rookie receivers but their impact could be minimal if the quarterback play isn't there. Brandon LaFell, David Gettis, and Armanti Adwards will have to develop pretty quickly. The tight ends are a toss up to what the Panthers are doing. Jeff King is the best blocking tight end so he will be in on a lot of formations. The Panthers will likely go with a 2 TE formation, or stand old power running formations. Gary Barnidge is the biggest tight end and their best receiving threat at the position, but he will need to earn his playing time.


Defense: This was once one of the most fiercest pass rushing teams in the NFL when Julius Peppers was around, but the team was unable to resign Peppers and they let arguably the best player in the history of their franchise go. This team plays a lot of cover 2, the blitzes come sparingly, and if the front four can't create pressure, opposing offenses will tear this secondary apart. The front four is the weakest position on this team, they will need Greg Hardy to quickly come in and hope they can fill the void Peppers left, but the odds of finding another Peppers that quickly isn't likely. Rookie Eric Norwood could see some time at the end position. Everette Brown will really need to pick up his play or else he will be shown the door, the talent is there.

Maybe one of the most underrated players in the league, yet his top 3 at his position is LB Jon Beason. Beason has recorded 130+ tackles in each of his 3 seasons. Beason is a complete linebacker and can play any position, it is likely he will be moved to the weak side linebacker to allow Dan Connor to play his natural position. If Connor struggles, then there will be another hole in the defense. Thomas Davis retore his ACL and the chances of him returning this season are up in there. Davis says there is a 70% chance he plays this year, but this is his contract year. James Anderson will really need to step his play up to make Beason who will attract all of the double teams.

The secondary is very vulnerable outside of Chris Gamble. Gamble is an excellent cover corner and really excels in this defense. Richard Marshall is seemingly on his way out in his final year of his contract, Marshall has been below average to say the least in his time with Carolina. Playing nickle back will most likely be Captain Munnerlyn, what a great first name. Captain. Another SEC product. The safety positions are young with Sherrod Martin and Charles Godfrey. Both are fast but inexperienced. A lot of room for improvement.

[Domino606]

Re: A Team On The Prowl - Carolina Panthers

What The Experts Think...

Mike Sando
ESPN.com
DIVISION FINISH: 3 Don't dismiss Carolina. National expectations might not be high, but I don't see how a team with core players such as Steve Smith, Jordan Gross, DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Jeff Otah, Ryan Kalil, Jon Beason and Chris Gamble can be terrible.

John Clayton
ESPN.com
DIVISION FINISH: 3 The Panthers have more speed on defense and have assembled a pretty good cast of young offensive players. Too bad ownership won't let John Fox stay past this season to enjoy the fruits of this year's coaching.

Adam Schefter
ESPN
DIVISION FINISH: 3 Enormous turnover for this franchise. But it still is going to have "Double Trouble" at running back and plenty of trouble on an aggressive defense.

Matt Williamson
Scouts Inc.
DIVISION FINISH: 3 The Panthers are the team I have the hardest time getting my head around this season. I have little faith in the defense, but if everything breaks right, I also could see 10 wins. Steve Smith will have a huge season. Six wins are more likely, though.

Seth Wickersham
ESPN The Magazine
DIVISION FINISH: 3 John Fox is already 2011's most sought-after coach. Which means that if he has a losing season and is fired, he'll be in more demand than if he has a winning one and is retained. The NFL is odd like that sometimes.

[Domino606]

Re: A Team On The Prowl - Carolina Panthers

Preseason Wrap Up

The Carolina Panthers finished 3-1, generally speaking that means your team has done well on all phases, 1st team and 2nd team, but the better your team does in the preseason, history has shown that your team can struggle in the regular season when it actually matters. Like expected the quarterback play was suspect, as one could argue both Matt Moore and Jimmy Clausen were, eh average to say the least. Moore completed 52% of his passes compared to Clausen's 56%. They both had a 1:1 TD:INT ratio, although Clausen posted 443 yards to Moore's 205.

Jonathan Stewart led the NFL preseason with 6 rushing TDs in 3 games, Stewart was rested the 4th game. DeAngelo Williams mustered a measly 2.7 avg during his 3 game stint. Steve Smith hauled in 17 receptions in 3 games. Outside of Smith the next best option was David Gettis who brought in 10 passes for 135, no didn't score. Brandon LaFell only had 7 receptions for 44 yards. Greg Hardy showed an impressive preseason with 3 sacks.

Tidbits Around The League

• The Jaguars and Eagles Week 1 matchup ended in a tie, 16-16. As did the 49ers and Colts game which ended 9-9.
• The Chiefs and the Jaguars were the only undefeated teams.
• The Eagles were the league's only winless team.
• John Kuhn had 381 rushing yards on 56 attempts
• There was only 1 punt return for a TD and that was by Atlanta's Eric Weems, who also returned a kickoff for a TD.

Key Injuries

• C Hank Fraley | Herniated Disk | 8 Weeks
• RE Antwan Odom | Fractured Foot | 8 Weeks
• SS Adrian Wilson | Torn Quadricep | 8 Weeks
• HB Benjarvus Green-Ellis | Broken Collarbone | 7 weeks
• HB Shonn Greene | Broken Collarbone | 7 Weeks
• HB Leon Washington | Herniated Disk | 6 Weeks
• TE Kellen Winslow | Herniated disk | 5 Weeks
• QB Carson Palmer | Herniated Disk | 4 Weeks
• QB Tony Romo | Broken Forearm | 4 Weeks
• TE John Carlson | Partial PCL Tear | 3 Weeks
• DT Ndamukong Suh | Dislocated Jip | 1 Week

[Domino606]

Re: A Team On The Prowl - Carolina Panthers

2011 Draft Board

Needs: WR, TE, RG, DE, DT, S, CB

Targets

WR Marcos Richards - Weber St
WR Jaron Hampton - Eastern Kentucky
WR LDarius Fairley - S.D. St.
TE JJaylun Corvington - Ole Miss
TE Jordan Jones - SE Miss St.
RG Matt Frazer - UTEP
LE Juwan Hill - Washington St.
RE Denzel Lewis - Flroida
DT Donavon Jackson - Penn St
DT Dante Eaves - UCF
LB - Tylar Winbush - Texas
LB Peniel Little - San Jose St
CB - Adric Lewis - Colorado
CB - Wesley Baker - San Jose St
CB Brandon Wells - West Virginia
FS Donavan Robinson - North Carolina
SS - Demar Coleman - South Carolina
SS Ross Samuels - Pitt

[Domino606]

Re: A Team On The Prowl - Carolina Panthers

Panthers Reveal Moore The Starter

- Depth Chart - Regular Offense

	Starter	2nd	3rd	4th
WR	Brandon LaFell	Armanti Edwards
TE	Jeff King	Gary Barnidge	Dante Rosario
LT	Jordan Gross	Garry Williams
LG	Travelle Wharton	Tim Duckworth
C	Ryan Kalil	Chris Morris
RG	Mackenzy Bernadeau
RT	Jeff Otah	Geoff Schwartz
WR	Steve Smith	David Gettis
QB	Matt Moore	Jimmy Clausen	Tony Pike
FB	Tony Fiammetta
HB	DeAngelo Williams	Jonthan Stewart	Mike Goodson	Tyrell Sutton

- Depth Chart - Base 4-3 Defense

	Starter	2nd	3rd	4th
LDE	Charles Johnson	Greg Hardy
LDT	Ed Johnson	Nick Hayden
RDT	Dere Landri	Andre Neblett
RDE	Everette Brown	Rtony Brayton
WLB	Jon Beason	Jordan Senn
MLB	Dan Connor	Nic Harris
SLB	James Anderson	Eric Norwood	Jamar Williams
CB	Chris Gamble	Robert McClain
SS	Charles Godfrey	Marcus Hudson
FS	Sherrod Martin	Jordan Pugh
CB	Richard Marshall	Captain Munnerlyn	C.J. Wilson

- Depth Chart - Special Teams

	Starter	2nd	3rd	4th
K	John Kasay
P	Jason Baker
H	Jason Baker
PR	Captain Munnerlyn
KR	Mike Goodson	Tyrell Sutton
LS	Ryan Kalil

OperationSports.com

[bryanjayyy]

Re: A Team On The Prowl - Carolina Panthers

This will be interesting. I just played the Panthers in my chise and it looks like they need some serious help. They are definitely not the team they were a couple years ago. I'll be following.

[Domino606]

Re: A Team On The Prowl - Carolina Panthers

This will be interesting. I just played the Panthers in my chise and it looks like they need some serious help. They are definitely not the team they were a couple years ago. I'll be following.

Thanks for following. Yeah they have a lot of holes, hopefully with good management I can bring them back to form.