Preseason #3: Miami

It was a great battle, because I think we played a championship caliber team. And when you play solid teams like that, your weaknesses are definitely going to be exposed. There were too many penalties, which is uncharacteristic for a John Fox team. Either the team chemistry is not there for some of the new guys, or there is a lack of focus. I seriously doubt the latter. Foxy should straighten this out by the beginning of the season. I think it is a matter of time before these new guys get our system down.

I am going to be more specific and talk about the offensive line. This bunch is definitely an upgrade from last year. Their pass blocking is ok, but Jake was still seeing some pressure. Their run blocking is getting better, but for a run first team like us (believe it or not we are), we need more than that from our offensive line. Deshaun Foster was running hard, but there were limited gaps created for him. On the other hand, I am very excited about DeAngelo Williams, who was the player of the game in my opinion. Besides that electrifying KR for a TD, he ran very well despite poor blocking. He created his own holes and hit them hard. Deshaun better watch his back. This kid is good(Top right).

The defense continues the tear that they are on throughout this preseason. They are as good as advertised. However, they gave up lots of yards this game, but the first team defense only gave up 3 points. We drafted Thomas Davis as a safety, but his transformation to linebacker is now complete. He was making some serious hits too. There was some serious physical play from Chris Draft and most of the DBs. They are flying around and making plays. Defense is in tip top shape.

I’m gonna go out on a limb and say our special teams won the game. DeAngelo Williams broke the defensive deadlock with that kick off return for a TD(pic of that is on top right). This is why special teams are important. It was a battle on offense and defense, and special teams gave us the edge. Efram Hill also gave us great field position on punt returns. Our special teams unit also recovered a fumble in Miami territory, and got a field goal out of it.

There is a whole article about DeAngelo's 'coming out party'.
http://www.panthers.com/news/newsroomNewsDetail.jsp?id=26275

Preseason #2: Jacksonville

We won again. That was great. Keyshawn Johnson continues to impress. I am sad that Smitty did not start. Keary Colbert is also playing much better than he did last year. The offensive line had some breakdowns, but I think that may be because they have two new guys in there. As soon as they develop some chemistry, this group will be much better than last year group as we defilitely have better atheletes at that position this year.

The defense was superb. They scored again! In two games, this unit only allowed a field goal, they have created turnovers, and thay have converted two of them into TDs. Hope they stay hungry. Kris Jenkins is getting into football shape. The new tackle that replaced Brenston Buckner (Maake Kemoeatu) is going to be great. I see us being stingy against the run this season with these two big boys. Great game. Let's get even better! The pic in the top right corner is Julius Peppers dropping David Gerrard. Mike Rucker will pick up that ball and run it in for a TD, making it 2 TDs for the panthers in a span of less than a minute at the end of the first half. Our defense was the story of this game for me.

Here is yesterday's training camp.
http://www.charlotte.com/multimedia/charlotte/KRT_packages/archive/mmpage/misc/pantherscamp082106/index.html

Mike Minter

We got Jacksonville tomorrow. I won't get to watch the game until Sunday night, so I'll post my little analysis on Monday. Until then, I will try to curb my energy!

Oh Ya!!! Smitty is back! Here is an excellent article on him.
http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/sports/football/nfl/carolina_panthers/15301641.htm

However, the purpose of this blog is to pay my respects to Mike Minter's mom, who passed away last week. I think many fans will agree that Mike has been the heart and soul of this team. He has been a true leader even during our bad years. Mike is a very religous person too from what I read. His faith will help him through this. From a panther fan to a panther; my condolences Mike. Hang in there. We love you.

Here are pics from yesterday's camp.

http://www.charlotte.com/multimedia/charlotte/KRT_packages/archive/misc/Panthers%20slideshow0818%20NEW/index.html

Preseason #1: Buffalo

1st preseason game against buffalo went ok. 1st team offense marched right down the field and got a TD in about 2 minutes. Jake was so comfortable. Keyshawn Johnson looked good. I never liked the guy's game or attitude throughout his career, but he is saying all the right things and practicing hard. The way he is going, he will have my respect by the beginning of the season. This offense will be even sicker when Smitty is back this Saturday against Jacksonville. Deshaun Foster looked good, and the rook DeAngelo Williams looks even faster than Deshaun. To the right is Drew Carter celebrating the 1st TD. Shaking off the hatttazzz.

1st team defense pitched a 3 and out in the first 2 series and they ran a INT for a TD in the third. They looked unbeleivable. Kris Jenkins is in great shape. Ken Lucas! Way to go baby!! If I am not mistaken, Buffalo had ZERO 1st downs in the first half. That was just great. If we do not have any major injuries, we will definitely be playing in Miami by February. Only thing that can stop us is injuries or ourselves.

Check out the pics from today's training camp @ http://www.charlotte.com/multimedia/charlotte/KRT_packages/archive/sports/panthers_slideshow_0816/index.html

I also found this while scoping our bitches..I mean...rivals. Tampa actually used a dummy with a Mike Rucker Jersey. We're in their heads, and it's only preseason. Check out pic #19.

http://www.tbo.com/sports/photos/bucscamp2006.shtml