Steve Smith Talks About Trade Demand

Receiver Steve Smith says he hasn't demanded a trade but has asked the Carolina Panthers to be "in a competitive situation." Smith contacted Pro Football Weekly on Tuesday so he could clear up reports that he wanted out of Carolina.

"These people that keep writing these articles, none of them have even spoken to me. What I want to do is be classy and not tip my cards, be respectful to the [Panthers] organization," he told the publication. It's not me saying, 'Yes, I want a trade.' It's still a family matter, and when my family feels it's the appropriate time, our actions will show how we feel (ESPN)."

Let me translate this for you. "I want out of Carolina, but I am trying to show that I am not as big of a douchebag that people think I am". That's really all this is. I don't think there is anyway Steve Smith plays for Carolina, and if you're Carolina you shouldn't want him back. He is a contantly pissed off WR that snaps a moments notice, and you have a rookie QB that really doesn't need his BS. Sure, it would be nice for Newton to have a guy like him to throw to, but it's really time for this team to move on and let Newton to be the leader of this team, since they used a #1 pick on him and I just don't see Steve Smith helping that cause.

Day 1 Winners and Losers

Winners:
New Orleans Saints:
Filthy draft. First the pick up DE from Cal Cameron Jordan and then they got a gift from the Patriots and selected the best RB in the draft in Mark Ingram from Alabama. They fill two holes in their roster. They strengthen their D Line and then will have a lot to work with at rb with Reggie Bush and Mark Ingram.

Carolina Panthers:
Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
I was hesitant to like this pick, but I completely flip flopped on this. I think this kid is the real deal and will win this team some ball games. He's big, athletic and has a cannon. He's not your typical athletic QB who looks to run before pass, he passes pretty well. The Panthers have a lot of holes, but their future looks brighter with Newton behind center.

Baltimore Ravens:
Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
The only reason he fell was due to off field issues, but this kid is 1A to Patrick Peterson. He's big at 6'2 and just as athletic as Peterson. The Ravens needed some defensive backfield help and got a big time player in Smith. I was really hoping he would fall to the Steelers.

Losers:
New England Patriots:
They had 2 picks to fill pretty glaring needs. I like Nate Solder the OL out of Colorado. He is huge and could be really good. Plus with Logan Mankins drama coming up and Matt Light retiring (maybe) but he's a project. Anthony Costonzo out of BC and Danny Watkins from Baylor have higher ceilings than Solder. I understand the position they pick, just not the player. I think they will really regret trading that second pick for New Orleans 2nd pick and next years 1st. They had 2 players they could have drafted that would have filled huge holes in Mark Ingram or Muhammed Wilkerson the DE from Temple. This was a big swing and miss for the Patriots and they will be haunted about this for years.

Minnesota Vikings:
With the 12th pick they select Christian Ponder. Yea.... really? I know the Vikings needed a QB but this is a reach of epic proportions. If I were to reach on a QB I would have taken Andy Dalton, Ryan Mallet and even Colin Kaepernick over Ponder. I don't get it, they could have drafted Robert Quinn the DE from UNC or Mike Pouncey the G from Florida.

San Fransisco 49ers:
I think Aldon Smith was a little high. Cam Jordan, Nick Fairley or even JJ Watt would have better selections.

With The 1st Pick In The NFL Draft The Carolina Panthers Select...

Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

Easily the best smile in the draft. I'm not sure about this pick, but if your Carolina, Why the fuck not, ya know. Sure they drafted Jimmy Clausen last year, but he sucks and looks like he has no future(I've always hated him). Cam has a good arm and last year he proved he's more than your flash in the pan college player as he led Auburn to a national championship. Yesterday I didn't think it was a good pick, today I'm optimistic he will pan out and be pretty good.

Plus they compare him to the best QB in the league Ben Roethlisberger.

With The 1st Pick In the 2011 NFL Draft the Carolina Panthers Select.....

DP's Pick:

MARCELL DAREUS DT Alabama

This might be a bit of a homer pick because I love the Tide, but I recently have fallen in love with this kid. He's a big mama jama at 319 and has been really successful in a 3-4 and 4-3 schemes at DT. With his quickness he could also be shifted to DE with a 3-4 scheme. The new trend is the Panthers taking Blaine Gabbert here and I just think that would be dumb because they have to give Jimmy Clausen at least another year (even though I'm not a fan). If worse comes to worse he'll tank it and they pick up Andrew Luck or Matt Barkley.


BMack's Pick:

Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

Let me start by saying that I hate this pick. I agree with DP that Clausen should at least get another year before they just give up on him (and I also agree that I am no longer a believer). Yet, with a new coach the Panthers are going to look for a new "face of the franchise". Sure, this guy isn't a big name, but he will be by the time the draft comes around. ESPN always hypes all these guys, so by then he'll be the "next big thing".

Gabbert has the build of an NFL QB at 6'4" 234 lbs. He is a very accurate QB, although some of his stats don't show it. Scouts point out he didn't have a lot to work with at Missouri. He's got a great arm, and can move around the packet enough to avoid sacks. I'll say I don't like this pick, and if we were just making a list of the best guys in the draft I would probably have him at 5 or 6, but like I said before the Panthers are looking to completely rebuild and a new coach with want "his guy" under center, and that guy will be Blaine Gabbert.

Panthers @ Bruins Preview

The Bruins are only up to games on the Montreal for first place in the Northeast division, but tonight they have a good chance to extended that lead and sweep the season series with the Panthers.

The Bruins are 3-0 against the Panthers outscoring them 10-3 in those 3 games. Even though the Bruins are 3rd in the Eastern Conference in goal scoring they still could be a lot better. They are highly inconsistent. One game they will break out for 5-6 the next they will get shutout. Losing Marc Savard for an extended period of time (maybe the season) isn't going to help that.

One player that has to step up is former Panther Nathan Horton, who has 12 goals and 16 assists on the season but only one goal over his last 19 games and none in his last nine. In the beginning of the season I said he would have 38 goals, looks like I was way off. He has all the tools, but just like the rest of the Bruins has a hard time finishing a play.

The Panthers are not a good team and are currently 6 points out of a playoff spot. Boston is just all around a better team, even without Savard, so I except another easy victory over the Panthers (who shouldn't even have a team).

Reports indicated that Tim Thomas will be in net for the Bruins tonight.

Bruins win 5-1
Player of the Game: Bergeron
Game starts at 7pm on NESN.

Carolina Has To Take Luck

There are a lot of articles going around today stating that the Panthers may take a pass on Andrew Luck as the #1 pick in the draft. To me they don't have a choice they HAVE to take him. Clausen is fucking terrible. If you have ever sat down and watched this kid, there isn't much upside. He looks like the game is way to fast for him, doesn't read the defense well, and really hasn't shown me anything to think that will change. Luck on the other hand is the real deal. This kid is going to be a Pro Bowler, and in the NFL now it is all about having an elite QB.

Things can change fast for a franchise. Look at the Rams they just drafted Bradford, and there is a good change they are in the playoffs, and it's not like they have a lot else around him. It will be a busy offseason since the Panthers need to trade Steve Smith, probably one of their RBs, and sign a new head coach. All of that will be for nothing though if they don't draft Andrew Luck.

Jay Cutler Out vs. Panthers

The Chicago Bears will start Todd Collins at quarterback on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers while Jay Cutler continues to recover from a concussion. I have to admit I started to buy into the fact that he was faking it, but obviously now that just isn't true. Martz is really going to need to adjust, because Collins is not going to pull of the same throws Cutler does. If he was smart he would run the ball down the Panthers throat, but then again we are talking about Martz so "being smart" really isn't his thing.

Anyways, the Bears should still win, because the Panthers are just that bad.

Moss Is Gone, What Now?

I know, a lot of Moss posts today, but fuck it.

I started to think what the Patriots might do now they Moss is gone. They have a bye week, so there is a good amount of time to pull of another trade. I will caution that most likely the Patriots will do nothing, because that's their thing, but if they were to do something here are some options.

- Vincent Jackson - The Changers holdout was rumored to be going to the Vikings, but now that they are out of the way the Patriots could make a move, and they certainly have the draft picks to do it.

- Steve Smith - The Panthers are going nowhere fast, and he has been a problem for them. I would think he could be sold off for cheap (3rd/4th rounder).

- Lee Evans - Bills aren't going anywhere, and when was the last time Evans did something? Been awhile, but he also hasn't had anyone to throw him the ball. Could buy low here.

Anyways, I just figured there are going to be a shitload of rumors going around over the next week, and I wouldn't be surprised if these 3 names pop up a lot.

Dwayne Jarrett Cut

The Carolina Panthers released receiver Dwayne Jarrett on Tuesday, hours after his second arrest on a charge of driving while impaired in less than three years.

Dwayne Jarrett has sucked. I'm actually shocked about that because when he got drafted and took Keyshawn Johnson's job I thought he would be good. However, he hasn't been good. In 4 years playing he has a total of 428 yards. I actually expect Pete Carrol and the Seahawks to take a look at him. Why not, he loves his USC guys.

Bill Cowher Coming Back To NFL?

With his three daughters either rooted in their adult vocation or studying at college, former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher has indicated that a return to being a head coach in the NFL is not inconceivable, according to Jerry DiPaola of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. However, he'll need a particular set of parameters.

"I am not going to go back into coaching, just to go back into coaching," Cowher said Thursday night. "It has to be the right situation. And I don't know what the right situation consists of (ESPN)."

Cowher is a great coach and I have no doubt that he'll have a job whenever he wants one. ESPN lists the Panthers and Browns as the favorite, but I have a much different take. I think he'll go to the Giants. If that team is really sick of Coughlin, then who better to take his place then Cowher? And talk about the "right situation" that is a team that is ready to make a run at another Super Bowl.

2010 NFL Preview: NFC South

We have finished the NFC South, and here is how we see it playing out...

New Orleans Saints: 12-4
Atlanta Falcons: 9-7
Carolina Panthers: 5-11
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5-11

2010 NFL Preview: Carolina Panthers

2009 Record: 8-8

KEY ADDITIONS:
Aaron Francisco, S, Indianapolis
Marcus Hudson, CB, San Francisco
Ed Johnson, DT, Indianapolis
Jamar Williams, LB, Chicago
Wallace Wright, WR, N.Y. Jets

KEY LOSSES:
Jake Delhomme, QB, Cleveland
Na’il Diggs, LB, St. Louis
Chris Harris, SS, Chicago
Brad Hoover, FB, Free agent
Landon Johnson, LB, Detroit
Maake Kemoeatu, DT, Washington
Damione Lewis, DT, New England
Muhsin Muhammad, WR, Retired
Julius Peppers, DE, Chicago
Hollis Thomas, DT, Free agent
Keydrick Vincent, G, Tampa Bay
Dante Wesley, CB, Detroit

Offense:
Steve Smith is another year older, and will miss most of camp with his broken arm. Yet, I think this offense will be better then last year for the simple fact that they finally cut ties with one of the worst QBs of all time; Jake Delhomme. There is a good chance Moore will start the year at QB, but I don't see this being a playoff team, so Clausen should be behind center no later then the midway point of the season. The good news for these guys is they have a great running game, and that should help them stay in a lot of games.

Defense:
No Peppers, no pass rush, which is going to cause problems all over this defense. This unit took another hit when Thomas Davis, the team’s best pass-rushing linebacker, tore his ACL in June. Initial fears were that he would be lost for the year, but the Panthers are holding out hope that he’ll be able to return at some point this season. But by then I expect them to be out of playoff contention. Carolina has decent CBs, but with no pass rush they are most likely going to get exposed.

Overall:
I see a long year for Carolina, and I think this will be Fox's last year as coach of Carolina. This franchise better hope Clausen is the real deal, or this could be a bottom feeding team for years to come.

2010 Record: 5-11

Steve Smith Injured

Steve Smith had an unfortunate accident breaking his arm playing flag football and is said to only miss training camp with the injury. Now everyone is saying Steve Smith was irresponsible for playing a game like flag football in the off season.

I wrote this for a couple reasons, the first is due to him missing time is going to kill necessary time he will need with Jimmy Clausen. Jimmy Clausen fell to Carolina in the second round and him playing with his best wide receiver would have been real helpful if he is going to play this year at all. The second is that the injury is unfortunate and sucks, but it was not irresponsible playing flag football. These guys can't live in a box every day. Its not like he was riding a motorcycle or water skiing.

Also, there are too many Steve Smiths in the world.

Jake Delhomo To Be Cut

The Panthers are going to cut Jake Delhomme and eat $12.5 million of his guaranteed contract.

My question is, why the fuck did the Panthers give Jake Delhomme a contract extension last year, and how has he been a starting quarterback for this long? Watching him play last year and average 17 turnovers a game was downright embarrassing. I don't know if this means Matt Moore is the go to guy in Carolina, but anything is better than Delhomo. With Delhomme and Julius Peppers gone from Carolina, someone is going to step up and be the face of the franchise.

Vick To Carolina

“If I had to pick one, it would probably be the Carolina Panthers,” Vick said. “Well, you know, it’s close to home. I like the uniforms. You get to play against Atlanta twice a year. Ain’t nothing better than playing against your former team, right? So, yeah, that would be a good look, it would be a good look.”
That was his words from a radio interview.

A couple things. The 1st would be is he allowed to say these things already? and the 2nd is where does he get off having a revenge mentality against the Falcons? Maybe if you didn't fight dogs Michael you wouldn't have been cut.

I guess going to the Panthers would be a good fit for him since Jke Delhomme is awful and they have a strong run game to overcomes Vick's lack of accuracy throwing the ball.

Panthers Won't Franchise Peppers

With the Panthers deciding not to franchise Peppers he will not become a free agent. If the Panthers were to have done it, it would have cost them around $21MM, which is just insane. Peppers is said to be looking for at least $15MM a year, but most people think that in this market is he likely only to get $10MM.

I know a lot of people think he is coming to the Patriots, but I don't believe it unless they work something out with Wilfork. If the Patriots were to go out and sign Peppers for lets say $12MM, Wilfork would literally go rip Belichick in half. Plus, that is a lot of money for a guy who is now 30 years old, and really isn't known for giving effort all the time. Don't get me wrong, for the right price I would love to see him here, but I just don't see that happening. Someone will overpay for him (Browns, KC, 49ers, ect)...

Peppers Tells The Panthers To Fuck Off

Julius Peppers no longer wants a long-term contract with Carolina Panthers. His reasoning is that the Panthers have ignored him all offseason, which is kind of funny since the Super Bowl just ended this weekend, but whatever. He has wanted out for 2 years now, and the Panthers are in a really tough spot. They can franchise him again, but he might not show up this time, plus the price tag is crazy. I was really on board for the Patriots going after him, but I don't think it is worth it (and that is saying something since I am a huge Peppers fan). My reasoning? Well look at this quote...

"That deal was to make me the highest-paid defensive player, but slightly, very slightly," Peppers said. "I didn't really feel the sincerity behind that deal."

The Panthers offered him to the be highest paid defensive player in the NFL after a 2007 season in which he only had 2 1/2 sacks. I'm sorry Peppers, but you are asking for too much. I also question whether he will be one of those guys that gets his money and then takes it easy. I don't know what will happen with him, but I don't think he will be with the Panthers or the Patriots next season.

Steve Smith To IR

"Panthers WR Steve Smith will go on injured reserve this week after undergoing surgery to repair a broken left forearm suffered in Week 16 at the Giants. "He's a pretty tough individual," said coach John Fox. "The ball was taken more inside to the safety, and I think he got his arm up to (brace himself) for protection. It looked like he took the blow with the helmet. His finish on the touchdown was pretty unbelievable considering that he had a broken radius (CBSSports)."

Carolina is out of the playoff picture, so this doesn't matter much, yet I think Carolina needs to sit back and think about their future. Is Moore their QB of the future? I don't think so, but they seem to want him starting next year. I think Carolina needs a complete overhaul. They could turn this around in a couple of years, but I think the first they need to get rid of some guys. First, trade Peppers for some nice draft picks. This would allow them to quickly restock some talent, and I wouldn't stop there. I would trade Steve Smith too. He still has a lot of value. The Panthers have had a lot of problems with him, and I think it would be best if they both got a fresh start. Then of course I would cut Jake Delhomme, to free up some cap space down the road.

Bruins looking To Ward

"The Carolina Hurricanes didn't plan to put Aaron Ward on re-entry waivers, hoping a team would pick up his full salary. But now it appears they will, which means the Canes and the claiming team would each be responsible for half his salary. His cap his is $2.5 million this season, half of that is $1.25 million and since half the season is over, the number comes out to about $700,000.

The Boston Globe writes that it's an "enticing" number and that the Bruins might be tempted to jump at it.

"Boston's mounting injuries on the backline, especially with Mark Stuart sidelined with a fractured sternum, could have GM Peter Chiarelli interested, especially at Ward's Building 19 discount price," the Globe writes, adding that Detroit, San Jose and Chicago might also be looking Ward's way (ESPN)."

With all the injuries the Bruins have had to their defense you would think they would have to be looking at this. Ward was very good for the Bruins, and though he is having a terrible season I think that has a lot more to do with Carolina being terrible then it does with him falling off. Ward and Chara were very good together, so I think he could fit right back in to the Bruins defensive plans quickly, and the price looks to be right...

Belichick Defends Randy Moss

"Bill Belichick is anything but a war-of-words coach, but what Chris Gamble and Chris Harris said yesterday about Randy Moss changed that. Given multiple chances to defend Randy Moss and his effort Sunday, Bill Belichick spoke about the respect he has for Moss in general. He got specific about Panthers cornerbacks who accused Moss of loafing yesterday.

“My response is, that’s a lot of conversation coming from a team that just lost another game,” Belichick said.

A team that just lost another game. Belichick would return to that theme later. First, a reporter asked him directly, was he satisfied with Moss’s effort?

“I said the same thing about everybody on the team,” Belichick said. “Could players have played better? Could coaches have coached better? Sure. You know, Randy Moss has been one of our most consistent players since he’s been here. His production has been pretty good. I think you certainly see that in the way other teams defend him, that they must have an awful lot of respect for him, too. Which I do.

“We can sit in here every week and try to talk about somebody who didn’t have big stats, so what happened this week? You pick out somebody on the team every week that didn’t have big stats. Somebody in the passing game, somebody in the passing game, somebody on defense. Everybody can’t have high stats every week. It’s impossible. We can always pick out somebody and say, what happened to them?”

Trying to further clarify Belichick’s position, a reporter asked the coach if the media was chasing a misconception. He used the question to eventually return to smacking down Gamble and Harris.

“You can say whatever you want,” Belichick said. “That’s your job. I just told you. I have a lot of respect for Randy. I think he’s one of our best players. I think if you watch other teams defend him, you watch other teams play against him, they think the same way. Other than these two guys from Carolina after they lost another game. I guess they didn’t think that way. They haven’t won a lot of games now (Boston.com)."

I like this a lot by Belichick. He had to say this. If he came out and went after Moss, we all know Moss would shut it down. I think this could go a long way in getting him going again (if there was even a problem to begin with). Anyways, the Panthers should be keeping their mouths shut. They have done less with more then maybe any other team in the league.