[SF_Cardinal_Fan]

Here is a link revealing Carolina coaches Rivera and Shula , via telephone, welcoming Christian McCaffrey to their team:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/0ap3...m-Panthers

[SF_Cardinal_Fan]

Here is a link revealing Carolina coaches Rivera and Shula , via telephone, welcoming Christian McCaffrey to their team:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/0ap3...m-Panthers

[OutsiderFan]

If we had a better understanding of Carolina's situation before the draft, its seems safe to assume a lot of us would have believed CMac would be picked by them at #8.

Listening to all the discussion about Carolina's deficiencies, and what CMac provides, I don't know if there was a player drafted who is a better hand-in-glove fit for the team that picked him.  Newton in shotgun 70%+ of the time, so not a lot of need for RB to pass protect.  Panthers 2nd to last in the NFL in passes caught by RBs.  And Newton's completion % was lower than is really acceptable.  Then of course, you throw in the return ability, and it's not at all surprising McCaffrey was picked #8.

It was also kind of cool how only Charles Davis on NFLN brought up the "white RB" issue.  Shaw didn't, but he's talked about it before.  It was acknowledged, not obsessed over, but it seems a barrier was sort of knocked down a bit.  I mean does anyone doubt Christian has inspired a lot of white kids to follow in his footsteps?

[OutsiderFan]

If we had a better understanding of Carolina's situation before the draft, its seems safe to assume a lot of us would have believed CMac would be picked by them at #8.

Listening to all the discussion about Carolina's deficiencies, and what CMac provides, I don't know if there was a player drafted who is a better hand-in-glove fit for the team that picked him.  Newton in shotgun 70%+ of the time, so not a lot of need for RB to pass protect.  Panthers 2nd to last in the NFL in passes caught by RBs.  And Newton's completion % was lower than is really acceptable.  Then of course, you throw in the return ability, and it's not at all surprising McCaffrey was picked #8.

It was also kind of cool how only Charles Davis on NFLN brought up the "white RB" issue.  Shaw didn't, but he's talked about it before.  It was acknowledged, not obsessed over, but it seems a barrier was sort of knocked down a bit.  I mean does anyone doubt Christian has inspired a lot of white kids to follow in his footsteps?

[DenverCard]

Though I lack the knowledge to offer an informed opinion, I note that not everyone is so high on the fit between Carolina and McCaffrey:

"Players such as McCaffrey, who can line up anywhere and are most dangerous in space, are built for spread offenses that are predicated on quick-timed passing games. Think Darren Sproles or Randall Cobb. The reason for this is that the mismatches the running back creates by flexing to receiver often reveal the coverage before the snap. That information is what helps the QB get the ball out quickly.

The Panthers can’t run a quick-strike passing game. That system demands precise ball-placement and timing. Cam Newton is not that type of quarterback. He’s a deep-dropback power thrower.

The Panthers know this. Not only have they built a passing game on deep dropbacks, but they’ve also acquired big, methodical receivers for Newton (Kelvin Benjamin, first round in 2014; Devin Funchess, second round in 2015; Greg Olsen via trade in 2011). They haven’t selected the Sproles or Cobb type players because those guys don’t fit Newton or the scheme.

McCaffrey is a greater talent than Sproles or Cobb, but the point is that stylistically, he’s cut from their cloth. To maximize McCaffrey’s value, the Panthers must tweak their scheme in ways it can’t be tweaked. You don’t just install a bunch of quick-strike throws and execute them on Sunday. Those plays must be your foundation. They must be practiced repeatedly. And they must be executed by a precise quarterback and quicker skill position players. McCaffrey is Carolina’s only quick skill player. Essentially he’s a sports car that’s about to go off-roading with a fleet of trucks.

The good news is McCaffrey’s shiftiness will work well behind the moving pieces of Carolina’s run-blocking. And as a checkdown receiver, he has the potential to conjure extra yards. But make no mistake: McCaffrey became a top-10 prospect because of his ability to line up anywhere and create in space. There won’t be natural opportunities for that in Carolina."

http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2017/04/28/nfl-d...s-analysis

[DenverCard]

Though I lack the knowledge to offer an informed opinion, I note that not everyone is so high on the fit between Carolina and McCaffrey:

"Players such as McCaffrey, who can line up anywhere and are most dangerous in space, are built for spread offenses that are predicated on quick-timed passing games. Think Darren Sproles or Randall Cobb. The reason for this is that the mismatches the running back creates by flexing to receiver often reveal the coverage before the snap. That information is what helps the QB get the ball out quickly.

The Panthers can’t run a quick-strike passing game. That system demands precise ball-placement and timing. Cam Newton is not that type of quarterback. He’s a deep-dropback power thrower.

The Panthers know this. Not only have they built a passing game on deep dropbacks, but they’ve also acquired big, methodical receivers for Newton (Kelvin Benjamin, first round in 2014; Devin Funchess, second round in 2015; Greg Olsen via trade in 2011). They haven’t selected the Sproles or Cobb type players because those guys don’t fit Newton or the scheme.

McCaffrey is a greater talent than Sproles or Cobb, but the point is that stylistically, he’s cut from their cloth. To maximize McCaffrey’s value, the Panthers must tweak their scheme in ways it can’t be tweaked. You don’t just install a bunch of quick-strike throws and execute them on Sunday. Those plays must be your foundation. They must be practiced repeatedly. And they must be executed by a precise quarterback and quicker skill position players. McCaffrey is Carolina’s only quick skill player. Essentially he’s a sports car that’s about to go off-roading with a fleet of trucks.

The good news is McCaffrey’s shiftiness will work well behind the moving pieces of Carolina’s run-blocking. And as a checkdown receiver, he has the potential to conjure extra yards. But make no mistake: McCaffrey became a top-10 prospect because of his ability to line up anywhere and create in space. There won’t be natural opportunities for that in Carolina."

http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2017/04/28/nfl-d...s-analysis

[OutsiderFan]

I'm pretty sure the Carolina Panthers know what they are doing.  Ron Rivera is a top-shelf HC who has been to a Super Bowl, and Mike Shula is one of the best OCs in the game.  Plus, they brought in Lance Taylor as WR coach, who knows a thing or two about McCaffrey's pass catching prowess.

[OutsiderFan]

I'm pretty sure the Carolina Panthers know what they are doing.  Ron Rivera is a top-shelf HC who has been to a Super Bowl, and Mike Shula is one of the best OCs in the game.  Plus, they brought in Lance Taylor as WR coach, who knows a thing or two about McCaffrey's pass catching prowess.

[Mick]

Though I lack the knowledge to offer an informed opinion, I note that not everyone is so high on the fit between Carolina and McCaffrey:

"Players such as McCaffrey, who can line up anywhere and are most dangerous in space, are built for spread offenses that are predicated on quick-timed passing games. Think Darren Sproles or Randall Cobb. The reason for this is that the mismatches the running back creates by flexing to receiver often reveal the coverage before the snap. That information is what helps the QB get the ball out quickly.

The Panthers can’t run a quick-strike passing game. That system demands precise ball-placement and timing. Cam Newton is not that type of quarterback. He’s a deep-dropback power thrower.

The Panthers know this. Not only have they built a passing game on deep dropbacks, but they’ve also acquired big, methodical receivers for Newton (Kelvin Benjamin, first round in 2014; Devin Funchess, second round in 2015; Greg Olsen via trade in 2011). They haven’t selected the Sproles or Cobb type players because those guys don’t fit Newton or the scheme.

McCaffrey is a greater talent than Sproles or Cobb, but the point is that stylistically, he’s cut from their cloth. To maximize McCaffrey’s value, the Panthers must tweak their scheme in ways it can’t be tweaked. You don’t just install a bunch of quick-strike throws and execute them on Sunday. Those plays must be your foundation. They must be practiced repeatedly. And they must be executed by a precise quarterback and quicker skill position players. McCaffrey is Carolina’s only quick skill player. Essentially he’s a sports car that’s about to go off-roading with a fleet of trucks.

The good news is McCaffrey’s shiftiness will work well behind the moving pieces of Carolina’s run-blocking. And as a checkdown receiver, he has the potential to conjure extra yards. But make no mistake: McCaffrey became a top-10 prospect because of his ability to line up anywhere and create in space. There won’t be natural opportunities for that in Carolina."

http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2017/04/28/nfl-d...s-analysis

Why McCaffrey is a Perfect Fit for the Panthers
From ESPN:  http://www.espn.com/blog/carolina-panthe...r-panthers

From the Charlotte Observer:
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/...91334.html

[Mick]

Though I lack the knowledge to offer an informed opinion, I note that not everyone is so high on the fit between Carolina and McCaffrey:

"Players such as McCaffrey, who can line up anywhere and are most dangerous in space, are built for spread offenses that are predicated on quick-timed passing games. Think Darren Sproles or Randall Cobb. The reason for this is that the mismatches the running back creates by flexing to receiver often reveal the coverage before the snap. That information is what helps the QB get the ball out quickly.

The Panthers can’t run a quick-strike passing game. That system demands precise ball-placement and timing. Cam Newton is not that type of quarterback. He’s a deep-dropback power thrower.

The Panthers know this. Not only have they built a passing game on deep dropbacks, but they’ve also acquired big, methodical receivers for Newton (Kelvin Benjamin, first round in 2014; Devin Funchess, second round in 2015; Greg Olsen via trade in 2011). They haven’t selected the Sproles or Cobb type players because those guys don’t fit Newton or the scheme.

McCaffrey is a greater talent than Sproles or Cobb, but the point is that stylistically, he’s cut from their cloth. To maximize McCaffrey’s value, the Panthers must tweak their scheme in ways it can’t be tweaked. You don’t just install a bunch of quick-strike throws and execute them on Sunday. Those plays must be your foundation. They must be practiced repeatedly. And they must be executed by a precise quarterback and quicker skill position players. McCaffrey is Carolina’s only quick skill player. Essentially he’s a sports car that’s about to go off-roading with a fleet of trucks.

The good news is McCaffrey’s shiftiness will work well behind the moving pieces of Carolina’s run-blocking. And as a checkdown receiver, he has the potential to conjure extra yards. But make no mistake: McCaffrey became a top-10 prospect because of his ability to line up anywhere and create in space. There won’t be natural opportunities for that in Carolina."

http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2017/04/28/nfl-d...s-analysis

Why McCaffrey is a Perfect Fit for the Panthers
From ESPN:  http://www.espn.com/blog/carolina-panthe...r-panthers

From the Charlotte Observer:
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/...91334.html

[CTcard]

"Players such as McCaffrey, who can line up anywhere and are most dangerous in space, are built for spread offenses that are predicated on quick-timed passing games. ..."

I guess that is why McCaffrey was so ineffective at Stanford.

[CTcard]

"Players such as McCaffrey, who can line up anywhere and are most dangerous in space, are built for spread offenses that are predicated on quick-timed passing games. ..."

I guess that is why McCaffrey was so ineffective at Stanford.

[Bruce Wang]

Did anybody else notice during CMac's interview that he neglected to mention Stanford in any way?  He said his dad taught him everything he knew about football.  No mention of the Stanford coaching staff.

[Bruce Wang]

Did anybody else notice during CMac's interview that he neglected to mention Stanford in any way?  He said his dad taught him everything he knew about football.  No mention of the Stanford coaching staff.

[Papa John]

Ron Rivera is a top-shelf HC...

Ron Rivera was also on the field for the bad guys during the events of November 20, 1982. That was reason enough for me to cheer against the Panthers until now.

[Papa John]

Ron Rivera is a top-shelf HC...

Ron Rivera was also on the field for the bad guys during the events of November 20, 1982. That was reason enough for me to cheer against the Panthers until now.

[DC 86]

Did anybody else notice during CMac's interview that he neglected to mention Stanford in any way?  He said his dad taught him everything he knew about football.  No mention of the Stanford coaching staff.

The question posed to him was something along the lines of "how big an influence has your father been?", it wasn't an open ended question. I agree that it would have been great to have interjected Stanford in some way but the lead in wasn't framed that way and he answered the specific question that was asked.

[DC 86]

Did anybody else notice during CMac's interview that he neglected to mention Stanford in any way?  He said his dad taught him everything he knew about football.  No mention of the Stanford coaching staff.

The question posed to him was something along the lines of "how big an influence has your father been?", it wasn't an open ended question. I agree that it would have been great to have interjected Stanford in some way but the lead in wasn't framed that way and he answered the specific question that was asked.

[JJJ]

[quote author=DenverCard link=topic=16839.msg192446#msg192446 date=1493394757]

"Players such as McCaffrey, who can line up anywhere and are most dangerous in space, are built for spread offenses that are predicated on quick-timed passing games. ..."

I guess that is why McCaffrey was so ineffective at Stanford.
[/quote]
+1

Really, mmqb. And I thought hindsight was supposed to be 20/20.

[JJJ]

[quote author=DenverCard link=topic=16839.msg192446#msg192446 date=1493394757]

"Players such as McCaffrey, who can line up anywhere and are most dangerous in space, are built for spread offenses that are predicated on quick-timed passing games. ..."

I guess that is why McCaffrey was so ineffective at Stanford.
[/quote]
+1

Really, mmqb. And I thought hindsight was supposed to be 20/20.

[fullmetal]

Andy Benoit clearly didn't see how CMac shone in Stanford's offenses over the last two seasons.  Quick-strike throws were just about the last thing Stanford's offense was good at executing...

Also, flexing the RB to WR is far from the only way a QB reads a defense.  And CMac could play RB in a zone-read if CAR felt like putting some mileage on Newton's tires.  (If CAR's OL can reach block or zone block...)

Benoit also fails to notice that CMac could fill the punt returner hole that Ted Ginn Jr. left.  And they still have Jonathan Stewart if they want to put CMac in the slot as a pure receiver...I'm excited for CAR as long as they address their roster needs by the time fall camp rolls around.  I'm not a Cam Newton fan, but I am a CMac fan.

[fullmetal]

Andy Benoit clearly didn't see how CMac shone in Stanford's offenses over the last two seasons.  Quick-strike throws were just about the last thing Stanford's offense was good at executing...

Also, flexing the RB to WR is far from the only way a QB reads a defense.  And CMac could play RB in a zone-read if CAR felt like putting some mileage on Newton's tires.  (If CAR's OL can reach block or zone block...)

Benoit also fails to notice that CMac could fill the punt returner hole that Ted Ginn Jr. left.  And they still have Jonathan Stewart if they want to put CMac in the slot as a pure receiver...I'm excited for CAR as long as they address their roster needs by the time fall camp rolls around.  I'm not a Cam Newton fan, but I am a CMac fan.

[DC 86]

Andy Benoit clearly didn't see how CMac shone in Stanford's offenses over the last two seasons.  Quick-strike throws were just about the last thing Stanford's offense was good at executing...

Also, flexing the RB to WR is far from the only way a QB reads a defense.  And CMac could play RB in a zone-read if CAR felt like putting some mileage on Newton's tires.  (If CAR's OL can reach block or zone block...)

Benoit also fails to notice that CMac could fill the punt returner hole that Ted Ginn Jr. left.  And they still have Jonathan Stewart if they want to put CMac in the slot as a pure receiver...I'm excited for CAR as long as they address their roster needs by the time fall camp rolls around.  I'm not a Cam Newton fan, but I am a CMac fan.

Moreover, Carolina runs a spread offense but they actually throw relatively few timing patterns, so Benoit's observation is doubly inaccurate.

[DC 86]

Andy Benoit clearly didn't see how CMac shone in Stanford's offenses over the last two seasons.  Quick-strike throws were just about the last thing Stanford's offense was good at executing...

Also, flexing the RB to WR is far from the only way a QB reads a defense.  And CMac could play RB in a zone-read if CAR felt like putting some mileage on Newton's tires.  (If CAR's OL can reach block or zone block...)

Benoit also fails to notice that CMac could fill the punt returner hole that Ted Ginn Jr. left.  And they still have Jonathan Stewart if they want to put CMac in the slot as a pure receiver...I'm excited for CAR as long as they address their roster needs by the time fall camp rolls around.  I'm not a Cam Newton fan, but I am a CMac fan.

Moreover, Carolina runs a spread offense but they actually throw relatively few timing patterns, so Benoit's observation is doubly inaccurate.

[thunder_chik]

Did anybody else notice during CMac's interview that he neglected to mention Stanford in any way?  He said his dad taught him everything he knew about football.  No mention of the Stanford coaching staff.

Yes, my husband noticed and was quite upset (and he didn't even go to Stanford).  Would have been nice to at least mention it somehow...

[thunder_chik]

Did anybody else notice during CMac's interview that he neglected to mention Stanford in any way?  He said his dad taught him everything he knew about football.  No mention of the Stanford coaching staff.

Yes, my husband noticed and was quite upset (and he didn't even go to Stanford).  Would have been nice to at least mention it somehow...

[gocard14]

To me the biggest why to utilize a threat like Mccaffrey is to leverage his versatility to create mismatches by trapping defensive personnel on the field by using a hurry-up offense.  With a great receiving tight end in Greg Olson and a RB who is essentially a WR in CMac, with a 3 WR, 1TE, 1RB set you basically force the defense into Nickel and Dime defense or else you have a LB trying to cover CMac or Greg Olsen.  If they go to Dime coverage then you can run zone read with Newton and Cmac against a front with 5 or 6 DBs. Whichever choice they pick, you can keep them from substituting based on down and distance by using the hurry up.

Edit: As I was typing this Carolina just selected another WR/RB from Ohio State.  They are doubling down on versatility on this draft.

[gocard14]

To me the biggest why to utilize a threat like Mccaffrey is to leverage his versatility to create mismatches by trapping defensive personnel on the field by using a hurry-up offense.  With a great receiving tight end in Greg Olson and a RB who is essentially a WR in CMac, with a 3 WR, 1TE, 1RB set you basically force the defense into Nickel and Dime defense or else you have a LB trying to cover CMac or Greg Olsen.  If they go to Dime coverage then you can run zone read with Newton and Cmac against a front with 5 or 6 DBs. Whichever choice they pick, you can keep them from substituting based on down and distance by using the hurry up.

Edit: As I was typing this Carolina just selected another WR/RB from Ohio State.  They are doubling down on versatility on this draft.

[jacketree]

Pretty sure he's given more than one interview.  During the interview I watched, he talked about a Stanford coach now with the Panthers, how great it would be, etc.  "Stanford" came up multiple times, not to mention a big CGI backdrop with Stanford emblazoned across it.  I think it was Van Pelt's show and he had some guest analysts too.  Of course I was busy ruining my own dinner at the time, so I might have missed the nuanced details.

[jacketree]

Pretty sure he's given more than one interview.  During the interview I watched, he talked about a Stanford coach now with the Panthers, how great it would be, etc.  "Stanford" came up multiple times, not to mention a big CGI backdrop with Stanford emblazoned across it.  I think it was Van Pelt's show and he had some guest analysts too.  Of course I was busy ruining my own dinner at the time, so I might have missed the nuanced details.

[fullmetal]

CMac will have plenty of time to mention Stanford later.  It's a special time for him as he establishes a relationship with the league, his new teammates, etc.  The last thing he needs to be doing is waxing poetic about Stanford when reporters are asking questions about his draft experience and the Panthers.

[fullmetal]

CMac will have plenty of time to mention Stanford later.  It's a special time for him as he establishes a relationship with the league, his new teammates, etc.  The last thing he needs to be doing is waxing poetic about Stanford when reporters are asking questions about his draft experience and the Panthers.

[Hurlburt88]

Love Cmac & now will root for Panthers only because of him.  But if we are airing a few gripes, I didn't like the compliment to Newton as the NFL's clear best QB when Mr. Luck is toiling away.  Oh well . . . loyalty to his new team

[Hurlburt88]

Love Cmac & now will root for Panthers only because of him.  But if we are airing a few gripes, I didn't like the compliment to Newton as the NFL's clear best QB when Mr. Luck is toiling away.  Oh well . . . loyalty to his new team

[DC 86]

Love Cmac & now will root for Panthers only because of him.  But if we are airing a few gripes, I didn't like the compliment to Newton as the NFL's clear best QB when Mr. Luck is toiling away.  Oh well . . . loyalty to his new team

Newton was the NFL MVP (almost unanimously) only a year ago. And McCaffrey was never teammates with Luck.

I would expect Colts players to praise Luck and not an opposing QB who they simply share an alma mater with. And Luck hasn't been the best player in the league yet, although I think he can be if gets healthy and gets some protection.

[DC 86]

Love Cmac & now will root for Panthers only because of him.  But if we are airing a few gripes, I didn't like the compliment to Newton as the NFL's clear best QB when Mr. Luck is toiling away.  Oh well . . . loyalty to his new team

Newton was the NFL MVP (almost unanimously) only a year ago. And McCaffrey was never teammates with Luck.

I would expect Colts players to praise Luck and not an opposing QB who they simply share an alma mater with. And Luck hasn't been the best player in the league yet, although I think he can be if gets healthy and gets some protection.

[fullmetal]

Right, I think this is CMac just saying what he needs to say to be the best NFL player, teammate, spokesperson he can be.  He's playing the meta-game now, and that's how that works in the real world.

[fullmetal]

Right, I think this is CMac just saying what he needs to say to be the best NFL player, teammate, spokesperson he can be.  He's playing the meta-game now, and that's how that works in the real world.

[JJJ]

Kuechly DNA.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/...35004.html

[JJJ]

Kuechly DNA.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/...35004.html