"Because fans make football more than a kids' game"
C3 Carolina Panthers newsfeed brings the latest Panthers news and opinions from the fan perspective.
Carolina dropped its second straight game and losing their division lead after starting 4-1. It was an ugly game that the Bears won without scoring an offensive touchdown, gaining only 5 first downs, and throwing only seven passes.
Read MoreIf comparisons work, Mike Shula can't get the Carolina Panthers offense to be great again, and his Dad's assistant helped make the case. Thanks to Tom Olivadotti for the inspiration to write this article.
Read MoreThere has been a lot of conjecture over the way Carolina Panthers Offensive Coordinator Mike Shula will handle the influx of new talent on his side of the ball especially at the skills positions. The offense will likely fly or flop depending on how successful Shula is in making changes to his old pound-the-rock, throw long-developing pass plays approach.
Read MoreCarolina’s second round pick, Curtis Samuel, strained his hamstring in the first practice of training camp. He hasn’t practiced since. Samuel, in conjunction with Christian McCaffrey, was believed to be a key part of Carolina’s plan to evolve into a faster, more dynamic unit. Bringing speed and versatility
Read MoreThe C3FF Mega-League is around the corner and more importantly, so is the unveiling of the "new look Carolina Panthers" -- especially on offense -- which is exactly why those who want to dominate their FFLs of ANY sort need to look for VALUE in Carolina's players' picks...especially in 2017.
Read MoreThe last few weeks have been full of mock picks by analysts and fans alike for who the Panthers will take at pick eight. A popular name lately has been Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey.
McCaffrey was being mocked in the late first, early second round before the combine but has steadily gained steam since his combine and pro day. Visits and talks with teams have certainly also played into that.
Stats like how he had more yards per carry versus eight man boxes than any other running back in the nation, including LSU's Leonard Fournette, have also pushed it.
More and more mocks seems to be following Josh Norris' and Jourdan Rodrigue's early prediction of him fitting in with the Panthers at the eighth pick. Now NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah has him to Carolina in the same spot with his mock draft released Wednesday. Then this tweet later on the night from Peter Schrager really got the tweets flowing.
Here's one for Wednesday night. Heard from multiple front office execs over last few days. Feeling is now Christian McCaffery goes Top 10.
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) April 6, 2017
Sure, McCaffrey could go to one of the seven teams before Carolina, but the fit here just seems to perfect for a team looking to "evolve." Throw in the fact that Panthers recently wide receivers coach Lance Taylor was McCaffrey's running back coach during his tenure at Stanford and it makes even more sense.
McCaffrey would bring versatility to a Panthers offense that needs another weapon for Cam Newton. His running and receiving ability being used the right way could be tough to plan for on opposing defenses. I know what you're thinking, "Would Shula know how to use him correctly?" I believe so, and that's also where his former coach Lance Taylor comes in. If anyone know how to use him, it should be him.
This will likely grow the closer we get to the draft and could even change between now and then like it has drastically since the combine, but one things for sure, whatever name is announced at pick eight should be one we've all heard.
Written By Tripp Morgan
Follow @TrippMorgan6 and @Cat_Chronicles for news and updates surrounding the Carolina Panthers.
Article Thumbnail Image by Jesse Fraetis
I will admit, I have publicly advocated for Ron Rivera to be fired. Up until a couple days ago, I felt like he shouldn't keep his job after the disaster of this year. They have looked flat, he handed Seattle points to start a game because of a tie, and he looks emotionless on the sideline.
Read MoreWhat a difference a half of football makes.
Carolina dominated Minnesota statistically during the first half of their 22-10 loss yesterday while barely edging them on the scoreboard. Minnesota adjusted at the half and got their Trireme's oars all synchronized...to ramming speed, no less...while the Panthers were content to lie in their den, taking a lazy bath.
Read MoreNow that the Carolina Panthers ARE the 800 pound gorilla in the room that can no longer be ignored, expectations have skyrocketed and the scrutiny intensified. Even now, it seems like the Bengals and Patriots are getting more talk than Carolina after the initial surge in talk has died down a little after the victory over the Packers.
Read MoreThe important thing about Sunday's Panthers @ Jags contest was that the Panthers left town with a win. Thomas Davis tweeted that he'd take an ugly win over a pretty loss any day, and I think we all concur on that. However, it doesn't mean the team doesn't have a long way to go in order to be a playoff-caliber squad.
Read MoreGrab the mic Panther fans and let the nation know! Open Mic is an open discussion thread. Just drop a comment in the comments section below. Respond to other fans, and as always #KeepPounding
Read MoreGrab the mic Panther fans and let the nation know! Open Mic is an open discussion thread. Just drop a comment in the comments section below. Respond to other fans, and as always #KeepPounding.
This season has been an up and down one. Seems like more downs than up but we are playing better right now. The play calling has been suspect at various points during the year, but can that be attributed to poor line play? The last 2 weeks have seen better offensive line play and in turn better execution of the called plays. Does this improved execution by the offense buy OC Mike Shula another season or have you seen enough to know Cam and company need a more innovative mind calling plays? Let us know what you think and comment below.
Grab the mic Panther fans and let the nation know! Open mic is an open discussion thread. Just drop a comment in the comments section below. Respond to other fans, and as always #KeepPounding.
Mike Shula is clearly on the way out. At this point, even Rivera's job security is questionable. If he does survive another year, he will certainly need to make some staff changes. Would you like to see Marc Trestman as Carolina's offensive coordinator? How much would he help Cam develop?
Read MoreWant your opinion heard? Apply Now
CarolinaCatChronicles.com is a division of Fan First Productions, LLC. Neither are affiliated with the NFL, the Carolina Panthers, or any professional athletes.
