’14 Continues to Provide One Dramatic Act After Another for the Panthers

Bill VothNews, Week 52 Comments

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Wednesday was supposed to be when the Panthers started looking ahead to Sunday’s home game against the Bears. Instead, it was another day of drama for a team seemingly stuck in turmoil.

Early in the morning, running back DeAngelo Williams posted this tweet of his sprained ankle in a cast:

A few hours later, Ravens receiver Steve Smith, who burned his former team for two touchdowns during Baltimore’s Week 4 rout, launched heavy criticism toward Carolina general manager Dave Gettleman and head coach Ron Rivera during an interview on Charlotte radio station WFNZ.

Read the Transcript and Listen to Smith’s WFNZ Interview

Then, late in the afternoon, defensive end Frank Alexander was suspended 10 games after violating the league’s substance abuse policy for the second time since May.

All that came three days after the Panthers’ second blowout loss in as many weeks, and two days after Rivera challenged quarterback Cam Newton and linebacker Luke Kuechly in a team meeting.

“I wouldn’t say called out is the right word,” Rivera explained. “I put their numbers up and explained who they are to us. These are the guys we need to play well, to do the things we need to give us an opportunity to win.

“When we’re in certain situations, circumstances, make a play, come through, do something extraordinary. And they’re capable of that. We know that. We can’t make mistakes. They’re the guys that have to be perfect. I did that to let them know I believe in them.”

But neither Newton nor Kuechly is all that responsible for the Panthers’ nosedive. Injuries have made Newton a one-dimensional quarterback for now, but he is throwing the ball arguably better than any other time in his four-year career. And Kuechly just so happens to lead the NFL with 46 tackles.

Lots of things, too many things, continue to swirl around the Panthers, and they have to lean on their two biggest stars more than ever.

They will likely have to start undrafted rookie Darrin Reaves at running back Sunday, Alexander will not be able to help a stagnant pass rush, and Smith’s still haunting his former team days after he ran past them.

So while Rivera wants Newton to make even more plays on the field, he also needs his quarterback to handle all the outside stuff like he did when he was asked about Smith’s latest shots.

“Moving forward, I’m sticking behind my coach. Do I have a relationship with Steve Smith as far as how we communicate outside this locker room? Yes,” Newton said. “But my main focus is trying to be 3-2 at the end of this week.”
  • undecidedtd

    I’ll try to explain the point I was trying to make on twitter. I think my biggest takeaway as someone who’s followed the team for a short period of time is that Smith was treated like the sacred cow a status which he earned to an extent due to the longevity of his career with the Panthers. That being said, for all the articles I’ve had to read over the years re: Cam’s lack of maturity, leadership, ect I don’t know that I ever saw it pointed out that Smith exhibited similar behavior with the advantage of being a 14 year vet. Nothing about him says “team” player and it’s unfortunate because It’s likely hindered his career and the success of the Panthers. I think after so many years, maybe those in the Carolina’s accepted it as par for the course without realizing how much of an impact his behavior/antics had on the team. He stuck with Carolina through good and bad years and maybe his departure could have been handled better. However, I think his actions over the past few months have shown the person he really is.

    Re: the article I linked. My point was that Aj McCarron won more NC’s than any other Alabama QB in history yet his perceived criticism of Nick Saban and the University was the biggest topic of the off season. If Nick Saban doesn’t win his 4th NC this year there will be calls for his retirement and criticism of  his 10 million dollar salary. If Gus Malzahn loses to Saban, Auburn fans will question his “gimmick” offense and whether he will ever measure up to the cross state rival. Here, you only get unconditional support when you win. Any other time you’re fair game.

  • my1voice57

    You know I don’t understand Ron Rivera. From my point of view our current problems as a team are multiple. First and foremost, in spite of what Dave Gettleman had to say, the answer at left tackle is obviously not on our roster. Unfortunately, Byron Bell although not alone is not ready for prime-time at left tackle. Cam has been sacked multiple times already over the past four games and in spite of what Ron Rivera says, in this case it is not because Cam is a “runner” because as we’ve seen, this season Cam definitely is not able to run effectively. Secondly, our run game is going nowhere, and why? Can you say ineffective O-Line? A lack of leadership and talent unfortunately. Thirdly, Cam will never be able to get truly healthy and effective because of, Can you say ineffective O-Line? I believe that until the Panthers are able to get their injured franchise QB better protection, they would be doing Cam and ultimately the team a favor to let him rest. Teams are “teeing-off” on Cam partially because they know how vulnerable he is at this time. Fourth, the defense needs to figure out what’s happening with them, particularly regarding their lack of run defense. (And pass). Although I have faith that the defense can get it together and fix the problems. I have stated time and time again that right now if the Panthers plan on playing Cam with the problems in the O-Line then they need to draw up game plans that allow Cam to do quick release passes for short yardage with a more up-tempo offensive scheme. I still have faith in this team but Mr. Gettleman and Ron Rivera need to realize that until they do something drastic to address the O-Line issues, the Panthers will not prevail.