When his day's done at the office, Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott leaves work and heads to a full house. So wherever he's at and whatever he's doing, he's usually managing emotions.
"I've got three kids. It's hard enough to keep three kids happy at home, let alone however many we have in that room over there," McDermott said Monday.
You'd think Sunday's shutout of the Falcons would have pleased everyone on the Panthers' defense. But when you think a bit longer, it's not all that surprising that one of the 25 guys wasn't completely happy.
In now-deleted posts sent shortly after the Panthers improved to 13-0, defensive end Charles Johnson tweeted:
"Good game overall as a TEAM!!? [W]hat's the point of having good pass rushers if u sit them at the beginning of the 4 quarter #KeepPounding"
"I thought passer rusher are for situation like today!! Guess not."
Johnson, who had only a quarterback hurry in 34 snaps against the Falcons, was among the starters pulled with the Panthers leading 38-0 in the fourth quarter.
"Quite honestly, I'd be surprised if there wasn't anybody critical about what I decided," coach Ron Rivera said. "The bottom line is it's not about getting stats or anything like that at this time of year. It's about making sure we're healthy and judicious in who we play and don't play in times like that."
It's been a frustrating season for Johnson, who missed seven games while he sat on temporary injured reserve waiting for his hamstring to heal. He has only one sack and six tackles, his fewest totals since his rookie year in 2007.
"He's a great team player and he's done a lot of good things for us," McDermott said. "It's a healthy deal when a guy wants to play. I get it.
"Guys get like that, but those conversations will be between Charles and I and I'm not going to communicate with him in different ways other than that."
And communication is really the only thing worth questioning in this case. Airing out his frustration on Twitter after the Panthers remained unbeaten probably wasn't Johnson's wisest decision. But you can't blame a guy for wanting to take it to his home-state team.
"I appreciate him wanting to play, I really do, but the thing he has to remember is that he missed eight weeks, this is his third game back, and he's really just getting himself into game shape. It'll come," Rivera said.
"It's an emotional game. He prides himself, especially playing against Atlanta. He wants to be an impact player, especially against Atlanta, and I truly do appreciate that. It doesn't bother me because I get it.
"Would I prefer he talked to me? Yes. But, I understand, and I'm not going to worry about it. We'll talk and to me again, the biggest thing is that he wants to play, which is huge."
Man i tell ya, perfect records don’t hide imperfect attitudes. Being disgruntled is a nasty nasty side affect of unhappiness over a period of time. Ron Rivera is a leader man, his take on it was good, but let’s not forget what it means to have full respect of those you lead. I’m gonna jump further than i should and say this man “Big Money” will eventuality wear another uniform, like the 89’s and 34’s of the Carolina’s.
A 20 million a year defensive end who is nearing the end of his prime will likely play for another team? Not exactly a leap there buddy
Hey man, I’m glad you took the time to respond to me. You know they say in football “any play can be your last play” man, it would have been a jump for me to predict Bene’s week 15 performance, if you see where I’m going man.
panthers gotta pay j no next year; then kk and star.
“He wants to be an impact player, especially against Atlanta”
Then UNLEASH him in the Georgia Dome.