OFFICIAL 2004 PRESEASON GAME 1 - PANTHERS @ PATRIOTS

In all fairness, though, we were not playing any starters, and using our 3rd string guys.  The problem with that is the other teams' 3rd stringers are always better than our 3rd stringers lol

PantherFan007

Yea...depth seems to have always been a problem here and at best will take some time to fix.  I think 30 starters did not dress. This week the joint practices with the Jets should help the team.  

I was hoping the oline would do a little better with run blocking....even though 2nd & 3rd stringers.

I don't think that Plummer got the 2.7 memo.

Some of the D players looked good...played with a little fire.

Looks like it will take a miracle for this team to be ready for the opener.

I'll mention a few things here.... Then I'll shut-up about this. --  Everyone knows there was precious little in this game to generate a positive outlook.

First, let me say -- REMEMBER: We are "playing" from a 90 man roster. So what.??  Well, I'm glad you asked. In a couple of weeks a LOT of these guys will be cut. Thirty seven (37) of them to be exact. Last night we had 33 inactive 1st and 2nd string players. That leaves 20 players from last night who will be available to us when the season starts. Then subtract 4 ST guys (2 kickers, LS, & P) and you can count a total of 16 players from last night who will be on the roster when the season starts. Of those 16, a lot of them are 3rd and 4th level guys and "camp fodder" players who were on the field because we opted to hold out 33 starters and first-line backups. So ..... Nothing that occurred last night (OK, 'very little' that occurred..) was indicative of anything that might occur in the regular season. DEPTH.??  Nope, not an issue either. Remember, most of our 2nd level players didn't play either (SOME of them played a little..).  Just like "Iron sharpens iron", the opposite is also true. 2nd and 3rd level players playing with a team of 'fluff' players will NOT look good.  It's just not possible.

Next, let me say, there were a few bright spots mixed in with the chaff. Plummer held the ball too long (certainly). But he also had NO help from receivers who dropped more balls than they caught. He also showed that he has a very strong arm. Overall.... not bad. The rest of the Offense was pretty poor, as might be expected from a bunch of 3rd and 4th level guys. One disappointing effort was from Cade Mays. Shockingly, he looked totally unprepared. Defensively, there were a few guys who came to play. A couple of CB plays looked good (Lamar Jackson and ??). Also Eku Leota was a CONSTANT presence in the Patriots backfield. Multiple stops behind the line. So, Leota CAN get some pressure.

Last thing... I don't understand the "WHY" of holding out all of these players. I know we must decide on the ones who make the roster, but playing a BUNCH of guys who have NO CHANCE to make it .... Just seems a little strange to me.

OK, so that's it. Nothing to panic about. The lack of inspired football was to be expected. I wonder though, if the starters and 1st line backups don't need a little "prep" work too...???

Good points Hobs.  For sure it was a different strategy than what we are used to.  Who knows. The coaches certainly sharpened their potential cut list last night. Plus, they may have identified a handful of guys that they want to get more reps in practice.  Christensen is supposed to be learning to play every position on the line...he sure got some experience in that game!

The "traditional" preseason strategy certainly did nothing to help last year....lol. Hope this has better success. Hell...can't be any worse!