What's Wrong with the Carolina Panthers?

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We've seen the Carolina Panthers get off to a good 0-2 start, but ole Riverboat Ron had patented slow starts long ago, and let's face it. This time last year, we were 1-3, so things aren't quite so bad as they may seem in some ways.
 

Someone Will be 3-2 (Bears vs Panthers Preview)

Live 10 pm Tuesdays! 

Panther Nation Holds Monday Night Mental Health Meeting

Boy did I need something to pick me up after two demoralizing Panther losses.  We all know the deal, Carolina gave up 70 points in two weeks falling to 2-2.  So, #C3 scheduled an emergency mental health meeting Monday night. The meeting helped, if you didn't make it.  Here the bullet points:

Steve Smith's Baltimore Massacre Exposes Terminal Illness

"Blood and guts," Steve Smith calmly promised on WFNZ's "Bustin' Loose," payback for the painful cut administered by GM Dave Gettleman.  Adorned in goggles, Panther fans witnessed, as promised, a bloody massacre led by a motivated and rapacious Steve Smith. Not only did he deliver on his promise, but the +Baltimore Ravens full-out butchered the +Carolina Panthers (38-10). Yesterday's carnage, however, wasn't because of Smith's desire for revenge. Sure he proved inspirational, but the Ravens onslaught was all-consuming and indicative of Carolina's maladies as a team. Gashing Carolina's defenses and punishing their offensive line, the Panthers didn't look good in any phase of the game.  Most worrisome, Carolina's defense has been its prevailing weakness.  A confused secondary, a defensive line that doesn't generate any pressure, and an inability to stop the run has produced an easy victim for the slaughter.

Blood and Guts Massacre: Postgame Podcast Panthers at Ravens

It was ugly, but the Crew works through it. View to see our take on the +Carolina Panthers blood and guts massacre by the +Baltimore Ravens 

Win Probability at Half: Panthers at Ravens

It's not been fun to be a Panthers fan.  Steve Senior Citizen Smith has torched the Panthers for 122 yds and 2 TDs.  Carolina's defense has been less that intimidating, and the offense hasn't put up enough points to keep up.  Carolina's woes will probably continue if this Panthers front four doesn't start to produce. Although Steve Smith steals the headline, Baltimore has really just dominated all facets of the game.  Justin Forset has 61 yards and a TD.  Carolina's offensive line looks like it would struggle against the Maryland Terrapins, let alone a pro team.  What kind of adjustments do you make at this point?  Well, Riverboat Ron better become PsychoPath Ron and tell this team to stop doing what they've been doing and make some plays.



9/28/2014 Carolina Panthers vs. Baltimore Ravens box score at Pro-Football-Reference.com

My Take On Watching Smitty Going Against Us On Sunday. Who Owes Who What?

All those years when Steve Smith played for us, we defended his temper and his antics.  Friends of mine that are fans of other teams would text me when we played them to tell me that Smitty needed to "shut up and play football."  I always responded by saying how much I loved his passion.  All of those battles with DeAngelo Hall, all of the X-Clown type plays, and all of those "Ice Up Son" moments will forever be etched in his legacy as a Panther.  Without question, he is the greatest Panther to ever play and 89% of me wishes he was able to finish his career here.  He is the Panthers all-time leading receiver with  854 receptions and 12,487 yards and he will always have a special place in my heart.

Carolina Panthers: Fantasy Football Projections Week 4

I really think that this past week was a fantasy. But not a good fantasy because the Pittsburgh Steelers destroyed the Carolina Panthers. The Steelers came into our house and pushed us around, but they didn’t just push us, they ran over us and threw around us. I just hope that when we go visit Steve Smith we show him some southern hospitality. Sorry I had to do some complaining before moving forward.

Top 10 Things Carolina Panthers Can Say or Do that Lead to Steve Smith's...

The Blood and Guts Battle is here, and we know Smitty is ready to fight.  Check out C3's Top 10 Things that the Carolina Panthers Can Say or Do that Lead to Steve Smith's Ejection.

C3 Up, Three Down Week 3: Steelers forge victory in convincing fashion

Three Things the Carolina Panthers Did Well

This week it was very hard to figure out what the Carolina Panthers did well. The way the Panthers played on both sides of the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers was embarrassing. This was the one game I had no doubt that we were going to win. Panther Nation is speechless after this loss and embarrassed. I had to turn into Sherlock Holmes just to find the answers to what three things the Panthers did well. 

So what did Sherlock Homes come up with?

Was Cam Newton's Girl Gear a Statement?

So we all saw the tragedy that occurred in Charlotte this past Sunday night--yes, I’m talking Cam Newton’s girl gear.  

NFC South Bound and Down Episode 3

South Bound and Down round-table huddles up to discuss Week 4 and the NFC South.  Join the crew as they talk about the wins, losses, injuries, and match-ups facing the NFC South.  

Settle a Fan Bet

Today, C3 is stepping in to settle a prospective fan-bet between some YouTube video makers.  One our favorite fans, +MrTmoney1993 reached out to us today to ask fans to decide the punishment for +Baltimore Ravens YouTube video maker, +Ravensredzone  in the event the +Carolina Panthers defeat the Ravens this Sunday.  So will put it to #Panthers fans, vote for the shame song you would like to see this guy sing the most when the Panthers spill that bird blood on Sunday. 

Tweet of the Week 4

Cat Chronicles is a website created by fans, for fans, who are dedicated to following the Carolina Panthers.  The @Cat_Chronicles brand originated from fan discussion and input, so it is our mission to feature Panther fans because it's us, fans, that make football more than a kids' game.  Each week, we will select our favorite tweets related to the Carolina Panthers, letting fans vote for C3's Tweet of the Week!  Cast your vote now.  It’s up to you!

C3 Podcast: Blood and Guts (Week 4)

Tune in at 10 pm

C3 Crew in the anguish of the Week 3 prime time beat-down administered by the +Pittsburgh Pirates to the +Carolina Panthers , the Crew will sift through the Blood and Guts to see if the Panthers can bounce back against the +Baltimore Ravens .  There were blood in guts all over the field, and Steve Smith has forecasted more in Baltimore....will it be bird blood or Panther guts.  Guest Host +Jason Oppel from CarolinaProFootball.com 

Could the 2014 Carolina Panthers Beat the 2013 Carolina Panthers?

We all know that Ron Rivera’s job was on the line last year, and I did not even think that he would last the whole season. Well ESPN, the media, and I were all wrong because he was the NFL Coach of the Year. The Carolina Panthers and Ron Rivera surprised everyone with their 12-4 record and their NFC South division title. We all know how the season ended in the NFL Playoffs and we were all disappointed, but also enthusiastic about the future of this team.

Pittsburgh Exposes Carolina's Weaknesses in 37-19 Rout

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With a nice 2-0 start to the season and a team that hadn't really been tested yet, Ron Rivera took his Carolina Panthers into Bank of America stadium last night to face the Pittsburgh Steelers. When he and the team were done, they began playing the game.

On the Line: Pittsburgh Steelers at Carolina Panthers

C3 On the Line series bets the Carolina Panthers line and discusses the literal stakes on the line. CarolinaCatChronicles.com On the Line is not betting advice, but a means for football discussion.

Panthers -3 and 42 O/U

Carolina hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in a prime-time matchup Sunday evening.  Coming off the hottest start since 2008, the Panthers look to move to 3-0 against a struggling Steeler team which just suffered an embarrassing defeat by the Baltimore Ravens.  A victory Sunday for Carolina could garner the national attention so many fans have clamored for and make for the first 3-0 start since 2003.  So what’s really on the line in Bank of America Stadium this weekend.

Look for Jonathan Stewart to Breakout Against the Pittsburgh Steelers

That’s right, a Carolina Panthers team that has struggled rushing the ball to this point with a backfield riddled by injury, led by a mobile QB with a hiccup in his giddy-up, and a hodgepodge offensive line will successfully reestablish the run game on Sunday night versus the Pittsburgh Steelers!

Carolina Panthers: Fantasy Football Projections Week 3

Carolina Panthers fans can you believe that we are 2-0? Is your fantasy football team 2-0? If not, you need to change what you’re doing. In order to be successful in fantasy football you need to active. Being active means being the first person to pickup those players that are hot and getting rid of those players that are cold. As the season rolls along you will be able to figure out which players are going to have a good year, breakout year or who you should cut. You will be able to establish this by paying attention their average point total.

Armchair GM: What Should Gettleman do in the 2015 Draft?

#462045661 / gettyimages.com

The victory over the Detroit Lions was hard-fought against a great offensive team. The Lions also have one of the premier defensive lines in the NFL, and unfortunately, it showed.

Some of the issues are to be expected. Right guard Trai Turner is a rookie, and he's going to miss assignments at times. It's called growing pains.

South Bound and Down Episode 2: Week 3 Losers and 1 Winner

The NFC South round-table continues as the guys discuss the unforeseen events that have the Panthers in leading the division, the Saints win-less at the bottom, and the Falcons...well is anyone sure about that team at this point.  Join us for the premiere NFC South podcast, where we get to the bottom of these topics. 

C3 Podcast: Prime Time Panthers

C3 crew gets into the Carolina Panthers match-up versus the +Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday.  The Panthers are 2-0 and lead the division.  Tune in to see how the Panthers got there and where they are heading!

Carolina Panthers: C3 Three Up and Three Down

Three Things The Carolina Panthers Did Well

I had the pleasure of going to this game so I got to see firsthand what the Carolina Panthers did very well! It wasn’t exactly easy to see because I was in the nosebleeds, but the new big screens helped! Going into this game I was really worried that it was going to be a shootout. The Detroit Lions offense has a lot of weapons and the best wide receiver in the NFL. I didn’t think that the Panthers could matchup with all of the talented players on the Lions. I predicted the Panthers losing this matchup 28-17 and I was wrong… but it feels great to be wrong! The Panthers defense was able to tame the Lions and shutdown Megatron! This game was a great test and it showed our true colors.

5 Things from the Panthers Home Opener You Couldn't See on TV

I had some good time to reflect on driving home from Charlotte to Greenville, NC (4+ hour drive) about the game, and 5 thing stood out that someone couldn't see on TV.  I really wanted to do seven, but figured that would get a little long.  Just note, the weather was awesome after torrential rains on the Saturday drive to Charlotte and Google Carthage, NC.  Trust me, this little town is awesome and if you are from going to G-Vegas, this is a pretty awesome route.  Ok, so here are five things you probably couldn't see on TV.

The Kraken Gets Shelved. Did the Panthers Do The Right Thing?

I had a bad feeling this was coming.  What happened to due process?  His conviction is under appeal which means he is still innocent.  So why did the Panthers do it?  I'm sad to say the Panthers have caved to public pressure.  Or at least that is how it seems.  Do you agree?

FANatics Open Discussion: Will the Panthers Win Or Lose and Why?

Here's your chance to go on record as to today's Home Opener.  I say we fall behind early but win late due to the play of Monsters, Inc! and the Lions having to play a third string RT.  Vote now and leave a comment as to why.  GO PANTHERS!!!!

Carolina Panthers: Fantasy Football Projections Week 2

Did you win your first fantasy football match up? I hope you did and then bragged all about. I sure did!

I know I am supposed to be talking about fantasy football but I would like to just take a minute to celebrate the Carolina Panthers week one victory. Let’s take our minute now..……….. Alright, it is now time to talk about fantasy football!

Let’s go over my week one projections and see how I did:

Justin Hardy Watch: ECU vs Virginia Tech

Coming off a tough loss to the +South Carolina Gamecocks, the ECU Pirates faced another tough road challenge in Blacksburg against +Virginia Tech.   This time, Justin Hardy matched up against a top-rate secondary led by sophomore standout Kendall Fuller. The "Man with the Golden Gloves" only showed up for the 1st half, registering 4 receptions for 47 yards.  The Pirates exploded in the 1st quarter, putting up 21 on big plays through the air.  Hardy was having a solid half, even against the tough corner, but the "Man with Golden Gloves,"disappeared into the locker room at half-time and didn't return.  Justin Hardy came back, but he had exchanged his gold gloves for a pair of purple and black. There seemed to be some psychological effect with this change as the Pirates offense simply fell asleep.  Usually one would think that Hardy disappeared, but this was really more a result of poor quarterback play and offensive play calling.  The Pirate quarterback finished 23/47, missing Hardy twice in the second half.  Carden rediscovered his mojo in a last minute drive to win to end a 3 quarter scoring drought.

On the Line: Detroit Lions at Carolina Panthers

C3 On the Line series bets the Carolina Panthers line and discusses the literal stakes on the line. CarolinaCatChronicles.com On the Line is not betting advice, but a means for football discussion.


It’s early and optimism abounds.  The high-powered Detroit Lions face the Carolina Panther on Sunday in the proverbial battle between offense and defense.  The line currently has Carolina as a small favorite, but given the traditional 3pt home-field advantage, this game is basically a pick’em. There’s more than points, however, On the Line for the Carolina Panthers than a few points.  A win against this profile offense would go long way to proving the Panthers season potential.

As of 9/12/14

C3 FANatics Open Discussion: What Do The Panthers Have To Do To Beat The Lions?

Wouldn't 2-0 sound incredibly good?  After years of slow starts, we have a chance to take the lead in the NFC South with a W coupled with a Falcons loss to the Bengals.  Which do you think is more critical to our success, dimming the wattage of the Lion's Megatron or Cam's performance? 

C3 FANatics Open Discussion: Should Roger Goodell Be Fired By Owners?

Roger, Roger, Roger!  Does he really think we doubt that he saw that Ray Rice tape back in April?  Of course he did.  Why lie?  What else has he lied about or covered up in an attempt to protect the shield?  What do you think America?  Should the 32 owners come together and force out Goodell?  Think that can't happen?  As soon as sponsors step away and as soon as protesters start making their voices heard, it can happen.  Do you think it should happen?

Carolina Panthers Three Up, Three Down

Three Up

The battle between the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers turned out to be a nail bitter. But, the final score does not represent how well the Carolina Panthers actually played. A lot of the fans and media doubted the Panthers because of the injury to Cam Newton. There is no need to worry though because the defense was phenomenal, and Derek Anderson led the Panthers to a victory! The Panthers played a good game overall, but what three things did they do really well?

South Bound and Down Episode 1

Check out the premier NFC South podcast tonight at 10 pm.

C3 Panthers Fan Tweet of the Week

Cat Chronicles is a website created by fans, for fans, who are dedicated to following the Carolina Panthers.  The @Cat_Chronicles brand originated from fan discussion and input, so it is our mission to feature Panther fans because it's us, fans, that make football more than a kids' game.  Each week, we will select our favorite tweets related to the Carolina Panthers, letting fans vote for C3's Tweet of the Week!  Cast your vote now.  It’s up to you!

C3 Podcast: Battlecats

Luke Kuechly Protects The “W”

Carolina Panthers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers

September 7, 2014

Panthers Win 20-14

Luke Kuechly is not only the best defensive player in the NFL but he is also the best defender when it comes to protecting your house. I know the Carolina Panthers played in Tampa Bay but that CPI commercial is hilarious! I wouldn’t want to get hit by Luke, would you? Josh McCown will be looking over his shoulder when he comes to visit the Panthers in Charlotte on December 14th.

C3 FANatics Open Discussion: Rice Ruling on Hardy's Future

The "FANatics Open Discussion" is a place for Panther fans to direct the discussion.  Just leave a comment a comment below.  If not on Google, you can select to leave your Name/Url.

How will the Rice Ruling weigh on Greg Hardy's future with the Carolina Panthers?

FANatics Open Discussion: Did any defense play better than Carolina in Week 1?

The "FANatics Open Discussion" is a place for Panther fans to direct the discussion.  Just leave a comment a comment below.  If not on Google, you can select to leave your Name/Url.

Did any defense play better than the Carolina Panthers played in Week 1?

C3 Postgame Podcast: Panthers Prevail in Tampa Bay

Check us out at 8:30 for the hottest +Carolina Panthers fan podcast.  Were the fans react to this encouraging road victory.

Why the Carolina Panthers Will Repeat as NFC South Champions

Yesterday, I posted a rather long piece of sober reality with a laundry-list of reasons why the Carolina Panthers won't repeat in the NFC South as champions. While the odds are stacked against it, since nobody has ever done so, but as the saying goes, "There's a first time for everything."

FANatics Open Discussion: Who Wins: Panthers or Bucs?

FANatics Open Discussion:  Who Wins:  Panthers or Bucs?

This is an open thread discussion that will be open throughout the game where you can check in and see what fellow FANatics have to say.  Join the conversation.  Vote, then tweet your prediction for today's game!

What Panther Players are Saying on Gameday

Unsurprisingly, most of the chatter at this point is coming from guys who were cut.

Tweets from https://twitter.com/panthergf/lists/panthers-players

C3 Season Predictions

The Crew got crazy enough to put out some predictions.  Out of the 5 writers, who do you think predicted best?  Leave a comment below. 

Mel Mayock:  

This is a season has a lot of uncertainty; yet there is also a lot of potential.  On the one hand, we were 12-4 last year without a lot of talent at the WR position.  Yes, Steve Smith is the greatest Panther of all-time.  But the 2013 Steve Smith was not the same Steve Smith of old. He was simply an old Steve Smith.   He dropped a sure-fire TD that would have been the difference in the Arizona game (that I attended).  And he only put up 4 TDs the entire season.  I fully anticipate for our WRs to average more than the pedestrian 9 receptions per game we averaged a year ago.  So there is room for optimism.  But we also won a lot of close games that could have gone either way.  Remember the squeakers against San Francisco, New England, Miami, New Orleans and Atlanta.  Those 5 games were decided by a combined 14 points.  Will we win the close ones again?  The key questions are the offensive line and a banged up Cam Newton.   Will we win the close games?  I see us going 0-4 on Opening Day under Ron Rivera, but I also see us bouncing back Week 2 vs the Lions.  I also see wins against Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Chicago, Minnesota, and Cleveland while splitting with New Orleans, Tampa and sweeping Atlanta.  That puts my prediction for the season at 10-6.  Hopefully that will be good enough to get us into the Dance.

Prediction: 10-6

Why the Carolina Panthers will not Repeat as NFC South Champs

#136321993 / gettyimages.com

Okay folks, it's time to get "real" with a single day between the Carolina Panthers and their opening day game at Tampa Bay.

First of all, of course I'm psyched about the season starting and, as always, I'm very hopeful about the prospects for the Panthers this season. They've had a lot of change in the roster, especially at wide receiver, the offensive line, and in the defensive backfield.

FANatics Open Discussion: Should The Panthers Let Cam Play OR Rest Him Another Week?

This is an open discussion where you, Panther Nation, have a voice.  Leave a comment and you don't even have to log in or prove your not a robot.  Just leave your thoughts and be a part of the discussion.

#469620489 / gettyimages.com

FANantics Open Discussion: Does Sky Fall without Cam?

The "FANatics Open Discussion" is a place for Panther fans to direct the discussion.  Panther fans can contribute to this open discussion thread by dropping a comment below.

There's a lot of uncertainty about +Cam Newton playing Sunday in the opener against Tampa.  Does the sky fall in Carolina if Cam can't go on Sunday

No Quarter!

What does the saying “No Quarter” mean? In football terms it means NO MERCY! The Carolina Panthers won’t be providing any mercy to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when they match-up for their first game of the 2014 NFL season on September 7.

C3 Fantasy League Corner: The Commish's Analysis of League Rucker by Rounds, 11-15

Here are the final five rounds in my CarolinaCatChronicles First Annual FFL Challenge. Keep in mind that the comments I make are relative to the draft positions vs. likely production instead of being a running commentary of how players relate on the field to their teams, unless I mention it specifically.

Keep in mind that at the END of most FFL drafts is where kickers and team defenses generally go.

I'll jump right to it, then!

C3 FANactics Open Discussion: Which linebacker will have greatest impact in Panthers vs Bucs?

The "FANatics Open Discussion" is a place for Panther fans to direct the discussion.  Panther fans can contribute to this open discussion thread by dropping a comment below.

Which linebacker will have the greatest impact in +Carolina Panthers vs +Tampa Bay Buccaneers game?

Lavonte David (TB), Thomas Davis (CAR), or Luke Kuechly (CAR)?

Carolina Panthers: Fantasy Football Projections Week 1

We all know that this is the best time of the year because football is finally here! If football is back that means it is time to play Fantasy Football! What is there not to love about Fantasy Football? You get to pick your players, manage your team, and talk trash with your friends. This “sport” does a great job at building your pride.

C3 FANatics Open Discussion: Kelvin Benjamin or Mike Evans?

The "FANatics Open Discussion" is a place for Panther fans to direct the discussion.  Panther fans can contribute to this open discussion thread by dropping a comment below.

Who will have the bigger rookie debut on Sunday, Mike Evans (#7 overall) or Kelvin Benjamin (#28 overall)?

C3 Live Podcast: Fan Spotlight Winner Special, Bucs Preview, and PS. Stephen Hill to the Panthers

Stephen Hill is of Little Value to Panthers

Stephen Hill, the New York Jets castoff WR, was signed to the Carolina Panthers practice squad, as I thought they might if they could get their hands on him, and here's why:

C3 Fantasy League Corner: The Commish's Analysis of League Rucker by Rounds, 6-10

#155473910 / gettyimages.com

Hey, gang.

Since the post I made Sunday drew some positive interest from hard-core FFL GMs, I thought I'd go ahead and look at the "middle five" rounds of our own first annual CarolinaCatChronicles.com FFL draft.

C3 FANatics Open Discussion: Slow Season Start Again?

The "FANatics Open Discussion" is a place for Panther fans to direct the discussion. Just drop a comment below.

There has been a recurring theme in the Ron Rivera era. That has been slow starts to the season. Last season was no different. A heartbreaking opening day loss to Seattle followed by another late game defeat in Buffalo had many calling for the coaches head. A home blowout-shutout of the Giants made us feel like things were beginning to get on track, but a thorough beat down in Arizona at the hands of the Cardinals once again had fans clamoring for a new coach.

Then the magic happened and the Panthers went on a tear during the next 8 games; Carolina was unbeatable. Looking back at that 8 game run, there were only 2 playoff teams Carolina faced, so the slow start didn’t have a major impact. So that brings me to ask: With the schedule Carolina has this season, can the Panthers overcome another slow start?

C3 FANatics Open discussion: Stephen Hill

Stephen Hill was released by the New York Jets. He was a second round pick out of Georgia Tech. Never really amounted to what the Jets had hoped he could be. Now that Hill is a free agent and able to be signed by any team should the Panthers take a flyer on him? He is a physical specimen. 6"4" 215 lbs, 4.36 forty time, benched 225 lbs 14 times, 39.5 inch vertical leap, 33 3/8 inch arms, and 9 3/8 inch hands. Those are some very impressive numbers. Would it be worth the league minimum to bring him to Charlotte and let him work with the best Wide Receiver coach in  the NFL (Ricky Proehl)? Someone with that size and speed would be the perfect compliment to Kelvin Benjamin. What do you think Panther Nation? Sign him or let someone else have a shot at turning his career around? Leave your thoughts or feelings about this potential addition to the Panthers receiving corps in the comments section.

Why Sam Mills Inspires Me To Name My Fantasy Division After Him

I am so proud to be a part of the C3 Fantasy Football Challenge.  Not only is this going to be  an incredible amount of fun, but I'm also proud to point out that a portion of the entry fees are going to help fight cancer.  We've all been touched by the disease in some form or fashion.  We are also giving away Panther Prizes including a Benjamin Jersey, a DeAngelo Williams signed mini-helmet (already awarded to Jason Saulter!) and weekly panther prizes to the high-scorer in this four division 48-team Fantasy Football Battle Royale.  It is going to be a blast talking smack with fellow Panther Fans throughout the season.

I'm Sorry, but Byron Bell is a Liability at Left Tackle

Howdy folks. Today, I'm the bearer of an ice bucket challenge dose of reality: Byron Bell is a liability at left tackle.

There. I said it. For the 100th time, in fact.