December 31, 2025 • 47 mins
Hour 3 of the show starts with an interview with Greg Auman who covers the NFC South for Fox Sports. We then debate who has more pressure on them this Saturday, Dave Canales or Bryce Young.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:12):
Our number three of the Young Gun Sports Radio ninety
two to seven WFNZ and Josh Marlow Anthony Pagnata here
with you, guys. We're taking you all the way up
until twelve o'clock. Then we'll hand it over to the
real professionals of Horden's pre game. They'll get you ready
for a big game at home against Steph Curry and
the Warriors. Should be a fun, lively crowd over at
(00:33):
Spectrum Center. But of course all the focus this week
is on Saturdays, not winner take all game anymore, but
pretty much for the Panthers winning your end game against
the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Help us talk about that, We'll
go to the WFNZ hotline and bring in Greg Alman,
NFC South reporter, does a great job covering the NFL
(00:53):
and the NFC South for Fox Sports. Greg, Good morning Man,
Happy New Year. How you doing today?
Speaker 2 (01:00):
Hey doing well? Happy New Year to you guys as well.
Speaker 3 (01:02):
Appreciate you saying that.
Speaker 1 (01:03):
I appreciate you taking some time out of your day
to come on and get us ready for this big
game in the division. You know your expertise really does
come and know one this Tampa Bay Buccaneers franchise inside
and out. What if you had to describe and one
word or many many words, what has led to them
being eight and eight after a five and one start.
Speaker 2 (01:24):
I mean, it's a lot of things. I don't think
it's one word. It's a free fall. I mean everything
has taken a step back. It's it's injuries, it's inconsistency.
The defense just hasn't played well at all. You know,
it's just the close wins that were a big part
of them getting the six and two at the start
of the season have have turned into close losses. Except
for the Rams game. They really haven't been out of
(01:45):
any of these games. They're just very consistently not winning
them at the end.
Speaker 4 (01:50):
So, Greg, one thing that we were talking about there
was a question that was asked by Joe Person, who's
on the beat down here about, you know, playing this
Buccaneers team so close to the last time that they played.
What is different this time about the Buccaneers than the
first time that they played. Are they going to be
more healthy coming into this game or is it really
basically the same team that the Panthers played a couple.
Speaker 3 (02:13):
Of weeks ago.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
I guess we don't know. I mean, they should be
a little healthier. It's like they had Tristan wurs in
that game and they haven't had him. They didn't have
him last week. So that's the first question is whether
they have an all pro left tackle playing or not.
And that's a big one in theory. They could have
their defensive tackle Klaijah Cantie back on Saturday. He hasn't
played all year, not since whooped two. I should say,
with a torn pack. He's back practicing, but again I
(02:37):
wasn't expecting him to be back to this game. I mean,
their offensive stars are healthy, their receivers are healthy. For
the first time, they're stole down two guards. They've been
an injured team all season in one form or the other.
So they're probably healthier than they were most of the year.
But I don't know they're specifically healthier than they were
in Charlotte two weeks ago for the Panthers game.
Speaker 1 (02:57):
When you look at Baker Mayfield, he's certainly struggled with
injuries and just has it been the Baker Mayfield that
he has been? You know, when this team was you know,
five and one, and as I mentioned, there was conversations
about maybe them being the team to be in in
the NFC. What's the confidence level in him being able
to be healthy enough to play at the level they
need him to play in on Saturday to get this
(03:18):
team into the playoffs for a fifth straight year.
Speaker 2 (03:21):
Yeah, I mean it as confident as you could be
as a guy that's lost seven out of eight. You know,
Bakers had fourth courter interceptions the last three games. You know,
I think he's did a really good job in the
first half of this season in terms of limiting his turnovers.
I think, you know, eight games and he has sixteen
touchdowns and two interceptions. Is doing a good job of
that as anybody Since then, I think it's nine touchdowns
(03:41):
and eight interceptions, So you know, some of that I
think is them being in closer games where he has
to try throws that maybe you wouldn't normally try attempt
the risk your passes. But no, I mean it's hard
to you want to have confidence in him as a
team based on who he was the first half of
the season, but the protect and hasn't been as good,
the connection with the receivers hasn't been a good and
(04:03):
as a result, you know, they're losing these close games,
so it's definitely a game they could win. I think
they're favored in terms of odds makers, but you know,
once they've lost again to the Saints, to the Falcons,
to the Miami Dolphins', I don't know that you can
pencil in anything as a win with this team anymore.
Speaker 3 (04:21):
So, you know, I.
Speaker 4 (04:22):
Want Greg Auman to give his opinion on this when
it comes to you know, you've got Tampa favored in
this game. Well, when it comes to how the teams
are playing, where do you stand on these two teams?
Who do you think fans should be more confident in
going into this matchup?
Speaker 2 (04:41):
I think it's a crapshoot that way. I mean, if
you look at Carolina, I mean Carolina has alternated wins
and losses for ten games in a row, so I mean,
if they kept the pattern, it feels like a win
for Carolina, But they just lost in a situation they
really should have won and needed to win in. I
think they've both had opper tunities to make life a
(05:01):
lot easier for themselves down the stretch here, and neither
of them has really done that consistently. Carolina did against
the Bucks. That's the single biggest difference between the two
of them, So whether that makes it tougher and whether
the Bucks are going to be the better team in
the rematch is hard to know. We're in that weird
situation now where they schedule it oddly where even if
the Bucks win, they wouldn't know that they've won the division.
They really can't celebrate on the field. There are no
(05:22):
T shirts and hats being given out because they have
to wait until Sunday and hope that the Saints can
beat the Falcons. So that kind of makes it even weirder.
Carolina knows if they win they can celebrate on the field.
I think that's a great situation for them to be
able to celebrate in real time as you win a
division title.
Speaker 1 (05:40):
We're talking with Greg Allman, is a great job covering
the NFL, the NFC South for Fox Sports. A few
more for you, Gregan won't let you go mentioning this
is just a flat out free fall for Tampa Bay.
Speaker 3 (05:51):
Do you get the sense?
Speaker 1 (05:52):
Do you get the vibe that Todd Bowles is coaching
for his job on Saturday afternoon?
Speaker 2 (05:57):
I think it really would help him to win, to lose,
to lose on your home field to the team that
takes the division from you to kind of complete that
would be eight out of nine. There's not a lot
of precedent for a coach, you know, losing eight out
of nine, the whole non of things. But at the
same time, you know, Bowles has won the division every
other year he's coached. I'm sure the ownership is aware
of the injuries they've dealt with, the asterisk that kind
(06:20):
of puts on their season, But the vibe in Tampa,
I mean, this is two months of negativity. This is
two months of fans grousing and being upset. Understandably, that's
just going to perpetuate into the offseason. So it just
comes down to the ownership's patients with bowls. You know,
to have a second half like this, you have to
have somebody that can really bring the franchise out of
(06:40):
that hole they've dug for themselves. So the biggest question
is whether you think Bowles can be that guy or
whether he stopped reaching the locker room and you need
to reset with somebody else, maybe an offensive coach instead.
Speaker 4 (06:51):
Greg, where exactly are you in terms of the confidence
level in Bryce Young coming into this game. You know,
he he had some moment, you know, in the middle
of the season it looked like things were turning in
the right direction for him. But last week a tough week.
A lot of people talking about the play calling, but
only through for fifty four yards. Where are you at
with the thirty year quarterback of the Carolina Panthers.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
Yeah, I mean, I think the body of his work
for this season has been what you want. I mean,
I think as they I think it's may they have
to decide on a fifth year option. It's hard to imagine.
I'm not exercising that. I think it's what twenty six
million basically, but you don't know. I mean, there's still
been some inconsistency. This was really the first year this
year where they where you could see them winning because
of him and not just with him, if you will.
(07:36):
So I think he's done enough to get that fifth
year extension, which kind of gives him more time to
continue the progress he's shown. You know, I think he's
been a better quarterback in our Dave Canalis. I agree
the play calling hasn't been great, but no, I mean
I think he's taking a step forward. You know, I
don't think probably had the best season by a Panthers
(07:56):
quarterback since late cam you'd say so if you believe
in him. I mean, twenty six million dollars. Unfortunately, it's
a fairly small investment to make in a franchise quarterback
by today's quarterback economy.
Speaker 1 (08:10):
Both teams greg feature you know, rookie wide receivers that
are having in a great seasons Tedorroe, McMillan for the Panthers.
You know, you make a Buka down there for Seattle.
Do you feel over for Tampa Bay? Do you feel
like this game could determine the chances of either one
of those guys or the offensive rookie of the Year?
Speaker 3 (08:25):
Yeah, it could.
Speaker 2 (08:26):
I mean, it's just one of those where it's tricky.
I think they were within one yard of each other,
and I think if one of them can have a
big game, I mean the first game was obviously a
much bigger game for Tet that was for Buca and
had Qui again this past week, So you know, it
complicates things and that that award can really easily be
dominated by quarterbacks. So you've seen Tyler Schuck kind of
(08:46):
jump in here in the second half of the season.
Jackson Dart has twenty two touchdowns this year for the
Giant hasn't really been with a winning program. I don't
think there's a running back that would win the award
right now, so it's hard to know that that's an
odd award. You don't really know voter tendencies and preferences.
It could be as simple as if Shuck comes out
and throws for three touchdowns in a win against the
(09:07):
Falcons on Sunday, that pushes him in and they say, wow,
that's a great You know, six and three as the
starters what he would be if he won there, That
probably carries more weight. Jackson Dart has better numbers overall,
but I think they're three and eight when he starts,
so I think it's kind of still up for grabs,
and I would definitely want to be the receiver that
has the better game and wins on Saturday out of
(09:28):
McMillan and Abuka.
Speaker 3 (09:29):
Speaking of up.
Speaker 4 (09:30):
For grabs, it feels like that's where the NFC South
is in terms of the future of this division moving forward.
Who do you think has the inside track to be
maybe the Tampa of the future here where they're able
to potentially win the division going forward. Yeah, I don't know.
Speaker 2 (09:49):
I mean, I think right now, kind of the best
thing you can say about the NFC South is how
wide open it is. I think you'll have people that
probably pick all four of these teams to win next year.
I mean, I think Atlanta has uncertain because you don't
know when Panics is going to come back, but their
defense has definitely stepped up with a bunch of rookies
making plays. I think Carolina has certainly trended in the
right direction and it's you know whatever, within a game
(10:11):
of winning it this year. I think they'll have most
everybody back. Free agency's not going to hit them hard,
you know. I think we've seen the Saints take a
big step forward in the second half last year, and
obviously the Bucks have taken a big step back. But
we'll have most of their core and should be healthier
next year. So honestly, I don't think there is a
consensus team to beat next year. I think if Carolina
(10:32):
gets it done on Saturday, it probably starts with them,
just because they'll be the defending chance. They'll have most
everything back. They certainly have an upward trajectory to them.
But I don't think anybody will be a runaway preseason
consensus favorite to win the division.
Speaker 5 (10:44):
He is.
Speaker 1 (10:44):
Greg Gormon is a great job covering the NFL for
Fox Sports. You can follow him on Twitter at Greg Almond.
Greg Wan, thank you for making some time for us.
Happy New Year and we'll talk to you down the road.
Speaker 5 (10:53):
My man.
Speaker 2 (10:54):
Hey you two you guys take care.
Speaker 3 (10:55):
Thanks again, Thanks Greg.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
All right, So that's Greg Gommen is a great job
bring the NFL for Fox Sports. I do wonder, you know,
flound if if if Tampa does lose and it becomes
eight of nine, what do they do with Todd Bowles,
because you know, does does all the previous success get
thrown out the window after one collapse? Does he give
the benefit of the doubt because he's lost you know,
coordinators back to back years to two and two guys
(11:21):
that could be in the playoffs and Liam Comarty in
the playoffs with Jacksonville, Dave Canalis on the Dorset, but
of taking Carolina to the playoffs. But it could just
be time for them to reset, you know, with Mike
Evans maybe at the end of his career coming down.
Speaker 3 (11:36):
You know, I do just wonder.
Speaker 1 (11:38):
Because the culture is as bad as we've seen it,
you know, post Versarians. He had this you know, eight
cussword rant in twenty eight seconds, and then Bucky Irvin
sent out still one of the most wildest tweets I've
ever seen a player tweet tweet about their head coach
going into a game this of this magnitude. So I
get this sense out of Tampa Bay where to lose,
(11:58):
lose the division at home to arrival at Carolina, Todd
Bowles will be be getting fired on Monday, which is
really sad.
Speaker 4 (12:05):
But I think with how bad the division, the or
or you know, the locker room has gotten, it seems
like there is division between the players and the head coach.
I find it hard to believe that he doesn't end
up potentially getting fired at the end of this game
if they end up losing. I mean, it's crazy to think.
I mean, you've got a guy that has won the division.
(12:29):
What is it now, is it three or four straight
years with him as the head coach, and then they're
going to four four straight with him. That's I mean,
that's the thing. He has been really successful for the
most part in this job. But I guess, you know,
part of it is is the coordinators that he's lost
the other thing is do you give him a break
(12:50):
because he is a guy that has suffered so many injuries,
that team has been so banged up for the second half.
Speaker 3 (12:57):
Of this season.
Speaker 4 (12:58):
But I mean, yeah, you're talking about a team that
could lose eight of nine down the stretch, including some
really bad losses. I mean, you lost to quinn Ewers
the you know, they haven't been able to beat other
teams in the NFC South.
Speaker 3 (13:14):
That could certainly be something that factors in.
Speaker 4 (13:17):
So I mean, yeah, I think there's a good chance
that he could be on the chopping block. The only
question that I would ask is, if you're firing Todd Bowles,
who are you going out and getting that you know
is going to be better. I don't know that you
have that guy. And look, maybe it is an offensive mind.
We've seen some of these guys throw Ben Johnson, Liam Cohen,
(13:38):
as you brought up Dave here in Carolina. But I
don't know if you're guaranteed to get that guy. There's
not somebody that's an experienced coach that you know is
going to be better and less for some reason, Pittsburgh
was to fire Mike Tomlin. I think that is certainly
still on the table with the fact that they haven't
won that division. That would probably be the only that
(14:00):
I would think would be in the running for a
job like that. That would be a major upgrade that
has experience. But I don't know if he would ultimately
end up in Tampa because every team is gonna want him.
Speaker 1 (14:12):
Weather Man Mark writes it on the fan Angel TEXTA
and he will be fired. Fitty the Carolina Reaper will
get him. I certainly hope so. But there's no there's
no denying, there's no denying. There's no doubt that there's
there's pressure on Dave Canalis, there's pressure on Bryce Young
to bounce back after, you know, a dismal showing on
Sunday afternoon at Bank of America Stadium. We'll talk about
(14:35):
who has more pressure on them going into Saturday is
all important game. You're listening to Sports Radio ninety two
seven w FNZ. Sports Radio ninety two seven wfn Z.
(15:04):
You're hanging out with the young guns here on a
New Year's Eve Wednesday. I hope you guys are all
gonna have a happy and safe New Year. Don't do
anything you know Jason p Are Paul would do like
on fourth of July or anything tonight. Be safe around
the fireworks if that's something that you are into. Seven
oh four five, seven ninety six ten, we want to
(15:25):
hear from you on the fan duel text line and
our dear buddy Dick from East Texas. He's written in
some some funny text messages about the future of the NFC.
South said there's a coach in Chapel Hill wanting him
to come back to the NFL. Hashtag gig them. Then
he followed up with a watching this Panthers team is
like watching Marlow's dating life. A whole lot of potential
(15:46):
till you look at the product again hashtag gig them.
Speaker 3 (15:50):
And then Ishmael.
Speaker 1 (15:51):
Wrote in with you know he gets a good old
dick gets one straight in a day. The most pressure
is on Fitty's chair, thoughts and prayers for it. The
funny thing is is we were talking before the show.
There is a chair in our studio that has broken
once again.
Speaker 4 (16:06):
Oh it's it's smashed the pieces at the bottom. I'm
trying to figure out this mystery of how it got destroyed.
Speaker 1 (16:12):
Well, I mean one of it is the part of
the fact that there are some rather rotund men that
sit in that chair. Fair that may also be the
chair that three out of four of them, well, I
mean shrup when it hits you and you become one
of us, and you've got a little belly and you
you start breathing, heave when you walk up the stairs.
(16:34):
We'll look back on all the digs you've thrown our way.
That might also be the chair that after the New
Orleans game, it got shoved pretty hard and as I
walked out of the room in anger of.
Speaker 4 (16:45):
Course, of course, so that's probably the reason why I
stamp in your feet over there.
Speaker 3 (16:52):
I don't know if I was.
Speaker 1 (16:53):
Doing that, but there was one of the chairs in
here that did go for a little bit of a
ride after the lost in New Orleans, the road loss,
that is, which was somehow made Oh you got to clarify, Yeah,
that's very more frustrating than the home loss because you
were up ten in the fourth quarter and you found
a way to lose, to lose the ballgame. Let's turn
our attention to the topic that I think everybody's been
(17:14):
talking about this week, and it's going to carry over
into the offseason, regardless of the Panthers make the playoffs
or not. And that's the marriage of Bryce Young the
quarterback and Dave Canalis the play caller. You know, Willie
and I had a conversation about it yesterday, and you know,
I kind of said that, look, y'all know how I
feel about Bryce. I'm not changing out feeling about Bryce.
(17:34):
I'm committed to Bryce. I think he's going to be
the guy here for the long haul. But I do
have doubts, concerns and worries about Dave Canalis to play
call to where I'd like to see him give up
play calling duties. And even if you give it to
Brad Is I guess what Brad is, it would become
a first time play caller, which means that if Dave
Canalis were to surrender those those duties, I'd like to
(17:55):
see him bring in a proven play caller at the
NFL level. Boy, you look at this game specifically, who
has more pressure on them? Do you think to bounce back?
Is it Dave Canalis, who was clearly out coached, out
prepared out everything on Sunday by Mike McDonald in Seattle,
Or is it Bryce Young? Because you know he was
(18:17):
the quarterback that tried to shoot that game plan in
the process through for a woeful fifty four yards.
Speaker 4 (18:23):
Yeah, well, yes, the answer is both, but the I
think more so you need to see it from Dave Canalis.
This needs to be a strong game plan against the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers because the game plan the other day
did not really seem to fit one of a team
that was looking to win the division. It felt like
(18:44):
that was more of a team that had won the
division already or just knew that this game wasn't going
to mean much because they thought that the Tampa Bay
Buccaneers were going to take care of business. That's not
the way that they need to roll into this game.
You need to see him be aggressive, try to get
the ball downfield a little bit. And yeah, maybe that
is on Bryce Young to be a little bit more
aggressive himself going down the field. Talked about off the air,
(19:08):
how you know Dave was caught off guard a little
bit by what the amount of man defense that was
being thrown out by Seattle. Well, it meant there were
a lot of one on one matchups down the field.
You don't think that you should have tested that at
some point to see whether or not you could actually
get a big play here or there. I mean, you've
got guys that you're hoping can win some of those
(19:30):
fifty to fifty balls. I mean, look, I think Tenoroa McMillan,
that's not necessarily his biggest strength, but there's there's a
reason why you drafted him in the top ten. And
then Jalen Koker is a guy that we've seen be
able to win at times in that's anarreo with those
fifty to fifty balls. So I would have liked to
see him test the downfield a little bit more. Hopefully
(19:53):
that's the game plan going into this game. And I
would also like to see you run the ball a
little bit more.
Speaker 1 (19:58):
As we talked about earlier, us hear from the head
coach Dave Canal as he was asked if he'll go
deeper into his bag on Saturday with the division on
the line a little bit.
Speaker 6 (20:07):
But at the same time, I have to be aware
of what our guys can handle. And that's really my
biggest responsibility, Brad and I is identifying the scope of
what we can handle from a football standpoint with this group.
How much run game can we handle, how much past game,
how many little wrinkles and nuances, because all those things
you know even when you're running plays that have you know,
(20:29):
several different motions, and you know you're trying to get
a defense and a specific look and all that. Those
take a lot of timing, a lot of detail, and
they're different. They're different than the normal calls that you
would you would make, so they require as much, if
not a little bit more attention, and so you got
to be careful about how much you try to do extra.
You know, the goal is to play fast, and I
know that the best way to play fast is to
(20:50):
have concepts that were very confident with, that were very
comfortable with, and that gives us the best chance to
have success.
Speaker 1 (20:55):
Seven oh four or five seven ninety sixteen, we got
some fantual text rolling in your PSL Smith rights in,
it's not on Bryce. We need separation from these wide receivers.
He's the only reason we had a touchdown on Sunday
because he had to take a scramble in for a touchdown.
Rico Suave rights in, I'm getting tired if you're in
Canalis is learning on the job. He's been doing this
(21:16):
two years now. He's not showing a big improvement. We
need to go get an OC. But I mean like
play calling, it's there's there's a there's an art to
it like and it's why once you've perfected your craft
like Andy Reid, Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan, and I guess
you may put Kevin O'Connell in that category, it's why
(21:37):
you you get the benefit of the doubt. And that's
why those guys have much equity built.
Speaker 3 (21:41):
Up in uh in them.
Speaker 1 (21:43):
Canalis was a first time play caller when he got
the job here, and it wasn't like his offense in
Tampa was mind blowing and he had a lot of
the same weapons that Liam Comb had before he got
the head coaching job at Jacksonville and and the previous
guy before him when that you know, that offense post
Tom Brady was they got Baker was still pretty productive,
still pretty explosive, especially in the passing game. I think
(22:06):
what's been frustrating is you hear Canalis talk every week
about trying to find our best football and then build
off of that. How many teams go into Week eighteen
without having identity on offense. I can still play for
a division and that's what the Panthers are. Like, We're
going into the final week of the regular season, and
this team you do not know from the previous game
(22:29):
to the next what they want to do offensively, and
yet they still have a chance to define themselves in
the playoffs. And I guess you know, when you try
to play the blame game, is that more on Canalis
or is that more of a lack of trust and
faith than Bryce Shunk to continue to build and evolve
the offense around him.
Speaker 3 (22:51):
Well, it's not just Bryce.
Speaker 4 (22:54):
I mean, somebody brings U There are a couple of
people that pointed this out and I was going to
go there.
Speaker 3 (22:58):
Next he says, what our guys can handle? What does
that mean?
Speaker 4 (23:04):
So you really believe this far into the season that
there are concepts that these guys are not going to
be able to understand. That's wild man and well, and
that shows you that there are some guys on this
team that just are not preparing the way that they
probably should be preparing. And I'm not saying that's Bryce.
I find it hard to believe that Bryce is one
of those guys. I think it's some of the other
(23:26):
guys on the offensive side of the ball that maybe
aren't preparing the way that they need to. And it's
limiting what Dave Canalis feels like he's able to do.
Speaker 3 (23:34):
I feel like that statement is and.
Speaker 1 (23:37):
Is an indictment on Bryce jan I think that's him
telling you he still doesn't trust him the way that
maybe we thought he would trust him after he came
back and played the way he played down the stretch
or the way he has played it at different times
this year. Because truth be told, after what they did
against Atlanta and the way that offense just moved the
(23:59):
foot ball up and down the field and put up
the points in the yards that they did. You know,
Bryce at the franchise record for for passing yards in
a game that should have been the turning point for
this offense, where that that they what we saw in
that game was what we should have seen on a
much more consistent basis, and that quite simply hasn't happened.
(24:21):
So I do think that comment is an indictment on
on Bryce. And I think what you got to figure
out with Bryce is why why do you not maybe
trust your your receivers the way that that you do.
I don't think he has any trust in and Xaviriel
get how could you the guy had more penalty yards
and receiving yards.
Speaker 3 (24:39):
I was Sunday he should be confident.
Speaker 1 (24:42):
And I also do think that at some point, you know,
this is something that Bagel Guy writes in and some
other people do write in, at some point he's got
to throw the ball in windows that are NFL open
and that's open, like there are is like there are
some times where I do feel like and again we're
just seeing the TV copy. You know, sometimes I get
(25:03):
to check out some all twenty two footage, but but not,
you know, not not not the whole game. There are
times where there are guys that are NFL open where
the ball sh doesn't come out, and and so that's
what is that? Is that because Bryce isn't seeing that
throw or does he just not trust whoever he's throwing
the football too in that situation outside of t MAC
to come down and and make the play regardless, it's
(25:24):
not good. Yeah, And I think that's where there's a
big reason why the offense is is where is where
it is? Lemon writes in on the Fangul text line,
I don't think it's an indictment on Bryce Gooch Grundleman,
He writes in, Lol, of course it's on the quarterback
on the field. My god, with the coddling what our
(25:44):
guys can handle, says everything. So he's he's more on
on on the Bryce side of things where he's got
to play better. He's got to play at a at
a higher level. Granny Pats coming to your defense, Flounder,
Saint Flander, I agree with you. Bryce does what Canalis
tells him to do. I don't totally believe in Bryce
Young either, So I mean, look, I don't think that
(26:08):
Bryce is perfect. I need, of course, I don't.
Speaker 4 (26:10):
We had an argument earlier in the year about whether
or not I thought he had shown that he was
a franchise quarterback. I think to this point in the season,
where we've gotten to now a few it's been what
probably about a month a month and a half since
we had that argument, I think he has shown that
he is potentially the franchise quarterback for this team. I
(26:32):
don't think that he has necessarily been bad.
Speaker 3 (26:35):
You mentioned it.
Speaker 4 (26:36):
One thing that he needs to do is throw with
a little more anticipation. I do think that certainly is
something that you want to see from him.
Speaker 1 (26:42):
Think, well, you got to clarify he throws with anticipation
when he throws to four. When he's throwing t Max's way,
he's anticipating t Mac coming out of his route, you know,
being there, and that's where the ball. But that's the
only one. Because even since Coker's come back, has Cocher
been featured in the offense the way that we wanted
him to be, the way that we expect him to be.
Speaker 3 (27:05):
That not real.
Speaker 4 (27:07):
It's inconsistent. It's just like the offense as a whole.
Cocher gets involved in certain games, looks really good and
you're thinking to yourself, Okay, this is the game where
he finally gets going, and then you see him in the.
Speaker 3 (27:20):
Next game and all of a sudden, I don't know.
Speaker 4 (27:23):
Look, when I was watching the other day from where
we were sitting up high, it did not feel like
there were a lot of guys that were getting open.
It did not feel even NFL open. It felt like
guys were really being covered well. And credit needs to
be given to Seattle. That's the other thing that I
think is crazy. You know, Greg, Greg Allman, you know,
great guests love Greg. He said that that was a
(27:47):
game that Carolina should have won, that it was it
was an opportunity that they let go By. Yes, I
get that, but should have won. I don't think that
you just played the best team in the NFL. Like, guys,
let's not panic because they lost to the Seattle Seahawks.
That is a really good football team. I guess maybe
(28:11):
the way that they lost is maybe what's panicking people.
But I do think that Seattle deserves a lot of
credit for that win as well. So I mean, yeah,
I think Dave needs to be a little bit more
innovative with his game plan. But it is pretty damning
when he says that we're gonna do as much as
these guys can handle. To me, maybe that is a
(28:33):
statement on Bryce Young. I feel like that's a statement
on a lot of the other guys on the offensive
side of the ball, mainly these receivers or the guys
or these pass catchers, I should say, because it brings
into effect the tight end position as well, which just
really hasn't done anything for consistent for the team throughout
the entire season.
Speaker 1 (28:52):
Seven to four number rights, and we're a young team
with a young coach. Ron Rivera sucked until his third year,
then he became Riverboat. This is not our year. We're
having the same conversation next year. Then we have a problem.
Speaker 3 (29:05):
I do.
Speaker 1 (29:08):
I do wonder if Canalis's play calling duties hanging the
balance in this game. And then like and then my
question is is who's making that call? Who's making that decision?
Is is that Dan Morgan? You know when they when
they evaluate the season, whether they make the playoffs or not.
And he goes to Dave and say, hey, look, you've
(29:29):
you've done a really good job rebuilding the culture, because
I don't think we've given Dave Canalis enough credit for
the culture he's built. Like when you watch these victory games,
speeches that he's delivering, this he has his locker room's attention.
These guys play for him. So is is is it
Dan Morgan? Or does does does Daddy Warbucks unbutton that
(29:51):
that that that that collar shirt that he likes to
wear and say, hey, I brought you in to be
a bright offensive mind. And yes, you've you've got and
Bryce Young to be an average level quarterback. But we're
twenty eighth in offense and we're not seeing the points
on the board that we want to see with all
the investment that we've seen into that side of the football.
I do wonder if that's a tangible thing that does
(30:14):
happen in this game, is that if Carol and I
think it's more happened if Carolina loses. I do wonder
if that's a conversation that you know, Dan Morgan in
this front office is having an end of the season.
Speaker 4 (30:24):
If we're having the conversation, I believe that they are
having the conversation over in that building about whether or
not this should be the plan moving forward or should
you just let Dave focus on being a head coach
and find a different play caller. Now, the thing is
is where do they go with that play caller? With
those play caller duties. Brad Idseick's never called an offense before,
(30:47):
So if you go with him, you're going with another
first timer. You're going to have a guy that's sort
of learning on the job and there could be some
bumps in the road. I feel like next year, you
want to have a consistent offense. That would be my
pushback against it. That would be one of the reasons
why I would say, maybe you just roll with Dave Canalis.
If you're trying to continue to build this and you
(31:09):
just let Dave continue to come along as a play caller.
Speaker 3 (31:12):
The frustrating part.
Speaker 4 (31:13):
Of it is that we have seen some game plans
from Dave that have been unbelievably good, and you think,
to yourself, Man, if we could just get this consistent.
Speaker 3 (31:25):
It's just like the team in general.
Speaker 4 (31:28):
But there's other times where it's just you're left scratching
your head what exactly is the game plan? But I
think that's one of the things that they've got to
figure out. It's amazing that they've gotten to this point,
but you don't have an identity offensively. There is not
something that we identify with this offense and say that
is the strength of this offense. It feels like that
(31:50):
shifts week to week, and you've got to find that.
That's the biggest thing you've got to find this.
Speaker 1 (31:54):
Offseason if you're the Carolina Panthers, And there's something that
I've really come to the conclusion of. As as a
Bryce believer, Bryce Coddler, whatever it is you want to
label me as, I'm happy to be that because, by God,
that's that's my quarterback. Even though he was the number
one overall pick, even though they invested a lot to
(32:15):
go get him. To maximize Bryce, you've got to maximize
the talent around him, and I and and you know,
because he's not He's not Josh Allen, He's not you
know Burrow Mahomes. Those those guys could could make chicken
salad out of chicken crap. Bran Stung is not one
(32:35):
of those guys, right, Like like Bryce Shung needs he
needs legitimate weapons at the wide receiver position outside of
T Mac.
Speaker 3 (32:43):
I think they've got to invest what.
Speaker 7 (32:44):
I don't think you can say that after watching the
Bucks game and him shake off three defenders and then
find JT.
Speaker 5 (32:52):
Sanders open in the end zone.
Speaker 1 (32:53):
So you you don't think he needs more talent around
him to maximize his talent.
Speaker 7 (32:58):
I'm not saying that, but you but you said he
he's a guy that can't make something out of nothing,
which is okay.
Speaker 3 (33:03):
On a weekend base.
Speaker 4 (33:05):
Occasionally he is able to make plays like that. But yes,
in terms of I have absolutely nothing. Nobody is getting
in this game that they're just played against the Attle Dude,
no one's getting open. Oh there's no way. He is
not a guy that's going to create Joe Burrow. He
would find a way to throw guys open because he's
just that damn good where.
Speaker 3 (33:26):
I just I don't know if Bryce is on that level.
And that's okay.
Speaker 4 (33:30):
Not every quarterback in the league is going to be
on that level. So that's gonna be one of the
things that they've got to do this offseason. They've got
to find someone that can create separation downfield because right now,
you don't have that guy on this roster. It's you
might think it's Jimmy Horn, but I don't. I don't
think you can trust him to win downfield, especially because
(33:50):
he also is a smaller receiver. You'd like to have
someone with a little bit of size out there as
well that you could trust down the field in case
you have to win some fifty to fifty. So I
think that that's ultimately what their biggest thing is that
they're going to be looking for this year on the
offensive side of the ball.
Speaker 3 (34:08):
And it's crazy.
Speaker 4 (34:09):
I mean, we're talking about they could go out and
draft the receiver again early in the draft for a
third straight year, because that's the biggest need on the
offensive side of the ball right now.
Speaker 7 (34:19):
Well, I would hope that you know, at least having
somewhat of a competitive season and maybe you know, hopefully
being in the playoffs would maybe attract more free agency
than how bad you've been in the past, so maybe
you don't have to rely on the draft. But Noah,
I mean, I'm not sitting here saying he doesn't need
better weapons, he needs another wide receiver because obviously Excel has.
Speaker 5 (34:37):
Proven to us that.
Speaker 7 (34:37):
He is not that guy. I mean, I would rather
have David Moore out there this this weekend than a
XL if he's ready to go. But yeah, there's definitely
the separation has been an issue because you have Excel
and and Cocher, guys that have big frames but are
not the fastest guys ever.
Speaker 5 (34:56):
They are not burners.
Speaker 7 (34:57):
They can you know, they're decent route runners, but if
you haven't run straight, they're not running right past a
lot of guys.
Speaker 5 (35:02):
But that's also really tough.
Speaker 7 (35:05):
I mean, maybe, like you know, maybe this team needs
an Exavier worthy type player. I think that'd be that'd
be really fun.
Speaker 4 (35:12):
Rashid Shaheed is a good example of a guy that
just wins downfield.
Speaker 7 (35:16):
Man who's the cat up there for Detroit Jamison Williams James. Yes,
now that would be a fun piece to add to
this team. Yeah, I mean, but that's exactly what this
team is missing is that guy that can just push it,
and sadly, we have not had that yet.
Speaker 5 (35:31):
So Excel is a guy. He might be fast, he doesn't.
Speaker 7 (35:35):
He doesn't play particularly quick, so that's ended up being
a massive disappointment.
Speaker 1 (35:39):
I think failed Riz put this in the in the
perfect perspective, then we'll get a break. The the Bryce
Shun point guard analogy is is real. But what does
he need to have around him to become a great
point guard is he's got to have talent at the
other at at the spots where he can just distribute
the ball. Like the problem I had when I played
basketball as a point guard was I was distributing the
(36:01):
football players. I couldn't shoot, so that made me look bad.
If I was playing with actual basketball players, I would
have I would have probably gone at least D three
before my ACM came out. I'm sure that's true. If
Brian Strung, if you give him I don't want to
say legitimate NFL weapons because you're because then you're you're really,
you know, discrediting what these guys have done to get
to the NFL. But you need higher level talented NFL players.
(36:25):
I think you can really see him play at at
a at a higher level more consistently. And that's that's
the biggest thing. This is where my Bryce apology stuff
comes in, because a lot of these people out like
he hasn't played at a high level at all, and
then Mac reads off all these stats that try to
get pissed off about on board about. But the stats
are there, the proofs in the pudding. He's played at
a high level. It just needs to be more consistent.
(36:47):
I think if you put guys that consistently went around him,
I think he'll play consistently more football at that quarterback position.
And this all maybe becomes a you know, a moot point,
you know, a col's opinion, if you will call back
to a Joey Tribani from friends. We'll love to wait
and see, though, because this conversation will not be addressed
until the offseason when they get into the draft a
(37:09):
free agency. They've got to maximize what they have right
now and hopefully they do that. On Saturday down in
Tampa Bay Sports Radio ninety two to seven WF and Z,
the young guns were hanging out with you up until
twelve o'clock. When we come back, we'll put the twenty
twenty five sport year in perspective and for the Panthers
to Hornets, Hurricanes, Simo or you're listening to Sports Radio
(37:29):
ninety two to seven wfn Z, final segment of hour
number three of the Young Guns. We're broadcasting live from
(37:50):
the Chandler Volta Studios, Cvinjury, laud dot com. That's Cvinjury
lawd dot com.
Speaker 5 (37:56):
One call.
Speaker 1 (37:57):
That's all they are, the Carolina's personal injury years.
Speaker 3 (38:00):
I'm gonna read a couple more.
Speaker 1 (38:01):
Text messages come out to conclude our conversation about Bryce
Young and Dave Canalis Google search rights. In the realities,
the Panthers need a number one wide receiver. It's been
several years since we have had a Steve Smith or
Musen Mohammad. We need guys that can get open or
a true threat to run the field. T Mac is
a solid number two.
Speaker 4 (38:23):
Okay, interesting he's about to go for one thousand yards
as a rookie.
Speaker 1 (38:26):
But I can maybe see in terms of like maybe
his route tree suggests he's a number two wide receiver.
The production would suggest that he's a number one. And
look if some of those plays that he tried to
make one hand, and if they go the other way,
we're not having this conversation like if he if he breaks,
if he makes those contested catches, then we're looking at
him as a as a bona fide wide receiver number
(38:49):
one Gooch Grundelman wrote back in continually having to draft
to accommodate Bryce's shortcomings hurts the team as a whole
and stifles other areas of need, like the defense, which
really needs upgrades. I think that's going to be the
tricky thing as we look at this roster and it's
still in need of upgrades on both sides of the ball.
Speaker 3 (39:09):
How do you go about it?
Speaker 1 (39:11):
I think Dan Morgan has proven through free agency he's
been able to make the right addition. Since year one
it was beeping up the offensive side of the ball,
and year two it was addressing the needs on the
defensive side of the ball. Do you go all in
on either side in free agency, address the other needs
in the draft, or do you maybe try to split
it down the middle of fifty to fifty. I do
(39:31):
feel like they're going to be in the conversation to
make a move at pass rusher. I think they would
much rather draft a proven guy to put along that
defensive line as opposed to adding another young gun if
you will to go up there with Derek Brown and
Nicks Gordon.
Speaker 4 (39:50):
So what do you think and do you think in
free agency or are you thinking Max Crosby probably due.
Speaker 3 (39:56):
Crosby scares me? Well, yeah, I mean he's a pass rusher.
Speaker 1 (40:01):
Because he's what thirty two years old coming off a
back injury.
Speaker 3 (40:04):
Yeah, yeah, no, I I Hendrickson's thirty.
Speaker 1 (40:10):
I would, I would probably, I'd probably want to go
that route if he's even you know, if he's even
made available to trade. I don't know what the what
the market looks like right now in terms of in
terms of free agency, but I feel like, you know,
they're gonna want to upgrade that side of the ball
ahead of the uh, you know, ahead of the draft,
because I think they just want and I think they
(40:31):
need someone proven to put up there alongside Derek Brown
because you know, Pat Jones and dj Wanham are nice,
you just need more from them and you haven't gotten that.
You haven't gotten that this season?
Speaker 2 (40:46):
Right?
Speaker 3 (40:46):
No?
Speaker 4 (40:47):
I mean what was that was that Dj Wantam's first
sack of the season the other day? I think it
might have been his first sack of the season that
shows you. And again, he's been out there a lot.
I think he's been solid in run defense, but he
just hasn't done anything as a pass rusher. And Nick
Gorton's nice, but we need to start seeing that production
(41:11):
moving forward if he's going to be a guy that
you're banking on. So here are the names guy of
some of the guys that are on the free agent
list that will be available. Trey Hendrickson, Khalil Mack, Asan Reddick,
Joey Bosa, oh talk about injury issues. Oh now, an
interesting name that pops up here is ye tor Gross Mantos.
Speaker 3 (41:34):
Could that be a guy that you could look at
discount wise.
Speaker 4 (41:37):
I don't know if there's a big name that you're
going after that is going to be a significant difference
maker that doesn't come with some questions. I mean, Khalil Mack.
Khalil Mack's thirty five years old. Man, he's gonna be
thirty five. That's that's maybe that's the way that you
go because he's still very effective, But also how much
money is he going to ask for? He still is
(41:59):
getting paid made a pretty significant amount of money.
Speaker 3 (42:02):
Hassan Reddick. You know, that's a guy.
Speaker 4 (42:04):
That you like, but he hasn't been great this year
for Tampa. He you know, is gonna be thirty. It
might be thirty one when the season starts next year,
but would eventually be thirty two. Is that someone that
you're paying for a few years? And then Joey Bosa,
Joey Bosa's He's he's thirty, He's thirty right now. Joey
(42:25):
Bosa is basically like thirty eight years old based off
of the injuries that he's had, So I wouldn't even
I wouldn't even touch that. So I don't know if
you can get that guy in free age. That's why
the Max Crosby thing is intriguing for sure, because when
he is healthy, and he's been healthy for most of
his career, he is as good as just about anybody
(42:50):
in this league. It's just that he plays for the
Raiders and a lot of people don't realize that.
Speaker 5 (42:55):
Now.
Speaker 4 (42:55):
I'm a big Trey Hendrickson guy, so I wouldn't mind
that move either. But again, how much money is he
ultimately gonna want for a guy that is thirty one
years old?
Speaker 3 (43:07):
That's what you got to figure out.
Speaker 1 (43:08):
I Also, I also wonder how different this defense looks
had they kept Clowney, because you never upgraded over Clowney
when you moved on from Clowney. And and I don't
know how productive he's been in Dallas. I feel like
he makes a play every other week he's in the backfield.
Speaker 4 (43:28):
Yeah, you see, That's the thing. When I've watched him,
I feel like he's been effective.
Speaker 1 (43:32):
But it felt like when they made that move, it
felt like Dan Morgan was making that move to make
another move and that and that move just never came down,
came down the pipeline. So which is why I never
wanted Clowney to go anywhere I was. I was pro,
I was pro Clowney being a Carolina Panther here in
twenty twenty five. But you know something that we talked
(43:53):
about going into the season that you know, it felt
like the roster was was still.
Speaker 3 (43:57):
Really a year away.
Speaker 1 (43:59):
And even though I picked him to win ten games,
it was in large part because of their schedule and
how bad I thought this division was going to be
and could have been. And in some ways that's played
out because you know, you swept the Falcons, you got
to win over Tampa, but I also thought they were
going to be you know, the Saints twice and those
and the Saints swept you. But we all did kind
of you know, ad mid out loud before the season
(44:19):
to get started. There were still some roster limitations going
into the year, but we thought they were maybe more
on the defensive side of the football. I think the
more we've seen this offensive corps out there has come
to the forefront that there is there is limitations on
both sides of the ball, which handicaps how you upgrade
your roster and and in the offseason. And so I
think Dan Morgan's got to be very calculated how much
(44:42):
money he spends on both sides of the ball in
free agency and then how how he spends this draft capital.
Speaker 4 (44:47):
And the good news is is it feels like they
are going to have a decent amount of money that
they can use, not anything crazy, but still they're going
to be able to afford some of the guys out
there that you know, could could be difference made for
you in free agency, and then you know, you got
to nail the draft. Again.
Speaker 3 (45:03):
This is just part of the building process.
Speaker 4 (45:06):
And that's the thing is that I hope people realize
that you even though it feels like the timeline is
being sped up because this team has a chance to
make the playoffs.
Speaker 3 (45:15):
You're making the playoffs in a bad division.
Speaker 4 (45:18):
So the hope is that you can continue to build
this as it goes along here and you can continue
to add We knew coming into the season there were
limitations with this roster.
Speaker 3 (45:31):
We talked about it.
Speaker 4 (45:32):
That was part of the reason why some of us
were more in the seven to eight win range because
we felt like the limitations could get in the way. Now,
there are some limitations that I don't know if we
knew they were nearly this dire Like linebacker I think
is an area you need to go and get somebody
that can be a little bit more consistent than let's
say Christian Roseboom, even though he's been solid. You'd probably
(45:55):
like to get another starting caliber linebacker. But yeah, edge
rusher I think is very and then yeah, you got
to figure out that wide receiver spot.
Speaker 3 (46:03):
Uh, what exactly you're gonna do there?
Speaker 4 (46:04):
Opposite of team AC are you trusting Jalen Coker or
are you going to go out and get somebody? And
you know, miserable human being sent in on the text
line that Bryce's weapons are better than Cam's weapons that
he played with. Are are are you? Are you serious?
Do you really believe that? Because right now you've got
(46:26):
Team AC and then who. You've got an undrafted receiver
in Jalen Coker, who I like, but is playing closer
to undrafted than he did last year. This year, you've
got xavierly Get who does nothing for you. You've got
(46:46):
a tight end room that is basically almost xavierly Get
a Jase at times they do absolutely nothing for you
at certain times either That's that's crazy to me. That's
an area they have to upgrade this offseason, no question.
Speaker 1 (47:02):
Sports Radio ninety two to seven wfnz's to young guns.
We got one more hour to go here on a
New Year's Eve, then coming up at twelve of getting
you ready for Hornets and Warriors that'll come your way
over at the Spectrum Center. We come back, we'll turn
our attention back to college football, back to the CFP Quarterfinals.
We'll make our predictions for all four games starting tonight
(47:22):
on Sports Radio ninety two seven wfn z
Our number three of the Young Gun Sports Radio ninety
two to seven WFNZ and Josh Marlow Anthony Pagnata here
with you, guys. We're taking you all the way up
until twelve o'clock. Then we'll hand it over to the
real professionals of Horden's pre game. They'll get you ready
for a big game at home against Steph Curry and
the Warriors. Should be a fun, lively crowd over at
(00:33):
Spectrum Center. But of course all the focus this week
is on Saturdays, not winner take all game anymore, but
pretty much for the Panthers winning your end game against
the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Help us talk about that, We'll
go to the WFNZ hotline and bring in Greg Alman,
NFC South reporter, does a great job covering the NFL
(00:53):
and the NFC South for Fox Sports. Greg, Good morning Man,
Happy New Year. How you doing today?
Speaker 2 (01:00):
Hey doing well? Happy New Year to you guys as well.
Speaker 3 (01:02):
Appreciate you saying that.
Speaker 1 (01:03):
I appreciate you taking some time out of your day
to come on and get us ready for this big
game in the division. You know your expertise really does
come and know one this Tampa Bay Buccaneers franchise inside
and out. What if you had to describe and one
word or many many words, what has led to them
being eight and eight after a five and one start.
Speaker 2 (01:24):
I mean, it's a lot of things. I don't think
it's one word. It's a free fall. I mean everything
has taken a step back. It's it's injuries, it's inconsistency.
The defense just hasn't played well at all. You know,
it's just the close wins that were a big part
of them getting the six and two at the start
of the season have have turned into close losses. Except
for the Rams game. They really haven't been out of
(01:45):
any of these games. They're just very consistently not winning
them at the end.
Speaker 4 (01:50):
So, Greg, one thing that we were talking about there
was a question that was asked by Joe Person, who's
on the beat down here about, you know, playing this
Buccaneers team so close to the last time that they played.
What is different this time about the Buccaneers than the
first time that they played. Are they going to be
more healthy coming into this game or is it really
basically the same team that the Panthers played a couple.
Speaker 3 (02:13):
Of weeks ago.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
I guess we don't know. I mean, they should be
a little healthier. It's like they had Tristan wurs in
that game and they haven't had him. They didn't have
him last week. So that's the first question is whether
they have an all pro left tackle playing or not.
And that's a big one in theory. They could have
their defensive tackle Klaijah Cantie back on Saturday. He hasn't
played all year, not since whooped two. I should say,
with a torn pack. He's back practicing, but again I
(02:37):
wasn't expecting him to be back to this game. I mean,
their offensive stars are healthy, their receivers are healthy. For
the first time, they're stole down two guards. They've been
an injured team all season in one form or the other.
So they're probably healthier than they were most of the year.
But I don't know they're specifically healthier than they were
in Charlotte two weeks ago for the Panthers game.
Speaker 1 (02:57):
When you look at Baker Mayfield, he's certainly struggled with
injuries and just has it been the Baker Mayfield that
he has been? You know, when this team was you know,
five and one, and as I mentioned, there was conversations
about maybe them being the team to be in in
the NFC. What's the confidence level in him being able
to be healthy enough to play at the level they
need him to play in on Saturday to get this
(03:18):
team into the playoffs for a fifth straight year.
Speaker 2 (03:21):
Yeah, I mean it as confident as you could be
as a guy that's lost seven out of eight. You know,
Bakers had fourth courter interceptions the last three games. You know,
I think he's did a really good job in the
first half of this season in terms of limiting his turnovers.
I think, you know, eight games and he has sixteen
touchdowns and two interceptions. Is doing a good job of
that as anybody Since then, I think it's nine touchdowns
(03:41):
and eight interceptions, So you know, some of that I
think is them being in closer games where he has
to try throws that maybe you wouldn't normally try attempt
the risk your passes. But no, I mean it's hard
to you want to have confidence in him as a
team based on who he was the first half of
the season, but the protect and hasn't been as good,
the connection with the receivers hasn't been a good and
(04:03):
as a result, you know, they're losing these close games,
so it's definitely a game they could win. I think
they're favored in terms of odds makers, but you know,
once they've lost again to the Saints, to the Falcons,
to the Miami Dolphins', I don't know that you can
pencil in anything as a win with this team anymore.
Speaker 3 (04:21):
So, you know, I.
Speaker 4 (04:22):
Want Greg Auman to give his opinion on this when
it comes to you know, you've got Tampa favored in
this game. Well, when it comes to how the teams
are playing, where do you stand on these two teams?
Who do you think fans should be more confident in
going into this matchup?
Speaker 2 (04:41):
I think it's a crapshoot that way. I mean, if
you look at Carolina, I mean Carolina has alternated wins
and losses for ten games in a row, so I mean,
if they kept the pattern, it feels like a win
for Carolina, But they just lost in a situation they
really should have won and needed to win in. I
think they've both had opper tunities to make life a
(05:01):
lot easier for themselves down the stretch here, and neither
of them has really done that consistently. Carolina did against
the Bucks. That's the single biggest difference between the two
of them, So whether that makes it tougher and whether
the Bucks are going to be the better team in
the rematch is hard to know. We're in that weird
situation now where they schedule it oddly where even if
the Bucks win, they wouldn't know that they've won the division.
They really can't celebrate on the field. There are no
(05:22):
T shirts and hats being given out because they have
to wait until Sunday and hope that the Saints can
beat the Falcons. So that kind of makes it even weirder.
Carolina knows if they win they can celebrate on the field.
I think that's a great situation for them to be
able to celebrate in real time as you win a
division title.
Speaker 1 (05:40):
We're talking with Greg Allman, is a great job covering
the NFL, the NFC South for Fox Sports. A few
more for you, Gregan won't let you go mentioning this
is just a flat out free fall for Tampa Bay.
Speaker 3 (05:51):
Do you get the sense?
Speaker 1 (05:52):
Do you get the vibe that Todd Bowles is coaching
for his job on Saturday afternoon?
Speaker 2 (05:57):
I think it really would help him to win, to lose,
to lose on your home field to the team that
takes the division from you to kind of complete that
would be eight out of nine. There's not a lot
of precedent for a coach, you know, losing eight out
of nine, the whole non of things. But at the
same time, you know, Bowles has won the division every
other year he's coached. I'm sure the ownership is aware
of the injuries they've dealt with, the asterisk that kind
(06:20):
of puts on their season, But the vibe in Tampa,
I mean, this is two months of negativity. This is
two months of fans grousing and being upset. Understandably, that's
just going to perpetuate into the offseason. So it just
comes down to the ownership's patients with bowls. You know,
to have a second half like this, you have to
have somebody that can really bring the franchise out of
(06:40):
that hole they've dug for themselves. So the biggest question
is whether you think Bowles can be that guy or
whether he stopped reaching the locker room and you need
to reset with somebody else, maybe an offensive coach instead.
Speaker 4 (06:51):
Greg, where exactly are you in terms of the confidence
level in Bryce Young coming into this game. You know,
he he had some moment, you know, in the middle
of the season it looked like things were turning in
the right direction for him. But last week a tough week.
A lot of people talking about the play calling, but
only through for fifty four yards. Where are you at
with the thirty year quarterback of the Carolina Panthers.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
Yeah, I mean, I think the body of his work
for this season has been what you want. I mean,
I think as they I think it's may they have
to decide on a fifth year option. It's hard to imagine.
I'm not exercising that. I think it's what twenty six
million basically, but you don't know. I mean, there's still
been some inconsistency. This was really the first year this
year where they where you could see them winning because
of him and not just with him, if you will.
(07:36):
So I think he's done enough to get that fifth
year extension, which kind of gives him more time to
continue the progress he's shown. You know, I think he's
been a better quarterback in our Dave Canalis. I agree
the play calling hasn't been great, but no, I mean
I think he's taking a step forward. You know, I
don't think probably had the best season by a Panthers
(07:56):
quarterback since late cam you'd say so if you believe
in him. I mean, twenty six million dollars. Unfortunately, it's
a fairly small investment to make in a franchise quarterback
by today's quarterback economy.
Speaker 1 (08:10):
Both teams greg feature you know, rookie wide receivers that
are having in a great seasons Tedorroe, McMillan for the Panthers.
You know, you make a Buka down there for Seattle.
Do you feel over for Tampa Bay? Do you feel
like this game could determine the chances of either one
of those guys or the offensive rookie of the Year?
Speaker 3 (08:25):
Yeah, it could.
Speaker 2 (08:26):
I mean, it's just one of those where it's tricky.
I think they were within one yard of each other,
and I think if one of them can have a
big game, I mean the first game was obviously a
much bigger game for Tet that was for Buca and
had Qui again this past week, So you know, it
complicates things and that that award can really easily be
dominated by quarterbacks. So you've seen Tyler Schuck kind of
(08:46):
jump in here in the second half of the season.
Jackson Dart has twenty two touchdowns this year for the
Giant hasn't really been with a winning program. I don't
think there's a running back that would win the award
right now, so it's hard to know that that's an
odd award. You don't really know voter tendencies and preferences.
It could be as simple as if Shuck comes out
and throws for three touchdowns in a win against the
(09:07):
Falcons on Sunday, that pushes him in and they say, wow,
that's a great You know, six and three as the
starters what he would be if he won there, That
probably carries more weight. Jackson Dart has better numbers overall,
but I think they're three and eight when he starts,
so I think it's kind of still up for grabs,
and I would definitely want to be the receiver that
has the better game and wins on Saturday out of
(09:28):
McMillan and Abuka.
Speaker 3 (09:29):
Speaking of up.
Speaker 4 (09:30):
For grabs, it feels like that's where the NFC South
is in terms of the future of this division moving forward.
Who do you think has the inside track to be
maybe the Tampa of the future here where they're able
to potentially win the division going forward. Yeah, I don't know.
Speaker 2 (09:49):
I mean, I think right now, kind of the best
thing you can say about the NFC South is how
wide open it is. I think you'll have people that
probably pick all four of these teams to win next year.
I mean, I think Atlanta has uncertain because you don't
know when Panics is going to come back, but their
defense has definitely stepped up with a bunch of rookies
making plays. I think Carolina has certainly trended in the
right direction and it's you know whatever, within a game
(10:11):
of winning it this year. I think they'll have most
everybody back. Free agency's not going to hit them hard,
you know. I think we've seen the Saints take a
big step forward in the second half last year, and
obviously the Bucks have taken a big step back. But
we'll have most of their core and should be healthier
next year. So honestly, I don't think there is a
consensus team to beat next year. I think if Carolina
(10:32):
gets it done on Saturday, it probably starts with them,
just because they'll be the defending chance. They'll have most
everything back. They certainly have an upward trajectory to them.
But I don't think anybody will be a runaway preseason
consensus favorite to win the division.
Speaker 5 (10:44):
He is.
Speaker 1 (10:44):
Greg Gormon is a great job covering the NFL for
Fox Sports. You can follow him on Twitter at Greg Almond.
Greg Wan, thank you for making some time for us.
Happy New Year and we'll talk to you down the road.
Speaker 5 (10:53):
My man.
Speaker 2 (10:54):
Hey you two you guys take care.
Speaker 3 (10:55):
Thanks again, Thanks Greg.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
All right, So that's Greg Gommen is a great job
bring the NFL for Fox Sports. I do wonder, you know,
flound if if if Tampa does lose and it becomes
eight of nine, what do they do with Todd Bowles,
because you know, does does all the previous success get
thrown out the window after one collapse? Does he give
the benefit of the doubt because he's lost you know,
coordinators back to back years to two and two guys
(11:21):
that could be in the playoffs and Liam Comarty in
the playoffs with Jacksonville, Dave Canalis on the Dorset, but
of taking Carolina to the playoffs. But it could just
be time for them to reset, you know, with Mike
Evans maybe at the end of his career coming down.
Speaker 3 (11:36):
You know, I do just wonder.
Speaker 1 (11:38):
Because the culture is as bad as we've seen it,
you know, post Versarians. He had this you know, eight
cussword rant in twenty eight seconds, and then Bucky Irvin
sent out still one of the most wildest tweets I've
ever seen a player tweet tweet about their head coach
going into a game this of this magnitude. So I
get this sense out of Tampa Bay where to lose,
(11:58):
lose the division at home to arrival at Carolina, Todd
Bowles will be be getting fired on Monday, which is
really sad.
Speaker 4 (12:05):
But I think with how bad the division, the or
or you know, the locker room has gotten, it seems
like there is division between the players and the head coach.
I find it hard to believe that he doesn't end
up potentially getting fired at the end of this game
if they end up losing. I mean, it's crazy to think.
I mean, you've got a guy that has won the division.
(12:29):
What is it now, is it three or four straight
years with him as the head coach, and then they're
going to four four straight with him. That's I mean,
that's the thing. He has been really successful for the
most part in this job. But I guess, you know,
part of it is is the coordinators that he's lost
the other thing is do you give him a break
(12:50):
because he is a guy that has suffered so many injuries,
that team has been so banged up for the second half.
Speaker 3 (12:57):
Of this season.
Speaker 4 (12:58):
But I mean, yeah, you're talking about a team that
could lose eight of nine down the stretch, including some
really bad losses. I mean, you lost to quinn Ewers
the you know, they haven't been able to beat other
teams in the NFC South.
Speaker 3 (13:14):
That could certainly be something that factors in.
Speaker 4 (13:17):
So I mean, yeah, I think there's a good chance
that he could be on the chopping block. The only
question that I would ask is, if you're firing Todd Bowles,
who are you going out and getting that you know
is going to be better. I don't know that you
have that guy. And look, maybe it is an offensive mind.
We've seen some of these guys throw Ben Johnson, Liam Cohen,
(13:38):
as you brought up Dave here in Carolina. But I
don't know if you're guaranteed to get that guy. There's
not somebody that's an experienced coach that you know is
going to be better and less for some reason, Pittsburgh
was to fire Mike Tomlin. I think that is certainly
still on the table with the fact that they haven't
won that division. That would probably be the only that
(14:00):
I would think would be in the running for a
job like that. That would be a major upgrade that
has experience. But I don't know if he would ultimately
end up in Tampa because every team is gonna want him.
Speaker 1 (14:12):
Weather Man Mark writes it on the fan Angel TEXTA
and he will be fired. Fitty the Carolina Reaper will
get him. I certainly hope so. But there's no there's
no denying, there's no denying. There's no doubt that there's
there's pressure on Dave Canalis, there's pressure on Bryce Young
to bounce back after, you know, a dismal showing on
Sunday afternoon at Bank of America Stadium. We'll talk about
(14:35):
who has more pressure on them going into Saturday is
all important game. You're listening to Sports Radio ninety two
seven w FNZ. Sports Radio ninety two seven wfn Z.
(15:04):
You're hanging out with the young guns here on a
New Year's Eve Wednesday. I hope you guys are all
gonna have a happy and safe New Year. Don't do
anything you know Jason p Are Paul would do like
on fourth of July or anything tonight. Be safe around
the fireworks if that's something that you are into. Seven
oh four five, seven ninety six ten, we want to
(15:25):
hear from you on the fan duel text line and
our dear buddy Dick from East Texas. He's written in
some some funny text messages about the future of the NFC.
South said there's a coach in Chapel Hill wanting him
to come back to the NFL. Hashtag gig them. Then
he followed up with a watching this Panthers team is
like watching Marlow's dating life. A whole lot of potential
(15:46):
till you look at the product again hashtag gig them.
Speaker 3 (15:50):
And then Ishmael.
Speaker 1 (15:51):
Wrote in with you know he gets a good old
dick gets one straight in a day. The most pressure
is on Fitty's chair, thoughts and prayers for it. The
funny thing is is we were talking before the show.
There is a chair in our studio that has broken
once again.
Speaker 4 (16:06):
Oh it's it's smashed the pieces at the bottom. I'm
trying to figure out this mystery of how it got destroyed.
Speaker 1 (16:12):
Well, I mean one of it is the part of
the fact that there are some rather rotund men that
sit in that chair. Fair that may also be the
chair that three out of four of them, well, I
mean shrup when it hits you and you become one
of us, and you've got a little belly and you
you start breathing, heave when you walk up the stairs.
(16:34):
We'll look back on all the digs you've thrown our way.
That might also be the chair that after the New
Orleans game, it got shoved pretty hard and as I
walked out of the room in anger of.
Speaker 4 (16:45):
Course, of course, so that's probably the reason why I
stamp in your feet over there.
Speaker 3 (16:52):
I don't know if I was.
Speaker 1 (16:53):
Doing that, but there was one of the chairs in
here that did go for a little bit of a
ride after the lost in New Orleans, the road loss,
that is, which was somehow made Oh you got to clarify, Yeah,
that's very more frustrating than the home loss because you
were up ten in the fourth quarter and you found
a way to lose, to lose the ballgame. Let's turn
our attention to the topic that I think everybody's been
(17:14):
talking about this week, and it's going to carry over
into the offseason, regardless of the Panthers make the playoffs
or not. And that's the marriage of Bryce Young the
quarterback and Dave Canalis the play caller. You know, Willie
and I had a conversation about it yesterday, and you know,
I kind of said that, look, y'all know how I
feel about Bryce. I'm not changing out feeling about Bryce.
(17:34):
I'm committed to Bryce. I think he's going to be
the guy here for the long haul. But I do
have doubts, concerns and worries about Dave Canalis to play
call to where I'd like to see him give up
play calling duties. And even if you give it to
Brad Is I guess what Brad is, it would become
a first time play caller, which means that if Dave
Canalis were to surrender those those duties, I'd like to
(17:55):
see him bring in a proven play caller at the
NFL level. Boy, you look at this game specifically, who
has more pressure on them? Do you think to bounce back?
Is it Dave Canalis, who was clearly out coached, out
prepared out everything on Sunday by Mike McDonald in Seattle,
Or is it Bryce Young? Because you know he was
(18:17):
the quarterback that tried to shoot that game plan in
the process through for a woeful fifty four yards.
Speaker 4 (18:23):
Yeah, well, yes, the answer is both, but the I
think more so you need to see it from Dave Canalis.
This needs to be a strong game plan against the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers because the game plan the other day
did not really seem to fit one of a team
that was looking to win the division. It felt like
(18:44):
that was more of a team that had won the
division already or just knew that this game wasn't going
to mean much because they thought that the Tampa Bay
Buccaneers were going to take care of business. That's not
the way that they need to roll into this game.
You need to see him be aggressive, try to get
the ball downfield a little bit. And yeah, maybe that
is on Bryce Young to be a little bit more
aggressive himself going down the field. Talked about off the air,
(19:08):
how you know Dave was caught off guard a little
bit by what the amount of man defense that was
being thrown out by Seattle. Well, it meant there were
a lot of one on one matchups down the field.
You don't think that you should have tested that at
some point to see whether or not you could actually
get a big play here or there. I mean, you've
got guys that you're hoping can win some of those
(19:30):
fifty to fifty balls. I mean, look, I think Tenoroa McMillan,
that's not necessarily his biggest strength, but there's there's a
reason why you drafted him in the top ten. And
then Jalen Koker is a guy that we've seen be
able to win at times in that's anarreo with those
fifty to fifty balls. So I would have liked to
see him test the downfield a little bit more. Hopefully
(19:53):
that's the game plan going into this game. And I
would also like to see you run the ball a
little bit more.
Speaker 1 (19:58):
As we talked about earlier, us hear from the head
coach Dave Canal as he was asked if he'll go
deeper into his bag on Saturday with the division on
the line a little bit.
Speaker 6 (20:07):
But at the same time, I have to be aware
of what our guys can handle. And that's really my
biggest responsibility, Brad and I is identifying the scope of
what we can handle from a football standpoint with this group.
How much run game can we handle, how much past game,
how many little wrinkles and nuances, because all those things
you know even when you're running plays that have you know,
(20:29):
several different motions, and you know you're trying to get
a defense and a specific look and all that. Those
take a lot of timing, a lot of detail, and
they're different. They're different than the normal calls that you
would you would make, so they require as much, if
not a little bit more attention, and so you got
to be careful about how much you try to do extra.
You know, the goal is to play fast, and I
know that the best way to play fast is to
(20:50):
have concepts that were very confident with, that were very
comfortable with, and that gives us the best chance to
have success.
Speaker 1 (20:55):
Seven oh four or five seven ninety sixteen, we got
some fantual text rolling in your PSL Smith rights in,
it's not on Bryce. We need separation from these wide receivers.
He's the only reason we had a touchdown on Sunday
because he had to take a scramble in for a touchdown.
Rico Suave rights in, I'm getting tired if you're in
Canalis is learning on the job. He's been doing this
(21:16):
two years now. He's not showing a big improvement. We
need to go get an OC. But I mean like
play calling, it's there's there's a there's an art to
it like and it's why once you've perfected your craft
like Andy Reid, Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan, and I guess
you may put Kevin O'Connell in that category, it's why
(21:37):
you you get the benefit of the doubt. And that's
why those guys have much equity built.
Speaker 3 (21:41):
Up in uh in them.
Speaker 1 (21:43):
Canalis was a first time play caller when he got
the job here, and it wasn't like his offense in
Tampa was mind blowing and he had a lot of
the same weapons that Liam Comb had before he got
the head coaching job at Jacksonville and and the previous
guy before him when that you know, that offense post
Tom Brady was they got Baker was still pretty productive,
still pretty explosive, especially in the passing game. I think
(22:06):
what's been frustrating is you hear Canalis talk every week
about trying to find our best football and then build
off of that. How many teams go into Week eighteen
without having identity on offense. I can still play for
a division and that's what the Panthers are. Like, We're
going into the final week of the regular season, and
this team you do not know from the previous game
(22:29):
to the next what they want to do offensively, and
yet they still have a chance to define themselves in
the playoffs. And I guess you know, when you try
to play the blame game, is that more on Canalis
or is that more of a lack of trust and
faith than Bryce Shunk to continue to build and evolve
the offense around him.
Speaker 3 (22:51):
Well, it's not just Bryce.
Speaker 4 (22:54):
I mean, somebody brings U There are a couple of
people that pointed this out and I was going to
go there.
Speaker 3 (22:58):
Next he says, what our guys can handle? What does
that mean?
Speaker 4 (23:04):
So you really believe this far into the season that
there are concepts that these guys are not going to
be able to understand. That's wild man and well, and
that shows you that there are some guys on this
team that just are not preparing the way that they
probably should be preparing. And I'm not saying that's Bryce.
I find it hard to believe that Bryce is one
of those guys. I think it's some of the other
(23:26):
guys on the offensive side of the ball that maybe
aren't preparing the way that they need to. And it's
limiting what Dave Canalis feels like he's able to do.
Speaker 3 (23:34):
I feel like that statement is and.
Speaker 1 (23:37):
Is an indictment on Bryce jan I think that's him
telling you he still doesn't trust him the way that
maybe we thought he would trust him after he came
back and played the way he played down the stretch
or the way he has played it at different times
this year. Because truth be told, after what they did
against Atlanta and the way that offense just moved the
(23:59):
foot ball up and down the field and put up
the points in the yards that they did. You know,
Bryce at the franchise record for for passing yards in
a game that should have been the turning point for
this offense, where that that they what we saw in
that game was what we should have seen on a
much more consistent basis, and that quite simply hasn't happened.
(24:21):
So I do think that comment is an indictment on
on Bryce. And I think what you got to figure
out with Bryce is why why do you not maybe
trust your your receivers the way that that you do.
I don't think he has any trust in and Xaviriel
get how could you the guy had more penalty yards
and receiving yards.
Speaker 3 (24:39):
I was Sunday he should be confident.
Speaker 1 (24:42):
And I also do think that at some point, you know,
this is something that Bagel Guy writes in and some
other people do write in, at some point he's got
to throw the ball in windows that are NFL open
and that's open, like there are is like there are
some times where I do feel like and again we're
just seeing the TV copy. You know, sometimes I get
(25:03):
to check out some all twenty two footage, but but not,
you know, not not not the whole game. There are
times where there are guys that are NFL open where
the ball sh doesn't come out, and and so that's
what is that? Is that because Bryce isn't seeing that
throw or does he just not trust whoever he's throwing
the football too in that situation outside of t MAC
to come down and and make the play regardless, it's
(25:24):
not good. Yeah, And I think that's where there's a
big reason why the offense is is where is where
it is? Lemon writes in on the Fangul text line,
I don't think it's an indictment on Bryce Gooch Grundleman,
He writes in, Lol, of course it's on the quarterback
on the field. My god, with the coddling what our
(25:44):
guys can handle, says everything. So he's he's more on
on on the Bryce side of things where he's got
to play better. He's got to play at a at
a higher level. Granny Pats coming to your defense, Flounder,
Saint Flander, I agree with you. Bryce does what Canalis
tells him to do. I don't totally believe in Bryce
Young either, So I mean, look, I don't think that
(26:08):
Bryce is perfect. I need, of course, I don't.
Speaker 4 (26:10):
We had an argument earlier in the year about whether
or not I thought he had shown that he was
a franchise quarterback. I think to this point in the season,
where we've gotten to now a few it's been what
probably about a month a month and a half since
we had that argument, I think he has shown that
he is potentially the franchise quarterback for this team. I
(26:32):
don't think that he has necessarily been bad.
Speaker 3 (26:35):
You mentioned it.
Speaker 4 (26:36):
One thing that he needs to do is throw with
a little more anticipation. I do think that certainly is
something that you want to see from him.
Speaker 1 (26:42):
Think, well, you got to clarify he throws with anticipation
when he throws to four. When he's throwing t Max's way,
he's anticipating t Mac coming out of his route, you know,
being there, and that's where the ball. But that's the
only one. Because even since Coker's come back, has Cocher
been featured in the offense the way that we wanted
him to be, the way that we expect him to be.
Speaker 3 (27:05):
That not real.
Speaker 4 (27:07):
It's inconsistent. It's just like the offense as a whole.
Cocher gets involved in certain games, looks really good and
you're thinking to yourself, Okay, this is the game where
he finally gets going, and then you see him in the.
Speaker 3 (27:20):
Next game and all of a sudden, I don't know.
Speaker 4 (27:23):
Look, when I was watching the other day from where
we were sitting up high, it did not feel like
there were a lot of guys that were getting open.
It did not feel even NFL open. It felt like
guys were really being covered well. And credit needs to
be given to Seattle. That's the other thing that I
think is crazy. You know, Greg, Greg Allman, you know,
great guests love Greg. He said that that was a
(27:47):
game that Carolina should have won, that it was it
was an opportunity that they let go By. Yes, I
get that, but should have won. I don't think that
you just played the best team in the NFL. Like, guys,
let's not panic because they lost to the Seattle Seahawks.
That is a really good football team. I guess maybe
(28:11):
the way that they lost is maybe what's panicking people.
But I do think that Seattle deserves a lot of
credit for that win as well. So I mean, yeah,
I think Dave needs to be a little bit more
innovative with his game plan. But it is pretty damning
when he says that we're gonna do as much as
these guys can handle. To me, maybe that is a
(28:33):
statement on Bryce Young. I feel like that's a statement
on a lot of the other guys on the offensive
side of the ball, mainly these receivers or the guys
or these pass catchers, I should say, because it brings
into effect the tight end position as well, which just
really hasn't done anything for consistent for the team throughout
the entire season.
Speaker 1 (28:52):
Seven to four number rights, and we're a young team
with a young coach. Ron Rivera sucked until his third year,
then he became Riverboat. This is not our year. We're
having the same conversation next year. Then we have a problem.
Speaker 3 (29:05):
I do.
Speaker 1 (29:08):
I do wonder if Canalis's play calling duties hanging the
balance in this game. And then like and then my
question is is who's making that call? Who's making that decision?
Is is that Dan Morgan? You know when they when
they evaluate the season, whether they make the playoffs or not.
And he goes to Dave and say, hey, look, you've
(29:29):
you've done a really good job rebuilding the culture, because
I don't think we've given Dave Canalis enough credit for
the culture he's built. Like when you watch these victory games,
speeches that he's delivering, this he has his locker room's attention.
These guys play for him. So is is is it
Dan Morgan? Or does does does Daddy Warbucks unbutton that
(29:51):
that that that that collar shirt that he likes to
wear and say, hey, I brought you in to be
a bright offensive mind. And yes, you've you've got and
Bryce Young to be an average level quarterback. But we're
twenty eighth in offense and we're not seeing the points
on the board that we want to see with all
the investment that we've seen into that side of the football.
I do wonder if that's a tangible thing that does
(30:14):
happen in this game, is that if Carol and I
think it's more happened if Carolina loses. I do wonder
if that's a conversation that you know, Dan Morgan in
this front office is having an end of the season.
Speaker 4 (30:24):
If we're having the conversation, I believe that they are
having the conversation over in that building about whether or
not this should be the plan moving forward or should
you just let Dave focus on being a head coach
and find a different play caller. Now, the thing is
is where do they go with that play caller? With
those play caller duties. Brad Idseick's never called an offense before,
(30:47):
So if you go with him, you're going with another
first timer. You're going to have a guy that's sort
of learning on the job and there could be some
bumps in the road. I feel like next year, you
want to have a consistent offense. That would be my
pushback against it. That would be one of the reasons
why I would say, maybe you just roll with Dave Canalis.
If you're trying to continue to build this and you
(31:09):
just let Dave continue to come along as a play caller.
Speaker 3 (31:12):
The frustrating part.
Speaker 4 (31:13):
Of it is that we have seen some game plans
from Dave that have been unbelievably good, and you think,
to yourself, Man, if we could just get this consistent.
Speaker 3 (31:25):
It's just like the team in general.
Speaker 4 (31:28):
But there's other times where it's just you're left scratching
your head what exactly is the game plan? But I
think that's one of the things that they've got to
figure out. It's amazing that they've gotten to this point,
but you don't have an identity offensively. There is not
something that we identify with this offense and say that
is the strength of this offense. It feels like that
(31:50):
shifts week to week, and you've got to find that.
That's the biggest thing you've got to find this.
Speaker 1 (31:54):
Offseason if you're the Carolina Panthers, And there's something that
I've really come to the conclusion of. As as a
Bryce believer, Bryce Coddler, whatever it is you want to
label me as, I'm happy to be that because, by God,
that's that's my quarterback. Even though he was the number
one overall pick, even though they invested a lot to
(32:15):
go get him. To maximize Bryce, you've got to maximize
the talent around him, and I and and you know,
because he's not He's not Josh Allen, He's not you
know Burrow Mahomes. Those those guys could could make chicken
salad out of chicken crap. Bran Stung is not one
(32:35):
of those guys, right, Like like Bryce Shung needs he
needs legitimate weapons at the wide receiver position outside of
T Mac.
Speaker 3 (32:43):
I think they've got to invest what.
Speaker 7 (32:44):
I don't think you can say that after watching the
Bucks game and him shake off three defenders and then
find JT.
Speaker 5 (32:52):
Sanders open in the end zone.
Speaker 1 (32:53):
So you you don't think he needs more talent around
him to maximize his talent.
Speaker 7 (32:58):
I'm not saying that, but you but you said he
he's a guy that can't make something out of nothing,
which is okay.
Speaker 3 (33:03):
On a weekend base.
Speaker 4 (33:05):
Occasionally he is able to make plays like that. But yes,
in terms of I have absolutely nothing. Nobody is getting
in this game that they're just played against the Attle Dude,
no one's getting open. Oh there's no way. He is
not a guy that's going to create Joe Burrow. He
would find a way to throw guys open because he's
just that damn good where.
Speaker 3 (33:26):
I just I don't know if Bryce is on that level.
And that's okay.
Speaker 4 (33:30):
Not every quarterback in the league is going to be
on that level. So that's gonna be one of the
things that they've got to do this offseason. They've got
to find someone that can create separation downfield because right now,
you don't have that guy on this roster. It's you
might think it's Jimmy Horn, but I don't. I don't
think you can trust him to win downfield, especially because
(33:50):
he also is a smaller receiver. You'd like to have
someone with a little bit of size out there as
well that you could trust down the field in case
you have to win some fifty to fifty. So I
think that that's ultimately what their biggest thing is that
they're going to be looking for this year on the
offensive side of the ball.
Speaker 3 (34:08):
And it's crazy.
Speaker 4 (34:09):
I mean, we're talking about they could go out and
draft the receiver again early in the draft for a
third straight year, because that's the biggest need on the
offensive side of the ball right now.
Speaker 7 (34:19):
Well, I would hope that you know, at least having
somewhat of a competitive season and maybe you know, hopefully
being in the playoffs would maybe attract more free agency
than how bad you've been in the past, so maybe
you don't have to rely on the draft. But Noah,
I mean, I'm not sitting here saying he doesn't need
better weapons, he needs another wide receiver because obviously Excel has.
Speaker 5 (34:37):
Proven to us that.
Speaker 7 (34:37):
He is not that guy. I mean, I would rather
have David Moore out there this this weekend than a
XL if he's ready to go. But yeah, there's definitely
the separation has been an issue because you have Excel
and and Cocher, guys that have big frames but are
not the fastest guys ever.
Speaker 5 (34:56):
They are not burners.
Speaker 7 (34:57):
They can you know, they're decent route runners, but if
you haven't run straight, they're not running right past a
lot of guys.
Speaker 5 (35:02):
But that's also really tough.
Speaker 7 (35:05):
I mean, maybe, like you know, maybe this team needs
an Exavier worthy type player. I think that'd be that'd
be really fun.
Speaker 4 (35:12):
Rashid Shaheed is a good example of a guy that
just wins downfield.
Speaker 7 (35:16):
Man who's the cat up there for Detroit Jamison Williams James. Yes,
now that would be a fun piece to add to
this team. Yeah, I mean, but that's exactly what this
team is missing is that guy that can just push it,
and sadly, we have not had that yet.
Speaker 5 (35:31):
So Excel is a guy. He might be fast, he doesn't.
Speaker 7 (35:35):
He doesn't play particularly quick, so that's ended up being
a massive disappointment.
Speaker 1 (35:39):
I think failed Riz put this in the in the
perfect perspective, then we'll get a break. The the Bryce
Shun point guard analogy is is real. But what does
he need to have around him to become a great
point guard is he's got to have talent at the
other at at the spots where he can just distribute
the ball. Like the problem I had when I played
basketball as a point guard was I was distributing the
(36:01):
football players. I couldn't shoot, so that made me look bad.
If I was playing with actual basketball players, I would
have I would have probably gone at least D three
before my ACM came out. I'm sure that's true. If
Brian Strung, if you give him I don't want to
say legitimate NFL weapons because you're because then you're you're really,
you know, discrediting what these guys have done to get
to the NFL. But you need higher level talented NFL players.
(36:25):
I think you can really see him play at at
a at a higher level more consistently. And that's that's
the biggest thing. This is where my Bryce apology stuff
comes in, because a lot of these people out like
he hasn't played at a high level at all, and
then Mac reads off all these stats that try to
get pissed off about on board about. But the stats
are there, the proofs in the pudding. He's played at
a high level. It just needs to be more consistent.
(36:47):
I think if you put guys that consistently went around him,
I think he'll play consistently more football at that quarterback position.
And this all maybe becomes a you know, a moot point,
you know, a col's opinion, if you will call back
to a Joey Tribani from friends. We'll love to wait
and see, though, because this conversation will not be addressed
until the offseason when they get into the draft a
(37:09):
free agency. They've got to maximize what they have right
now and hopefully they do that. On Saturday down in
Tampa Bay Sports Radio ninety two to seven WF and Z,
the young guns were hanging out with you up until
twelve o'clock. When we come back, we'll put the twenty
twenty five sport year in perspective and for the Panthers
to Hornets, Hurricanes, Simo or you're listening to Sports Radio
(37:29):
ninety two to seven wfn Z, final segment of hour
number three of the Young Guns. We're broadcasting live from
(37:50):
the Chandler Volta Studios, Cvinjury, laud dot com. That's Cvinjury
lawd dot com.
Speaker 5 (37:56):
One call.
Speaker 1 (37:57):
That's all they are, the Carolina's personal injury years.
Speaker 3 (38:00):
I'm gonna read a couple more.
Speaker 1 (38:01):
Text messages come out to conclude our conversation about Bryce
Young and Dave Canalis Google search rights. In the realities,
the Panthers need a number one wide receiver. It's been
several years since we have had a Steve Smith or
Musen Mohammad. We need guys that can get open or
a true threat to run the field. T Mac is
a solid number two.
Speaker 4 (38:23):
Okay, interesting he's about to go for one thousand yards
as a rookie.
Speaker 1 (38:26):
But I can maybe see in terms of like maybe
his route tree suggests he's a number two wide receiver.
The production would suggest that he's a number one. And
look if some of those plays that he tried to
make one hand, and if they go the other way,
we're not having this conversation like if he if he breaks,
if he makes those contested catches, then we're looking at
him as a as a bona fide wide receiver number
(38:49):
one Gooch Grundelman wrote back in continually having to draft
to accommodate Bryce's shortcomings hurts the team as a whole
and stifles other areas of need, like the defense, which
really needs upgrades. I think that's going to be the
tricky thing as we look at this roster and it's
still in need of upgrades on both sides of the ball.
Speaker 3 (39:09):
How do you go about it?
Speaker 1 (39:11):
I think Dan Morgan has proven through free agency he's
been able to make the right addition. Since year one
it was beeping up the offensive side of the ball,
and year two it was addressing the needs on the
defensive side of the ball. Do you go all in
on either side in free agency, address the other needs
in the draft, or do you maybe try to split
it down the middle of fifty to fifty. I do
(39:31):
feel like they're going to be in the conversation to
make a move at pass rusher. I think they would
much rather draft a proven guy to put along that
defensive line as opposed to adding another young gun if
you will to go up there with Derek Brown and
Nicks Gordon.
Speaker 4 (39:50):
So what do you think and do you think in
free agency or are you thinking Max Crosby probably due.
Speaker 3 (39:56):
Crosby scares me? Well, yeah, I mean he's a pass rusher.
Speaker 1 (40:01):
Because he's what thirty two years old coming off a
back injury.
Speaker 3 (40:04):
Yeah, yeah, no, I I Hendrickson's thirty.
Speaker 1 (40:10):
I would, I would probably, I'd probably want to go
that route if he's even you know, if he's even
made available to trade. I don't know what the what
the market looks like right now in terms of in
terms of free agency, but I feel like, you know,
they're gonna want to upgrade that side of the ball
ahead of the uh, you know, ahead of the draft,
because I think they just want and I think they
(40:31):
need someone proven to put up there alongside Derek Brown
because you know, Pat Jones and dj Wanham are nice,
you just need more from them and you haven't gotten that.
You haven't gotten that this season?
Speaker 2 (40:46):
Right?
Speaker 3 (40:46):
No?
Speaker 4 (40:47):
I mean what was that was that Dj Wantam's first
sack of the season the other day? I think it
might have been his first sack of the season that
shows you. And again, he's been out there a lot.
I think he's been solid in run defense, but he
just hasn't done anything as a pass rusher. And Nick
Gorton's nice, but we need to start seeing that production
(41:11):
moving forward if he's going to be a guy that
you're banking on. So here are the names guy of
some of the guys that are on the free agent
list that will be available. Trey Hendrickson, Khalil Mack, Asan Reddick,
Joey Bosa, oh talk about injury issues. Oh now, an
interesting name that pops up here is ye tor Gross Mantos.
Speaker 3 (41:34):
Could that be a guy that you could look at
discount wise.
Speaker 4 (41:37):
I don't know if there's a big name that you're
going after that is going to be a significant difference
maker that doesn't come with some questions. I mean, Khalil Mack.
Khalil Mack's thirty five years old. Man, he's gonna be
thirty five. That's that's maybe that's the way that you
go because he's still very effective, But also how much
money is he going to ask for? He still is
(41:59):
getting paid made a pretty significant amount of money.
Speaker 3 (42:02):
Hassan Reddick. You know, that's a guy.
Speaker 4 (42:04):
That you like, but he hasn't been great this year
for Tampa. He you know, is gonna be thirty. It
might be thirty one when the season starts next year,
but would eventually be thirty two. Is that someone that
you're paying for a few years? And then Joey Bosa,
Joey Bosa's He's he's thirty, He's thirty right now. Joey
(42:25):
Bosa is basically like thirty eight years old based off
of the injuries that he's had, So I wouldn't even
I wouldn't even touch that. So I don't know if
you can get that guy in free age. That's why
the Max Crosby thing is intriguing for sure, because when
he is healthy, and he's been healthy for most of
his career, he is as good as just about anybody
(42:50):
in this league. It's just that he plays for the
Raiders and a lot of people don't realize that.
Speaker 5 (42:55):
Now.
Speaker 4 (42:55):
I'm a big Trey Hendrickson guy, so I wouldn't mind
that move either. But again, how much money is he
ultimately gonna want for a guy that is thirty one
years old?
Speaker 3 (43:07):
That's what you got to figure out.
Speaker 1 (43:08):
I Also, I also wonder how different this defense looks
had they kept Clowney, because you never upgraded over Clowney
when you moved on from Clowney. And and I don't
know how productive he's been in Dallas. I feel like
he makes a play every other week he's in the backfield.
Speaker 4 (43:28):
Yeah, you see, That's the thing. When I've watched him,
I feel like he's been effective.
Speaker 1 (43:32):
But it felt like when they made that move, it
felt like Dan Morgan was making that move to make
another move and that and that move just never came down,
came down the pipeline. So which is why I never
wanted Clowney to go anywhere I was. I was pro,
I was pro Clowney being a Carolina Panther here in
twenty twenty five. But you know something that we talked
(43:53):
about going into the season that you know, it felt
like the roster was was still.
Speaker 3 (43:57):
Really a year away.
Speaker 1 (43:59):
And even though I picked him to win ten games,
it was in large part because of their schedule and
how bad I thought this division was going to be
and could have been. And in some ways that's played
out because you know, you swept the Falcons, you got
to win over Tampa, but I also thought they were
going to be you know, the Saints twice and those
and the Saints swept you. But we all did kind
of you know, ad mid out loud before the season
(44:19):
to get started. There were still some roster limitations going
into the year, but we thought they were maybe more
on the defensive side of the football. I think the
more we've seen this offensive corps out there has come
to the forefront that there is there is limitations on
both sides of the ball, which handicaps how you upgrade
your roster and and in the offseason. And so I
think Dan Morgan's got to be very calculated how much
(44:42):
money he spends on both sides of the ball in
free agency and then how how he spends this draft capital.
Speaker 4 (44:47):
And the good news is is it feels like they
are going to have a decent amount of money that
they can use, not anything crazy, but still they're going
to be able to afford some of the guys out
there that you know, could could be difference made for
you in free agency, and then you know, you got
to nail the draft. Again.
Speaker 3 (45:03):
This is just part of the building process.
Speaker 4 (45:06):
And that's the thing is that I hope people realize
that you even though it feels like the timeline is
being sped up because this team has a chance to
make the playoffs.
Speaker 3 (45:15):
You're making the playoffs in a bad division.
Speaker 4 (45:18):
So the hope is that you can continue to build
this as it goes along here and you can continue
to add We knew coming into the season there were
limitations with this roster.
Speaker 3 (45:31):
We talked about it.
Speaker 4 (45:32):
That was part of the reason why some of us
were more in the seven to eight win range because
we felt like the limitations could get in the way. Now,
there are some limitations that I don't know if we
knew they were nearly this dire Like linebacker I think
is an area you need to go and get somebody
that can be a little bit more consistent than let's
say Christian Roseboom, even though he's been solid. You'd probably
(45:55):
like to get another starting caliber linebacker. But yeah, edge
rusher I think is very and then yeah, you got
to figure out that wide receiver spot.
Speaker 3 (46:03):
Uh, what exactly you're gonna do there?
Speaker 4 (46:04):
Opposite of team AC are you trusting Jalen Coker or
are you going to go out and get somebody? And
you know, miserable human being sent in on the text
line that Bryce's weapons are better than Cam's weapons that
he played with. Are are are you? Are you serious?
Do you really believe that? Because right now you've got
(46:26):
Team AC and then who. You've got an undrafted receiver
in Jalen Coker, who I like, but is playing closer
to undrafted than he did last year. This year, you've
got xavierly Get who does nothing for you. You've got
(46:46):
a tight end room that is basically almost xavierly Get
a Jase at times they do absolutely nothing for you
at certain times either That's that's crazy to me. That's
an area they have to upgrade this offseason, no question.
Speaker 1 (47:02):
Sports Radio ninety two to seven wfnz's to young guns.
We got one more hour to go here on a
New Year's Eve, then coming up at twelve of getting
you ready for Hornets and Warriors that'll come your way
over at the Spectrum Center. We come back, we'll turn
our attention back to college football, back to the CFP Quarterfinals.
We'll make our predictions for all four games starting tonight
(47:22):
on Sports Radio ninety two seven wfn z
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