October 23, 2024 • 30 mins
Get a front-row seat to Carolina Panthers football with Sideline Pass! This week Kristen and Sharon discuss last week's loss to the Commanders, preview this week's game against Denver, speak with Chau Smith-Wade about his first career start, and so much more!
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Wow, Jus, Kristen Balboni and Sharon thors loved it with
your Sideline Pass.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Welcome to Sideline Pass with your Panther Sideline reporters Kristin
Balboni and Sharon Thorsland and Sharon, I just want to
jump into the big news yesterday. Obviously some serious news
with Andy Dalton and his family involved in a car accident.
But we have heard, you know, thankfully no one had
to go with the emergency medical teams and you know
(00:34):
we're hearing for something as scary as it is, it
does sound like he and his family are mostly okay.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
Yeah, thank goodness. His wife Jordan actually posted on Instagram
and said were their family was a little banged up,
but everybody was okay and they were thankful that everything
turned out the way that it did. So hopefully everybody
will recover from that quickly. And I'm glad that that
was certainly no worse because that was really scary when
that came out.
Speaker 2 (00:58):
Absolutely and to think at the end, you know, his
three children and his wife and he were all in
the car family dog. Yeah, oh my goodness, Yeah, you know,
what a what a scary incident. And then also we
saw at practice that he was at least during the
portion that was open to the media that he was
(01:19):
not practicing. He was on the sidelines though, but didn't
have a helmet. So good news that he was there
just for his own sake, right, good news that he
was able to come in today, that he felt good
enough to come in today and be there at practice.
But of course you would not imagine that he would
be able to practice after any kind of car accident.
Speaker 3 (01:42):
Yeah, I'm sure they're just being cautious with them and
just make sure that you know, everything checks out, okay.
And he's a veteran and we all know how long
he's been in this league, and he knows this offense well,
so he can he can afford to have a dare
so off if necessary. So glad that they given a
lot of time to rest up.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
Absolutely, and you know so obviously that is first and foremost.
The health and safety of his family is the biggest
story here. And as we said, we are thankful that
they are all okay, But we do need to talk
about from a football perspective, the fact that it was
bryce young today getting all the reps with the ones.
We don't know Andy's status as you said, he could
(02:19):
certainly afford to miss a day or two if he
fills up to it, but if not, that would mean
that we get another full game look at Bryce Young.
Speaker 3 (02:28):
Yeah, absolutely, and some people have been clamoring for that.
A lot of the fans out there like why don't
we put Bryce back in because you know, obviously last
week was a tough one. That was a difficult game
up but at Washington, and the offense did certainly didn't
perform as well as they had been doing over the
past few weeks, so that was a bump in the
road unfortunately. But yeah, if Bryce is able to get
(02:49):
back out there, I'm sure that the coaches and this
staff would appreciate being able to get another look at
him to see how much he's learned. The past few weeks.
He's been able to sit on the sidelines, to to
watch Andy Dalton, to watch a veteran at work and
learn things from a different perspective instead of just being
thrown to the fire out there on the field. So
I'm sure that all of that watching and listening and
(03:12):
learning on the sidelines has helped him as a quarterback.
And we can certainly get an idea of how much though,
if he is thrown out there on Sunday against the Broncos.
But hoo boy, that is a tough test to have
to go up against for your welcome back to the NFL.
If that's the case, for.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
Sure, and we are definitely going to get into your
scouting report on that. But I think it's worth talking
to everyone, you know, especially when the quarterback change happened.
We have discussed what we saw from Bryce Young and
Andy Dalton, and they have a great relationship, but I
thought it would be worth going back to that, Sharon,
in case anyone hadn't heard. But just from an overall perspective,
(03:47):
you and I noticed that Bryce has been pretty much
the same, you know, whether he's starting or not, as
is Andy Dalton. We know that they have a very
close relationship. But one thing that I have noticed in
the home games since Bryce, you know, is now the
second quarterback with Andy Dalton's starting, is that he has
(04:10):
he has still and this is not lip service, he
has still taken on a huge leadership role. I mean
he is congratulating guys. He has got his headset on.
He's taken things very seriously, and Sharon, I think he
looks really relaxed and really locked in. And I think
you can tell from the sidelines the way that he
is still embracing leadership, but also the way in which
he's growing.
Speaker 3 (04:31):
No, I agree with you. And one thing that I
noticed the very first game after he had lost the
starting job, he went right back out to what he
always does at halftime. He started this last year down
in Miami. He went over to he goes to the
tunnel when the guys are running off the fields into
the locker room at halftime, he stands there and high
fives every last player, every single and he waits until
(04:52):
the last guy comes off of the field. He did
that even after it was Andy Dalton who took over
as a starting quarterback. He continued to do that, which
I thought was really cool that he was sticking with that. Yeah,
that's a leadership thing to do, for sure, And I
agree with you. He looks incredibly much more relaxed on
the sidelines, and it's just it's you know, it's got
to be I mean, I know it's obviously difficult to
lose a starting job, but at the same time, it's like, Okay,
(05:14):
all that weight to the world is off your shoulders
now and you can just learn and watch and still
be involved in every way you were before except being
out there on the actual field. So I think that
you're right. I think he definitely has retained that leadership
mentality and still working with guys. He goes over and
talks to the receivers after certain plays and things like that.
He's always huddling with Andy does NonStop through the game.
(05:36):
They are next to each other. When Andy's not on
the field, they are next to each other. So I
think that that is a great thing to see. And
he's definitely definitely more relaxed and hopefully improving as a
player every day even though he's not out on the field.
Speaker 2 (05:48):
I completely agree with you saying that he seems more relaxed,
smiling a lot, and like you said, they'se always huddled
up with Andy Dalton and all of the different players.
I'm glad you mentioned the receivers because I'm sure you've
noticed this. He has a different handshake with each receiver
and it's always so fun for me to watch them,
(06:09):
and those have not Those relationships that he has built
as a starting quarterback have not changed, as we were
just talking about, and we still see the handshakes all
the time, both before the game and when they do
something really great. I'm going to try to learn one
or two. But in the meantime it's been fun to watch,
and it's been fun to watch that consistency as we
(06:29):
talked about. And then we have Sharon seen him in
a backup role since he has, you know, taken that
second quarterback role, so we've seen him out there and
that is certainly, like you said, we think that this
coaching staff will want to see more of him, especially
considering that he's been able to learn in a non
(06:50):
pressure environment. So I have to think that no matter
what the stats look like on Sunday, if he does
get the starting job, and I just want to say,
we do not know, being cagy about that, we do
not know at this point on Wednesday, whether you know,
it's that serious that he will But I have to think,
no matter what it looks like on the field, and
(07:10):
of course he and the Panthers fans want it to
look good, he is coming in with more knowledge than
he was either all of last season or at the
beginning of this season, because, as you said, he's got
a chance to see the concepts in Dave Canalis's offense
to really observe to kind of you know, sit alongside
(07:30):
and say, Okay, I would have done this, you know,
in real time, and I have to think that's really valuable.
Speaker 3 (07:34):
Like you said, oh gosh, I mean absolutely, And I'm
sure Brace would be the first one to tell you
that this has been an invaluable experience for him and
hopefully he'll be able to parlay that into some more
success on the field. Like you said, he's been out
a couple of times now, you know, late in the
games here, and he's been able to go and connect
on some passes. You know, he's had some big ones
(07:55):
down the stretch there as well. Didn't hit a lot
of playing time against Washington, But yeah, he's looking comfortable
when he goes out there. He's able to execute the offense.
And you know, if he's in there for an extended
period of time, he's going to be able to get
into a rhythm, get you know, get some consistency going,
get you know, some chemistry going with guys. So I
think that it'd be great to be able to see
him in an extended outing if it comes to that.
Speaker 2 (08:16):
Yeah, yeah, absolutely, And then I want to talk about
the news that we had three players return to practice,
and that is Adam Thielen Jordan Fuller, so you know,
two starters, and then DJ Wanham, who is someone that
the fans and certainly the coaching staff have wanted to
get a look at. You know, high expectations for him
(08:38):
coming into the beginning of the season now as we know,
and just to remind everyone that just starts the twenty
one day window before they have to either get back
on the field or lose our spot on the roster.
So you know, it's it's always exciting to know that
those guys are back in practice, especially guys that you
(09:00):
know are potentially three difference makers. We certainly know that
with Adam Fieln and Jordan Fuller. But it's a it
could be a long wait.
Speaker 3 (09:07):
Yeah, absolutely, and that's the hard part. It's like, oh
my gosh, twenty one days. Wait a minute, I thought
they were coming back out right now, especially with the
guy like I know, Dj want him. Everybody has just
been dying to get him out there because he was
slated to be a starter on this team and they
desperately need some help with that outside linebacker position right
now that had just so many guys in and out,
in and out and just you know, turning the roster
(09:28):
over at that position. So to get a guy like
that back sooner rather than later would be just outstanding.
So I'm hoping we'll get to see him before that
twenty one day window r runs up, because he's a
guy that I think could really help this defense.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
Speak it into existence.
Speaker 4 (09:42):
We hope to see all of them back exactly exactly, so, right, yeah,
And Jordan Fuller obviously, like you said, a starting safety
out there, and you know, you you we've missed him.
Speaker 3 (09:52):
Maybe we've clearly missed him out there on defense. The
defense has been having a rough time of it here,
So to get both of those guys out on the
field would be just outstanding. And then Adam Thielen, I mean,
the last game he played and when he got injured
was that game out in Las Vegas that the offense
was just rolling. And you know, not to say it
was just because of Adam Thielen, but he makes a
difference in this offense. He's a veteran out there. I
think he calms down the other receivers. He's a guy
(10:15):
that Andy Dalton trusts completely. They are totally on the
same page. And you know, he makes a big difference
in this offense, so to get him back out there
sooner rather than later as well would really be a
boost for this offense.
Speaker 2 (10:27):
Yeah, and the play in which he got hurt was
that huge touchdown that you know, Andy Dalton to him,
and that was just an incredible play. Of course, you
don't want anything like what happened to him happened because
of a play like that, but certainly, when he's healthy,
we're looking forward to seeing more plays like that. He's
so talented and he's such a hard worker, and like
(10:49):
you said, two veterans Andy Dalton and him connecting. It
was fun to watch. So we'll certainly keep an eye
on all three of those players as they work their
way back. So, you know, I don't know how much
time we want to spend on We certainly talk about
our views from the sideline. I think that anyone could
imagine and if you watch or listen to the game,
(11:11):
certainly it was a tough game, right, so you can
guess what the mood was like on the sideline. But
I just want to know from your perspective, was there
anyone on the defense that was picking the guys up.
What did you notice either from the staff or the players,
because I just imagine that's a really you know, you
(11:32):
go down, what was it, twenty seven to nothing at
the half, and there are some tough offensive plays, but
that's got to be demoralizing for a defense.
Speaker 3 (11:39):
Oh yeah, it was incredibly frustrating, as you would expect.
I mean, starting with that very first play when Washington
took the field, you know, and Jayden Daniel's running on
down sixty yards or whatever it was, and you know when
he went out, I don't think anybody expected Marcus Mariota
to come in and just have his way with the
defense like he did. So it was, Yeah, it was tough.
I mean, guys were really discouraged. It was frustrating. You know,
(12:02):
guys were you know, angry on the sidelines and they
just could not get things to click for them, which
was which was rough. And yeah, I mean there's multiple
guys that you know, step up and try to get
guys going, like Xavier Woods one of them, JC Horn
another one. So you know, they they are trying to say,
come on, guys, we can do this, but let's get
a stop here, let's do a three and out whatever
(12:22):
it may be. So there's different guys that you know,
sort of different position groups on the on the defense,
and even Todd wash the defensive line coach, was trying to,
you know, keep guys smiling and trying to get guys loose.
So but it was it was a tough day all
the way around, no matter. You know, you can't sugarcoat it.
Speaker 5 (12:39):
It was.
Speaker 3 (12:40):
It was a bad performance by this defense and the
offense didn't fare a whole lot better. And it's just
one of those ones you just sort of got to
chalk it up and say, you know what, that one's
in the books. It's time to move on to the
next game.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
Yeah. And I really like what you said about guys
being angry on the sidelines, because I think certainly before
I did this, for a long time, you'd hear, oh
my gosh, they're angry on the sidelines, and I go, well,
that's not good. And talking to and watching it, Sharon,
you know us for for years now, and then talking
to a lot of defensive players or former defensive players,
they're like, no, we want to see people get angry.
(13:12):
That means you care, and that means that it's not okay.
And so hopefully there is some of that anger translates, right.
I've just heard so many people say, like, no, anger
is good as long as it's directed, you know, toward
getting better, right and being being accountable.
Speaker 3 (13:31):
Yeah, exactly, And that that's how guys are on this defense.
I mean, nobody wants to settle for that kind of
a performance. And yeah, so you'd expect guys to get angry,
like sid. If they weren't, they're just like, yeah, whatever
and move on. Yeah, I mean, that's that's not what
you want. So anger in the sense that they're anger
that they're not performing well, they're angered that they're not
doing a job they need to be doing. They're not
angry at each other. Then that's a that's a key difference.
They're they're just angry at the outcome and what's going
(13:53):
on on the field. So yes, and they need to
you know, they want to get things turned around, and
so that's why they're they're just frustrated, the angry just
like you know, I mean, fans, I'm sure we're frustrated
as well. So the players are no different in that respect.
And except for the fact that they're getting paid to
do this and they're the ones out there on the field,
so they feel it even worse than everybody else does.
So they want more than anybody else. They're the ones
that want to get things turned around.
Speaker 2 (14:15):
Yeah, but tall task. This week with the Broncos in Denver,
they've won something. What, Sharon, you always know these stats,
four out of their last five. Yeah, yeah, is that right? Yeah?
Speaker 3 (14:26):
And they started out zero to two and now they
are just on a streak. And it starts. I mean,
everybody thinks, oh Bonix ricky quarterback, But I'll tell you what.
It starts with that defense. That defense is like out
They are ranked third overall in the league. They are
third in scoring defense, third and passing defense, fifth and
run defense, and they are just absolutely maybe I have
those two backwards, third and run and fifth in passing defense.
(14:47):
They are unbelievable. They've got twenty eight sacks. Twenty eight
sacks through seven games, which is just amazing. And they've
got some studs over there on that defensive side of
the ball. Patrick's certain the second to everybody knows his dad,
and he's coming in. He's right fallen right in his footsteps.
I've got two picks, one of them a pick six.
So whoever is going to be starting a quarterback for
this Panthers team on Sunday is going to have their
(15:08):
works seriously cut out for them because that defense is
a real deal.
Speaker 2 (15:12):
And you mentioned a bunch of those stats. One of
the stats that I saw is that they are first
in the league and quarterback pressures. So that's like you said,
whoever the quarterback is has to be prepared for that. Now,
one good thing is this offensive line. You know, not
one good thing, but one reassuring unit is this offensive line.
And so you've got to feel confident about no matter
(15:37):
if this is the defense that gets the quarterback more
than anyone, you have to think that this offensive line
has the ability to slow them down and give the
quarterback a chance. But as you said, there are a
lot of ballhawks on that defense. There are a lot
of really really talented guys up front, and it's a
(15:57):
tall task. You know, speaking with Dave Canalis earlier this week,
and you know, he had just so much praise for
Vance Joseph and what he does and how he schemes
up and how multiple they are and how he's always
trying to do something to throw everyone off their game.
And he couldn't say enough good things about him, as
you might imagine and as anyone who's watching that defense
(16:18):
can see. And then Sharon on the other side, you've
got Sean Payton, who is Sean Payton right, and we all,
certainly Panthers fans, know what he can do, and it
just seems like he has you know, I think everyone
can agree that Bonicks is not perfect and he still
has a ways to go. You know, the Denver media
has been talking about his footwork and things like that,
(16:39):
but Sean Payton and Bonis himself, I don't want to
I don't want to not acknowledge his contribution, but together
they have continued to see improvement with Bonnicks every single week.
Speaker 3 (16:52):
Yeah, and he's a guy that you know, he's maybe
not like a Jaden Daniels, He's not one of these
like superstar guys coming out of college, but he's he's
solid and one thing that really does stand out of
him too, it's his scrambling ability. He can run and
maybe not in the same way as Caleb Williams or
Jayden Daniels, but he's second. He's the second leading rusher
on that team right now. It either designed runs or
(17:14):
was scrambling, so he can move and extend plays with
his feet, which is something that the Panthers have already
faced a few times this season. And he's only thrown
five touchdown it's got five interceptions, so he's making some
rookie mistakes still there as well, but he's getting better
every week. And that's in spite of the fact that
he really doesn't have any like superstar receivers. He's I
think he's got six guys that have got double digit catches,
(17:36):
so he's been really passing, throwing the ball around, and
they like to run. They rely on the run more
than anything else. Dumonte Williams former Tar Heel Go Tar
Hill their lead back. He's also their number one receiver
in terms of catches, so he's sort of every do
it all player for them. He does does a little
bit of everything, so you expect them to really want
to run the football, have Bonnicks out there to either pass,
(18:00):
we're also running himself, and then just be a very
very stout defense. So all the way around, it's a
tough task.
Speaker 2 (18:08):
It's interesting, Sharon, and I'll be interested to hear what
you say. After the game. I was with Thomas Davis.
We're breaking down some film for the TV show, and
he pointed out that Tempayton is using Bonnicks a little
bit like the way he used Taysom Hill, or not
just a little bit, but we're seeing those similarities, and
so that can give Panthers fans as we get ready
for this game, a little bit of comparison about the
(18:31):
ways in which he's using them. And as we know,
you see Taysom Hill on the field and you go,
oh my goodness, yeah, because you know you're in for something,
and usually it works out well. But hopefully, Sharon, when
we talk next week, you're going to be saying, yeah, no,
they didn't get you know, Bonix was not able to
get anything done against the Panthers. But we'll see. You know,
Panthers currently right now, the defense is giving up the
(18:55):
most rushing yards per game of any team in the NFL,
one hundred and sixty two per game. So we you know,
that's got to get fixed. That's got to stop. And
as you said, nobody wants to go out there and
let that happen. Certainly, these guys are working as hard
as they can. But we'll see, we'll see what happens
every game in the NFL, as we know, every team
(19:17):
has the chance to beat another team. So we'll see
what they can do. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (19:22):
Absolutely, And this is a team that I mean, their
their backs are against the wall, and we'll see how
they respond to that kind of adversity. And it also
could be a case too where the Broncos are sort
of riding high right now. They're thinking, oh, we've got
you know, the worst team in the league coming in
right now, and the panther is, oh, they'll be a
you know, a rollover. So stranger things have happened in
that respect. You know, where teams can you can look
past somebody and then it comes back to bite you.
(19:43):
But this this defense in particular, they have a lot
of pride and they want to get that cleaned up.
Just even to talking to them last week about how
to fix the run game, this is just amount of
you've got to stay in your gaps, you got to
play discipline football. And they've had so many guys in
and out, and like last week, you know it was
only shy Tuttle was the only guy I'm the front
seven who is an original starter on this team. So
(20:03):
you've had so many guys in and out. And I
think sometimes and guys say this all the time too,
when when things are going bad and when guys are struggling,
sometimes make you try to do too much. And when
you try to do too much, you try to do
your job plus somebody else's it really works. So they're
really focusing on do your job, be your one to eleven.
Just don't try to do anything outside of what you're
(20:24):
supposed to be doing. If you can get your job
done and do it well, and then go on help
somebody else find But if not, they just they need
to be really just disciplined. I think this week going
into this game in particular with those run fits and
making sure that they stay in their gaps and things
like that to try to get that run defense short
up and then getting some guys like man I wish
we could get DJ want them out there then, but
we need to really set those edges that that's been
(20:47):
a problem for them in the past few weeks. So
I know that they're trying to get all these things
cleaned up, and it's just amount of going down and
executing on game day and share.
Speaker 2 (20:54):
My last question for you, have you ever done a
game at Mile High Stadium.
Speaker 3 (20:58):
I have not I know I haven't either. I've actually
never even been to Denver, so I'm getting all sorts
of fun trips this year. I've never been to Vegas,
never been to Denver, I've never heard hig.
Speaker 2 (21:06):
So I've got it going to be amazing.
Speaker 3 (21:09):
Yeah. Yeah, So I've got a few new places to go,
and Denver is definitely one of the ones I have
never been to before. So I'm really looking forward to
going to that stadium because i know it's supposed to
be gorgeous, but also a tough place to play exactly.
Speaker 2 (21:22):
That was my question. It's a beautiful city, but it's
you know, it's called Mile High Stadium for a reason.
So I'm sure that's something that you're going to be
keeping an eye out for. You know, that's a That's
another tall task for the Panthers is that they're not
used to playing in that elevation. That's a little look.
They are world class athletes, so they are certainly going
to be ready for it, you know. Dick now, so well,
(21:42):
the hydration starts now we are you know, there's only
so much you can do, And his advice was actually like,
don't think about it. Right, just just get you start hydrating,
you sleep really well, and then you just go out
and play because that's what we have to do. But
I'll be interested to hear what it's like from your
perspective and and how the guys perform at such an
(22:02):
interesting and tough place to play.
Speaker 3 (22:05):
Absolutely, yeah, it's it's going to be, like you said,
it's going to be. I'm going to be really interested
to see how that impacts guys if it does, because
I know a lot of guys in the past they've
you know, worn those altitude masks and trained differently things
like that just to prepare for a game out there
because it's it's apparently no joke, the difference in the
oxygen and all that kind of stuff and how you
feel and things like that. So I'm sure that they're
(22:26):
preparing well this week to be ready for when the
time does come out there and Sunday. But it's gonna
be interesting to see when it actually comes to fruition
and actually happens on Sunday.
Speaker 2 (22:35):
Yeah. Well, Sharon, hopefully this time next week we are saying, Wow,
the altitude did not affect them at all. Well, Nicks
didn't affect them at all. And the Panthers get a
little bit of revenge on Sean Payton. Thank you so much.
As always, I think this is just it's so valuable
for me, and it's so fun to to have everyone
get to listen to these conversations. So I appreciate it.
Speaker 3 (22:56):
All right, Thanks so much, Kristen. It's always fun.
Speaker 2 (22:59):
I'm here now with rookie cornerback Shaw Smith Wade, fresh
off his first official start for the Panthers. Shaw, obviously,
of course you wish the game went a different way,
but it was a big game for you, not just
at your first start, you also led the team in tackle.
So what what did that mean to you to have
that game?
Speaker 1 (23:18):
You know, one, it was an opportunity game.
Speaker 5 (23:21):
Just being able to go out there in service for
the guys, being with Troy Hills leave, so you know,
just being being able to go out there and take
the take a hold of the opportunity and be able
to be in position for those tackles. That was everything
for me, being able to showcase that, you know, I
can start on the next level.
Speaker 2 (23:42):
So I know you and Troy you learned a lot
from him. Who else on that defense do you look
up to or that you've become friends with, because this
defense seems very close to me.
Speaker 1 (23:53):
Yeah, the defense is very close.
Speaker 5 (23:54):
So I really can't just pickpoint anybody specifically, but you know,
the whole defense. You know, we kind of chop it
up with everybody, not even just the defense. You know,
we mingle with special teams players. Yeah, so the team
is kind of just close knit all around.
Speaker 2 (24:12):
That's a very diplomatic answer. I get it, because you
don't want to upset one person, right if you forget them.
I got it, I got it. I know that rookies
have assigned duties. I was talking to JC at JT.
Sanders last week and he was saying how we had
to go get the guy's chicken from LULUs on the
offensive side of the ball. Do you have rookie duties
(24:32):
that you can tell me about.
Speaker 5 (24:35):
Yeah, so, you know previously in the training camp, we
had to fill the room up with snacks, you know,
being able to get the guys snacks. And you know,
on the plane rides, we going and get the guys
bunk cakes. You know, if they want bunk cakes, we
get them bunk cakes. Shout out to nothing bunk cakes
out here in North Carolina.
Speaker 2 (24:57):
So yeah, well, I'm sorry. I bunk cakes, but's so
random to me.
Speaker 5 (25:02):
I don't know why. I'm not a fan of the
bunk cakes. But the guys love monk cakes for some reason.
They love the monk cakes. So we pile up on
you know.
Speaker 1 (25:12):
Red Velvet's. Yeah, they love Everybody loves very.
Speaker 2 (25:15):
Velvet cakes, Red Velvet bunk cakes at nothing bunt cakes.
That's so interesting. So they just say to you, hey, Sean,
this is the thing we need you to do for us.
You need to go to Nothing bunk Cakes and get
us the rent bill.
Speaker 5 (25:28):
Yeah, yeah, it's major. They love their bunk cakes. Without
the bunk cakes, there is a whole hoorah.
Speaker 1 (25:36):
Everybody loves the bunk cakes.
Speaker 2 (25:38):
But you're not a fan though, which is probably good, right,
because then you know that they're all going to get
to where they need to go right without you taking
some of it. Yeah, are you looking forward to that
next year when you get to be the guy that says, hey,
you know, go get me some stuff.
Speaker 5 (25:53):
You know, I'm not looking forward to it. You know,
in all honesty, I'll be able to go get my
own food if I want, yeah, some food. You know,
I don't want to put the rookies in that situation.
Speaker 2 (26:04):
All right, well, what's your desertive choice then, if it's not.
Speaker 1 (26:06):
Bunky cake my desertive choice. Oh that's a good question.
Speaker 2 (26:12):
You know, I don't tell me you're not a dessert guy.
Speaker 1 (26:14):
No, I absolutely love dessert.
Speaker 2 (26:17):
Just making sure.
Speaker 5 (26:19):
You know I love I love like ice cream, shervet
ice cream. I love servet ice cream. That's my thing,
shervet ice cream. I love chocolate cake with vanilla, vanilla
ice cream. Being able to put the vanilla ice cream
on top. I like to heat up the cake, throw
the ice cream on top, watching milk. That's just amazing.
Speaker 2 (26:39):
So that's just like a like a Sunday almost like
you're making your own like chocolate Sundays. You just need
a little like Hershey syrup on the top.
Speaker 1 (26:46):
Yeah, definitely, definitely.
Speaker 2 (26:47):
All right, now, I know you said right now you
don't want to make the rookies do anything, but I'm
just saying they you know, you might want to keep
that list just in case you change your mind next season.
Speaker 1 (26:56):
Yeah, I'm gonna keep that in mind for sure.
Speaker 2 (26:59):
So I read that you were born in Denver, but
obviously you went to high school in Chicago. You guys
are headed back to Denver this week. How long did
you live there and do you still have family there
in Chicago? Know, in Denver?
Speaker 5 (27:13):
Oh, in Denver. So you know I grew up in Denver.
That is that is my hometown. I was born in Denver.
I ended up going to Chicago for high school. I
also lived in Chicago for a little bit around elementary school,
and I ended up going back to Denver and then
headed back to Chicago for high school. So you know,
(27:35):
Denver is the hometown. That is where a majority of
my family lives, although I do have family members, you know,
scattered across the US.
Speaker 2 (27:43):
Sure do you have people coming to the game against
the Broncos? Do you have family coming? That's awesome? How many?
Speaker 1 (27:51):
I can't I can't pandpoint a number. There's so many
people coming.
Speaker 2 (27:54):
Yeah, because you have a big family, right, Yeah, I do.
That's awesome. That'll be so special to have them all
there in your hometown.
Speaker 1 (28:04):
Definitely. Yeah.
Speaker 5 (28:05):
You know, it's crazy the amount of ask I'm getting
for tickets, It's crazy.
Speaker 2 (28:12):
I bet, I bet. And you know, nobody wants to
miss out on seeing Shaw play. I wouldn't you know
if I were your family so I get it, although
it does get a little you know, you got to
keep track of it and everything like that. So is
the altitude there a real thing? Like are you telling
guys like, hey, we all got to be prepared.
Speaker 5 (28:33):
Being that I grew up in Denver, I can't really say, Okay,
the altitude is a problem because I'm used to it.
I can't tell the guys the altitude is a problem
because you know they it may be different for them.
Speaker 1 (28:46):
You know.
Speaker 5 (28:46):
The problem for me was the reverse elevation coming down
here to North Carolina, and I felt just heavy, you know,
the humidity, the thick air. It was different for me
with the reverse elevation. But you know, vice versa. Being
in Denver. Living in Denver, it's no problem for me.
So I can't really say, hey, bro, you gotta lace
(29:09):
up your kicks and really get ready for this.
Speaker 2 (29:12):
I had not I had never thought of that. That's
so interesting. Well, shall look, I know you got to
go to meetings, But I have one last question. I
used to live in Chicago too. I only lived there
for two years, So what kind of food are you
eating when you're in Chicago?
Speaker 5 (29:28):
When I'm in Chicago, I love my Aunties egg rolls.
She makes these egg rolls that are so amazing. It's
kind of like a you know, the the what's it
called the Mac, the Big Mac from McDonald's. She makes
them into egg rolls yet are so amazing.
Speaker 2 (29:50):
Auntielan, Yeah, Auntie Lano, do you have to get her
to bring some for the team at some point next
time she comes to a game.
Speaker 1 (29:56):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (29:58):
Well, I just realized we spent this entire inner you
talking about food. But I appreciate it. It was wonderful
to get to talk to you, Shaw, and we'll be
looking forward to absolutely. All right, we'll talk to you
next time.
Speaker 1 (30:10):
All right, now you have a go you too, all right?
Speaker 2 (30:13):
That is going to do it for us. In this
week's edition of Sideline Pass. Stay tuned everyone for next
week's episode. See then
Wow, Jus, Kristen Balboni and Sharon thors loved it with
your Sideline Pass.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Welcome to Sideline Pass with your Panther Sideline reporters Kristin
Balboni and Sharon Thorsland and Sharon, I just want to
jump into the big news yesterday. Obviously some serious news
with Andy Dalton and his family involved in a car accident.
But we have heard, you know, thankfully no one had
to go with the emergency medical teams and you know
(00:34):
we're hearing for something as scary as it is, it
does sound like he and his family are mostly okay.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
Yeah, thank goodness. His wife Jordan actually posted on Instagram
and said were their family was a little banged up,
but everybody was okay and they were thankful that everything
turned out the way that it did. So hopefully everybody
will recover from that quickly. And I'm glad that that
was certainly no worse because that was really scary when
that came out.
Speaker 2 (00:58):
Absolutely and to think at the end, you know, his
three children and his wife and he were all in
the car family dog. Yeah, oh my goodness, Yeah, you know,
what a what a scary incident. And then also we
saw at practice that he was at least during the
portion that was open to the media that he was
(01:19):
not practicing. He was on the sidelines though, but didn't
have a helmet. So good news that he was there
just for his own sake, right, good news that he
was able to come in today, that he felt good
enough to come in today and be there at practice.
But of course you would not imagine that he would
be able to practice after any kind of car accident.
Speaker 3 (01:42):
Yeah, I'm sure they're just being cautious with them and
just make sure that you know, everything checks out, okay.
And he's a veteran and we all know how long
he's been in this league, and he knows this offense well,
so he can he can afford to have a dare
so off if necessary. So glad that they given a
lot of time to rest up.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
Absolutely, and you know so obviously that is first and foremost.
The health and safety of his family is the biggest
story here. And as we said, we are thankful that
they are all okay, But we do need to talk
about from a football perspective, the fact that it was
bryce young today getting all the reps with the ones.
We don't know Andy's status as you said, he could
(02:19):
certainly afford to miss a day or two if he
fills up to it, but if not, that would mean
that we get another full game look at Bryce Young.
Speaker 3 (02:28):
Yeah, absolutely, and some people have been clamoring for that.
A lot of the fans out there like why don't
we put Bryce back in because you know, obviously last
week was a tough one. That was a difficult game
up but at Washington, and the offense did certainly didn't
perform as well as they had been doing over the
past few weeks, so that was a bump in the
road unfortunately. But yeah, if Bryce is able to get
(02:49):
back out there, I'm sure that the coaches and this
staff would appreciate being able to get another look at
him to see how much he's learned. The past few weeks.
He's been able to sit on the sidelines, to to
watch Andy Dalton, to watch a veteran at work and
learn things from a different perspective instead of just being
thrown to the fire out there on the field. So
I'm sure that all of that watching and listening and
(03:12):
learning on the sidelines has helped him as a quarterback.
And we can certainly get an idea of how much though,
if he is thrown out there on Sunday against the Broncos.
But hoo boy, that is a tough test to have
to go up against for your welcome back to the NFL.
If that's the case, for.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
Sure, and we are definitely going to get into your
scouting report on that. But I think it's worth talking
to everyone, you know, especially when the quarterback change happened.
We have discussed what we saw from Bryce Young and
Andy Dalton, and they have a great relationship, but I
thought it would be worth going back to that, Sharon,
in case anyone hadn't heard. But just from an overall perspective,
(03:47):
you and I noticed that Bryce has been pretty much
the same, you know, whether he's starting or not, as
is Andy Dalton. We know that they have a very
close relationship. But one thing that I have noticed in
the home games since Bryce, you know, is now the
second quarterback with Andy Dalton's starting, is that he has
(04:10):
he has still and this is not lip service, he
has still taken on a huge leadership role. I mean
he is congratulating guys. He has got his headset on.
He's taken things very seriously, and Sharon, I think he
looks really relaxed and really locked in. And I think
you can tell from the sidelines the way that he
is still embracing leadership, but also the way in which
he's growing.
Speaker 3 (04:31):
No, I agree with you. And one thing that I
noticed the very first game after he had lost the
starting job, he went right back out to what he
always does at halftime. He started this last year down
in Miami. He went over to he goes to the
tunnel when the guys are running off the fields into
the locker room at halftime, he stands there and high
fives every last player, every single and he waits until
(04:52):
the last guy comes off of the field. He did
that even after it was Andy Dalton who took over
as a starting quarterback. He continued to do that, which
I thought was really cool that he was sticking with that. Yeah,
that's a leadership thing to do, for sure, And I
agree with you. He looks incredibly much more relaxed on
the sidelines, and it's just it's you know, it's got
to be I mean, I know it's obviously difficult to
lose a starting job, but at the same time, it's like, Okay,
(05:14):
all that weight to the world is off your shoulders
now and you can just learn and watch and still
be involved in every way you were before except being
out there on the actual field. So I think that
you're right. I think he definitely has retained that leadership
mentality and still working with guys. He goes over and
talks to the receivers after certain plays and things like that.
He's always huddling with Andy does NonStop through the game.
(05:36):
They are next to each other. When Andy's not on
the field, they are next to each other. So I
think that that is a great thing to see. And
he's definitely definitely more relaxed and hopefully improving as a
player every day even though he's not out on the field.
Speaker 2 (05:48):
I completely agree with you saying that he seems more relaxed,
smiling a lot, and like you said, they'se always huddled
up with Andy Dalton and all of the different players.
I'm glad you mentioned the receivers because I'm sure you've
noticed this. He has a different handshake with each receiver
and it's always so fun for me to watch them,
(06:09):
and those have not Those relationships that he has built
as a starting quarterback have not changed, as we were
just talking about, and we still see the handshakes all
the time, both before the game and when they do
something really great. I'm going to try to learn one
or two. But in the meantime it's been fun to watch,
and it's been fun to watch that consistency as we
(06:29):
talked about. And then we have Sharon seen him in
a backup role since he has, you know, taken that
second quarterback role, so we've seen him out there and
that is certainly, like you said, we think that this
coaching staff will want to see more of him, especially
considering that he's been able to learn in a non
(06:50):
pressure environment. So I have to think that no matter
what the stats look like on Sunday, if he does
get the starting job, and I just want to say,
we do not know, being cagy about that, we do
not know at this point on Wednesday, whether you know,
it's that serious that he will But I have to think,
no matter what it looks like on the field, and
(07:10):
of course he and the Panthers fans want it to
look good, he is coming in with more knowledge than
he was either all of last season or at the
beginning of this season, because, as you said, he's got
a chance to see the concepts in Dave Canalis's offense
to really observe to kind of you know, sit alongside
(07:30):
and say, Okay, I would have done this, you know,
in real time, and I have to think that's really valuable.
Speaker 3 (07:34):
Like you said, oh gosh, I mean absolutely, And I'm
sure Brace would be the first one to tell you
that this has been an invaluable experience for him and
hopefully he'll be able to parlay that into some more
success on the field. Like you said, he's been out
a couple of times now, you know, late in the
games here, and he's been able to go and connect
on some passes. You know, he's had some big ones
(07:55):
down the stretch there as well. Didn't hit a lot
of playing time against Washington, But yeah, he's looking comfortable
when he goes out there. He's able to execute the offense.
And you know, if he's in there for an extended
period of time, he's going to be able to get
into a rhythm, get you know, get some consistency going,
get you know, some chemistry going with guys. So I
think that it'd be great to be able to see
him in an extended outing if it comes to that.
Speaker 2 (08:16):
Yeah, yeah, absolutely, And then I want to talk about
the news that we had three players return to practice,
and that is Adam Thielen Jordan Fuller, so you know,
two starters, and then DJ Wanham, who is someone that
the fans and certainly the coaching staff have wanted to
get a look at. You know, high expectations for him
(08:38):
coming into the beginning of the season now as we know,
and just to remind everyone that just starts the twenty
one day window before they have to either get back
on the field or lose our spot on the roster.
So you know, it's it's always exciting to know that
those guys are back in practice, especially guys that you
(09:00):
know are potentially three difference makers. We certainly know that
with Adam Fieln and Jordan Fuller. But it's a it
could be a long wait.
Speaker 3 (09:07):
Yeah, absolutely, and that's the hard part. It's like, oh
my gosh, twenty one days. Wait a minute, I thought
they were coming back out right now, especially with the
guy like I know, Dj want him. Everybody has just
been dying to get him out there because he was
slated to be a starter on this team and they
desperately need some help with that outside linebacker position right
now that had just so many guys in and out,
in and out and just you know, turning the roster
(09:28):
over at that position. So to get a guy like
that back sooner rather than later would be just outstanding.
So I'm hoping we'll get to see him before that
twenty one day window r runs up, because he's a
guy that I think could really help this defense.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
Speak it into existence.
Speaker 4 (09:42):
We hope to see all of them back exactly exactly, so, right, yeah,
And Jordan Fuller obviously, like you said, a starting safety
out there, and you know, you you we've missed him.
Speaker 3 (09:52):
Maybe we've clearly missed him out there on defense. The
defense has been having a rough time of it here,
So to get both of those guys out on the
field would be just outstanding. And then Adam Thielen, I mean,
the last game he played and when he got injured
was that game out in Las Vegas that the offense
was just rolling. And you know, not to say it
was just because of Adam Thielen, but he makes a
difference in this offense. He's a veteran out there. I
think he calms down the other receivers. He's a guy
(10:15):
that Andy Dalton trusts completely. They are totally on the
same page. And you know, he makes a big difference
in this offense, so to get him back out there
sooner rather than later as well would really be a
boost for this offense.
Speaker 2 (10:27):
Yeah, and the play in which he got hurt was
that huge touchdown that you know, Andy Dalton to him,
and that was just an incredible play. Of course, you
don't want anything like what happened to him happened because
of a play like that, but certainly, when he's healthy,
we're looking forward to seeing more plays like that. He's
so talented and he's such a hard worker, and like
(10:49):
you said, two veterans Andy Dalton and him connecting. It
was fun to watch. So we'll certainly keep an eye
on all three of those players as they work their
way back. So, you know, I don't know how much
time we want to spend on We certainly talk about
our views from the sideline. I think that anyone could
imagine and if you watch or listen to the game,
(11:11):
certainly it was a tough game, right, so you can
guess what the mood was like on the sideline. But
I just want to know from your perspective, was there
anyone on the defense that was picking the guys up.
What did you notice either from the staff or the players,
because I just imagine that's a really you know, you
(11:32):
go down, what was it, twenty seven to nothing at
the half, and there are some tough offensive plays, but
that's got to be demoralizing for a defense.
Speaker 3 (11:39):
Oh yeah, it was incredibly frustrating, as you would expect.
I mean, starting with that very first play when Washington
took the field, you know, and Jayden Daniel's running on
down sixty yards or whatever it was, and you know when
he went out, I don't think anybody expected Marcus Mariota
to come in and just have his way with the
defense like he did. So it was, Yeah, it was tough.
I mean, guys were really discouraged. It was frustrating. You know,
(12:02):
guys were you know, angry on the sidelines and they
just could not get things to click for them, which
was which was rough. And yeah, I mean there's multiple
guys that you know, step up and try to get
guys going, like Xavier Woods one of them, JC Horn
another one. So you know, they they are trying to say,
come on, guys, we can do this, but let's get
a stop here, let's do a three and out whatever
(12:22):
it may be. So there's different guys that you know,
sort of different position groups on the on the defense,
and even Todd wash the defensive line coach, was trying to,
you know, keep guys smiling and trying to get guys loose.
So but it was it was a tough day all
the way around, no matter. You know, you can't sugarcoat it.
Speaker 5 (12:39):
It was.
Speaker 3 (12:40):
It was a bad performance by this defense and the
offense didn't fare a whole lot better. And it's just
one of those ones you just sort of got to
chalk it up and say, you know what, that one's
in the books. It's time to move on to the
next game.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
Yeah. And I really like what you said about guys
being angry on the sidelines, because I think certainly before
I did this, for a long time, you'd hear, oh
my gosh, they're angry on the sidelines, and I go, well,
that's not good. And talking to and watching it, Sharon,
you know us for for years now, and then talking
to a lot of defensive players or former defensive players,
they're like, no, we want to see people get angry.
(13:12):
That means you care, and that means that it's not okay.
And so hopefully there is some of that anger translates, right.
I've just heard so many people say, like, no, anger
is good as long as it's directed, you know, toward
getting better, right and being being accountable.
Speaker 3 (13:31):
Yeah, exactly, And that that's how guys are on this defense.
I mean, nobody wants to settle for that kind of
a performance. And yeah, so you'd expect guys to get angry,
like sid. If they weren't, they're just like, yeah, whatever
and move on. Yeah, I mean, that's that's not what
you want. So anger in the sense that they're anger
that they're not performing well, they're angered that they're not
doing a job they need to be doing. They're not
angry at each other. Then that's a that's a key difference.
They're they're just angry at the outcome and what's going
(13:53):
on on the field. So yes, and they need to
you know, they want to get things turned around, and
so that's why they're they're just frustrated, the angry just
like you know, I mean, fans, I'm sure we're frustrated
as well. So the players are no different in that respect.
And except for the fact that they're getting paid to
do this and they're the ones out there on the field,
so they feel it even worse than everybody else does.
So they want more than anybody else. They're the ones
that want to get things turned around.
Speaker 2 (14:15):
Yeah, but tall task. This week with the Broncos in Denver,
they've won something. What, Sharon, you always know these stats,
four out of their last five. Yeah, yeah, is that right? Yeah?
Speaker 3 (14:26):
And they started out zero to two and now they
are just on a streak. And it starts. I mean,
everybody thinks, oh Bonix ricky quarterback, But I'll tell you what.
It starts with that defense. That defense is like out
They are ranked third overall in the league. They are
third in scoring defense, third and passing defense, fifth and
run defense, and they are just absolutely maybe I have
those two backwards, third and run and fifth in passing defense.
(14:47):
They are unbelievable. They've got twenty eight sacks. Twenty eight
sacks through seven games, which is just amazing. And they've
got some studs over there on that defensive side of
the ball. Patrick's certain the second to everybody knows his dad,
and he's coming in. He's right fallen right in his footsteps.
I've got two picks, one of them a pick six.
So whoever is going to be starting a quarterback for
this Panthers team on Sunday is going to have their
(15:08):
works seriously cut out for them because that defense is
a real deal.
Speaker 2 (15:12):
And you mentioned a bunch of those stats. One of
the stats that I saw is that they are first
in the league and quarterback pressures. So that's like you said,
whoever the quarterback is has to be prepared for that. Now,
one good thing is this offensive line. You know, not
one good thing, but one reassuring unit is this offensive line.
And so you've got to feel confident about no matter
(15:37):
if this is the defense that gets the quarterback more
than anyone, you have to think that this offensive line
has the ability to slow them down and give the
quarterback a chance. But as you said, there are a
lot of ballhawks on that defense. There are a lot
of really really talented guys up front, and it's a
(15:57):
tall task. You know, speaking with Dave Canalis earlier this week,
and you know, he had just so much praise for
Vance Joseph and what he does and how he schemes
up and how multiple they are and how he's always
trying to do something to throw everyone off their game.
And he couldn't say enough good things about him, as
you might imagine and as anyone who's watching that defense
(16:18):
can see. And then Sharon on the other side, you've
got Sean Payton, who is Sean Payton right, and we all,
certainly Panthers fans, know what he can do, and it
just seems like he has you know, I think everyone
can agree that Bonicks is not perfect and he still
has a ways to go. You know, the Denver media
has been talking about his footwork and things like that,
(16:39):
but Sean Payton and Bonis himself, I don't want to
I don't want to not acknowledge his contribution, but together
they have continued to see improvement with Bonnicks every single week.
Speaker 3 (16:52):
Yeah, and he's a guy that you know, he's maybe
not like a Jaden Daniels, He's not one of these
like superstar guys coming out of college, but he's he's
solid and one thing that really does stand out of
him too, it's his scrambling ability. He can run and
maybe not in the same way as Caleb Williams or
Jayden Daniels, but he's second. He's the second leading rusher
on that team right now. It either designed runs or
(17:14):
was scrambling, so he can move and extend plays with
his feet, which is something that the Panthers have already
faced a few times this season. And he's only thrown
five touchdown it's got five interceptions, so he's making some
rookie mistakes still there as well, but he's getting better
every week. And that's in spite of the fact that
he really doesn't have any like superstar receivers. He's I
think he's got six guys that have got double digit catches,
(17:36):
so he's been really passing, throwing the ball around, and
they like to run. They rely on the run more
than anything else. Dumonte Williams former Tar Heel Go Tar
Hill their lead back. He's also their number one receiver
in terms of catches, so he's sort of every do
it all player for them. He does does a little
bit of everything, so you expect them to really want
to run the football, have Bonnicks out there to either pass,
(18:00):
we're also running himself, and then just be a very
very stout defense. So all the way around, it's a
tough task.
Speaker 2 (18:08):
It's interesting, Sharon, and I'll be interested to hear what
you say. After the game. I was with Thomas Davis.
We're breaking down some film for the TV show, and
he pointed out that Tempayton is using Bonnicks a little
bit like the way he used Taysom Hill, or not
just a little bit, but we're seeing those similarities, and
so that can give Panthers fans as we get ready
for this game, a little bit of comparison about the
(18:31):
ways in which he's using them. And as we know,
you see Taysom Hill on the field and you go,
oh my goodness, yeah, because you know you're in for something,
and usually it works out well. But hopefully, Sharon, when
we talk next week, you're going to be saying, yeah, no,
they didn't get you know, Bonix was not able to
get anything done against the Panthers. But we'll see. You know,
Panthers currently right now, the defense is giving up the
(18:55):
most rushing yards per game of any team in the NFL,
one hundred and sixty two per game. So we you know,
that's got to get fixed. That's got to stop. And
as you said, nobody wants to go out there and
let that happen. Certainly, these guys are working as hard
as they can. But we'll see, we'll see what happens
every game in the NFL, as we know, every team
(19:17):
has the chance to beat another team. So we'll see
what they can do. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (19:22):
Absolutely, And this is a team that I mean, their
their backs are against the wall, and we'll see how
they respond to that kind of adversity. And it also
could be a case too where the Broncos are sort
of riding high right now. They're thinking, oh, we've got
you know, the worst team in the league coming in
right now, and the panther is, oh, they'll be a
you know, a rollover. So stranger things have happened in
that respect. You know, where teams can you can look
past somebody and then it comes back to bite you.
(19:43):
But this this defense in particular, they have a lot
of pride and they want to get that cleaned up.
Just even to talking to them last week about how
to fix the run game, this is just amount of
you've got to stay in your gaps, you got to
play discipline football. And they've had so many guys in
and out, and like last week, you know it was
only shy Tuttle was the only guy I'm the front
seven who is an original starter on this team. So
(20:03):
you've had so many guys in and out. And I
think sometimes and guys say this all the time too,
when when things are going bad and when guys are struggling,
sometimes make you try to do too much. And when
you try to do too much, you try to do
your job plus somebody else's it really works. So they're
really focusing on do your job, be your one to eleven.
Just don't try to do anything outside of what you're
(20:24):
supposed to be doing. If you can get your job
done and do it well, and then go on help
somebody else find But if not, they just they need
to be really just disciplined. I think this week going
into this game in particular with those run fits and
making sure that they stay in their gaps and things
like that to try to get that run defense short
up and then getting some guys like man I wish
we could get DJ want them out there then, but
we need to really set those edges that that's been
(20:47):
a problem for them in the past few weeks. So
I know that they're trying to get all these things
cleaned up, and it's just amount of going down and
executing on game day and share.
Speaker 2 (20:54):
My last question for you, have you ever done a
game at Mile High Stadium.
Speaker 3 (20:58):
I have not I know I haven't either. I've actually
never even been to Denver, so I'm getting all sorts
of fun trips this year. I've never been to Vegas,
never been to Denver, I've never heard hig.
Speaker 2 (21:06):
So I've got it going to be amazing.
Speaker 3 (21:09):
Yeah. Yeah, So I've got a few new places to go,
and Denver is definitely one of the ones I have
never been to before. So I'm really looking forward to
going to that stadium because i know it's supposed to
be gorgeous, but also a tough place to play exactly.
Speaker 2 (21:22):
That was my question. It's a beautiful city, but it's
you know, it's called Mile High Stadium for a reason.
So I'm sure that's something that you're going to be
keeping an eye out for. You know, that's a That's
another tall task for the Panthers is that they're not
used to playing in that elevation. That's a little look.
They are world class athletes, so they are certainly going
to be ready for it, you know. Dick now, so well,
(21:42):
the hydration starts now we are you know, there's only
so much you can do, And his advice was actually like,
don't think about it. Right, just just get you start hydrating,
you sleep really well, and then you just go out
and play because that's what we have to do. But
I'll be interested to hear what it's like from your
perspective and and how the guys perform at such an
(22:02):
interesting and tough place to play.
Speaker 3 (22:05):
Absolutely, yeah, it's it's going to be, like you said,
it's going to be. I'm going to be really interested
to see how that impacts guys if it does, because
I know a lot of guys in the past they've
you know, worn those altitude masks and trained differently things
like that just to prepare for a game out there
because it's it's apparently no joke, the difference in the
oxygen and all that kind of stuff and how you
feel and things like that. So I'm sure that they're
(22:26):
preparing well this week to be ready for when the
time does come out there and Sunday. But it's gonna
be interesting to see when it actually comes to fruition
and actually happens on Sunday.
Speaker 2 (22:35):
Yeah. Well, Sharon, hopefully this time next week we are saying, Wow,
the altitude did not affect them at all. Well, Nicks
didn't affect them at all. And the Panthers get a
little bit of revenge on Sean Payton. Thank you so much.
As always, I think this is just it's so valuable
for me, and it's so fun to to have everyone
get to listen to these conversations. So I appreciate it.
Speaker 3 (22:56):
All right, Thanks so much, Kristen. It's always fun.
Speaker 2 (22:59):
I'm here now with rookie cornerback Shaw Smith Wade, fresh
off his first official start for the Panthers. Shaw, obviously,
of course you wish the game went a different way,
but it was a big game for you, not just
at your first start, you also led the team in tackle.
So what what did that mean to you to have
that game?
Speaker 1 (23:18):
You know, one, it was an opportunity game.
Speaker 5 (23:21):
Just being able to go out there in service for
the guys, being with Troy Hills leave, so you know,
just being being able to go out there and take
the take a hold of the opportunity and be able
to be in position for those tackles. That was everything
for me, being able to showcase that, you know, I
can start on the next level.
Speaker 2 (23:42):
So I know you and Troy you learned a lot
from him. Who else on that defense do you look
up to or that you've become friends with, because this
defense seems very close to me.
Speaker 1 (23:53):
Yeah, the defense is very close.
Speaker 5 (23:54):
So I really can't just pickpoint anybody specifically, but you know,
the whole defense. You know, we kind of chop it
up with everybody, not even just the defense. You know,
we mingle with special teams players. Yeah, so the team
is kind of just close knit all around.
Speaker 2 (24:12):
That's a very diplomatic answer. I get it, because you
don't want to upset one person, right if you forget them.
I got it, I got it. I know that rookies
have assigned duties. I was talking to JC at JT.
Sanders last week and he was saying how we had
to go get the guy's chicken from LULUs on the
offensive side of the ball. Do you have rookie duties
(24:32):
that you can tell me about.
Speaker 5 (24:35):
Yeah, so, you know previously in the training camp, we
had to fill the room up with snacks, you know,
being able to get the guys snacks. And you know,
on the plane rides, we going and get the guys
bunk cakes. You know, if they want bunk cakes, we
get them bunk cakes. Shout out to nothing bunk cakes
out here in North Carolina.
Speaker 2 (24:57):
So yeah, well, I'm sorry. I bunk cakes, but's so
random to me.
Speaker 5 (25:02):
I don't know why. I'm not a fan of the
bunk cakes. But the guys love monk cakes for some reason.
They love the monk cakes. So we pile up on
you know.
Speaker 1 (25:12):
Red Velvet's. Yeah, they love Everybody loves very.
Speaker 2 (25:15):
Velvet cakes, Red Velvet bunk cakes at nothing bunt cakes.
That's so interesting. So they just say to you, hey, Sean,
this is the thing we need you to do for us.
You need to go to Nothing bunk Cakes and get
us the rent bill.
Speaker 5 (25:28):
Yeah, yeah, it's major. They love their bunk cakes. Without
the bunk cakes, there is a whole hoorah.
Speaker 1 (25:36):
Everybody loves the bunk cakes.
Speaker 2 (25:38):
But you're not a fan though, which is probably good, right,
because then you know that they're all going to get
to where they need to go right without you taking
some of it. Yeah, are you looking forward to that
next year when you get to be the guy that says, hey,
you know, go get me some stuff.
Speaker 5 (25:53):
You know, I'm not looking forward to it. You know,
in all honesty, I'll be able to go get my
own food if I want, yeah, some food. You know,
I don't want to put the rookies in that situation.
Speaker 2 (26:04):
All right, well, what's your desertive choice then, if it's not.
Speaker 1 (26:06):
Bunky cake my desertive choice. Oh that's a good question.
Speaker 2 (26:12):
You know, I don't tell me you're not a dessert guy.
Speaker 1 (26:14):
No, I absolutely love dessert.
Speaker 2 (26:17):
Just making sure.
Speaker 5 (26:19):
You know I love I love like ice cream, shervet
ice cream. I love servet ice cream. That's my thing,
shervet ice cream. I love chocolate cake with vanilla, vanilla
ice cream. Being able to put the vanilla ice cream
on top. I like to heat up the cake, throw
the ice cream on top, watching milk. That's just amazing.
Speaker 2 (26:39):
So that's just like a like a Sunday almost like
you're making your own like chocolate Sundays. You just need
a little like Hershey syrup on the top.
Speaker 1 (26:46):
Yeah, definitely, definitely.
Speaker 2 (26:47):
All right, now, I know you said right now you
don't want to make the rookies do anything, but I'm
just saying they you know, you might want to keep
that list just in case you change your mind next season.
Speaker 1 (26:56):
Yeah, I'm gonna keep that in mind for sure.
Speaker 2 (26:59):
So I read that you were born in Denver, but
obviously you went to high school in Chicago. You guys
are headed back to Denver this week. How long did
you live there and do you still have family there
in Chicago? Know, in Denver?
Speaker 5 (27:13):
Oh, in Denver. So you know I grew up in Denver.
That is that is my hometown. I was born in Denver.
I ended up going to Chicago for high school. I
also lived in Chicago for a little bit around elementary school,
and I ended up going back to Denver and then
headed back to Chicago for high school. So you know,
(27:35):
Denver is the hometown. That is where a majority of
my family lives, although I do have family members, you know,
scattered across the US.
Speaker 2 (27:43):
Sure do you have people coming to the game against
the Broncos? Do you have family coming? That's awesome? How many?
Speaker 1 (27:51):
I can't I can't pandpoint a number. There's so many
people coming.
Speaker 2 (27:54):
Yeah, because you have a big family, right, Yeah, I do.
That's awesome. That'll be so special to have them all
there in your hometown.
Speaker 1 (28:04):
Definitely. Yeah.
Speaker 5 (28:05):
You know, it's crazy the amount of ask I'm getting
for tickets, It's crazy.
Speaker 2 (28:12):
I bet, I bet. And you know, nobody wants to
miss out on seeing Shaw play. I wouldn't you know
if I were your family so I get it, although
it does get a little you know, you got to
keep track of it and everything like that. So is
the altitude there a real thing? Like are you telling
guys like, hey, we all got to be prepared.
Speaker 5 (28:33):
Being that I grew up in Denver, I can't really say, Okay,
the altitude is a problem because I'm used to it.
I can't tell the guys the altitude is a problem
because you know they it may be different for them.
Speaker 1 (28:46):
You know.
Speaker 5 (28:46):
The problem for me was the reverse elevation coming down
here to North Carolina, and I felt just heavy, you know,
the humidity, the thick air. It was different for me
with the reverse elevation. But you know, vice versa. Being
in Denver. Living in Denver, it's no problem for me.
So I can't really say, hey, bro, you gotta lace
(29:09):
up your kicks and really get ready for this.
Speaker 2 (29:12):
I had not I had never thought of that. That's
so interesting. Well, shall look, I know you got to
go to meetings, But I have one last question. I
used to live in Chicago too. I only lived there
for two years, So what kind of food are you
eating when you're in Chicago?
Speaker 5 (29:28):
When I'm in Chicago, I love my Aunties egg rolls.
She makes these egg rolls that are so amazing. It's
kind of like a you know, the the what's it
called the Mac, the Big Mac from McDonald's. She makes
them into egg rolls yet are so amazing.
Speaker 2 (29:50):
Auntielan, Yeah, Auntie Lano, do you have to get her
to bring some for the team at some point next
time she comes to a game.
Speaker 1 (29:56):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (29:58):
Well, I just realized we spent this entire inner you
talking about food. But I appreciate it. It was wonderful
to get to talk to you, Shaw, and we'll be
looking forward to absolutely. All right, we'll talk to you
next time.
Speaker 1 (30:10):
All right, now you have a go you too, all right?
Speaker 2 (30:13):
That is going to do it for us. In this
week's edition of Sideline Pass. Stay tuned everyone for next
week's episode. See then
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