NFC South: Rob Chudzinski
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- I’ll be heading out shortly to watch the Carolina Panthers open their minicamp.
Let’s take a look at five things I’ll be keeping a close eye on:
Cam Newton. For whatever reason, the quarterback is a magnet for scrutiny. I saw some signs of maturity the second half of last season and I’m curious to see if Newton is continuing to progress.
Mike Shula’s playbook. Shula replaced Rob Chudzinski as offensive coordinator. I’m thinking there’s a good chance Shula learned from what Chudzinski did last season. Early on, the Panthers were leaning heavily on Newton and the read option and not really using their running backs. The Panthers started 2-8. Then, they went to a more traditional running game and finished the season strong. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are talented running backs. The Panthers need to use them and let Newton be a quarterback.
Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short. The Panthers used their first two draft picks on these two defensive tackles. I thought that was a great move because the Panthers have struggled in this area for far too long. Lotulelei is a classic run-stuffer and Short has the potential to bring an interior pass rush. If these guys are anywhere near as good as advertised, Carolina’s defense has a chance to be very good.
The defensive backfield. The Panthers didn’t make any big moves here and that was somewhat surprising. But general manger Dave Gettleman and coach Ron Rivera know a lot more about football than I do. They must be confident that some of their mid-level free agents and some guys that were already on the roster can play.
The cluster at wide receiver. The Panthers have loaded up their depth behind starters Steve Smith and Brandon LaFell. They brought in free agents Domenik Hixon and Ted Ginn Jr. to compete with Kealoha Pilares, Armanti Edwards, David Gettis and Joe Adams. That should create some competition and competition usually prompts someone to step up their game.
I'll be back with more on the Panthers after they finish their morning practice and interview session.
Let’s take a look at five things I’ll be keeping a close eye on:
Cam Newton. For whatever reason, the quarterback is a magnet for scrutiny. I saw some signs of maturity the second half of last season and I’m curious to see if Newton is continuing to progress.
Mike Shula’s playbook. Shula replaced Rob Chudzinski as offensive coordinator. I’m thinking there’s a good chance Shula learned from what Chudzinski did last season. Early on, the Panthers were leaning heavily on Newton and the read option and not really using their running backs. The Panthers started 2-8. Then, they went to a more traditional running game and finished the season strong. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are talented running backs. The Panthers need to use them and let Newton be a quarterback.
Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short. The Panthers used their first two draft picks on these two defensive tackles. I thought that was a great move because the Panthers have struggled in this area for far too long. Lotulelei is a classic run-stuffer and Short has the potential to bring an interior pass rush. If these guys are anywhere near as good as advertised, Carolina’s defense has a chance to be very good.
The defensive backfield. The Panthers didn’t make any big moves here and that was somewhat surprising. But general manger Dave Gettleman and coach Ron Rivera know a lot more about football than I do. They must be confident that some of their mid-level free agents and some guys that were already on the roster can play.
The cluster at wide receiver. The Panthers have loaded up their depth behind starters Steve Smith and Brandon LaFell. They brought in free agents Domenik Hixon and Ted Ginn Jr. to compete with Kealoha Pilares, Armanti Edwards, David Gettis and Joe Adams. That should create some competition and competition usually prompts someone to step up their game.
I'll be back with more on the Panthers after they finish their morning practice and interview session.
Last offseason, we spent a lot of time talking about how Atlanta’s Matt Ryan had bulked up and Tampa Bay’s Josh Freeman had dropped more than 20 pounds.
This offseason, there’s another NFC South quarterback with a reshaped body. Carolina’s Cam Newton told the media Wednesday he has dropped 12 pounds since last season. Newton said he now weighs 243 pounds.
Newton Newton said the coaching staff did not ask him to lose weight.
“It's just me challenging myself to have an edge going into the season,’’ Newton said.
I don’t think Newton was out of shape last season. But a little less weight might make him a little more mobile.
Newton’s body isn’t the only thing that’s smaller this offseason. Offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski left to become the head coach in Cleveland and quarterbacks coach Mike Shula was promoted. I’m not expecting major changes in Carolina’s offense, but Newton said Shula has simplified it.
“There was a lot of verbiage that was in the offense before, but I think Shula’s main focus has been to simplify things,’’ Newton said. “Call words that are just words rather than just minimizing the syllables of each and every play. When you know what you have to do, you execute.’’
So there’s less of Newton and less language in the playbook. But that could lead to the Panthers getting more out of Newton, which would be huge. If the Panthers are going to be playoff contenders, they need Newton to take some steps forward in his third season in the league.
This offseason, there’s another NFC South quarterback with a reshaped body. Carolina’s Cam Newton told the media Wednesday he has dropped 12 pounds since last season. Newton said he now weighs 243 pounds.
“It's just me challenging myself to have an edge going into the season,’’ Newton said.
I don’t think Newton was out of shape last season. But a little less weight might make him a little more mobile.
Newton’s body isn’t the only thing that’s smaller this offseason. Offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski left to become the head coach in Cleveland and quarterbacks coach Mike Shula was promoted. I’m not expecting major changes in Carolina’s offense, but Newton said Shula has simplified it.
“There was a lot of verbiage that was in the offense before, but I think Shula’s main focus has been to simplify things,’’ Newton said. “Call words that are just words rather than just minimizing the syllables of each and every play. When you know what you have to do, you execute.’’
So there’s less of Newton and less language in the playbook. But that could lead to the Panthers getting more out of Newton, which would be huge. If the Panthers are going to be playoff contenders, they need Newton to take some steps forward in his third season in the league.
Elsa/Getty ImagesThe Panthers plan to feature a power running game and Cam Newton's pocket passing next season.Since early last season, it seems Newton has been overshadowed by a bunch of young quarterbacks. Russell Wilson, Colin Kaepernick, Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III started winning and took a lot of attention off Newton, who was the No. 1 overall draft pick and the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2011.
But it would be a huge mistake for anyone to overlook Newton. Call it bouncing back, breaking through or whatever you want, but I’m predicting a big 2013 season from the quarterback of the Carolina Panthers. Yeah, I’ll even step out on a limb and say he has a better 2013 season than Wilson, Kaepernick, Luck and RG III.
Why?
Several reasons pop to mind, but let’s start with this -- Newton has more all-around talent than any of those guys.
Luck can pass nicely, but opposing defenses don’t have to game plan for his running ability. Wilson, RG III and Kaepernick each have some throwing ability, but they aren’t pure pocket passers, and their big 2012 seasons came largely because of their mobility.
Newton is capable of more than any of those guys, because he’s as mobile as RG III, Kaepernick and Wilson. At the same time, he’s as good a pocket passer as Luck.
A lot of people think Newton slumped in 2012. But that’s not necessarily true. His numbers were comparable to his rookie season, but his visibility lessened because the Panthers didn’t take the leap many expected.
They went 7-9 and were largely overlooked.
But you can’t overlook Newton and the Panthers headed into the 2013 season, and that takes us back to Newton’s rare ability. He is so talented, I don’t think Carolina’s coaching staff really knew how to maximize his ability in his first two seasons.
For reasons that never have been explained and I sure as heck can’t figure out, the Carolina coaching staff didn’t take advantage fully of what Newton brings or what else was on the roster at the start of last season.
Although the Panthers had a talented (and very pricey) backfield with DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart and Mike Tolbert, they barely used that trio at the start of last season. Instead, they featured Newton heavily in the read-option early last season.
In other words, they turned their quarterback into a running back.
Opposing defenses didn’t have to worry much about Newton’s passing, and that was one of the major reasons the Panthers got off to a 2-8 start.
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Rob Grabowski/US PresswireA physical running game led by Jonathan Stewart could help quarterback Cam Newton turn the Panthers into a contender next season.
Rivera and his staff took notice of what happened late in the season, and that is another reason I think Newton is in for a big season. Rivera has said he wants to rely more heavily on the power running game in 2013.
In other words, it sounds like the Panthers are going to let their running backs be running backs, and they’re going to let Newton be a quarterback. That sounds to me like a formula for success.
Carolina is going through a change. Offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski left to become the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, and former quarterbacks coach Mike Shula is taking over the play-calling duties.
Shula had a reputation for being too conservative when he was the offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay, and the head coach at the University of Alabama. But, like Newton, I think Shula is ready for a breakout season.
Part of the reason Shula was so conservative in previous stops was because he didn’t have big-time talent at the skill positions. He has that talent now with Newton, the running backs, receiver Steve Smith and tight end Greg Olsen.
I still expect Shula to be a bit more of a traditionalist than Chudzinski, but I think that’s a good thing. He’s going to rely on that running game more, and that’s going to open up the passing game for Newton.
Newton threw for more than 7,900 yards in his first two seasons. He also rushed for more than 700 yards in each of his first two seasons.
Newton’s legs are a valuable asset, and the Panthers can’t ignore that. The Panthers can use the threat of Newton’s running skills to keep defenses off balance, but they also need to keep their offense balanced.
I think they need to adjust things a bit and take an approach similar to what they were using at the end of last season. Scrap the read-option, or at least cut way back on it. Let Newton use his legs to scramble and keep plays alive.
But, first and foremost, let Newton be a passer.
There aren’t many quarterbacks in the league with Newton’s arm strength. The Panthers need to play to that strength.
If they do, Newton won’t be overlooked anymore, and this team could be in the playoffs.
Time for a morning run through some odds and ends from around the division:
- Jason Cole reports that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so far, have been unwilling to include their first-round pick in this year’s draft in a potential trade with the New York Jets for Darrelle Revis. I’d be hesitant to part with that pick too. It’s the No. 13 overall pick in the draft. The Jets seem to want to unload Revis before he’s due a bonus on Saturday and it doesn’t seem like they have a lot of other potential suitors. Their price tag may come down.
- Pittsburgh cornerback Keenan Lewis, a New Orleans native, is visiting the Saints on Thursday. The Saints had shown some interest in Derek Cox, but he signed with San Diego.
- The Saints have re-signed long-snapper Justin Drescher to a four-year deal.
- The Buccaneers have signed former New Orleans linebacker Jonathan Casillas. At best, Casillas could be a candidate to start if Quincy Black doesn’t return from injury. At worst, he’s a decent back and special-teams player.
- Former Carolina tight end Gary Barnidge has signed with the Cleveland Browns, where he’ll play for head coach Rob Chudzinski, who previously was the Panthers’ offensive coordinator.
Let's take a run through some odds and ends from around the division:
ATLANTA FALCONS
The Falcons top Jeff Schultz’s rankings of the pro and college teams in the Atlanta area. That differs from the usual belief that the Braves and college football are the biggest things in Atlanta. But the Falcons have had five straight winning seasons, which might explain why they finally are being fully embraced in Atlanta.
General manager Thomas Dimitroff said the Falcons are evaluating closely the tight end prospects at the combine. Even if veteran Tony Gonzalez decides to return for another season, I still could see the Falcons taking a tight end in this year’s draft. It wouldn’t hurt to have the eventual successor to Gonzalez spend a year learning from the best tight end ever.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Joseph Person writes that the Panthers plan to keep running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. That will probably mean a restructuring of Williams’ contract. But it would mean the Panthers have two top-notch running backs and another solid one in Mike Tolbert. But, if the Panthers do keep all three, it might be wise for new offensive coordinator Mike Shula to get them all more involved in the offense than they were last season when Rob Chudzinski was calling the plays.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Former Saints safety and special teams ace Steve Gleason continues to inspire. He completed the Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans Half Marathon on Saturday. Gleason, who is battling ALS, was pushed by his brother-in-law in his customized wheelchair.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Rick Stroud reports that the Bucs have yet to talk to safety Ronde Barber about playing another season. That simply may be because the Bucs want to give Barber plenty of time to decide if he wants to continue playing. It also could be a sign that the Bucs are contemplating moving in a different direction. Whatever the case, the Bucs need to handle this the right way if they don’t want Barber back. The franchise badly mishandled the release of Derrick Brooks back in 2009. Barber is as much of an icon in Tampa Bay as Brooks was and, if he’s going out, he deserves to do it on good terms.
ATLANTA FALCONS
The Falcons top Jeff Schultz’s rankings of the pro and college teams in the Atlanta area. That differs from the usual belief that the Braves and college football are the biggest things in Atlanta. But the Falcons have had five straight winning seasons, which might explain why they finally are being fully embraced in Atlanta.
General manager Thomas Dimitroff said the Falcons are evaluating closely the tight end prospects at the combine. Even if veteran Tony Gonzalez decides to return for another season, I still could see the Falcons taking a tight end in this year’s draft. It wouldn’t hurt to have the eventual successor to Gonzalez spend a year learning from the best tight end ever.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Joseph Person writes that the Panthers plan to keep running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. That will probably mean a restructuring of Williams’ contract. But it would mean the Panthers have two top-notch running backs and another solid one in Mike Tolbert. But, if the Panthers do keep all three, it might be wise for new offensive coordinator Mike Shula to get them all more involved in the offense than they were last season when Rob Chudzinski was calling the plays.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Former Saints safety and special teams ace Steve Gleason continues to inspire. He completed the Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans Half Marathon on Saturday. Gleason, who is battling ALS, was pushed by his brother-in-law in his customized wheelchair.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Rick Stroud reports that the Bucs have yet to talk to safety Ronde Barber about playing another season. That simply may be because the Bucs want to give Barber plenty of time to decide if he wants to continue playing. It also could be a sign that the Bucs are contemplating moving in a different direction. Whatever the case, the Bucs need to handle this the right way if they don’t want Barber back. The franchise badly mishandled the release of Derrick Brooks back in 2009. Barber is as much of an icon in Tampa Bay as Brooks was and, if he’s going out, he deserves to do it on good terms.
Time for an afternoon run through some odds and ends from around the division:
ATLANTA FALCONS
General manager Thomas Dimitroff said he’s confident the team will get quarterback Matt Ryan signed to a long-term contract. I’d expect the Falcons to settle things with their own free agents first and then start working seriously on Ryan’s extension later in the spring.
D. Orlando Ledbetter reports that the Falcons plan to interview linebacker Manti Te’o at the scouting combine. I wouldn’t get too excited about this. The Falcons are simply doing their homework on all draft prospects. But there’s a good chance Te’o will be taken long before the Falcons get around to picking at No. 30 overall.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Offensive coordinator Mike Shula got a ringing endorsement from his predecessor, Rob Chudzinski, who now is the head coach of the Cleveland Browns.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
The team reportedly will not use the franchise tag on left tackle Jermon Bushrod. No big surprise there because the franchise tag for a tackle is almost $10 million. Bushrod is better than average, but he’s not a $10-million-a-year tackle.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
The Bucs are saying they haven’t made any decision on the future of cornerback Eric Wright. Maybe they haven’t, but I still think his chances of still being on the roster when the league year starts March 12 are slim. The Bucs can free up $7.75 million in cap space by releasing Wright.
ATLANTA FALCONS
General manager Thomas Dimitroff said he’s confident the team will get quarterback Matt Ryan signed to a long-term contract. I’d expect the Falcons to settle things with their own free agents first and then start working seriously on Ryan’s extension later in the spring.
D. Orlando Ledbetter reports that the Falcons plan to interview linebacker Manti Te’o at the scouting combine. I wouldn’t get too excited about this. The Falcons are simply doing their homework on all draft prospects. But there’s a good chance Te’o will be taken long before the Falcons get around to picking at No. 30 overall.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Offensive coordinator Mike Shula got a ringing endorsement from his predecessor, Rob Chudzinski, who now is the head coach of the Cleveland Browns.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
The team reportedly will not use the franchise tag on left tackle Jermon Bushrod. No big surprise there because the franchise tag for a tackle is almost $10 million. Bushrod is better than average, but he’s not a $10-million-a-year tackle.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
The Bucs are saying they haven’t made any decision on the future of cornerback Eric Wright. Maybe they haven’t, but I still think his chances of still being on the roster when the league year starts March 12 are slim. The Bucs can free up $7.75 million in cap space by releasing Wright.
Time for a run through of some odds and ends from around the division:
ATLANTA FALCONS
Jay Adams writes that most of the early mock drafts have the Falcons taking a tight end at No. 30. That could happen. But, as I wrote last week, the Falcons are lobbying Tony Gonzalez to come back for one more season and I think there’s a decent chance of that happening.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Now that the Panthers have finished making changes, Joseph Person takes a look at the complete updated coaching staff. The Panthers made changes in several areas, but I think the key ones were at offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach because this franchise is all about quarterback Cam Newton. There’s no doubt the Panthers will miss offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski, who left to become the head coach in Cleveland. But I think they did a nice job making sure Newton has as much continuity as possible. They promoted Mike Shula from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator. They made Ken Dorsey, who had been working in their scouting department, the quarterbacks coach. Dorsey had worked with Newton at IMG Academy before he was hired by the Panthers.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
The company that runs the Mercedes-Benz Superdome said it will hire an outside party to investigate what caused the power outage during the Super Bowl. Probably a good idea to let a neutral party get to the bottom of this. If New Orleans is going to host future Super Bowls, the NFL needs to have confidence that a similar problem isn’t going to occur.
Rob Ryan and Romeo Crennel reportedly are the two most likely candidates to become the new defensive coordinator. Both have history in the 3-4 scheme that coach Sean Payton wants to switch to. I think either one would be a good hire. Ryan’s had success as a defensive coordinator. Crennel hasn’t had much luck as a head coach, but has a good reputation as a coordinator.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Quarterback Josh Freeman makes an appearance in ESPN The Magazine’s Music issue. The photo is at least worth a look.
In this radio interview, Warren Sapp said his daughter will make his presentation speech at his Hall of Fame induction this summer.
ATLANTA FALCONS
Jay Adams writes that most of the early mock drafts have the Falcons taking a tight end at No. 30. That could happen. But, as I wrote last week, the Falcons are lobbying Tony Gonzalez to come back for one more season and I think there’s a decent chance of that happening.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Now that the Panthers have finished making changes, Joseph Person takes a look at the complete updated coaching staff. The Panthers made changes in several areas, but I think the key ones were at offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach because this franchise is all about quarterback Cam Newton. There’s no doubt the Panthers will miss offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski, who left to become the head coach in Cleveland. But I think they did a nice job making sure Newton has as much continuity as possible. They promoted Mike Shula from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator. They made Ken Dorsey, who had been working in their scouting department, the quarterbacks coach. Dorsey had worked with Newton at IMG Academy before he was hired by the Panthers.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
The company that runs the Mercedes-Benz Superdome said it will hire an outside party to investigate what caused the power outage during the Super Bowl. Probably a good idea to let a neutral party get to the bottom of this. If New Orleans is going to host future Super Bowls, the NFL needs to have confidence that a similar problem isn’t going to occur.
Rob Ryan and Romeo Crennel reportedly are the two most likely candidates to become the new defensive coordinator. Both have history in the 3-4 scheme that coach Sean Payton wants to switch to. I think either one would be a good hire. Ryan’s had success as a defensive coordinator. Crennel hasn’t had much luck as a head coach, but has a good reputation as a coordinator.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Quarterback Josh Freeman makes an appearance in ESPN The Magazine’s Music issue. The photo is at least worth a look.
In this radio interview, Warren Sapp said his daughter will make his presentation speech at his Hall of Fame induction this summer.
It is possible the NFC South could have four new backup quarterbacks in 2013.
Three of the division’s No. 2 quarterbacks from 2013 are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents and the fourth team has said it would like to increase the competition at quarterback.
AndersonAtlanta’s Luke McCown, Carolina’s Derek Anderson and New Orleans’ Chase Daniel all can become unrestricted free agents. I’d say the chances Anderson moves on are very high.
It’s not that the Panthers are unhappy with Anderson. But, for a team with a nightmare cap situation, keeping the veteran probably would be too costly. Besides, the Panthers have Jimmy Clausen still under contract (at a reasonable rate) and it makes financial sense to simply move Clausen up to the No. 2 quarterback behind Cam Newton. Anderson had close ties to former offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski, who became the head coach in Cleveland. Heck, I wouldn’t be surprised if Anderson ends up in Cleveland.
McCown has history with Atlanta offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, so it’s possible he could be brought back. I don’t see other teams beating down the door to sign McCown, so the Falcons can have him if they want him. But rookie Dominique Davis had a fantastic preseason last year and the Falcons could look to move him up to No. 2 behind Matt Ryan.
I think the Saints would like to keep Daniel as Drew Brees’ backup. The chances of that happening are pretty good. But the Saints don’t have the cap room to pay Daniel much. I think there’s at least a chance that another team could make an attempt to get a guy that has been the understudy to one of the league’s top quarterbacks. I don’t think there are teams out there that view Daniel as a potential starter. But I think there are teams that have more cap room than the Saints and they might be willing to pay Daniel good backup money.
Tampa Bay is the only team that has its backup quarterback from 2012 under contract for next season. That’s Dan Orlovsky. But, as the season ended, coach Greg Schiano said he’d like to bring in more competition for starter Josh Freeman. I think the Bucs still have hope that Freeman can turn into a consistent franchise quarterback. He certainly had some bright moments in 2013, but he didn’t play at a consistently high level. Freeman’s heading into the final year of his contract and the Bucs want someone to push him, maybe even someone that eventually can take over if they decide Freeman isn’t their guy. Orlovsky’s a decent backup, but he has no upside, so I think the Bucs will look for an upgrade.
Three of the division’s No. 2 quarterbacks from 2013 are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents and the fourth team has said it would like to increase the competition at quarterback.
It’s not that the Panthers are unhappy with Anderson. But, for a team with a nightmare cap situation, keeping the veteran probably would be too costly. Besides, the Panthers have Jimmy Clausen still under contract (at a reasonable rate) and it makes financial sense to simply move Clausen up to the No. 2 quarterback behind Cam Newton. Anderson had close ties to former offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski, who became the head coach in Cleveland. Heck, I wouldn’t be surprised if Anderson ends up in Cleveland.
McCown has history with Atlanta offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, so it’s possible he could be brought back. I don’t see other teams beating down the door to sign McCown, so the Falcons can have him if they want him. But rookie Dominique Davis had a fantastic preseason last year and the Falcons could look to move him up to No. 2 behind Matt Ryan.
I think the Saints would like to keep Daniel as Drew Brees’ backup. The chances of that happening are pretty good. But the Saints don’t have the cap room to pay Daniel much. I think there’s at least a chance that another team could make an attempt to get a guy that has been the understudy to one of the league’s top quarterbacks. I don’t think there are teams out there that view Daniel as a potential starter. But I think there are teams that have more cap room than the Saints and they might be willing to pay Daniel good backup money.
Tampa Bay is the only team that has its backup quarterback from 2012 under contract for next season. That’s Dan Orlovsky. But, as the season ended, coach Greg Schiano said he’d like to bring in more competition for starter Josh Freeman. I think the Bucs still have hope that Freeman can turn into a consistent franchise quarterback. He certainly had some bright moments in 2013, but he didn’t play at a consistently high level. Freeman’s heading into the final year of his contract and the Bucs want someone to push him, maybe even someone that eventually can take over if they decide Freeman isn’t their guy. Orlovsky’s a decent backup, but he has no upside, so I think the Bucs will look for an upgrade.
NEW ORLEANS -- The recent promotion of Mike Shula from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator by the Carolina Panthers got its most important endorsement Friday.
“I don’t think there was a better person that could come in and take over,’’ quarterback Cam Newton said Friday after a Gatorade Sports Science Institute news conference to talk about nutrition. “I’m excited about taking the next steps in the process with him.’’
Don’t underestimate the importance of Newton’s opinion on Shula. It might have had a lot to do with the promotion after Rob Chudzinski left to become the head coach of the Cleveland Browns.
Newton, after all, is the franchise in Carolina. Coach Ron Ron Rivera ultimately made the decision on the hire. But I have little doubt that Newton’s thoughts mattered.
I asked Newton if he and Rivera talked during a process, during which Hue Jackson and Pat Shurmur also were interviewed. Newton said he and Rivera chatted and shared thoughts.
Newton said he and Shula have talked multiple times since the promotion.
“I believe it will be similar (to Chudzinski’s scheme), but you always have to evolve,’’ Newton said. “You can’t stay the same. If you do, you’re going to get schemed up. I’m looking forward to (Shula’s) twist on the offense. I’m as curious as everyone else to see what we’re going to be as far as an identity.’’
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Pat Yasinskas/ESPN.comPanthers QB Cam Newton says he's excited to see what wrinkles Mike Shula will bring to the offense.
Don’t underestimate the importance of Newton’s opinion on Shula. It might have had a lot to do with the promotion after Rob Chudzinski left to become the head coach of the Cleveland Browns.
Newton, after all, is the franchise in Carolina. Coach Ron Ron Rivera ultimately made the decision on the hire. But I have little doubt that Newton’s thoughts mattered.
I asked Newton if he and Rivera talked during a process, during which Hue Jackson and Pat Shurmur also were interviewed. Newton said he and Rivera chatted and shared thoughts.
Newton said he and Shula have talked multiple times since the promotion.
“I believe it will be similar (to Chudzinski’s scheme), but you always have to evolve,’’ Newton said. “You can’t stay the same. If you do, you’re going to get schemed up. I’m looking forward to (Shula’s) twist on the offense. I’m as curious as everyone else to see what we’re going to be as far as an identity.’’
NEW ORLEANS -- Before we begin another day of Super Bowl hoopla, let's take a look at the headlines from around the division:
ATLANTA FALCONS
Although Calvin Johnson generally is viewed as the NFL’s best wide receiver, at least one long-time personnel guru ranks Atlanta's Julio Jones ahead of him. I think that might be a little premature. Jones already is very good and has the potential to become the best, but I don’t think he’s quite there yet.
The Falcons announced they have promoted Marty Lauzon to director of sports medicine and performance, and named A.J. Neibel as the strength and conditioning coach. Lauzon was the team’s head trainer the past three seasons. Neibel was a strength and conditioning assistant the past two seasons.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Receiver Steve Smith told Joseph Person he’s happy the team promoted Mike Shula from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator. Smith said he expects Shula to keep predecessor Rob Chudzinski’s system largely in place. I agree that continuity is very important in this situation, and I also think it’s significant that the mercurial receiver is on board with this move, otherwise Shula’s chances of succeeding would be doomed from the start.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Mike Triplett writes that you don’t have to look beyond the Super Bowl to understand why the Saints are switching to a 3-4 defense. Both the Ravens and 49ers use that as their base system. The NFL is a copy-cat league, and teams follow what’s working elsewhere. The system switch is good, but the Saints still have a lot of work to do in upgrading their personnel to make the 3-4 work.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
The team reportedly has fired special teams coordinator Bob Ligashesky It seems a little strange that the Bucs waited this long to make a move. But I’m assuming coach Greg Schiano would not have made this move if his eyes weren’t already on a replacement.
ATLANTA FALCONS
Although Calvin Johnson generally is viewed as the NFL’s best wide receiver, at least one long-time personnel guru ranks Atlanta's Julio Jones ahead of him. I think that might be a little premature. Jones already is very good and has the potential to become the best, but I don’t think he’s quite there yet.
The Falcons announced they have promoted Marty Lauzon to director of sports medicine and performance, and named A.J. Neibel as the strength and conditioning coach. Lauzon was the team’s head trainer the past three seasons. Neibel was a strength and conditioning assistant the past two seasons.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Receiver Steve Smith told Joseph Person he’s happy the team promoted Mike Shula from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator. Smith said he expects Shula to keep predecessor Rob Chudzinski’s system largely in place. I agree that continuity is very important in this situation, and I also think it’s significant that the mercurial receiver is on board with this move, otherwise Shula’s chances of succeeding would be doomed from the start.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Mike Triplett writes that you don’t have to look beyond the Super Bowl to understand why the Saints are switching to a 3-4 defense. Both the Ravens and 49ers use that as their base system. The NFL is a copy-cat league, and teams follow what’s working elsewhere. The system switch is good, but the Saints still have a lot of work to do in upgrading their personnel to make the 3-4 work.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
The team reportedly has fired special teams coordinator Bob Ligashesky It seems a little strange that the Bucs waited this long to make a move. But I’m assuming coach Greg Schiano would not have made this move if his eyes weren’t already on a replacement.
The Carolina Panthers just announced three moves to their coaching staff.
They’ve hired Ken Dorsey as quarterbacks coach, Jim Skipper as running backs coach and Al Holcomb as linebackers coach. Skipper previously spent nine seasons (2002 through 2010) with the Panthers and was with the Tennessee Titans the last two seasons. Holcomb spent the last four seasons with the New York Giants.
But the most significant hire might be Dorsey. He’ll be Cam Newton’s position coach.
Mike Shula was in that role the past two seasons. Shula was promoted to offensive coordinator after Rob Chudzinski left to become the head coach in Cleveland.
This will be Dorsey’s first job as an NFL assistant. He spent the last two seasons as a pro scout for the Panthers. Dorsey played quarterback for Cleveland and San Francisco for seven seasons and also played for Toronto in the Canadian Football League.
They’ve hired Ken Dorsey as quarterbacks coach, Jim Skipper as running backs coach and Al Holcomb as linebackers coach. Skipper previously spent nine seasons (2002 through 2010) with the Panthers and was with the Tennessee Titans the last two seasons. Holcomb spent the last four seasons with the New York Giants.
But the most significant hire might be Dorsey. He’ll be Cam Newton’s position coach.
Mike Shula was in that role the past two seasons. Shula was promoted to offensive coordinator after Rob Chudzinski left to become the head coach in Cleveland.
This will be Dorsey’s first job as an NFL assistant. He spent the last two seasons as a pro scout for the Panthers. Dorsey played quarterback for Cleveland and San Francisco for seven seasons and also played for Toronto in the Canadian Football League.
Time for a quick run through the afternoon headlines from around the division:
ATLANTA FALCONS
In this radio interview, cornerback Dunta Robinson said the Falcons had a special chemistry in their locker room. From everything I saw all season, he’s right. The Falcons appeared to be a very close-knit team and that helped them go 13-3 in the regular season. They need to try to keep most of that team together. But they obviously need to add a piece or two, if they’re ever going to win a Super Bowl.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Offensive coordinator Mike Shula said he pretty much will keep the system run by predecessor Rob Chudzinski. That’s why I keep telling Carolina fans that point to Shula’s past to give him a chance. As the offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay and the head coach at the University of Alabama, Shula never had anything close to what he has now with the likes of Cam Newton and Steve Smith. Shula had to be conservative in his previous stops, but he now has the talent to run a much more wide-open offense.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Now that coach Sean Payton has been reinstated from his suspension, interim coach Joe Vitt said he can forgive, but not forget what the Saints went through during the bounty scandal. It might be a good thing for Vitt and the Saints to not forget. They obviously did some things to prompt the sanctions and they can avoid making the same mistakes. They also can use a 7-9 season to motivate them to getting back to the playoffs.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Former Tampa Bay defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin said he’s happy to be back in the NFL (with the Dallas Cowboys) after a stint in the college ranks. I can’t help but think back to Kiffin’s departure from Tampa Bay and wonder how things would have worked out differently if he had never left. In the 2008 season, the Bucs were cruising along and ran their record to 9-3. That’s right about the time the news broke that Kiffin was going to leave after the season to be an assistant to his son, Lane, at the University of Tennessee. The Bucs promptly lost the final four games of the season and coach Jon Gruden ended up getting fired. If Kiffin had stayed, I think there would have been a very good chance Gruden still would be coaching the Bucs.
ATLANTA FALCONS
In this radio interview, cornerback Dunta Robinson said the Falcons had a special chemistry in their locker room. From everything I saw all season, he’s right. The Falcons appeared to be a very close-knit team and that helped them go 13-3 in the regular season. They need to try to keep most of that team together. But they obviously need to add a piece or two, if they’re ever going to win a Super Bowl.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Offensive coordinator Mike Shula said he pretty much will keep the system run by predecessor Rob Chudzinski. That’s why I keep telling Carolina fans that point to Shula’s past to give him a chance. As the offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay and the head coach at the University of Alabama, Shula never had anything close to what he has now with the likes of Cam Newton and Steve Smith. Shula had to be conservative in his previous stops, but he now has the talent to run a much more wide-open offense.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Now that coach Sean Payton has been reinstated from his suspension, interim coach Joe Vitt said he can forgive, but not forget what the Saints went through during the bounty scandal. It might be a good thing for Vitt and the Saints to not forget. They obviously did some things to prompt the sanctions and they can avoid making the same mistakes. They also can use a 7-9 season to motivate them to getting back to the playoffs.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Former Tampa Bay defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin said he’s happy to be back in the NFL (with the Dallas Cowboys) after a stint in the college ranks. I can’t help but think back to Kiffin’s departure from Tampa Bay and wonder how things would have worked out differently if he had never left. In the 2008 season, the Bucs were cruising along and ran their record to 9-3. That’s right about the time the news broke that Kiffin was going to leave after the season to be an assistant to his son, Lane, at the University of Tennessee. The Bucs promptly lost the final four games of the season and coach Jon Gruden ended up getting fired. If Kiffin had stayed, I think there would have been a very good chance Gruden still would be coaching the Bucs.
Panthers make right call on Mike Shula
January, 18, 2013
Jan 18
4:34
PM ET
By
Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com
In the end, the Carolina Panthers wound up selecting the right offensive coordinator.
Joseph Person reports that quarterbacks coach Mike Shula has been promoted to fill the offensive coordinator spot that came open when Rob Chudzinski was hired as head coach of the Cleveland Browns.
The Panthers interviewed Pat Shurmur and Hue Jackson from the outside. But staying inside was the smartest thing they could have done.
Shula knows the Chudzinski offense and isn’t likely to stray from it. He also has a good relationship with quarterback Cam Newton, and that might be the most important dynamic, because Newton is the franchise.
I know Shula has his detractors from his days as a head coach at the University of Alabama and as offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay. But those situations were dramatically different, and Shula was pretty much destined to fail.
At Alabama, he came into a program that was dealing with NCAA issues and still reeling from the Mike Price fiasco. In Tampa Bay, Shula was running the conservative offense that coach Tony Dungy demanded, and he didn’t have much talent to work with.
Getting this job is Shula’s first legitimate chance to succeed. He has a talented quarterback in Newton, an offensive line anchored by Ryan Kalil and Jordan Gross, a deep backfield, a top receiver in Steve Smith, and a solid tight end in Greg Olsen.
This time, Shula’s hands aren’t tied. This time, he has a chance to succeed.
Joseph Person reports that quarterbacks coach Mike Shula has been promoted to fill the offensive coordinator spot that came open when Rob Chudzinski was hired as head coach of the Cleveland Browns.
The Panthers interviewed Pat Shurmur and Hue Jackson from the outside. But staying inside was the smartest thing they could have done.
Shula knows the Chudzinski offense and isn’t likely to stray from it. He also has a good relationship with quarterback Cam Newton, and that might be the most important dynamic, because Newton is the franchise.
I know Shula has his detractors from his days as a head coach at the University of Alabama and as offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay. But those situations were dramatically different, and Shula was pretty much destined to fail.
At Alabama, he came into a program that was dealing with NCAA issues and still reeling from the Mike Price fiasco. In Tampa Bay, Shula was running the conservative offense that coach Tony Dungy demanded, and he didn’t have much talent to work with.
Getting this job is Shula’s first legitimate chance to succeed. He has a talented quarterback in Newton, an offensive line anchored by Ryan Kalil and Jordan Gross, a deep backfield, a top receiver in Steve Smith, and a solid tight end in Greg Olsen.
This time, Shula’s hands aren’t tied. This time, he has a chance to succeed.
Time for a look at the top Friday morning headlines from around the division:
ATLANTA FALCONS
Tight end Tony Gonzalez has been saying for months that he’s 95-percent certain he’ll retire after this season. He admitted that figure went up a couple of percentage points after getting the first playoff victory of his career. The implication is that Gonzalez would walk away if the Falcons win the Super Bowl, because he’d get a chance to go out on top. But Gonzalez still is playing at such a high level that it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him return for another year.
San Francisco’s Aldon Smith had a franchise-record 19.5 sacks this season. But he hasn’t produced a sack in the past four games. Still, the Falcons have to be aware of where he is on every play.
Mayor Kasim Reed continues to show his support for a new stadium for the Falcons.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Joseph Person reports the Panthers will choose their new offensive coordinator from a list of three finalists -- Pat Shurmur, Hue Jackson and Mike Shula. Nothing against Jackson or Shurmur, but I think Shula is the logical choice. He’s been the team’s quarterbacks coach the past two seasons. He knows the system installed by Rob Chudzinski, and he has a close relationship with quarterback Cam Newton.
Erik Spangberg has some details on the proposed deal between the Panthers and the City of Charlotte for funding for renovations for Bank of America Stadium. One thing that jumps out is that part of the deal would require the Panthers to make a commitment to stay in Charlotte for 10 years. But it would take the city 15 years to pay off the $125 million the Panthers are looking for.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Mike Triplett writes that there have been no winners and no losers in the Saints’ bounty scandal. He’s right. The latest, and perhaps final, example of that came Thursday when a federal judge dismissed linebacker Jonathan Vilma’s defamation lawsuit against NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Nobody won there either. Vilma lost his suit, but the judge had some harsh words for Goodell’s handling of the bounty case.
Jeff Duncan has a fine column on former New Orleans player Steve Gleason, who is battling ALS. But Gleason continues to fight to help others with the disease. His latest effort is to open a living facility for those with the disease.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Ira Kaufman has a feature on how cornerback Aqib Talib has fared well since his trade to New England. I know a lot of Tampa Bay fans think it was a mistake to trade away the team’s best cornerback at midseason, and the statistics of Tampa Bay’s pass defense certainly support that argument. But I still think the Bucs made the right move in unloading a player who had given them nothing but trouble and would have walked away as a free agent in March. At least the Bucs got a fourth-round draft pick for Talib.
ATLANTA FALCONS
Tight end Tony Gonzalez has been saying for months that he’s 95-percent certain he’ll retire after this season. He admitted that figure went up a couple of percentage points after getting the first playoff victory of his career. The implication is that Gonzalez would walk away if the Falcons win the Super Bowl, because he’d get a chance to go out on top. But Gonzalez still is playing at such a high level that it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him return for another year.
San Francisco’s Aldon Smith had a franchise-record 19.5 sacks this season. But he hasn’t produced a sack in the past four games. Still, the Falcons have to be aware of where he is on every play.
Mayor Kasim Reed continues to show his support for a new stadium for the Falcons.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Joseph Person reports the Panthers will choose their new offensive coordinator from a list of three finalists -- Pat Shurmur, Hue Jackson and Mike Shula. Nothing against Jackson or Shurmur, but I think Shula is the logical choice. He’s been the team’s quarterbacks coach the past two seasons. He knows the system installed by Rob Chudzinski, and he has a close relationship with quarterback Cam Newton.
Erik Spangberg has some details on the proposed deal between the Panthers and the City of Charlotte for funding for renovations for Bank of America Stadium. One thing that jumps out is that part of the deal would require the Panthers to make a commitment to stay in Charlotte for 10 years. But it would take the city 15 years to pay off the $125 million the Panthers are looking for.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Mike Triplett writes that there have been no winners and no losers in the Saints’ bounty scandal. He’s right. The latest, and perhaps final, example of that came Thursday when a federal judge dismissed linebacker Jonathan Vilma’s defamation lawsuit against NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Nobody won there either. Vilma lost his suit, but the judge had some harsh words for Goodell’s handling of the bounty case.
Jeff Duncan has a fine column on former New Orleans player Steve Gleason, who is battling ALS. But Gleason continues to fight to help others with the disease. His latest effort is to open a living facility for those with the disease.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Ira Kaufman has a feature on how cornerback Aqib Talib has fared well since his trade to New England. I know a lot of Tampa Bay fans think it was a mistake to trade away the team’s best cornerback at midseason, and the statistics of Tampa Bay’s pass defense certainly support that argument. But I still think the Bucs made the right move in unloading a player who had given them nothing but trouble and would have walked away as a free agent in March. At least the Bucs got a fourth-round draft pick for Talib.
Time for a morning run through the headlines from around the division:
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Although he interviewed to become head coach of the Chicago Bears, it doesn’t appear as if offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan will be leaving. That’s good news for the Bucs. They’ll get to keep continuity on an offensive staff that will have changes at quarterbacks coach and wide receivers coach.
The Bucs are going to get a second representative in the Pro Bowl beyond defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. They just don’t know who it will be yet. Receiver Vincent Jackson and running back Doug Martin are first alternates. Atlanta receiver Julio Jones and San Francisco running back Frank Gore are playing in the NFC Championship Game and one of them will go to the Super Bowl instead of the Pro Bowl.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Although the last thing New Orleans fans want to see is Atlanta come into the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and win the Super Bowl, quarterback Drew Brees isn’t blatantly rooting against the Falcons. He said there’s a certain amount of respect among division opponents and a good showing by Atlanta would be good for the NFC South.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Team owner Jerry Richardson met with city officials to discuss potential renovations to Bank of America Stadium. Although Richardson always has prided himself on the fact the stadium was built without any tax-payer dollars, he is open to public funding to help upgrade the stadium.
Backup quarterback Derek Anderson hinted on Facebook that he’ll follow former offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski to the Cleveland Browns. Anderson previously played in Cleveland. There already was a good chance Anderson wouldn’t stay with the Panthers. He is scheduled to become a free agent and the Panthers have a tight salary-cap situation. Third-string quarterback Jimmy Clausen remains under contract at an affordable salary and likely will be bumped up to No. 2.
ATLANTA FALCONS
In this radio interview, running back Jason Snelling looks ahead to the NFC Championship Game against San Francisco.
Mark Bradley writes that the NFC Championship Game will be the biggest sports moment in Atlanta history. That’s relative. The Hawks never have been great and hockey never really mattered in Atlanta. There have been some big games for the Braves through the years and they’ve been the dominant team in Atlanta. But fans have jumped on the Falcons’ bandwagon and this is the first time Atlanta will host an NFC Championship Game.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Although he interviewed to become head coach of the Chicago Bears, it doesn’t appear as if offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan will be leaving. That’s good news for the Bucs. They’ll get to keep continuity on an offensive staff that will have changes at quarterbacks coach and wide receivers coach.
The Bucs are going to get a second representative in the Pro Bowl beyond defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. They just don’t know who it will be yet. Receiver Vincent Jackson and running back Doug Martin are first alternates. Atlanta receiver Julio Jones and San Francisco running back Frank Gore are playing in the NFC Championship Game and one of them will go to the Super Bowl instead of the Pro Bowl.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Although the last thing New Orleans fans want to see is Atlanta come into the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and win the Super Bowl, quarterback Drew Brees isn’t blatantly rooting against the Falcons. He said there’s a certain amount of respect among division opponents and a good showing by Atlanta would be good for the NFC South.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Team owner Jerry Richardson met with city officials to discuss potential renovations to Bank of America Stadium. Although Richardson always has prided himself on the fact the stadium was built without any tax-payer dollars, he is open to public funding to help upgrade the stadium.
Backup quarterback Derek Anderson hinted on Facebook that he’ll follow former offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski to the Cleveland Browns. Anderson previously played in Cleveland. There already was a good chance Anderson wouldn’t stay with the Panthers. He is scheduled to become a free agent and the Panthers have a tight salary-cap situation. Third-string quarterback Jimmy Clausen remains under contract at an affordable salary and likely will be bumped up to No. 2.
ATLANTA FALCONS
In this radio interview, running back Jason Snelling looks ahead to the NFC Championship Game against San Francisco.
Mark Bradley writes that the NFC Championship Game will be the biggest sports moment in Atlanta history. That’s relative. The Hawks never have been great and hockey never really mattered in Atlanta. There have been some big games for the Braves through the years and they’ve been the dominant team in Atlanta. But fans have jumped on the Falcons’ bandwagon and this is the first time Atlanta will host an NFC Championship Game.
NFC SOUTH SCOREBOARD
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Pat Yasinskas
Yasinskas joined ESPN.com in January 2008 after covering the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer for nine seasons. He began his journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990.
