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NFL Training Camp/Preseason Thread 2012 - A Farewell to snes :(
- Thread starter chuckddd
- Start date
Jesus. Who knew there were so many VIKEBIKES out there? God bless America.
You and Nantuk must bare the harsh elements and hunt caribou for food in the evening.
Hit DinkyTown. That's where the hipsters hang out. Otherwise walk up and down Grand Ave. to hit Brasa Rotisserie and then the Wild Onion. Maybe go to the Blue Door Pub, or maybe the 5-8 Club for a Juicy Lucy.
I'm not from MSP, so I don't hit the cities too much.
Daydream Sequence
Banned
Just watched episode 1 of Hard Knocks. Holy shit they managed to make this awesome series terrible by simply picking an awful team. Horribly boring coach, idiot "star" in Chad Johnson, and just a bunch of nobodies that they did absolutely nothing to make me care about the fate of. Props to the person that edited the intro and included a reverse closeup of a beautiful cameltoe. Freezeframe. Yum. Otherwise blech. I hate the Jets, but that Hard Knocks was awesome. Philibin looks and sounds like a dentist.
BlackGhost
Banned
Hahah use to love Shadowrun, I would Probably still play if it had a community. Trying to get those achievements were a fun time
BannedEpisode
Member
Grand Ave in Saint Paul is kinda cool and like Slo said, Dinky Town is pretty cool.
Minneapolis is like most big cities, lots of stuff. I dont go there though because the roads are some bullshit.
Pack and get the fuck out.
Is it easy to park at Target Field?
BannedEpisode
Member
Depends. There are options all over to park if you are willing to put down a couple bucks.
Definitely catch a game if you can. Target Field is awesome.
Boat party
BannedEpisode
Member
Damn thats a funny ass joke, and topical too!
Grover Cleveland
Member
[PART 1:OFFENSE]
Rob Chudzinski returns as the offensive coordinator as the Panthers look to build upon a top 10 offense from last year. Expect Chud to throw in more wrinkles and nuances into the offensive system to take advantage of the second year Newton and new weapons on offense.
[THE PLAYERS]
[QB]
The man. The myth. The icon, Cam Newton (1) returns as the Panthers starting signal caller. Last year, Newton stole America's...hearts on route to having arguably one of the greatest rookie seasons for a QB in NFL history. Now with an NFL season under his belt, and a full offseason in tow, Cam looks to improve on some of his deficiencies from last year (short to mid-range accuracy, decision making) and take his place as a top 10 QB in this league. Cam's improvement will be a key to how the team progresses this season. Will Cam be able to maintain (or improve) upon his performance last year or will he suffer a sophomore slump like division rivals Matt Ryan and Josh
[RB/FB]
Running back is probably the most solid position on the team. 2012 sees the return of Jonathan Stewart (28) and DeAngelo Williams (34). Double Trouble has been one of the best running back duos over the past five years and after a somewhat down season in 2010, the two saw a return to form last year. Both Stewart and Williams have big-play ability and are looking at big years if they can stay healthy. Behind them are Josh Vaughan (32) and the two rookies Lyndon Rowells (38) and Tauren Poole (33). At the fullback position, the Panthers brought in one of the most versatile offensive players in the league in Mike Tolbert (35). Tolbert can do it all, run block, pass block, carry the ball, catch passes out of the backfield. Expect Tolbert to line both at fullback as well as halfback. Richie Brockel (47) is listed as the backup fullback, despite playing as a tight end in previous years. Also expect to see a number of designed runs for Newton at QB, both from under center as well as from the shotgun.
[WR]
The receiver position for the Panthers is full of youth and promise. Coming off his best season in years, Steve Smith (89) looks to continue his successful partnership with Cam Newton. Solidly entrenched at the No.2 receiver slot is Brandon Lafell (11) (the author of this catch,
sorry snes 
[TE]
At the tight end position, the team lost Jeremy Shockey (who at many times was a much needed security blanket for Newton) to free agency. But returning is Greg Olsen (88), who for my money is one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the league. Expect Olsen to get a lot of balls thrown his way this year. Backing Olsen up we have, Gary Barnidge (82), a decent option in the passing game, and Ben Hartsock (84).
[OLINE]
The offensive line has been the most consistent fixture in the team over the past few years. Anchoring the line is center Ryan Kalil (67) (AKA Ryan "I'm Going to Guarantee the MotherFuckin Super Bowl" Kalil). Thankfully the all-pro Kalil's skill matches his confidence). On either side of Kalil we have Geoff Hangartner (63) at right guard and at left guard we have an open competition between the rookie Amini Silatolu (61, slated as the starter at LG in our first depth chart) and Mike Pollak (74, who not even gonna lie, kinda stinks). At left tackle we have the perenial pro bowler Jordan Gross (69) and Byron Bell (77) starting as the right tackle (but can move over to guard if needed).
[PART 2: DEFENSE]
If you looked in the dictionary for the definition of "disappointing", you'd find a picture of the 2011 Carolina Panthers defense (they'd probably be giving up a touchdown in said picture). I myself was very critical of the unit's inauspicious display they put on. Indeed, the first year under Sean McDermott was terrible. But that leaves room for improvement! Getting two starting LB's back in Jon Beason and Thomas Davis will be huge and first round pick, Luke Kuechly looks to be key piece as the Panthers look to make strides on D.
[PLAYERS]
[DE]
One of the biggest problems that the Panthers D faced was the inability to generate a consistent pass rush from our ends. Charles Johnson (95, AKA Jerry Richardson's 76 million dollar man) will start at RE as he tries to improve upon his decent (not bad, but not spectacular) 2011. The spot opposite Johnson is being contested between Greg Hardy (76) and Thomas Keisler (98). Hardy started more games last year and is currently slotted in as the starter at LE, but Keiser has been having a good camp and is line to have more snaps in 2012. Antwan Applewhite (93) is also on the Panthers depth chart, slotted as the back-up at RE.
[DT]
One of the Panthers big additions during the 2011 Summer of "Jerry's spending every dollar he has" was DT Ron Edwards. But Edwards (96) never touched the field, victim of a torn ACL in last years' training camp. Now Edwards is back, projected to start at RT, and should be able to provide some solid play for a line that desperately needs it. Backing up Edwards is Sione Fua (94), a second year man, who took snaps for the Panthers last year. Beside Edwards, Terrell McClain(97) will start at LT, backed up by another second year man Frank Kearse (99).
[LB]
Oh boy, where to start with the linebackers in 2011. They weren't there. Jon Beason (52), one of the best mike backers in the league was lost in the first game against the Cardinals and Thomas Davis (58), the oft-injured will backer was knocked out for the season in the next game. What followed was, an unmitigated disaster, it must be said. Thankfully Beason is back and ready to resume his role as the QB of the defense at MLB. James Anderson (50), a very good sam backer, starts on the strong side beside Beason. The will backer spot is still being contested between Davis(coming off of injury) and rookie Kuechly (59). Kuechly was a tacking machine at Boston College, but played primarily at MLB. Moving to the weak side will no doubt be an adjustment for the rookie. In the first preseason game, Davis will start with Kuechly backing him up. Backing up Beason at MLB will be Jason Phillps (53) and backing up Anderson on the strong side is Jordan Senn (57).
[Safety]
Free Safety is one of the most interesting battles at Panthers camp. Incumbent Sherrod Martin (23) is starting in the first preseason game, look for Haruki Nakumora (43, acquired from the Ravens) to get plenty of snaps at that spot.
At strong safety, we have the longtime Panther, Charles Godfrey (30) whos strongly entrenched as the starter. Backing him up is Reggie Smith(31) and Jordan Pugh(29).
[CB]
Another position with a lot of interesting battles is defensive back. The Panthers had one of the lowest interception totals in the league last year and need to improve there. The starting corners will be Chirs Gamble (20) and the Captain (not really) Captain Munnerlyn (41). But they're still battling with Darius Butler (27), Brandon Hogan (21), Josh Thomas (22), and the rookie Josh Norman (24).
[THE SPECIALISTS]
KR- Kealoha Pilares battling with Joe Adams
PR-Joe Adams battling with Armanti Edwards
K-One of the more high profile battles in camp has actually been over kicker. Now let me go ahead and get this out there. I really don't like Olindo Mare. I don't think he should be kicking for us, for any NFL team. He missed a bunch of kicks last year, he single-handedly lost a game for us, and he's had a very poor camp. So why is he still the starter over the new guy Justin Medlock, a kicker from that league up north? Hopefully Medlock will convince Rivera of the error of his ways before its too late.
P- We (finally) let Jason Baker go. so we're bringing in two new guys to compete for the punting job. Right now Nick Harris is slotted as the starter over Brad Nortman, but that could easily change over the course of the pre-season.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Panthers are definitely a team on the rise. But how big of a step can we take this year? If Cam continues to improve at QB and the defense
I gave in and ate a 5 guys burger today.
Burger was entirely average and the fries were garbage. Will have to grill again this weekend to wash that filth out of my mouth.
Fuck it. Might grill tonight in anticipation of the battle of PA. This state ain't big enough for the two of us!
Burger was entirely average and the fries were garbage. Will have to grill again this weekend to wash that filth out of my mouth.
Fuck it. Might grill tonight in anticipation of the battle of PA. This state ain't big enough for the two of us!
Equus Bellator Apex
Junior Member
I can't watch that shit anymore. That show got way to gritty.
No way Jay lasts 7 games.
For a Trentastic memorial thread? I know. There would be one coming up in a few days if bish didn't junior me.
Why did you get juniored?
Defense of Kevin Kolb
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/71071/tough-to-fault-kevin-kolb-on-this-play
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/71071/tough-to-fault-kevin-kolb-on-this-play
yankeehater
Member
Okay, good bye.
5 guys opened up in my city and was going to go but I don't think I will now. Have you had In N Out? Is it comparable?
yankeehater
Member
I have had both 5 guys and In N Out, and 5 Guys is much better. Dont let Bionic scare you off. He is some weird home cooking snob. 5 Guys has really good burgers and great fries, get them with the old bay seasoning it is so good.
Number of SB trophies gets to decide who stays.
And no, 4 consecutive NFC Championship appearances is not equivalent or greater than a singular SB win!
I think both are eh, but I prefer In N Out.
In this and with everything else, yankeehater is totally wrong.
5 Guys will be considering good eating about the same time Mr. Kolb is inducted into the pro football hall of game.
Daydream Sequence
Banned
People that eat at 5 Guys do so apparently because they don't have good burger joints nearby. That place is incredibly mediocre. A huge step above BK, McDonalds, and Wendys, but still mediocre shit.
Alligatorjandro
Banned
Football is almost here yall
Unconditional
Member
Bring back Garrard
Are you eating up all that garbage Mike Lombardi and Heath Evans is throwing out? Let Gabbert work on his shit. We haven't even hit week 1, hell, not even preseason game one. He's a young cat that's learning. Just give him some time to get into the swing of things before we evaluate and write him off.
BlackGhost
Banned
Idk who to watch first peypey or RG3
Part 2 (defense and special teams) is coming later.
No stolen laptop discussion? You know Belicheat keeps all his illegally copied signals on one. Get Cam to steal it and you guys will win at least 6 games this season.
On a serious note, when you do part 2, can you also add it to this post? That way there won't be two links. Thanks and good job.
Next year, I'll apparently have to make a banner.
Agreed on all counts. Well, I actually think the cajun fries are passable.
Time to go after Vick like rabid dogs! Let's do this.
Lombardi really is a cocksucker. Go back to the '11 draft, he was a Gabbert dick rider. Deserved to go first overall, best QB, blah blah blah. Gabbert displayed the same flaws last year that he did at Missouri, yet Lombardi didn't make a big deal about it at the time.
He never watched him at Missouri, there's no way he did. "Fans shouldn't have access to All 22"...lol You shouldn't have a fucking job evaluating NFL talent, ever.
Edit: Lombardi: “If I’m the Carolina Panthers, (Gabbert) is on the card I’m turning in,” said Lombardi. “… He can run any type of offense.” LOLOLOLOL
Lombardi is full of more shit than every other NFL commentator combined.
"I failed miserably at evaluating talent. Why don't you listen to me evaluate talent?"
So it's like people who eat Dominos and Papa Johns instead of local joints.
What to watch for: Chargers edition
The Chargers are under the gun to get back into the playoffs after two straight years without a postseason appearance. Anything less should spell the end of the Norv Turner era, and possibly AJ Smith's reign as GM. With this added pressure, Smith has flipped the script and uncharacteristically infused the team with a bunch of free agent talent. This isn't a cakewalk division anymore, so another slow start will not be acceptable.
Offense
[QB] Philip Rivers looks to bounce back after a turnover filled 2011 campaign. He is still one of the better QB's in the league, so cutting down on the interceptions should put the Chargers in a position to succeed. With Billy Volek's departure comes the return of Clipboard Jesus, Charlie Whitehurst, who will hopefully stay on the bench holding that clipboard. Undrafted rookie Jarret Lee from LSU has impressed this offseason and has a shot at making the practice squad.
[RB] With Mike Tolbert leaving for Carolina, Ryan Mathews looks to step into the premier RB role. Norv has already said that he will see an increased workload this season, both running and receiving. He has looked explosive in camp, but he needs to prove that he can stay healthy and hold on to the ball. Behind Mathews are a pair of free agent pickups, Ronnie Brown and Jackie Battle. Brown could fill in as a 3rd down back and run the wildcat occasionally, while Battle will provide relief and play a role on special teams. Curtis Brinkley and rookies Edwin Baker and Michael Hayes have an outside shot of making the team.
[FB] Le'Ron McClain was brought in primarily to play the FB position and clear the way for Mathews. However he has shown that he can run the ball and will be given an opportunity to do so. Jacob Hester returns to the team to back up McClain and be a key contributor on special teams.
[WR] The loss of Vincent Jackson definitely hurts, but the team has brought in Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal to fill the void. Meachem will start opposite Malcom Floyd, while Royal will play mainly in the slot. Watch out for second year WR Vincent Brown as he tries to improve on the flashes of brilliance that he showed last season. Free agent pickups Roscoe Parrish and Michael Spurlock will compete to make the team, possibly in a kick returner role.
[TE] Antonio Gates is back. After dealing with foot issues the past few seasons, the toned down Gates is fully healthy. He has been explosive in camp, making moves that he hasn't made in a few seasons. Look for a big year from him. Behind Gates will be veterans Randy McMichael and Dante Rosario, as well as 4th round pick Ladarius Green.
[OL] Gone are Pro Bowlers Marcus McNeill and Kris Dielman. However, the O-line that finished off an injury filled 2011 campaign returns in 2012. The left side is occupied by LT Jared Gaither and LG Tyronne Green. C Nick Hardwick, RG Louis Vasquez and RT Jeromey Clary round out the starting five. A player to watch out for in the preseason is an undrafted rookie LT from UCLA named Mike Harris. He has been playing with the first team while Gaither has been out, and has looked impressive. The key to this unit is remaining healthy and giving Rivers time to throw.
Defense
[DL] The D-line features a good mix of young talent and veterans, and might be the deepest the Chargers have had in years. The projected starters at DE are Vaughn Martin and Corey Liuget and Antonio Garay at NT. Free agent pickup Aubrayo Franklin will rotate into the NT position, as well as Cam Thomas. At the DE position, 2nd round pick Kendall Reyes will have plenty of opportunities to shine, and Garay will shift over to play the position once in a while. Veteran Jacques Cesaire rounds out the group.
[OLB] Shaun Phillips and Antwan Barnes return this season, but have some much needed help. Veteran Jarret Johnson was brought it to solidify the run defense and the team used its first round pick on "Super Melvin" Ingram. Ingram will be used in many different ways and in many different positions to get the pass rush that was sorely missing last season. Larry English seems healthy and ready to contribute (lol).
[ILB] The starters for the group are still Donald Butler and Takeo Spikes's neck. Second year player Jonas Mouton will play what is essentially his rookie season after being on the IR last year. Demorrio Williams was brought in to play in nickel situations and help improve the league's worst third down defense.
[CB] Quentin Jammer seems to have regained his focus after off-the-field issues (divorce) affected his play last season. Antoine Cason looks to provide more consistent play. 2nd year player Marcus Gilchrist has locked up the nickel CB spot and Shareece Wright is looking to contribute this year. The team is still looking to sign some veteran depth.
[FS] Eric Weddle is coming off an All-Pro campaign and is looking to continue his stellar play. Darrell Stuckey is the backup but will play a key role on special teams.
[SS] This position has been a revolving door for the Chargers ever since Rodney Harrison left. It seems that they have drafted their SS of the future in 3rd round pick Brandon Taylor, but he may need a little time to develop. Atari Bigby is projected to be the starter and has impressed in training camp.
Special Teams
[P] Mike Scifres has the spot locked up. One of the best punters in the league.
[K] Believe it or not, there is a battle going on in camp. Nate Kaeding went on the IR one play into the 2011 season, but is back and kicking well. However, Nick Novak did a decent job filling in and is battling to keep his spot. Tough choice: keep a guy who can't make a FG in the playoffs, or a guy who missed a couple of FG's that would have gotten you into the playoffs last year?
So, in short...things we want to avoid this year:
The Chargers are under the gun to get back into the playoffs after two straight years without a postseason appearance. Anything less should spell the end of the Norv Turner era, and possibly AJ Smith's reign as GM. With this added pressure, Smith has flipped the script and uncharacteristically infused the team with a bunch of free agent talent. This isn't a cakewalk division anymore, so another slow start will not be acceptable.
Offense
[QB] Philip Rivers looks to bounce back after a turnover filled 2011 campaign. He is still one of the better QB's in the league, so cutting down on the interceptions should put the Chargers in a position to succeed. With Billy Volek's departure comes the return of Clipboard Jesus, Charlie Whitehurst, who will hopefully stay on the bench holding that clipboard. Undrafted rookie Jarret Lee from LSU has impressed this offseason and has a shot at making the practice squad.
[RB] With Mike Tolbert leaving for Carolina, Ryan Mathews looks to step into the premier RB role. Norv has already said that he will see an increased workload this season, both running and receiving. He has looked explosive in camp, but he needs to prove that he can stay healthy and hold on to the ball. Behind Mathews are a pair of free agent pickups, Ronnie Brown and Jackie Battle. Brown could fill in as a 3rd down back and run the wildcat occasionally, while Battle will provide relief and play a role on special teams. Curtis Brinkley and rookies Edwin Baker and Michael Hayes have an outside shot of making the team.
[FB] Le'Ron McClain was brought in primarily to play the FB position and clear the way for Mathews. However he has shown that he can run the ball and will be given an opportunity to do so. Jacob Hester returns to the team to back up McClain and be a key contributor on special teams.
[WR] The loss of Vincent Jackson definitely hurts, but the team has brought in Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal to fill the void. Meachem will start opposite Malcom Floyd, while Royal will play mainly in the slot. Watch out for second year WR Vincent Brown as he tries to improve on the flashes of brilliance that he showed last season. Free agent pickups Roscoe Parrish and Michael Spurlock will compete to make the team, possibly in a kick returner role.
[TE] Antonio Gates is back. After dealing with foot issues the past few seasons, the toned down Gates is fully healthy. He has been explosive in camp, making moves that he hasn't made in a few seasons. Look for a big year from him. Behind Gates will be veterans Randy McMichael and Dante Rosario, as well as 4th round pick Ladarius Green.
[OL] Gone are Pro Bowlers Marcus McNeill and Kris Dielman. However, the O-line that finished off an injury filled 2011 campaign returns in 2012. The left side is occupied by LT Jared Gaither and LG Tyronne Green. C Nick Hardwick, RG Louis Vasquez and RT Jeromey Clary round out the starting five. A player to watch out for in the preseason is an undrafted rookie LT from UCLA named Mike Harris. He has been playing with the first team while Gaither has been out, and has looked impressive. The key to this unit is remaining healthy and giving Rivers time to throw.
Defense
[DL] The D-line features a good mix of young talent and veterans, and might be the deepest the Chargers have had in years. The projected starters at DE are Vaughn Martin and Corey Liuget and Antonio Garay at NT. Free agent pickup Aubrayo Franklin will rotate into the NT position, as well as Cam Thomas. At the DE position, 2nd round pick Kendall Reyes will have plenty of opportunities to shine, and Garay will shift over to play the position once in a while. Veteran Jacques Cesaire rounds out the group.
[OLB] Shaun Phillips and Antwan Barnes return this season, but have some much needed help. Veteran Jarret Johnson was brought it to solidify the run defense and the team used its first round pick on "Super Melvin" Ingram. Ingram will be used in many different ways and in many different positions to get the pass rush that was sorely missing last season. Larry English seems healthy and ready to contribute (lol).
[ILB] The starters for the group are still Donald Butler and Takeo Spikes's neck. Second year player Jonas Mouton will play what is essentially his rookie season after being on the IR last year. Demorrio Williams was brought in to play in nickel situations and help improve the league's worst third down defense.
[CB] Quentin Jammer seems to have regained his focus after off-the-field issues (divorce) affected his play last season. Antoine Cason looks to provide more consistent play. 2nd year player Marcus Gilchrist has locked up the nickel CB spot and Shareece Wright is looking to contribute this year. The team is still looking to sign some veteran depth.
[FS] Eric Weddle is coming off an All-Pro campaign and is looking to continue his stellar play. Darrell Stuckey is the backup but will play a key role on special teams.
[SS] This position has been a revolving door for the Chargers ever since Rodney Harrison left. It seems that they have drafted their SS of the future in 3rd round pick Brandon Taylor, but he may need a little time to develop. Atari Bigby is projected to be the starter and has impressed in training camp.
Special Teams
[P] Mike Scifres has the spot locked up. One of the best punters in the league.
[K] Believe it or not, there is a battle going on in camp. Nate Kaeding went on the IR one play into the 2011 season, but is back and kicking well. However, Nick Novak did a decent job filling in and is battling to keep his spot. Tough choice: keep a guy who can't make a FG in the playoffs, or a guy who missed a couple of FG's that would have gotten you into the playoffs last year?
So, in short...things we want to avoid this year:
Why don't you write or create a football blog?
You are more informed than most of the people on ESPN and NFL network.
Speaking of all-22's, NFL game rewind is offering $15 rebates for referring a friend. If anyone is going to sign up, I'll gladly send you a link and then put the $15 in a cuevas rehab fund*.
* Or something else for gaf. I don't need the $15.
Also, why is the women's soccer team getting all the calls? We shouldn't have to pay off the damned referees.
* Or something else for gaf. I don't need the $15.
Also, why is the women's soccer team getting all the calls? We shouldn't have to pay off the damned referees.
Doesn't look like he's completely healthy yet. The team probably would have tried to re-sign him for cheaper if he was.
Most of us are! haha
I bet if we combined our collective skills we could do a pretty good NFL blog. I'm too lazy to do this shit on my own, I'm too lazy to do the team write ups that some of you are doing right now.
No. It is not as bad as Dominos or Papa Johns, which are both complete shit.
5 guys is just eh. Nothing spectacular. Just an ok fast food burger with horrible fries and free peanuts.
I'm actually about 70% there with starting a football blog this year. I already waste so much time charting after games and hating myself anyways - might as well make something useful out of it.
Plus I went to Journalism school, so I can hook classmates into writing with me.
I'll do a write up on the Falcons when I get home tonight.
What? Their cajun fries are tasty.
Remember when Kluwe came back and told us how much he missed us?
Just got back from my first physical therapy session. Damn my ankle is so locked up right now. Got a bunch of little exercises to do at home, and like 5 more weeks (2 times per week) of PT scheduled.
I can at least stand up and put about 30% pressure on my right foot while wearing a boot now though....
I can't imagine doing something like this, then going into football months later. I feel for guys that do serious bone damage. Much respect, granted it's only been 4 weeks since I had surgery at this point.
I can at least stand up and put about 30% pressure on my right foot while wearing a boot now though....
I can't imagine doing something like this, then going into football months later. I feel for guys that do serious bone damage. Much respect, granted it's only been 4 weeks since I had surgery at this point.
Yeah, it's mindblowing that pro athletes will make it back after 2-3 months.
My buddy had an ACL injury from football, and it took him 18 months to get back to normal. Even still, he's nervous about taking cuts.
I had them today. They were not good.
Never had them before today (previously got the regular fries which were also never good). Maybe it was just a bad day for this restaurant.
The next update I read from you better involve a got damned pimp cane
Alligatorjandro
Banned
Whatever happened to Wienke(sp)?
BannedEpisode
Member
Its crazy that they send you a free VikeBike if you just send in a note pledging allegiance to the team.