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  1. <?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:blogger='http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd="http://schemas.google.com/g/2005" xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702426501185997499</id><updated>2024-03-13T06:21:53.858-04:00</updated><title type='text'>Pantherfanz Rantz</title><subtitle type='html'>http://www.pantherfanz.net</subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><link rel='next' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default?start-index=26&amp;max-results=25'/><author><name>Pantherfanz</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12888138900369161303</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqy7HkuqCnRKVl7DO8Sq5bcGOzO37VHkNhwI7Ivpjq-VnEMJaNMiu6raPUyEVcMylnDoqeQcQv0MbhMrrQL9McH1mSmpVYKFtqBsDixp6lyFLJRkjvSYzXCtpksEmoA/s220/ranter.jpg'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>175</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>25</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702426501185997499.post-3074424822476448938</id><published>2014-10-19T20:35:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2014-10-19T20:35:54.532-04:00</updated><title type='text'>SCHADENFREUDE</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2. *sigh*&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  3. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  4. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  5. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  6. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  7. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  8. So it’s come to this – &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  9. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  10. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  11. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  12. Fourty percent into the season, and it’s come to this.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  13. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  14. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  15. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  16. My movie geek buddy Beau Kaelin, from the bourbon snob
  17. capital of the universe, Louisville, Kentucky, relishes in the word –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  18. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  19. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  20. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  21. Schadenfreude –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  22. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  23. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  24. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  25. Satisfaction from the suffering of others. So much that he’d
  26. named his film making studio after the German –based word on how I’m viewing
  27. the events of the day –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  28. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  29. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  30. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  31. I’m not going to go into the x’s and o’s of what happened
  32. today. Most of you who follow this column, and have found it bare lately; get
  33. your brain overloaded by hundreds of bloggers on hundreds of sports sites from
  34. ESPN to the local grass roots outlets.&amp;nbsp;
  35. Like me, you read these daily, and slurp on what’s become the man drama
  36. of the era.&amp;nbsp; But I feel compelled to make
  37. priority in my cluttered life to pound out on the keyboard what I’m feeling
  38. after today’s monumental shitpile of a football game.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  39. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  40. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  41. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  42. First of all, let me say with finality – &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  43. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  44. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  45. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  46. Last year – &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  47. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  48. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  49. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  50. Was Last Year. Period. All of the superlatives attached to
  51. this Keystone Kops of a defense in 2013 mean NOTHING. NOTHING.&amp;nbsp; FIVE Steve Smith Seniors could not help this team,
  52. not defensively.&amp;nbsp; While I refuse to
  53. accept the fact the absence of Greg Hardy made the difference, I WILL say that
  54. the complete turnover of the defensive backfield HAS. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  55. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  56. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  57. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  58. BUT –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  59. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  60. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  61. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  62. The word –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  63. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  64. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  65. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  66. Schadenfreude. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  67. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  68. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  69. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  70. You may have been like me and Dano and Patrick – We turned
  71. off the game early in the third quarter and turned on “Red Zone”. Lauren went
  72. shopping.&amp;nbsp; I saw a guy in his Cam Newton
  73. jersey mowing the grass.&amp;nbsp; And we began to
  74. cheer the Baltimore Ravens stomping fifteen new assholes in The Duckies.&amp;nbsp; Great.&amp;nbsp;
  75. And we gave claw to each other when the Detroit Lions put fourteen
  76. unanswered points on our closest rivals in the division, those Naw’ins Saints –
  77. and I felt some weird satisfaction at our opponent of last week “Bungling” to a
  78. SHUTOUT – A SHUTOUT!!! The Browns, a team the Buckeye State is SO READY to
  79. embrace and cheer for, laying a huge titanosaur egg at the downtrodden
  80. Jaggy-whyers.&amp;nbsp; The Bears taking it on the
  81. nose AT HOME to the Dull-Phins. The media darling Sad Diego Chargers, blowing a
  82. winnable game, also at home –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  83. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  84. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  85. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  86. And I had a sickening feeling at enjoying the misery of
  87. fellow fans I’ve come to feel genuine affection for at best, and honest respect
  88. for, at worst. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  89. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  90. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  91. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  92. How did it come to this?&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  93. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  94. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  95. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  96. And as I swill on a medicinal Basil Hayden’s, I understand,
  97. briefly, my friend Beau’s fascination with the word. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  98. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  99. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  100. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  101. Schadenfreude. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  102. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  103. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  104. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  105. Taking a misguided and guilty delight in the misery of the
  106. fans of the Squeelers, Browns, Saints and Duckies. &amp;nbsp;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  107. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  108. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  109. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  110. Even though at the end of this day, The Carolina Panthers
  111. are SOLIDLY in first place in our miserable division, we have to realize that
  112. it’s not out of the question that certainly EVERY team in the division can
  113. potentially overtake us. One could take the optimist’s approach and look at the
  114. numbers and pound on the ideal that “a loss is a loss no matter if by one point
  115. or fifty”.&amp;nbsp; Not me. I look at trends. And
  116. ours is looking down, my friends. Look at the next four weeks and tell me if
  117. you feel good about getting out of that with a winning record! &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  118. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  119. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  120. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  121. I didn’t think so. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  122. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  123. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  124. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  125. I know this isn’t the first time I’ve tuned out the Panthers
  126. this early in a game this early in the season, but it sure feels like it.&amp;nbsp; And I know that statistically there’s still
  127. plenty hope to salvaging the season, but after what we’ve seen today, I can’t
  128. feel&amp;nbsp; it.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  129. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  130. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  131. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  132. So it’s been reduced to this. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  133. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  134. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  135. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  136. Shadenfreude. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  137. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  138. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  139. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  140. And cheering every loss from our hated rivals. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  141. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  142. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  143. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  144. And feeling some kind of sick relief from it, making the
  145. season more bearable. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  146. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  147. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  148. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  149. And continuing the best tailgate party in the NFL, despite
  150. it all.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  151. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  152. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  153. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  154. That’s MY “view from the lot” this week – and I’ll see some
  155. of you IN THE LOT – next week –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  156. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  157. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  158. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  159. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  160. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  161. Gotta Comment?&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  162. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  163. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  164. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  165. E-mail me, The Cedar Street Seer &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  166. &lt;br /&gt;
  167. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  168. CaptnTee@aol.com&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  169. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/feeds/3074424822476448938/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4702426501185997499&amp;postID=3074424822476448938' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/3074424822476448938'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/3074424822476448938'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/2014/10/schadenfreude.html' title='SCHADENFREUDE'/><author><name>Pantherfanz</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12888138900369161303</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqy7HkuqCnRKVl7DO8Sq5bcGOzO37VHkNhwI7Ivpjq-VnEMJaNMiu6raPUyEVcMylnDoqeQcQv0MbhMrrQL9McH1mSmpVYKFtqBsDixp6lyFLJRkjvSYzXCtpksEmoA/s220/ranter.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702426501185997499.post-1689861245626873919</id><published>2013-12-30T19:13:00.001-05:00</published><updated>2013-12-30T22:18:21.900-05:00</updated><title type='text'>PAY     THE    MAN ! ! !</title><content type='html'>&lt;br /&gt;
  170. &lt;br /&gt;
  171. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  172. The seemingly long drive home after yesterday’s victory on
  173. the Duckie Pond, at first, found me jubilant, and then, quickly mired in a sea
  174. of emotion, none of it good. We listened to ESPN Radio’s Football Sunday
  175. broadcast, and all seven CRITICAL afternoon games were covered on the air “Red
  176. Zone” style – Packers triumphant over Bears. Niners surviving a late charge
  177. from the Cardy-Noles. Saints PUMMELLING the Sucky-neers, as expected. Seahawks
  178. dispatching the Lambs, thereby snuffing the hoped-for #1 seed. And – the Chef’s
  179. BACKUPS taking a DESPARATE Chargers team to overtime – mostly NFC teams that
  180. discovered their UnderDog Super-Energy Pills, that would watch film on our
  181. Keystone-Cops like offensive performance and begin licking their chops.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  182. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  183. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  184. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  185. I struggled with what I’d write about, and the title – Yes,
  186. we “FINISHED” as I implored our Cats to do, but I was APPALLED at how FLAT our
  187. offense was! At a time where it was never more important to make a play, our
  188. supposed #2 receiver that NEEDED to step up – blanked. Couldn’t catch a F**KING
  189. cold! And, despite Dominik Hixon’s heroics of last week, we can see why he’s
  190. nothing more than a bit role player.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  191. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  192. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  193. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  194. And I, just like everyone else who paid rapt attention to
  195. this game, realized just what STEVE SMMMMMMMMMMMMIFFF means to this team. Time
  196. has robbed him of some of his speed, but not his fire, not his passion, not his
  197. drive, and has done nothing but ENHANCE his leadership position on this team, a
  198. place that no one short of Jordan Gross can approach. One of these years, Luke
  199. will take that role, but right now, #89 drives this team. I thought of titling
  200. this rant “OFFENSIVE OFFENSE”, for the meager yardage (for US) gained on a
  201. TRULY SHITTY DUCKIES DEFENSE, was, well –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  202. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  203. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  204. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  205. Offensive. &amp;nbsp;AND – in a
  206. game with such high stakes.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  207. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  208. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  209. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  210. And then – I could not forget what ELSE we saw –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  211. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  212. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  213. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  214. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  215. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  216. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  217. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  218. N&amp;nbsp; I&amp;nbsp; N&amp;nbsp;
  219. E&amp;nbsp; &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  220. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  221. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  222. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  223. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  224. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  225. S&amp;nbsp; A&amp;nbsp; C&amp;nbsp;
  226. K&amp;nbsp; S.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
  227. &lt;br /&gt;
  228. &lt;br /&gt;
  229. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  230. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  231. &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.panthers.com/media-vault/videos/Panthers_set_team_record_with_nine_sacks/49546d9d-6762-4b87-89d4-9610268077d3&quot;&gt;http://www.panthers.com/media-vault/videos/Panthers_set_team_record_with_nine_sacks/49546d9d-6762-4b87-89d4-9610268077d3&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  232. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  233. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  234. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  235. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  236. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  237. When, in this age of Super Bowls and the vertical passing
  238. game, has a team collected NINE SACKS???&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  239. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  240. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  241. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  242. I’m tempted to peruse the records of the ’85 Bears and see
  243. if they matched that feat –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  244. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  245. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  246. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  247. And four of those sacks were collected by the ONE player on
  248. defense whose star has now begun to share the exclusive domain of Luke Keuchley
  249. and Thomas Davis – which led me to another thought, which was to subtitle the derisive
  250. editorial of our “O” with “DEFINING DEFENSE”. And for sure, when the story of
  251. the 2013 Panthers will be told, it will be the defense that will headline it.
  252. Cam Newton, that gorgeous hunk of quarterback that scintillates at least three
  253. times a game, might be the easiest on the eyes, and sexier to write about, but
  254. it’s this defense that’s carried this team this season. &amp;nbsp;Those of you who read this rant know I’ve been
  255. YEARNING for a madman on defense like Kevin Greene, a madman who can change the
  256. course of a game with a single play. I once thought earlier this season that
  257. Luke Keuchley could be that man – but he doesn’t have the character. The White
  258. Mike Singletary, yes, but NOT Kevin Greene.&amp;nbsp;
  259. And then I realized – &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  260. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  261. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  262. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  263. Greg Hardy is that madman.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  264. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  265. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  266. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  267. MORE than MAD –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  268. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  269. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  270. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  271. HE’S F**CKING BRILLIANT!!! &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  272. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  273. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  274. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  275. Who, in the history of the modern NFL broadcast, introduces
  276. himself as a mythical sea beast, and lists his education as JK Rowling’s iconic
  277. cotillion of higher super-natural education?&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  278. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  279. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  280. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  281. The Kraken, Class of Slytherin, Hogwarts, that’s who.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  282. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  283. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  284. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  285. And he’s a free agent next season. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  286. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  287. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  288. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  289. PAY.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  290. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  291. &lt;br /&gt;
  292. THE.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  293. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  294. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  295. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  296. MAN.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  297. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  298. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  299. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  300. Dave Gettleman, DO NOT let this franchise cornerstone walk
  301. like Hurney let Peppers walk! What a heart-breaking prospect for the upcoming
  302. offseason, to have the closest thing to Kevin Greene leave for another team!!!
  303. You owe it to the continued success of this team to secure The Kraken’s
  304. services for the next few years – The producers of breakfast foods are
  305. DEPENDING on you!&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  306. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  307. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  308. &lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
  309. &lt;a href=&quot;http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dgI02kDvtm4/UsIKkSG1kYI/AAAAAAAAAK4/vQMo1Lz6FwQ/s1600/Cereal+Kraken.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;315&quot; src=&quot;http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dgI02kDvtm4/UsIKkSG1kYI/AAAAAAAAAK4/vQMo1Lz6FwQ/s320/Cereal+Kraken.jpg&quot; width=&quot;320&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  310. &amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;
  311. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  312. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  313. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  314. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  315. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  316. For the future of Panther NATION –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  317. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  318. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  319. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  320. PAY&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; THE&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; MAN&amp;nbsp;
  321. !&amp;nbsp; !&amp;nbsp; !&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  322. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  323. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  324. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  325. More on the game and the victory in the next few hours…&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  326. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  327. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  328. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  329. Gotta Comment?&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  330. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  331. Email me, The Cedar Street Seer&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  332. &lt;br /&gt;
  333. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  334. CaptnTee@aol.com&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  335. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/feeds/1689861245626873919/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4702426501185997499&amp;postID=1689861245626873919' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/1689861245626873919'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/1689861245626873919'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/2013/12/pay-man.html' title='PAY     THE    MAN ! ! !'/><author><name>Pantherfanz</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12888138900369161303</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqy7HkuqCnRKVl7DO8Sq5bcGOzO37VHkNhwI7Ivpjq-VnEMJaNMiu6raPUyEVcMylnDoqeQcQv0MbhMrrQL9McH1mSmpVYKFtqBsDixp6lyFLJRkjvSYzXCtpksEmoA/s220/ranter.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dgI02kDvtm4/UsIKkSG1kYI/AAAAAAAAAK4/vQMo1Lz6FwQ/s72-c/Cereal+Kraken.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702426501185997499.post-4111630136903189081</id><published>2013-12-24T16:17:00.000-05:00</published><updated>2013-12-24T16:18:09.816-05:00</updated><title type='text'>FINISH!!!</title><content type='html'>&lt;br /&gt;
  336. &lt;br /&gt;
  337. &lt;br /&gt;
  338. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  339. A sea of unusually boisterous golf fans line the tee box all
  340. the way to the green of a long par-5 on a top championship course.&amp;nbsp; The familiar figure, with his ubiquitous red
  341. shirt and black slacks uncorks his long, chiseled body, and hits a MASSIVE drive,
  342. splitting the fairway 400 YARDS!!! (Dano says – what a piker – I can hit it
  343. THAT long after a five-day DRUNK!!!) The crowd erupts in a massive cheer – He’s
  344. on his way to holing out yet another tournament title – His playing partner is
  345. a good 75 yards back. Woods hits his second shot to the green well within
  346. makeable putting distance – His opponent has to hit a masterful fairway wood to
  347. have a chance – and does. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  348. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  349. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  350. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  351. And Tiger &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  352. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  353. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  354. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  355. promptly….&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  356. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  357. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  358. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  359. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  360. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  361. Three putts. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  362. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  363. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  364. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  365. His opponent, a portly, aged, once-was, with his belly
  366. flopping over his belt onto his knickers holes a magnificent putt and takes the
  367. trophy. Game over, Tiger Woods. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  368. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  369. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  370. &lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
  371. &lt;a href=&quot;http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wgWFiwGGNeM/Urn3wHl4imI/AAAAAAAAAKY/bUDI0hFm0iQ/s1600/Tiger_Woods_anguish,_Sports_Illustrated.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; src=&quot;http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wgWFiwGGNeM/Urn3wHl4imI/AAAAAAAAAKY/bUDI0hFm0iQ/s1600/Tiger_Woods_anguish,_Sports_Illustrated.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  372. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  373. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  374. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  375. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  376. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  377. You didn’t finish. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  378. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  379. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  380. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  381. Panthers –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  382. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  383. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  384. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  385. Don’t be THAT Tiger Woods.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  386. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  387. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  388. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  389. Mike Tyson is in the prize fight of his life – a one-time
  390. amateur fighting him is barely hanging on, round by round – absorbing punishing
  391. blow after punishing blow by the most fearsome puncher in the sport, loses
  392. every round – By the 15&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; round, Tyson is toying with him thinking
  393. it’s in the bag. The unknown pugilist from Escodera la Mar Republica de Bananas
  394. lands a perfect punch to his chin – and Iron Mike lays cold on the mat.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  395. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  396. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  397. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  398. KO – Ernesto “Le Mancha Pescadores Grande” Rodriguez wins
  399. his only prize fight and becomes a body guard for a prominent Mexican drug
  400. cartel.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  401. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  402. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  403. &lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
  404. &lt;a href=&quot;http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xtRl8uIhiZw/Urn4FhYp01I/AAAAAAAAAKg/Txl2Td5WwnY/s1600/a_ironmike_i.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; src=&quot;http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xtRl8uIhiZw/Urn4FhYp01I/AAAAAAAAAKg/Txl2Td5WwnY/s1600/a_ironmike_i.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  405. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  406. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  407. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  408. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  409. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  410. Tyson didn’t finish. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  411. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  412. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  413. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  414. Panthers –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  415. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  416. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  417. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  418. DON’T BE &amp;nbsp;THAT MIKE
  419. TYSON.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  420. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  421. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  422. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  423. Kevin Harvick, the new Stewart-Haas Sprint Cup driver takes
  424. his new #39 Chevrolet to Victory Lane in Daytona – As an official supplier of
  425. product to SHR, SMI Properties is given a rush order of 1200 premium polo
  426. shirts with Harvick’s number and sponsors embroidered on it. The Embroidery
  427. department manager gets the product and pushes it through – the shirts are all
  428. stitched in time but there’s a problem – Joe Nejberger, the department manager didn’t
  429. schedule enough garment trimmers to get the shirts finished and bagged and
  430. barcoded –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  431. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  432. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  433. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  434. The order doesn’t get to the SHR distribution center in time
  435. and they are very unhappy.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  436. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  437. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  438. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  439. Joe didn’t finish the order.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  440. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  441. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  442. &lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
  443. &lt;a href=&quot;http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vWvSGFM8p8o/Urn4jjtyHSI/AAAAAAAAAKo/Y4QYW-Nfbkc/s1600/images.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; src=&quot;http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vWvSGFM8p8o/Urn4jjtyHSI/AAAAAAAAAKo/Y4QYW-Nfbkc/s1600/images.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  444. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  445. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  446. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  447. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  448. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  449. PANTHERS –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  450. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  451. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  452. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  453. DON’T BE JOE NEJBERGER’S EMBROIDERY DEPARTMENT.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  454. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  455. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  456. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  457. Happy Holidays, Fanz –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  458. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  459. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  460. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  461. It’s nice to have a ten-day break so that I can pay a little
  462. more attention to the blog, so I’ve got this particular vision in mind as we
  463. near the final game of the regular season – and this vision only.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  464. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  465. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  466. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  467. FINISH.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  468. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  469. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  470. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  471. I watched with particular concern last evening as the
  472. Duckies gashed the vaunted Phoney-Niners&amp;nbsp;
  473. defense again and again, coming within a scant 3 points with a mere 90
  474. seconds or so to play – A HUGE defensive play keeps the Niners from disaster in
  475. their final home game at Candlestick Park. And my mind fast forwarded to this
  476. Sunday. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  477. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  478. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  479. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  480. This could be us.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  481. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  482. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  483. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  484. And – on the other end of it. That can’t happen. &amp;nbsp;Not after the magnificent season we’ve put
  485. together. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  486. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  487. I’m going to admit I had, and still have a certain amount of
  488. trepidation going into this Sunday’s game –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  489. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  490. Despite all of the stats and trends pointing to a Panther
  491. Victory – I’m reminded of a few things –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  492. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  493. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  494. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  495. This game is being played at the Duck Pond, a place we’ve historically
  496. been awful at. This will be Tony Gonzales’ final game. They are BOUND to be absolutely
  497. GEEKED to perform well for him. Matt Ryan, despite the wretched year he and his
  498. Duckies have had, has not quit on this team, as evidenced last night. They
  499. certainly detest us as much as we do them, and nothing would make a terrible
  500. season a bit more palpable than to F**CK up our playoff seeding. There’s more
  501. than a reasonable sense that this smells of upset –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  502. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  503. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  504. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  505. BUT –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  506. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  507. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  508. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  509. I’m comforted in the fact that the Panthers got to see
  510. something in their locker room after our slugfest in the Carolina Monsoon last
  511. Sunday – Seattle, getting their ASS HANDED to them by the CARDY-NOLES in a place
  512. they were supposedly INVINCIBLE at! I’m also sure they paid attention to the
  513. Ravens looking TERRIBLE at home in a game they HAD to win. And I KNOW they’ve
  514. scouted the Duckies last night. The one thing I take the greatest comfort of
  515. all in is hearing Riverboat tell his team, more than three times in his locker
  516. room speech – &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  517. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  518. &lt;br /&gt;
  519. “We’re NOT DONE YET! WE GOTTA TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS!”&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  520. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  521. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  522. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  523. I’ve got this feeling that he feels this more acutely than
  524. anyone on this team, and the team tends to follow him. While Cam may have
  525. earned the trust of his teammates now, I feel that Rivera has also earned that
  526. trust – Part of the reason that the Panthers have had a successful season is
  527. Riverboat’s propensity to go for it on Fourth Down – AND MAKING IT – I don’t
  528. have to remind you that he elected to punt last week – WITH TWO MINUTES TO GO –
  529. and at first, the fans and team were aghast – but as evidenced by the final
  530. results, our trust in Rivera was rewarded. I think the team knows what we have
  531. to do.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  532. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  533. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  534. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  535. Finish in one putt.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  536. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  537. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  538. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  539. Knock that banana-picker on his ass.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  540. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  541. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  542. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  543. Get Kevin Harvick’s Daytona shirts to SHR in time.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  544. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  545. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  546. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  547. Finish it. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  548. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  549. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  550. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  551. Give the Duckies no hope, no chance, no question about who
  552. is the better team, and make that statement IMMEDIATELY from kickoff whether it
  553. be offense, defense, special teams. Play hard, clean, and within yourselves.
  554. Just like we have all year. &amp;nbsp;You will
  555. have an added bonus too, Panthers – it’s almost a certainty that the Georgia
  556. Dome will be half-filled with Panther Fans, as the fair-weather Duckie fans
  557. will long be looking for something better to do. We will be there, and cheer
  558. loud. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  559. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  560. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  561. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  562. We will help you finish it.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  563. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  564. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  565. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  566. And the reward – two weeks to heal, extend the season, and a
  567. very, very, real chance –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  568. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  569. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  570. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  571. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  572. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  573. To finish. Something far, far, bigger…&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  574. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  575. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  576. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  577. I wish you all, dear readers, the Merriest of Christmases.
  578. We’re in the playoffs – &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  579. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  580. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  581. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  582. Merry indeed. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  583. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  584. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  585. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  586. And some of you – I’ll see on the battlefield this Sunday –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  587. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  588. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  589. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  590. LET’S GET ‘EM!!!&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  591. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  592. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  593. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  594. Gotta Comment?&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  595. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  596. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  597. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  598. E-mail me, The Cedar Street Seer&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  599. &lt;br /&gt;
  600. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  601. CaptnTee@aol.com&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  602. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/feeds/4111630136903189081/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4702426501185997499&amp;postID=4111630136903189081' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/4111630136903189081'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/4111630136903189081'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-sea-of-unusually-boisterous-golf-fans.html' title='FINISH!!!'/><author><name>Pantherfanz</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12888138900369161303</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqy7HkuqCnRKVl7DO8Sq5bcGOzO37VHkNhwI7Ivpjq-VnEMJaNMiu6raPUyEVcMylnDoqeQcQv0MbhMrrQL9McH1mSmpVYKFtqBsDixp6lyFLJRkjvSYzXCtpksEmoA/s220/ranter.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wgWFiwGGNeM/Urn3wHl4imI/AAAAAAAAAKY/bUDI0hFm0iQ/s72-c/Tiger_Woods_anguish,_Sports_Illustrated.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702426501185997499.post-9076328517844403417</id><published>2013-12-23T20:40:00.000-05:00</published><updated>2013-12-23T20:40:14.380-05:00</updated><title type='text'>A &quot;VIEW FROM THE LOT&quot; - SEVEN YEARS LATER</title><content type='html'>&lt;br /&gt;
  603. &lt;br /&gt;
  604. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  605. I’m a little late coming to the keyboard to pound out my
  606. thoughts and passions as they command my most of my waking thoughts as a
  607. testosterone-poisoned sports lunatic, but the date of December 15&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt;,
  608. our home game against the Jets, did not pass without me thinking about someone
  609. that a good many of you were very close to, or dug hangin’ with in the early
  610. days of PantherFanz tailgating. Still, quite a few of you may have never met
  611. him – but the day of Marc “JoKer” Stanton’s departure from the mortal coils of
  612. this corporeal existence into the realms of eternity brings to me a flood of
  613. thoughts, most of them warm and positive.&amp;nbsp;
  614. I feel his presence most profoundly on the few times I’m privileged enough
  615. to operate his vintage WWII hand-operated air-raid siren to fire up the
  616. tailgaters in the lot,&amp;nbsp; but there are
  617. other times that Marc comes to my mind as a dedicated, zealous PantherFan.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  618. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  619. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  620. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  621. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  622. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  623. &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTE3PtL9vqE&quot;&gt;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTE3PtL9vqE&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  624. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  625. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  626. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  627. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  628. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  629. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  630. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  631. Do yourself a favor if you&#39;ve never met the man. Go to the &quot;JoKer Tribute Page&quot; on the website.&lt;/div&gt;
  632. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  633. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  634. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  635. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  636. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  637. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  638. &lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
  639. &lt;a href=&quot;http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8CRZdf3E99k/Urji4TzzRVI/AAAAAAAAAKA/Ng5sNsSdpfk/s1600/IMG52fanz.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;320&quot; src=&quot;http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8CRZdf3E99k/Urji4TzzRVI/AAAAAAAAAKA/Ng5sNsSdpfk/s320/IMG52fanz.jpg&quot; width=&quot;250&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  640. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  641. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  642. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  643. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  644. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  645. I apologize to you all, dear readers, but the rest of this
  646. rant is a conversation between Marc and I.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  647. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  648. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  649. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  650. Yo, JoKer!!!&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  651. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  652. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  653. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  654. Dude, I have no clue how you’re experiencing the afterlife,
  655. and how much you’re able to keep tabs on Julie, the kids, your Microsoft
  656. associates or James, myself with the rest of the tailgaters you’ve befriended in
  657. your long history of passion for the game, its accompanying festival and in particular,
  658. the Panthers, along with this website and community that was the genesis of a
  659. really good buzz between you and Dano. It’s the firmest belief I hold that you
  660. indeed have a never-ceasing view, not only of “The Lot” you took much pride in,
  661. but everything else on a galactic level, since now your essence spans a space
  662. none of us that still slog around this planet can yet comprehend. So, bro, I
  663. suppose you know that I’ve been particularly naughty this year, and deserve a
  664. bag of switches this Wednesday – &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  665. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  666. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  667. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  668. I could go on and on and on about how things have gone in
  669. this world since you left us, but that might bore you and definitely the
  670. readers of the blog YOU created, so I just wanna tell you, in case you’ve spent
  671. the past seven years digging something on a plane of existence we couldn’t&amp;nbsp; fathom, how, indeed things are going in the
  672. lot – I personally think you would be, to paraphrase my dad, who I’m counting
  673. on you hooking up with by the way, if you haven’t already – “EXCITED AS HELL”
  674. to be a physical part of PantherFanz tailgating – &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  675. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  676. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  677. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  678. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  679. &lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
  680. &lt;a href=&quot;http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NXmr46GRVfE/UrjjEUpp3TI/AAAAAAAAAKI/j_uJittj0jk/s1600/cards_done013-S.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;249&quot; src=&quot;http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NXmr46GRVfE/UrjjEUpp3TI/AAAAAAAAAKI/j_uJittj0jk/s320/cards_done013-S.jpg&quot; width=&quot;320&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  681. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  682. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  683. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  684. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  685. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  686. You know, Marc, one of the last conversations I had with you
  687. was how some of us could take on more of the work in the party preparations,
  688. and I remember how glad you were in that SOMEONE was FINALLY going to make a
  689. serious contribution to the tailgate – Not only have Dano and James done a
  690. stellar job in keeping this thing going, but Marc, bro, there’s now about a
  691. dozen of us that do something important to keep the party goin’, game after
  692. game, season after season. And dude – you would LOVE the concoction Lauren and
  693. I came up with as our signature party drink – it’s called, of all things –
  694. Panther Potion, and it’s one part each of these liquors – Bartlett’s Orange
  695. Vodka – Captain Morgan’s SILVER Spiced Rum (why? Cause EVERYONE’s got a little
  696. Capn’ in ‘em!!!) Good Gordon’s Gin, and the cordial that gives it its blue
  697. colour, Dekuyper’s Blue Curaco. We cut it with an equal part of diet tonic
  698. water, and serve it in a gallon pitcher or a special dispenser James has on the
  699. bus, and the tailgaters get REALLY buzzed from that! Dano tells me that the
  700. game a bunch of Matt’s football teammate’s parents attended a tailgate party,
  701. much intimacy was achieved afterwards! It’s also a big tip generator at the
  702. party. And speaking of tip generators, Dano and Brain have gotten really
  703. awesome at cooking our main courses on the venerable “JoKer Smoker” so christened
  704. by us after we refurbished it. It’s still in great shape, bro; we’ve taken
  705. really good care of it! And of course, it goes without saying, even though we’ve
  706. never lost a tailgate, the party’s SOOOOO much better when we’re winning – and this
  707. year, Marc, this team is fantastic on levels we’ve never seen before – Dude,
  708. our defense is ’85 Bears good – no shit, and Ron Rivera is our coach! Our
  709. quarterback is a dude that wasn’t even in college yet when you left us – he’s a
  710. freak of athleticism on par with Julius Peppers, (who you may know isn’t on the
  711. team any more..)and can do things Jake Delhomme couldn’t even dream of doing.
  712. And DUDE –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  713. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  714. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  715. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  716. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  717. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  718. WE ARE BACK IN THE PLAYOFFS after a five-year absence – with
  719. a chance to end the regular season in Atlanta, yeah, that town that you HATED
  720. with a fiery white hot passion, as the #2, maybe even the #1 seed, bro!!!&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  721. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  722. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  723. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  724. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  725. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  726. And Marc –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  727. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  728. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  729. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  730. Bro –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  731. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  732. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  733. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  734. Speaking of absence, I’m unsure if you get the internet
  735. where you are, I’m guessing you’ve got ways to circumvent the regular physical properties
  736. of needing a WiFi connection and a nice Windows machine to get it on, cause
  737. there’s no way, NO HOW, they’ve got Macs where you are… but I really feel your absence
  738. when I take to the keyboard to write for the website the rant you SO EXCELLED
  739. at. I could never call it “The View from the Lot” – that was yours, and yours
  740. alone, bro. I so miss the wit, passion, and INTELLECT and KNOWLEDGE you
  741. imparted to your sometimes weekly rants, and here in the past few years, I’ve
  742. felt so inadequate to keep that part of your legacy goin’ dude, but in that Sam
  743. Mills spirit – (Oh, give Sam my best for me-huh?) I will “KEEP POUNDING”
  744. because that honors you, bro.&amp;nbsp; I just
  745. really hope that you approve of it. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  746. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  747. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  748. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  749. I get kinda maudlin this time of year, Marc, not JUST
  750. because you’re gone, but I do think A LOT of you in December, man. I just wanna
  751. let you know that the party you started is better than ever, the people who are
  752. part of it are more like family than ever, we’re extending into the national
  753. tailgating community more than ever, The Panthers you LOVED are better than
  754. ever, and Marc- &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  755. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  756. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  757. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  758. Julie and the kids are great.&amp;nbsp; Everyone’s takin’ great care of ‘em. You got
  759. nothin’ to worry about there, bro, but again, I think you know that.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  760. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  761. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  762. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  763. You’re legacy’s in great shape, Marc. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  764. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  765. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  766. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  767. And DUDE –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  768. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  769. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  770. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  771. If that was not you hammerin’ the stadium with the Hammer of
  772. Molinjor yesterday when Cam threw that TD to Domenik Hickson, I wanna know WHO
  773. WAS!!!&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  774. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  775. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  776. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  777. Gotta comment Bro???&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  778. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  779. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  780. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  781. Email me, The Cedar Street Seer (the name YOU game me, bro!)&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  782. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  783. &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:CapntTee@aol.com&quot;&gt;CapntTee@aol.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  784. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  785. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  786. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  787. And if you do, I would hope I recover from the certain
  788. flip-out….&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  789. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  790. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  791. &lt;br /&gt;
  792. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  793. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  794. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/feeds/9076328517844403417/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4702426501185997499&amp;postID=9076328517844403417' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/9076328517844403417'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/9076328517844403417'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-view-from-lot-seven-years-later.html' title='A &quot;VIEW FROM THE LOT&quot; - SEVEN YEARS LATER'/><author><name>Pantherfanz</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12888138900369161303</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqy7HkuqCnRKVl7DO8Sq5bcGOzO37VHkNhwI7Ivpjq-VnEMJaNMiu6raPUyEVcMylnDoqeQcQv0MbhMrrQL9McH1mSmpVYKFtqBsDixp6lyFLJRkjvSYzXCtpksEmoA/s220/ranter.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8CRZdf3E99k/Urji4TzzRVI/AAAAAAAAAKA/Ng5sNsSdpfk/s72-c/IMG52fanz.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702426501185997499.post-5913497917574126724</id><published>2013-12-02T21:14:00.000-05:00</published><updated>2013-12-02T21:14:19.832-05:00</updated><title type='text'>PAGEANTRY</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  795. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  796. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  797. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  798. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  799. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  800. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  801. Happy Holiday times, Fanz!!!&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  802. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  803. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  804. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  805. It’s been five years since our Panthers have been relevant
  806. in December – and now firmly entrenched in the league’s TOP FIVE – NOT conference,
  807. mind you – LEAGUE – I, along with the rest of you, continue to spend week after
  808. week in incredulous amazement at the ascendancy of these Carolina Panthers.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  809. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  810. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  811. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  812. As I made an incredibly FAST trip through a now speedy
  813. security process, which does the double duty of not only getting you to your
  814. seat WELL before kick-off, but there’s virtually NO buzzkill in the process, so
  815. you are guaranteed to have that “tailgate fresh” feeling when you’re ready to
  816. cheer – I was in quite the contemplative spirit as a horde of fans REFRESHINGLY
  817. devoid of devotees of the Sucky-neers excitedly made their way to their gameday
  818. positions in the seating bowl.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  819. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  820. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  821. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  822. And as I indeed had the most MASSIVE of buzzes courtesy of
  823. your PantherFanz tailgating group, and the concoction Lauren and I created for
  824. you, I drank in the event that is Carolina Panthers Football (no pun intended-),
  825. Gameday, at the stadium. I watched the cheerleaders, the pre-game ceremonies,
  826. the players warming up, everything, with a focus I’ve not brought to bear here
  827. in many years –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  828. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  829. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  830. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  831. I reveled in the pageantry.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  832. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  833. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  834. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  835. And amazed at how much more precise the choreography of the TopCats
  836. is when you’re 8-3. How profound the invocation of the Holy Man is when you’re
  837. 8-3. How sincere and tone-perfect the National Anthem is sung when you are 8-3.
  838. Don’t think that I didn’t notice the NEW inflatable version of the Panther
  839. statue over the home team’s visitor’s tunnel. As the players’ introductions
  840. were met with a deafening roar from the crowd, I could feel myself being
  841. transported to a teeming ancient metropolis, the Eternal City of Rome itself,
  842. where, resplendent in his toga and freshly adorned laurels, Cesar Jerry lords over
  843. the day’s Circus. I could imagine Steve Smith, covered with scars his gladiatorial
  844. armour could not conceal, as the favorite of the immense crowd that came to
  845. watch their hero duel the enemies from a rival city, as the loudest roar from
  846. the stadium was given for him. And he deserved every decibel.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  847. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  848. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  849. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  850. And yet, as the old warrior sees his gladiator days
  851. shortening, a new star of the crowd is coming to ascendancy – Many of us
  852. expected to see this from Cam Newton, some of us right away in his rookie
  853. season, most of us were expecting this last year. And as it goes in reality,
  854. this young, immature athlete, gifted beyond the mere percent of a percent that
  855. are good enough to play this game, NOW gets the nuances he MUST understand to
  856. be part of a winning team – part of a “BIG BOY FOOTBALL” team. Cam Newton is
  857. growing up. When the crowd began to become quiet, and the Sucky-Neers moved &amp;nbsp;the ball on our vaunted defense with
  858. unexpected ease, this super new gladiator turned on the hyperdrive generator,
  859. much like Jake Delhomme did way back in ’03 when he rushed the field in the
  860. third quarter of our opening game . The energy spread from the team to the
  861. crowd, who resumed the throaty ear-busting cheers of our Monday night victory
  862. over the Cheat-a-Cheks. And Cam reveled in it. The players reveled in it. I&#39;ve never seen our other new gladiatorial star, Luke Kuechley, more animated and active in the defense. (Adding to the pageantry aspect, the stadium PA has taken to playing &quot;Lukes Theme&quot; from StarWars for every &quot;BIG BOY TACKLE&quot; Luke makes. Cheesy, but I LOVE IT-) &amp;nbsp;The
  863. crowd couldn’t get enough (until 5 minutes left in the fourth quarter- REALLY
  864. FANS? That’s a rant for another time) and the pageantry continued with a
  865. halftime hip-hop show, and more excellent dance choreography from those smokin’-hot
  866. TopCats. The beatdown was on, and we now own the longest winning streak in
  867. franchise history.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  868. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  869. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  870. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  871. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  872. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  873. IN FRANCHISE HISTORY –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  874. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  875. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  876. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  877. I’m going to want you to reflect on that –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  878. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  879. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  880. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  881. These Panthers are making history – Every reception Steve
  882. Smith makes now puts him in the rarified company of those who have busts in
  883. Canton. Cam Newton is on a pace to take his place among the elite of the elite.
  884. This defense is approaching the yard-miser and point-denier status of – of –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  885. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  886. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  887. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  888. The 2000 Baltimore Ravens – and dare I say it –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  889. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  890. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  891. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  892. Rivera’s old team –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  893. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  894. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  895. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  896. THEM.&amp;nbsp; If you know
  897. football, REALLY KNOW FOOTBALL, you don’t even need me to tell you who this
  898. group is, but to be compared to – to –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  899. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  900. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  901. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  902. THEM.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  903. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  904. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  905. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  906. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  907. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  908. It’s Historic. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  909. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  910. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  911. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  912. Deserving of the pageantry heaped upon them and the contests
  913. they wage. Between now and the battle in The Bayou, hundreds of thousands of
  914. words will be written preceding this game against the Saints– I don’t plan on
  915. adding to them, except to say –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  916. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  917. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  918. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  919. We’ll be in this game. Drew Brees, if you think the Seattle
  920. Defense was tough –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  921. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  922. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  923. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  924. You get US&amp;nbsp; - TWICE –
  925. IN A FIFTEEN DAY TIMESPAN.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  926. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  927. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  928. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  929. And these games decide the division, home playoff games, a
  930. season of success. And it felt like it was galaxies away two months ago, after
  931. the detritus had been swept away from the Arid-Zona defeat.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  932. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  933. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  934. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  935. Win or lose, it’s just an honour to be there, to give our
  936. all for Cesar Jerry and the Panther Empire.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  937. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  938. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  939. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  940. And the pageantry for us continues, quite likely into
  941. January –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  942. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  943. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  944. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  945. BELIEVE IT, FANZ!&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  946. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  947. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  948. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  949. I do. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  950. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  951. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  952. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  953. Gotta Comment?&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  954. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  955. Email me, The Cedar Street Seer&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  956. &lt;br /&gt;
  957. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  958. CaptnTee@aol.com&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  959. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  960. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  961. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/feeds/5913497917574126724/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4702426501185997499&amp;postID=5913497917574126724' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/5913497917574126724'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/5913497917574126724'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/2013/12/pageantry.html' title='PAGEANTRY'/><author><name>Pantherfanz</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12888138900369161303</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqy7HkuqCnRKVl7DO8Sq5bcGOzO37VHkNhwI7Ivpjq-VnEMJaNMiu6raPUyEVcMylnDoqeQcQv0MbhMrrQL9McH1mSmpVYKFtqBsDixp6lyFLJRkjvSYzXCtpksEmoA/s220/ranter.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702426501185997499.post-8197670304704797313</id><published>2013-11-24T17:08:00.001-05:00</published><updated>2013-11-24T17:08:55.998-05:00</updated><title type='text'>Caaaaam..... a Jedi now,  you arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrre..............</title><content type='html'>I am almost breathless as I write this -&lt;br /&gt;
  962. &lt;br /&gt;
  963. What we needed to see as Panther Nation , we have seen -&lt;br /&gt;
  964. &lt;br /&gt;
  965. We have seen the continuing maturation of this team into a bona fide contender - On a day where we didn&#39;t bring our best game, and there&#39;s no question we didn&#39;t - Even the best of the teams that play &quot;BIG BOY FOOTBALL&quot; don&#39;t bring their &amp;nbsp;&quot;A&quot; game week after week - we have for the THIRD WEEK IN A ROW -&lt;br /&gt;
  966. &lt;br /&gt;
  967. Pulled VICTORY -&lt;br /&gt;
  968. &lt;br /&gt;
  969. From the jaws of defeat &amp;nbsp;- in a manner that the recent edition of the Carolina Panthers could not have done in the past. I KNEW this game would not be as easy as it seemed on paper. That&#39;s why they &quot;play the games&quot; as it&#39;s said in the sporting lexicon...&lt;br /&gt;
  970. &lt;br /&gt;
  971. There are three elements of this &quot;BIG BOY FOOTBALL&quot; team that won this game today -&lt;br /&gt;
  972. &lt;br /&gt;
  973. Number one, and possibly the most important -&lt;br /&gt;
  974. &lt;br /&gt;
  975. The nads of &quot;Riverboat Ron&quot;, like the heart of the Grinch in that timeless holiday story, grew TEN TIMES on this day - With his Panthers on their own twenty yard line, and facing Fourth and Defeat, he GOES FOR IT -&lt;br /&gt;
  976. &lt;br /&gt;
  977. to -&lt;br /&gt;
  978. &lt;br /&gt;
  979. Number two, Cam Newton, instead of running for it, knowing that Miami will be expecting it, trusts the Force and Mike Shula to throw it to -&lt;br /&gt;
  980. &lt;br /&gt;
  981. Number three, Steeeeeve SMIFFFFFFFFF who shows again and again, game after game, that HE is the emotional Obi-Wan Kenobi of this team, and WILLS it to VICTORY with a MAJOR, CLUTCH CATCH to extend the GAME WINNING DRIVE -&lt;br /&gt;
  982. &lt;br /&gt;
  983. And Cam ends the suspense with a final lightsaber slash to Greg Olsen, finally defeating the final team these Panthers have NEVER BEATEN - leaving the mop-up work to the defense, who is seriously missing &quot;Big Money&quot; Charles Johnson - but not for long - he&#39;s expected back for the now HUGE game against the Sucky-Neers next Sunday.&lt;br /&gt;
  984. &lt;br /&gt;
  985. &lt;br /&gt;
  986. I cannot begin to contain the excitement I have as a long - suffering Panthers fan at what this victory means -&lt;br /&gt;
  987. &lt;br /&gt;
  988. &lt;br /&gt;
  989. It means -&lt;br /&gt;
  990. &lt;br /&gt;
  991. &lt;br /&gt;
  992. Ron Rivera will NOT have a losing season this year.&lt;br /&gt;
  993. &lt;br /&gt;
  994. &lt;br /&gt;
  995. It means-&lt;br /&gt;
  996. &lt;br /&gt;
  997. &lt;br /&gt;
  998. This team is now closing the gap in the &quot;close game&quot; albatross that has hung around our neck for the past two years -&lt;br /&gt;
  999. &lt;br /&gt;
  1000. &lt;br /&gt;
  1001. It means -&lt;br /&gt;
  1002. &lt;br /&gt;
  1003. &lt;br /&gt;
  1004. That Cam Newton and the rest of the offense now has the confidence it needs to KNOW WITHOUT QUESTION that it CAN play from behind, and WIN.&lt;br /&gt;
  1005. &lt;br /&gt;
  1006. &lt;br /&gt;
  1007. It means that the postseason is a virtual guarantee for us -&lt;br /&gt;
  1008. &lt;br /&gt;
  1009. &lt;br /&gt;
  1010. AND -&lt;br /&gt;
  1011. &lt;br /&gt;
  1012. IT MEANS -&lt;br /&gt;
  1013. &lt;br /&gt;
  1014. &lt;br /&gt;
  1015. The pressure is even greater on the New Orleans Saints -&lt;br /&gt;
  1016. &lt;br /&gt;
  1017. We&#39;re here, Drew Brees, Sean Payton, Who Dat Nation -&lt;br /&gt;
  1018. &lt;br /&gt;
  1019. And we AINT SKEERT of YOU....&lt;br /&gt;
  1020. &lt;br /&gt;
  1021. &lt;br /&gt;
  1022. &lt;br /&gt;
  1023. &lt;br /&gt;
  1024. &lt;br /&gt;
  1025. AND ----&lt;br /&gt;
  1026. &lt;br /&gt;
  1027. &lt;br /&gt;
  1028. &lt;br /&gt;
  1029. &lt;br /&gt;
  1030. WE&#39;RE COMING TO KICK-&lt;br /&gt;
  1031. &lt;br /&gt;
  1032. YOUR-&lt;br /&gt;
  1033. &lt;br /&gt;
  1034. &lt;br /&gt;
  1035. ASSSSSS!!!!!!&lt;br /&gt;
  1036. &lt;br /&gt;
  1037. &lt;br /&gt;
  1038. Gotta Comment?&lt;br /&gt;
  1039. &lt;br /&gt;
  1040. Email me, The Cedar Street Seer -&lt;br /&gt;
  1041. &lt;br /&gt;
  1042. CaptnTee@aol.com</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/feeds/8197670304704797313/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4702426501185997499&amp;postID=8197670304704797313' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/8197670304704797313'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/8197670304704797313'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/2013/11/caaaaam-jedi-now-you.html' title='Caaaaam..... a Jedi now,  you arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrre..............'/><author><name>Pantherfanz</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12888138900369161303</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqy7HkuqCnRKVl7DO8Sq5bcGOzO37VHkNhwI7Ivpjq-VnEMJaNMiu6raPUyEVcMylnDoqeQcQv0MbhMrrQL9McH1mSmpVYKFtqBsDixp6lyFLJRkjvSYzXCtpksEmoA/s220/ranter.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702426501185997499.post-9003603676751234875</id><published>2013-11-20T21:22:00.000-05:00</published><updated>2013-11-20T21:31:21.603-05:00</updated><title type='text'>BIG BOY FOOTBALL</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1043. Greetings, FanZ!&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1044. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1045. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1046. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1047. As I pound this latest rant, I realize that through this
  1048. season of success I have a similar problem as I had when we went through the
  1049. valleys of dismay Post-2009 – how many times could I write, “WE SUCK”, and “FIRE
  1050. JOHN FOX-HURNEY” and “PEPPERS HAS TO GO”, and plumb the depths of your
  1051. dissatisfaction and at least make you feel like your angst had a legion of
  1052. allies and supporters &amp;nbsp;– Now, I’m finding
  1053. quite a similar situation coming up the same way, week after week, &amp;nbsp;win after win – &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1054. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1055. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1056. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1057. How many times can I write about how UTTLERLY F**CKING
  1058. AWESOME it is to watch, tune in, read about, listen to radio chatter concerning
  1059. THE CAROLINA PANTHERS OF 2013??!!! Of all of the superlatives and hyperbole I
  1060. could possibly muster out of my expansive vocabulary, could I piece together
  1061. something you, dear reader, would find interesting and enlightening? Could I
  1062. take tackle after tackle, score after score, and make an epic storylog &amp;nbsp;that would prime you for more Pantherfandom?&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1063. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1064. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1065. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1066. As Lauren and I sat in the stadium Monday night, after a
  1067. buzz not achieved in our lot in many a year, I considered all of the witty
  1068. titling I could give a rant after our sixth consecutive win – But much like
  1069. last week, all that my mind could process was simple verbiage betraying my
  1070. almost limitless ability to colourize in word, any possible subject –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1071. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1072. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1073. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1074. “BIG BOY FOOTBALL” –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1075. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1076. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1077. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1078. Ok, so I think you, me, every casual fan and every feverent
  1079. gridiron-poisoned fan, every talking head on every sports network can agree,
  1080. that The Carolina Panthers are playing “BIG BOY FOOTBALL”. So, with that said,
  1081. I would say, that if you are a young man playing football, on the high school
  1082. level, a blue-chipper playing at a 4A organization, I think you would likely be
  1083. playing “BIG BOY FOOTBALL”. And like that “HELLO…………………!!!” commercial some
  1084. telecommunications company aired last year, you’ve got Bob Stoops coming to
  1085. speak that repeated salutation to you, and before you know it, you are an
  1086. All-American playing at a Division One school with a chance at glory on a
  1087. national level. And NFL scouts are looking at you play – “BIG BOY FOOTBALL”…
  1088. And then you hear your name, possibly on the first day of the NFL Draft at the
  1089. Music City Hall, and you will now get paid to play – “BIG BOY FOOTBALL” &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1090. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1091. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1092. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1093. So – if we take the description, and determine that all 32
  1094. teams in the NFL play “BIG BOY FOOTBALL” – &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1095. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1096. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1097. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1098. We would be in error. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1099. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1100. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1101. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1102. In my opinion, “BIG BOY FOOTBALL” looks something like this –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1103. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1104. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1105. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1106. It starts with a coaching philosophy.&amp;nbsp; A determination to use the athletes in your
  1107. organization to execute your vision in “x’s and o’s, and succeeding. A supporting front office
  1108. that provides this coaching staff with the college athletes and free agents it
  1109. needs to continue and cycle the process.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1110. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1111. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1112. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1113. Bill Belli-cheat is a good example of a coach that gets it.
  1114. His New England-gland Pastry-Rots PLAY BIG BOY FOOTBALL. Year after year. Pete
  1115. Carroll is another. So is Sean Peyton.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1116. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1117. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1118. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1119. The players are all bought into the system, both offensively
  1120. and defensively. There’s no self-serving desire for records, for individual
  1121. milestones for petty bickering about who gets the ball, who starts, who sits
  1122. who gets the points – all there is, is the singular vision of success, the way
  1123. the coaching staff builds it in practice. All of the acclaim, the records, the stats, comes as a result of the process. Of course, it all sounds utopian,
  1124. because there IS a strong sense of pride in every athlete at this level – it’s
  1125. displayed in various ways, from the boisterous howling of Ray Lewis, to the
  1126. intense and cerebral mannerisms of Peyton Manning.&amp;nbsp; They all want to win – and the way that these
  1127. athletes join from OTA’s&amp;nbsp; through
  1128. training camp, to the end of the regular season and beyond, form the very
  1129. definition of the word – TEAM as we use it to describe clubs in the NFL.&amp;nbsp; The offense of a “BIG BOY FOOTBALL” team is a
  1130. system that consistently runs to game plan, and is capable of adjusting to game
  1131. conditions in REAL TIME. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1132. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1133. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1134. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1135. Note that last part of that last sentence.&amp;nbsp; It will be an important part later in my
  1136. rant.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1137. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1138. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1139. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1140. The defense of a “BIG BOY FOOTBALL” team is one that
  1141. controls the game, snap to snap. It is able to limit yards, points, and
  1142. consistently gets possession BACK to the offense. It is staffed by athletes of
  1143. the highest level of performance, who never, ever, stop until the whistle
  1144. blows.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1145. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1146. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1147. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1148. As I said before, The Pastry-Rots play “BIG BOY FOOTBALL” –
  1149. The Saints play “BIG BOY FOOTBALL”.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1150. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1151. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1152. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1153. The Pissburgh Squeelers no longer are capable of “BIG BOY
  1154. FOOTBALL” – &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1155. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1156. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1157. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1158. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1159. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1160. The Detroit Lions are beginning to grasp it – but are not
  1161. there yet. Same for the Bungles.&amp;nbsp; The
  1162. Phoney- Niners play “BIG BOY FOOTBALL”. And believe it or not, it’s coming back
  1163. to the Noo Yawk Gi-AINTS. Jon Beason has the HEART of “BIG BOY FOOTBALL”. He
  1164. makes a difference in that defense now.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1165. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1166. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1167. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1168. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1169. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1170. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1171. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1172. The Duckies NEVER played “BIG BOY FOOTBALL”. NEVER.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1173. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1174. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1175. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1176. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1177. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1178. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1179. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1180. The Green Bay Packers do NOT play &quot;BIG BOY FOOTBALL&quot;. One player CANNOT make that big of a difference on a &quot;BIG BOY FOOTBALL&quot; team. &amp;nbsp;Billi-Cheat lost Tommy Terrific and STILL won 10 games with Matty Cassel who now stinks it up for another team that DOES NOT play &quot;BIG BOY FOOTBALL&quot;. If you cut your greasy hair, Clay Matthews, and quit doing those INANELY STOOPID FatHead commericials, you MIGHT sniff a TENTH of Luke Keuchley&#39;s &quot;BIG BOY FOOTBALL&quot; quotient.&lt;/div&gt;
  1181. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1182. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1183. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1184. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1185. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1186. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1187. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1188. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1189. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1190. John Fox can usually coax an unusual brand of “BIG BOY
  1191. FOOTBALL” out of his teams when Peyton Manning’s not the QB, we’ve been real
  1192. used to that game we knew as “FoxBall”. Of course, now that Brotha Mannings
  1193. dealing with a bit of a gimpy ankle, FoxBall makes sense for the Broncoids,
  1194. who, without question, are playing “BIG BOY FOOTBALL”.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1195. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1196. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1197. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1198. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1199. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1200. The game last week in San Francisco was a great example of “BIG
  1201. BOY FOOTBALL”. The game Monday –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1202. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1203. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1204. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1205. WAS DEFINING.&amp;nbsp; In ways
  1206. that exceed the best of John Fox’s teams. Why would I say that?&amp;nbsp; More on that in a few sentences. I turned to
  1207. Lauren at the kickoff, and said – &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1208. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1209. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1210. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1211. “Its time to play some BIG BOY FOOTBALL!!!” , and I was
  1212. fairly confident that we could. There was no question that the Brady Bunch and
  1213. his Cheat-a-checks would bring their best efforts. And there was no question
  1214. that the Panthers would. Even though Brady found his yards, the BIG BOY DEFENSE
  1215. of the Panthers held this offensive juggernaut to a measly 3 points.&amp;nbsp; As the game unfolded, I realized the genius
  1216. of Bill Belli-cheat, and how he decided he was going to play this contest. He
  1217. knew yards would come at a premium against this defense– there were so many heads
  1218. to the hydra, so he could only keep so many heads at bay – Brady all but
  1219. forsook the deep ball, because those extra seconds taken scanning the field
  1220. would have brought Kraken and Company driving him into the Bank of America
  1221. Stadium turf. He dumped off, with frequency, and those little 3 and 4 yard
  1222. gains became 8 and 9 yard gains! And as you saw, they took the lead late on us.
  1223. This is what “BIG BOY FOOTBALL” teams do. &amp;nbsp;But “BIG BOY DEFENSE”, which the Panthers
  1224. have, no doubt, makes the lead by the opposition only 3 points – and gets the
  1225. ball back to the offense -&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1226. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1227. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1228. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1229. And, now, if there was any question, and I had many, about
  1230. this Carolina Panther offense being able to play “BIG BOY FOOTBALL”, they are
  1231. dispelled. Like I said, Belli-cheat had made an absolute commitment to stopping
  1232. the run. Our stable of backs, the “Triple Threat”, didn’t manage 50 yards. THE
  1233. WHOLE GAME.&amp;nbsp; In seasons past, this was a
  1234. recipe for disaster. But we didn’t have Cam Newton then. Jake Delhomme could
  1235. never have done in this offense what Cam does. What we saw in the past two
  1236. games was like seeing that idealistic gung-ho farm boy from Tatooine become a
  1237. Jedi Knight in “Star Wars”. Soooo – If we were not able to get yards running
  1238. with the backs, then Cam would find the open receiver, because that extra
  1239. player was in the defensive “box”. And if he found the passing lanes choked
  1240. off, of course, as the endless loops of highlight reels show again and again –
  1241. he RAN.&amp;nbsp; Unlike Forrest Gump, he RAN for
  1242. a VERY PARTICULAR REASON. And again, I cannot ignore the role Mike Shula is
  1243. playing in this offense. Remember what I said about “BIG BOY OFFENSE”? I’m
  1244. going to have to retract my vilification of his system I made early in the
  1245. season -&amp;nbsp; When our original gameplan to
  1246. gash the Pastry-Rot Defense with StewWilliams Cookies failed to produce, he
  1247. switched gears, mid-game, and the result? &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1248. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1249. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1250. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1251. A final drive by Cam Newton and his Cam-a-Lots of the Cat’s
  1252. Table that was one for the ages. I will save the game on my DVR, and watch it
  1253. again and again until the Panthers top this one. Which they will. This
  1254. season.&amp;nbsp; Like Luke Skywalker severing the
  1255. hand of Darth Vader, rendering him useless, Cam severed the most important head
  1256. on Belli-cheat’s hydra, and like Han Solo sweeping in with the Millennium
  1257. Falcon to clear Luke’s path to destroying the Death Star, the defense, led by
  1258. our OWN LUKE – finished the job.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1259. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1260. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1261. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1262. And I’m not adding one more f**cking word to the blathering
  1263. about catchable balls. Period.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1264. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1265. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1266. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1267. And I would be failing you not to mention that this success
  1268. begins with our new GM, Dave Gettleman, who I believe 100% gets “BIG BOY
  1269. FOOTBALL”, and makes sure Riverboat gets the athletes he needs to succeed. I
  1270. would also be failing you if I did not once again retract my earlier statement
  1271. about Ron Rivera and his inability to win at this level. Like Cam, he’s make a
  1272. quantum shift in the way he approaches this game, and the results, well, this
  1273. 6-game winning streak is proof enough.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1274. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1275. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1276. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1277. Do this year’s Carolina Panthers play “BIG BOY FOOTBALL”???
  1278. You damn right they do. &amp;nbsp;Can they
  1279. continue this string of success? I believe it. If we can go to a place and beat
  1280. a “team” that’s about five galaxies away from “BIG BOY FOOTBALL” in the Miami
  1281. Dull-phins, a “team” incidentally, that we have NEVER BEATEN IN OUR ENTIRE
  1282. FRANCHISE EXISTENCE – with the same intensity we’ve brought to EVERY GAME WE’VE
  1283. PLAYED this season, you can print the playoff tickets, because we, THE CAROLINA
  1284. PANTHERS, will be there.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1285. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1286. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1287. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1288. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1289. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1290. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1291. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1292. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1293. &lt;div style=&quot;border-bottom: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; border: none; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;&quot;&gt;
  1294. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;&quot;&gt;
  1295. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1296. &lt;/div&gt;
  1297. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1298. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1299. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1300. A Crazy Joe Diversion from topic, slightly ……………..&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1301. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1302. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1303. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1304. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1305. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1306. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1307. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1308. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1309. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1310. The young Jedi, Cam Newton, approaches a ghostly visage of
  1311. the Lord of BIG BOY FOOTBALL, Master Lombardi – who tells him his training is
  1312. finished – already knows, him, that which he needs.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1313. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1314. “Then I AM a Jedi” Cam breathlessly tells himself –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1315. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1316. “COUGHCOUGHCOUGH” replies Master Lombardi – “NO – not yet!
  1317. One thing remains – The Dolphins – You MUST DEFEAT THE DOLPHINS – “&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1318. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1319. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1320. &lt;div style=&quot;border-bottom: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; border: none; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;&quot;&gt;
  1321. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;&quot;&gt;
  1322. “Then, and only then, A Jedi
  1323. will you be –“&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1324. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;&quot;&gt;
  1325. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1326. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;&quot;&gt;
  1327. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1328. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;&quot;&gt;
  1329. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1330. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;&quot;&gt;
  1331. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1332. &lt;/div&gt;
  1333. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1334. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1335. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1336. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1337. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1338. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1339. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1340. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1341. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1342. Thanks so much for the diversion. I felt it necessary. In
  1343. order for the Panthers to be what I feel they should TRULY be, they will need
  1344. to do what no coaching staff, no front office was able to manage in our 17
  1345. years of existence. Beat the Miami Dolphins. Now. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1346. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1347. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1348. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1349. Then, &amp;nbsp;and only then,&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1350. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1351. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1352. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1353. Truly.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1354. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1355. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1356. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1357. A BIG BOY FOOTBALL TEAM, will we be.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1358. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1359. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1360. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1361. The SuckyNeers and the Saints await after that. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1362. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1363. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1364. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1365. As well as your PantherFanz ultimate Tailgate Party!!!&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1366. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1367. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1368. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1369. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1370. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1371. Gotta Comment? &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1372. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1373. E-mail me, The Cedar Street Seer&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1374. &lt;br /&gt;
  1375. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1376. CaptnTee@aol.com&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1377. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/feeds/9003603676751234875/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4702426501185997499&amp;postID=9003603676751234875' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/9003603676751234875'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/9003603676751234875'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/2013/11/big-boy-football.html' title='BIG BOY FOOTBALL'/><author><name>Pantherfanz</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12888138900369161303</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqy7HkuqCnRKVl7DO8Sq5bcGOzO37VHkNhwI7Ivpjq-VnEMJaNMiu6raPUyEVcMylnDoqeQcQv0MbhMrrQL9McH1mSmpVYKFtqBsDixp6lyFLJRkjvSYzXCtpksEmoA/s220/ranter.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702426501185997499.post-5878305833320997777</id><published>2013-11-11T20:26:00.001-05:00</published><updated>2013-11-11T20:49:27.808-05:00</updated><title type='text'>WE ARE!!!</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1378. About 4,000 years ago, an exiled Egyptian prince scaled the
  1379. Holy Mount Sinai, and had an exclusive conversation with The Almighty, the
  1380. Creator of the Entire Universe, the Ultimate Power that controls and moves
  1381. everything that is, on the sub –atomic level. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1382. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1383. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1384. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1385. The ex-prince, as you probably gather as Moses, the Bringer
  1386. of God’s Law, asked Him as it related to his discourse with the Hebrews The
  1387. Lord wanted delivered from bondage-&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1388. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1389. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1390. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1391. “Who do I say that You Are??”&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1392. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1393. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1394. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1395. The Lord Replied –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1396. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1397. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1398. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1399. IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
  1400. AAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM-&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1401. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1402. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1403. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1404. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1405. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1406. YOU WILL SAY THAT I AM HAS SENT YOU………………………&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1407. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1408. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1409. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1410. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1411. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1412. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to pound the keyboard
  1413. for this blog, and I sincerely apologize for possibly offending anyone with
  1414. this Biblical allusion to what we’ve all seen today – but I can’t help but
  1415. feeling spiritually euphoric at what we’ve seen – only TWO WORDS come to my
  1416. mind - in the matter-of-fact manner in which THE ALMIGHTY proclaimed his
  1417. existence to Moses –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1418. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1419. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1420. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1421. WE ARE……………&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1422. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1423. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1424. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1425. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1426. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1427. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1428. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1429. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1430. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1431. WE ARE…………………..&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1432. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1433. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1434. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1435. Relevant in the NFL. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1436. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1437. Relevant in the playoff picture.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1438. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1439. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1440. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1441. THE LEAGUE’S #1 DEFENSE. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1442. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1443. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1444. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1445. Forget the Kansas Shitty Chefs. Forget the Noo Yawk Jests.
  1446. Forget the overrated Robby Ryan Saints. And now, forget the
  1447. Sad-FranShits-ko&amp;nbsp; Phoney-Niners.&amp;nbsp; This defense took control of this game early,
  1448. and took enough pressure off of a cautious and intensely pressured offense. I
  1449. give TONS of credit to Cam Newton, and his OC Son-Of-Jaw for recognizing&amp;nbsp; this fact – we continued to get enough yards,
  1450. ON OUR PLAY BALANCE, to give that defense enough of a breather to come back to
  1451. the field and continue to punch this overrated NFC squad in the mouth, again
  1452. and again…&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1453. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1454. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1455. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1456. WE ARE………………..&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1457. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1458. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1459. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1460. Playing as a team, in a way we haven’t done since that
  1461. mythical year of 2008 – Every unit is playing with a passion and trust in one
  1462. another to do the things covered in practice. There’s going to be the absolute
  1463. gushing on all of the media wonkers about our defense, but I’ve gotta give some
  1464. love to the offensive line – A unit that’s been jury-rigged all season is
  1465. performing at a level that is not costing us games – they are opening enough
  1466. holes for the run game, and giving time enough to Cam-A-Lot to make the plays
  1467. he needs to make –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1468. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1469. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1470. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1471. WE ARE…………………………&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1472. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1473. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1474. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1475. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1476. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1477. A team playing with CLASS. For all of our punishing defense
  1478. , and smash-mouth way we are running the ball, for the most part we are doing
  1479. it with CLASS. When Mike Mitchell inadvertadly ends Sam Bradford’s season, he
  1480. APOLOGIZES the next day! When Mike “Cookies” Tolbert&amp;nbsp; absolutely FLATTENS a defensive back, he
  1481. stays with him after the play in genuine concern for his safety – This is a
  1482. football team void of reprehensible over-juiced egotists – and they play CLEAN.
  1483. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1484. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1485. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1486. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1487. WE ARE………………….&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1488. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1489. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1490. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1491. Now a joy to watch and cheer for! This brand of football
  1492. that Coach Rivera and his staff have brought to us of late is the kind we’ve
  1493. been DYING to see – and it can only get better – Do you think that Bill-a-Cheat
  1494. and his Patsy-Rots are a little concerned in coming to BOFA next Monday after
  1495. seeing the emasculation we put on the “Vaunted” Phoney-Niners? Oh yeah, that
  1496. staff is definitely losing sleep imagining that front seven of ours pour
  1497. through Brady-Boy’s battered O-line –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1498. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1499. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1500. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1501. And now that I bring Coach Rivera up –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1502. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1503. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1504. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1505. WE ARE…………….&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1506. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1507. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1508. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1509. As a fan base – &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1510. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1511. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1512. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1513. In need to extend to this good man of integrity, inner
  1514. strength, and humility, a genuine apology for the disparaging malfeasance we’ve
  1515. heaped upon him in the first quarter of this season. What he, his staff, and
  1516. Dave Gettleman have put in place is rewarding the patient and trusting fans
  1517. with the kind of team we’ve wanted to see, and vindicating themselves to the
  1518. fans (like ME!) that doubted them.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1519. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1520. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1521. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1522. As for me – &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1523. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1524. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1525. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1526. I BELIEVE in these Carolina Panthers NOW…&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1527. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1528. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1529. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1530. Join me –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1531. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1532. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1533. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1534. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1535. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1536. Gotta Comment?&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1537. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1538. E-mail me, The Cedar Street Seer&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1539. &lt;br /&gt;
  1540. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1541. CaptnTee@aol.com&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1542. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/feeds/5878305833320997777/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4702426501185997499&amp;postID=5878305833320997777' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/5878305833320997777'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/5878305833320997777'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/2013/11/we-are.html' title='WE ARE!!!'/><author><name>Pantherfanz</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12888138900369161303</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqy7HkuqCnRKVl7DO8Sq5bcGOzO37VHkNhwI7Ivpjq-VnEMJaNMiu6raPUyEVcMylnDoqeQcQv0MbhMrrQL9McH1mSmpVYKFtqBsDixp6lyFLJRkjvSYzXCtpksEmoA/s220/ranter.jpg'/></author><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702426501185997499.post-8577696970322703724</id><published>2013-10-13T17:32:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2013-10-13T17:32:46.232-04:00</updated><title type='text'>WHERE ART THOU, O SHLEPROCK???</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1543. For years thy visage hung upon thee as a malevolent spectre
  1544. cast its vile shadow upon the cheeriest of days. Thou arrivest again and again
  1545. to spoilst the joy of ardent followers of thou gridiron heroes of the Land that
  1546. His Majesty King Charles dost bequethest his name to.&amp;nbsp; Game after game, season after season, thy
  1547. bringest thy darkness to thou warm and illumined halls of celebrations.
  1548. Tailgate after Tailgate, postgame after postgame, thou has desecrated all thy desires
  1549. for simple joys, for thou removest victory from thy grasp as a doting mother
  1550. snatcheth away anything that which harmeth thy child. There is little that thou
  1551. cannot blacken with the merest whisper of thou possible arrival to the company
  1552. of thee – Though the intent of thou is benevolent, by the nature of the black
  1553. cloud thou is eternally bound to, the sight of thou bringeth unintentional ruin
  1554. to the mechanizations of thy Carolina Panthers.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1555. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1556. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1557. &lt;div class=&quot;separator&quot; style=&quot;clear: both; text-align: center;&quot;&gt;
  1558. &lt;a href=&quot;http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PmdBhSv5b8A/UlsQu0jLcKI/AAAAAAAAAJA/QeinPkw4Wmk/s1600/JoeBtfsplk.jpg&quot; imageanchor=&quot;1&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;&quot;&gt;&lt;img border=&quot;0&quot; height=&quot;320&quot; src=&quot;http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PmdBhSv5b8A/UlsQu0jLcKI/AAAAAAAAAJA/QeinPkw4Wmk/s320/JoeBtfsplk.jpg&quot; width=&quot;261&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1559. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1560. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1561. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1562. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1563. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1564. So, where wast thy visage today, O Schleprock?&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1565. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1566. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1567. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1568. Thou expected thy arrival as sure as the winter bringest the
  1569. snow. When sadness and tragedy befallest our adversary for the weekend, it was
  1570. sure to be an emotional ally to overwhelmst thou most dogged of efforts.&amp;nbsp; Thou hast experienced this as recent as last
  1571. season, when thou broughst the darkness of the fate thou carryest as Jacob
  1572. Marley is burdenst&amp;nbsp; with the chain forged
  1573. by the vice and vile of thy errant life.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;
  1574. Thou madest the Chieftains of the Lands of Western Missourah as a potent
  1575. force, as toothless as thy were, and fittest to thy love yet another defeat,
  1576. stinging, demoralizing, and yet, fitting. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1577. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1578. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1579. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1580. Thy expected thy timely arrival today – WHERE WAST THOU, O
  1581. SHLEPROCK???&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1582. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1583. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1584. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1585. Thy must remindst thou, that the company of men with the
  1586. snarling predator on thy helmeting is the target of the slings of thou odious malfeasance…&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1587. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1588. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1589. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1590. And yet, thou desirest to further darkenst the days of the
  1591. Norsemen… And as thou contemplatest thy absence from thy sideline, the sun
  1592. breakest the cover of cloud to brighten the skies of His Majesty King Carolus…
  1593. be still thy pulsing heart – a sign of hope???&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1594. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1595. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1596. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1597. Shleprock, O Shleprock, thou hast thy permission to stayest
  1598. away from this day forward, through thou contest at home with the Rams Of Saint
  1599. Louis, to thou contest at the Land That Sherman Didst Burn against the Birds
  1600. that Royalty Dost Sport.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1601. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1602. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1603. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1604. But to be the kind and hospitable member that thou ist, &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1605. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1606. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1607. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1608. We leave a spot at the table for thou…&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1609. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1610. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1611. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1612. If thy hast a reply, thou mayest &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1613. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1614. Email thee –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1615. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1616. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1617. &lt;br /&gt;
  1618. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1619. CaptnTee@aol.com&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1620. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/feeds/8577696970322703724/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4702426501185997499&amp;postID=8577696970322703724' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/8577696970322703724'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/8577696970322703724'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/2013/10/where-art-thou-o-shleprock.html' title='WHERE ART THOU, O SHLEPROCK???'/><author><name>Pantherfanz</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12888138900369161303</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqy7HkuqCnRKVl7DO8Sq5bcGOzO37VHkNhwI7Ivpjq-VnEMJaNMiu6raPUyEVcMylnDoqeQcQv0MbhMrrQL9McH1mSmpVYKFtqBsDixp6lyFLJRkjvSYzXCtpksEmoA/s220/ranter.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PmdBhSv5b8A/UlsQu0jLcKI/AAAAAAAAAJA/QeinPkw4Wmk/s72-c/JoeBtfsplk.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702426501185997499.post-4936304539444570380</id><published>2013-10-06T20:45:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2013-10-06T20:45:20.516-04:00</updated><title type='text'>FOOL&#39;S GOLD</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1621. As I nurse a glass of red vintage, and put in perspective
  1622. what I saw with the core Pantherfanz group this afternoon, I’m left again with
  1623. a very palpable and disgusting feeling, one that hasn’t left me, really, since
  1624. the debacle we saw unfold in that fateful January evening in 2009, when the
  1625. Super Bowl was as close as we’ve seen it since the year we’d made it.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1626. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1627. The faces have largely changed, save a few stalwart
  1628. veterans, but the ghosts still haunt us.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1629. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1630. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1631. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1632. I don’t want to revisit that place again, ever, but today
  1633. forces me to.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1634. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1635. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1636. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1637. On a day where continuing a season of hope crashed cruelly
  1638. on the shoulders of these same Arid-zona Cardy-Noles, I’m forced to accept a
  1639. notion that is antithesis to the passion of my fanatic heart –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1640. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1641. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1642. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1643. The 2013 Carolina Panthers are just not a very good team. We
  1644. have a collection of VERY GOOD players, but those players have consistently been
  1645. inconsistent in the execution of play in the most CRITICAL of situations. When,
  1646. WHEN, have you seen Steve Smith drop not one, but TWO balls that would have
  1647. resulted in either a score or a huge gain? And Travelle Wharton? That safety you
  1648. gave up in the third quarter??? INEXCUSABLE!!! LaFell? That fourth-down catch
  1649. you let drop to the Arizona turf? A difference in the outcome!!! 76 yards of
  1650. drive-killing penalties?&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1651. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1652. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1653. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1654. ***sigh***&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1655. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1656. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1657. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1658. ***HUGE SIGH***&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1659. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1660. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1661. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1662. The curse of the Cardy-Noles continues, friends. On a day
  1663. when Charlie Brown could kick not only the ball out of Lucy’s grasp, but Lucy’s
  1664. f**king head as well, Charles’ Schultz’ eternally downtrodden character performs
  1665. as expected. And like Charlie, who is easily the most likeable of Mr. Schultz’
  1666. creations, Ron Rivera and his Panthers again meet with failure. There comes a
  1667. point where optimism and “we’ll get ‘em next time” mantras fail to satisfy the
  1668. desires of the fan base, who fill that stadium game after game, who tune in to
  1669. EVERY game, vent on talk radio, and support the franchise to whom we are
  1670. committed. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1671. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1672. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1673. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1674. I’m unsure that blame for this abortion of a game falls completely
  1675. on Rivera, but in the real world, as well as professional sports, the ones in
  1676. leadership positions ultimately take the blame for failure. Something is surely
  1677. going to change with the Carolina Panthers, and I’m sure that the coming weeks
  1678. will see Dave Gettleman continue to pull the switches he feels he needs to pull
  1679. to make this team better. To make this team more competitive. To win. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1680. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1681. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1682. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1683. Because right now, we just don’t have it.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1684. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1685. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1686. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1687. Beating the Gi-‘Aints? &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1688. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1689. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1690. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1691. It was fools’ gold. Pure, unadulterated fool’s gold. The
  1692. Gotham Goobers are truly, truly bad, and not a good measuring stick of where we
  1693. are as a football team, not by any stretch of the imagination.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1694. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1695. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1696. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1697. Now, big picture, we are not mathematically out of the playoff
  1698. chase, but realistically, the teams we will need to catch are moving forward
  1699. with their seasons. We are NOT going to catch the Saints for a division
  1700. championship, I can say that with complete confidence. Today, we went
  1701. backwards. And we have a pumped-up Vikings team to handle next week. Even a
  1702. victory there won’t restore the hope I had two weeks ago. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1703. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1704. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1705. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1706. I resign myself to another season of underachieving , and
  1707. putting my faith in the mechanizations of a general manager that’s not afraid
  1708. to make bold decisions to improve this football team. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1709. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1710. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1711. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1712. The Braves are on and beating the Dodgers, so I’m also
  1713. failing at caring anymore about today’s game. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1714. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1715. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1716. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1717. I have other things to care about.&amp;nbsp; Thanks for tuning into the Pantherfanz “Rant
  1718. Of The Week”&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1719. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1720. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1721. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1722. Chop on.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1723. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1724. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1725. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1726. Gotta Comment?&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1727. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1728. Email me, The Cedar Street Seer&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1729. &lt;br /&gt;
  1730. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1731. CaptnTee@aol.com&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1732. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/feeds/4936304539444570380/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4702426501185997499&amp;postID=4936304539444570380' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/4936304539444570380'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/4936304539444570380'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/2013/10/fools-gold.html' title='FOOL&#39;S GOLD'/><author><name>Pantherfanz</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12888138900369161303</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqy7HkuqCnRKVl7DO8Sq5bcGOzO37VHkNhwI7Ivpjq-VnEMJaNMiu6raPUyEVcMylnDoqeQcQv0MbhMrrQL9McH1mSmpVYKFtqBsDixp6lyFLJRkjvSYzXCtpksEmoA/s220/ranter.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702426501185997499.post-7468395379888213380</id><published>2013-09-24T19:53:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2013-09-24T19:53:27.330-04:00</updated><title type='text'>A NEW HOPE</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1733. After Sunday’s joyous blowout win, which was bordering on a
  1734. religious experience, I was going to name this week’s rant –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1735. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1736. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1737. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1738. “Coming to Jesus” –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1739. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1740. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1741. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1742. Which of course, connotes a religious experience, but after
  1743. stewing on what I’d seen, and what’s coming down the pike, I finally came up
  1744. with another titling, which also connotes religion, as Hope is a word of the
  1745. faithful, waiting for the moments of joyous deliverance – and those of you who fervently
  1746. follow the Carolina Panthers must CERTAINLY have it by now – if you don’t, you
  1747. have a cantankerous gloomy outlook that is antithesis to healthy fandom.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1748. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1749. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1750. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1751. At this moment, I am brimming with it –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1752. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1753. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1754. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1755. Mind you, I’m still wary of the coaching staff, but I couldn&#39;t
  1756. help thinking that Mikey Son Of Jaw and Chef Ron had a meeting with The
  1757. Almighty Himself, who revealed to them their quarterback, Cam Newton, and all
  1758. of the wonderful things he’s capable of doing when correctly utilized, when
  1759. SuperCam ripped off run after run on our nemesis, driving us down the field on
  1760. our very first offensive possession to an ACTUAL TOUCHDOWN!!! You all were
  1761. there, or you saw it on TV, so I don’t have to go play by play with you – You know
  1762. what you saw, and to me it was almost like seeing Mother Mary’s holy visage
  1763. appearing in the frothy foam of your freshly poured beverage.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1764. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1765. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1766. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1767. At this point, it’s all about BIG PICTURE –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1768. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1769. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1770. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1771. It’s about –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1772. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1773. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1774. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1775. HOPE.&amp;nbsp; &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1776. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1777. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1778. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1779. Look at the league, y’all – Look at the wreckage of winless
  1780. teams - some, expected, like the Sucky-Neers and Jaggy-whyers. BUT – a look at
  1781. who else is still looking for just ONE win – teams EXPECTED to contend – The DeadSkins,
  1782. The Squeelers, The Vikings, and most importantly, the team from Gotham we sent
  1783. TO THEIR WORST DEFEAT IN FORTY YEARS!!! &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1784. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1785. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1786. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1787. Think about that – the last time the Gi-AINTS lost that bad,
  1788. some of you weren&#39;t even EMBRYOS – Cable TV was an experiment, there were 5 or
  1789. 6 channels on your 19-inch TV, which, if you were lucky, was in colour.
  1790. Computers were hulking tape-fed behemoths that were denizens of huge universities
  1791. and corporations, or either benevolent or evil mechanizations in sci-fi movies
  1792. and novels. You get the ideal.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1793. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1794. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1795. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1796. Now, 1-2’s not anything to boast about, but the very nature
  1797. by how we got this first win, and who we got it against has to be held in
  1798. comparison to the rest of the NFC – Who else is 1-2? Just about everyone.&amp;nbsp; Chicago, New Orleans and Seattle are
  1799. undefeated for now, but are clear frontrunners. Ok, three more spots – the Cowboys
  1800. are 2-1, as are the Detroit Lions. I know, I know, it’s FAR too early to
  1801. contemplate playoffs, but as this is the goal of every team in the league, you
  1802. have to know that OUR PANTHERS are in the thick of the race! Look at the heavy
  1803. hitters that were supposed to be contenders – the Duckies, snakebit at 1-2, the
  1804. Packers, also at 1-2, and the Phoney-Niners all of a sudden disintegrating! Do
  1805. they have our SMOTHERING front 7? Do they have Cam Newton? Do they have the
  1806. third ranked rushing attack in the NFL? And, do they have hope? &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1807. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1808. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1809. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1810. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1811. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1812. Like us, Green Bay has the first bye of the season to heal
  1813. and to game plan the remainder of the season. They lost to Cincinnati in the
  1814. same fashion WE had been losing close games in! And we, we went into the bye
  1815. with the LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY – EVER-in our history. It seems to be too
  1816. early for a bye, but a famous coach once quipped, “It’s always the right time
  1817. for a bye!” And so it is. And so we have two weeks to dream. To imagine the
  1818. possibilities . &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1819. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1820. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1821. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1822. And to hope.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1823. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1824. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1825. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1826. Look at the upcoming schedule – At Arid-Zona, At the
  1827. Vikings, at home versus the sucky-once-again Lambs, and then to the Sucky-neers
  1828. before coming home to crush the Duckies in front of our Canadian brothers… Of
  1829. course, all games are loseable, but the way things are unfolding this year, ALL
  1830. GAMES ARE EASILY WINNABLE!&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1831. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1832. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1833. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1834. A 6-2 record, going into the last half of the season??? In
  1835. the Ron Rivera Era???&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1836. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1837. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1838. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1839. I have something I DIDN&#39;T have last week –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1840. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1841. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1842. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1843. I have –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1844. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1845. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1846. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1847. Hope…&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1848. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1849. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1850. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1851. Gotta Comment?&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1852. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1853. Email me, The Cedar Street Seer&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1854. &lt;br /&gt;
  1855. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1856. CaptnTee@aol.com&amp;nbsp;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1857. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/feeds/7468395379888213380/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4702426501185997499&amp;postID=7468395379888213380' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/7468395379888213380'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/7468395379888213380'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/2013/09/a-new-hope.html' title='A NEW HOPE'/><author><name>Pantherfanz</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12888138900369161303</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqy7HkuqCnRKVl7DO8Sq5bcGOzO37VHkNhwI7Ivpjq-VnEMJaNMiu6raPUyEVcMylnDoqeQcQv0MbhMrrQL9McH1mSmpVYKFtqBsDixp6lyFLJRkjvSYzXCtpksEmoA/s220/ranter.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702426501185997499.post-4577821594642857033</id><published>2013-09-17T19:33:00.001-04:00</published><updated>2013-09-17T19:33:38.458-04:00</updated><title type='text'>TICK.........TICK............TICK..............</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1858. It’s the onomatopoeia that describes Time.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1859. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1860. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1861. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1862. Time. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1863. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1864. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1865. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1866. A concept of a universal property only recently fathomed by
  1867. human beings. At its most expansive, it’s fully understood only by those who possess
  1868. the highest degrees in physics, who see the universe in all of its infinite
  1869. wonder at the sub-atomic level.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1870. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1871. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1872. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1873. To you and I and almost everyone else, it’s used to measure
  1874. all the things in our lives.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1875. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1876. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1877. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1878. Anniversaries. How long to smoke that brisket. How late you’re
  1879. going to tell Dano you will be to the tailgate party. How long you’ve owned
  1880. that Camaro. How long it takes you to…&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1881. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1882. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1883. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1884. You get the ideal.&amp;nbsp; It’s
  1885. far more finite in the real world. And although some physicists may argue the
  1886. notion, it DOES truly appear relative, to accelerate OR decelerate depending on
  1887. the variables that are constant at any particular moment.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1888. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1889. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1890. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1891. Tick….Tick….Tick….&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1892. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1893. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1894. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1895. Like the moment our TIME-challenged coach decided to neglect
  1896. the surest way to victory last Sunday, giving our latest opponent ample amounts
  1897. of time to once again display to the sporting world who cares about such
  1898. things, and particularly, the Members of Panther Nation, that &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1899. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1900. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1901. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1902. He.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1903. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1904. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1905. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1906. Just.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1907. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1908. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1909. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1910. Doesn’t.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1911. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1912. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1913. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1914. Know.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1915. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1916. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1917. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1918. How.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1919. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1920. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1921. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1922. To.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1923. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1924. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1925. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1926. Win.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1927. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1928. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1929. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1930. In.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1931. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1932. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1933. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1934. The .&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1935. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1936. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1937. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1938. N&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1939. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1940. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1941. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1942. F&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1943. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1944. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1945. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1946. L.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1947. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1948. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1949. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1950. The statistics speak for themselves. And as it relates to
  1951. time, &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1952. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1953. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1954. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1955. I truly believe that TIME is up for the coaching tenure of
  1956. Ron Rivera.&amp;nbsp; Some of you may argue that
  1957. he was handicapped by the triplicate of injuries to our defensive backfield.
  1958. Nonsense. You STILL had the Bills PRECISELY where you needed them!&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; I remember Dano turning to me when we kicked
  1959. the final field goal, and saying&amp;nbsp; -&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1960. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1961. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1962. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1963. “We’re going to lose this game – you watch”&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1964. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1965. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1966. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1967. Tick…Tick…Tick….&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1968. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1969. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1970. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1971. And he was right.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1972. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1973. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1974. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1975. My mind goes back to one of my favorite stories in one of my
  1976. favorite sermons my old pastor preached years ago – Itzak Perlman, one of the
  1977. monolith violinists in human history, gave a concert in Tel Aviv, and upon
  1978. starting his concerto, one of his strings popped, to the horror in the audience,
  1979. but he continued to effortlessly glide his bow across the remaining strings,
  1980. when – yet ANOTHER string popped! And yet, Mr. Perlman&amp;nbsp; continued his piece, not missing a note, and
  1981. concluded to thunderous applause by an emotionally spent audience – When asked &amp;nbsp;HOW he was able to complete such a complex
  1982. piece of music with only two strings on his Stradivarius, he replied –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1983. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1984. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1985. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1986. “I used what God left for me”&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1987. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1988. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1989. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1990. We have what we have. &amp;nbsp;A powerful defensive front 7. &amp;nbsp;A talented group of offensive players and a frustratingly
  1991. inconsistent GIFTED quarterback that this coaching staff has NOT FIGURED OUT
  1992. HOW TO USE.&amp;nbsp; I believe that even an
  1993. AVERAGE coach would have taken these pieces, with the TIME allotted, to salt
  1994. away this game.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1995. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1996. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  1997. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  1998. There other stories about those who took less than they desperately
  1999. needed to fulfill any particular mission, project, or even to survive, and
  2000. SUCCEEDED. These are men and women of exquisite bravery and fortitude. They
  2001. CHALLENGED TIME, and fate -&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2002. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2003. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2004. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2005. Tick…Tick…Tick….&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2006. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2007. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2008. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2009. Ron, Ron, Ron. You’ve had a little more than two years to
  2010. figure this out. &amp;nbsp;It’s not rocket
  2011. science. The TIME to win is NOW. We cannot allow any opponent, much less an
  2012. inferior one, off the hook! &amp;nbsp;The TIME to
  2013. success in this league these days has shortened DRAMATICALLY. Rookie head
  2014. coaches, rookie quarterbacks are making the playoffs as regularly these days as
  2015. Vladimir Putin appears shirtless on Facebook… &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2016. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2017. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2018. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2019. It doesn’t appear that you’ve got it, Ron, and &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2020. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2021. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2022. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2023. Time&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2024. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2025. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2026. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2027. Is &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2028. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2029. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2030. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2031. Running &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2032. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2033. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2034. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2035. Out.&amp;nbsp; &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2036. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2037. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2038. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2039. The Giants game may be the Alamo for you. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2040. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2041. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2042. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2043. BUT -&lt;/div&gt;
  2044. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2045. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2046. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2047. You SLOW TIME with a victory, this Sunday - Make it happen...&lt;/div&gt;
  2048. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2049. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2050. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2051. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2052. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2053. Tick….Tick….Tick….&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2054. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2055. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2056. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2057. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2058. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2059. Gotta Comment?&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2060. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2061. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2062. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2063. E-mail Me, The Cedar Street Seer&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2064. &lt;br /&gt;
  2065. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2066. CaptnTee@aol.com&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2067. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/feeds/4577821594642857033/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4702426501185997499&amp;postID=4577821594642857033' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/4577821594642857033'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/4577821594642857033'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/2013/09/tickticktick.html' title='TICK.........TICK............TICK..............'/><author><name>Pantherfanz</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12888138900369161303</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqy7HkuqCnRKVl7DO8Sq5bcGOzO37VHkNhwI7Ivpjq-VnEMJaNMiu6raPUyEVcMylnDoqeQcQv0MbhMrrQL9McH1mSmpVYKFtqBsDixp6lyFLJRkjvSYzXCtpksEmoA/s220/ranter.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702426501185997499.post-6514617997343744348</id><published>2013-09-11T20:49:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2013-09-11T20:49:40.687-04:00</updated><title type='text'>JUST IMAGINE...</title><content type='html'>&lt;br /&gt;
  2068. &lt;br /&gt;
  2069. Coach Ron Rivera coming to his office at Bank of America Stadium early yesterday morning -&lt;br /&gt;
  2070. &lt;br /&gt;
  2071. His phone rings - he sees that it&#39;s GM Dave Gettleman -&lt;br /&gt;
  2072. &lt;br /&gt;
  2073. &lt;br /&gt;
  2074. &quot;Good morning Mr. Gettleman - what can I do for you?&quot;&lt;br /&gt;
  2075. &lt;br /&gt;
  2076. &quot;Good Morning, Ron - Mr Richardson wants to see you AND Coach Shula in his office in one hour -&lt;br /&gt;
  2077. Can the two of you be there then before the film sessions? I don&#39;t think this will take long -&quot;&lt;br /&gt;
  2078. &lt;br /&gt;
  2079. &quot;Of course I can, Mr, Gettleman! Tell Mr. Richardson we&#39;ll be there in exactly ONE HOUR!&quot;&lt;br /&gt;
  2080. &lt;br /&gt;
  2081. &lt;br /&gt;
  2082. He hangs up the phone, and ponders for a moment, then notifies Son Of Jaw to get his ass in gear and join him.&lt;br /&gt;
  2083. &lt;br /&gt;
  2084. They get to Uncle Jerry&#39;s office five minutes early. He and Shula are understandably a little nervous.&lt;br /&gt;
  2085. &lt;br /&gt;
  2086. The receptionist ushers them into Jerry&#39;s office.&lt;br /&gt;
  2087. &lt;br /&gt;
  2088. &quot;Gentemen -&quot; the booming new heart-enhanced voice proclaims - &quot;have a seat! This won&#39;t take but a second, and y&#39;all can get back to your film work!&quot;&lt;br /&gt;
  2089. &lt;br /&gt;
  2090. &quot;Did you see that Philadelphia-Warshington game last night? I DID.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;
  2091. &lt;br /&gt;
  2092. &quot;Yessir, Mr. Richardson, we saw it -&quot; Coach Rivera replies.&lt;br /&gt;
  2093. &lt;br /&gt;
  2094. &quot;I wanna see men in OUR CAROLINA PANTHERS uniforms do what those Philthydelphia Eagles were doing! And I wanna see it before the bye - Do you get that, gentlemen?&quot;&lt;br /&gt;
  2095. &lt;br /&gt;
  2096. &quot;Now - make it happen. I don&#39;t care what you gotta do, who&#39;s asses you gotta bust, but I wanna see us move up and down the field like that, and score a messa points like that!&quot;&lt;br /&gt;
  2097. &lt;br /&gt;
  2098. &quot;My assistant will see you out&quot;&lt;br /&gt;
  2099. &lt;br /&gt;
  2100. &lt;br /&gt;
  2101. Gotta comment?&lt;br /&gt;
  2102. &lt;br /&gt;
  2103. Email me, The Cedar Street Seer&lt;br /&gt;
  2104. CaptnTee@aol.com</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/feeds/6514617997343744348/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4702426501185997499&amp;postID=6514617997343744348' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/6514617997343744348'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/6514617997343744348'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/2013/09/just-imagine.html' title='JUST IMAGINE...'/><author><name>Pantherfanz</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12888138900369161303</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqy7HkuqCnRKVl7DO8Sq5bcGOzO37VHkNhwI7Ivpjq-VnEMJaNMiu6raPUyEVcMylnDoqeQcQv0MbhMrrQL9McH1mSmpVYKFtqBsDixp6lyFLJRkjvSYzXCtpksEmoA/s220/ranter.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702426501185997499.post-3257835322762216609</id><published>2013-09-08T21:09:00.000-04:00</published><updated>2013-09-08T21:09:08.791-04:00</updated><title type='text'>MARGIN OF ERROR</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2105. In this game?&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2106. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2107. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2108. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2109. Very, very slim. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2110. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2111. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2112. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2113. And we leapt right past it. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2114. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2115. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2116. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2117. Snatching sure, and all-too-familiar defeat, once again,
  2118. from the welcoming jaws of victory.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2119. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2120. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2121. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2122. Why?&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2123. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2124. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2125. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2126. In the past, one, lousy, stinking turnover was never enough to
  2127. jeopardize a contest for us –&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2128. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2129. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2130. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2131. Not this time. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2132. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2133. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2134. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2135. Not a team this talented. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2136. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2137. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2138. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2139. But holding them to TWELVE STINKING POINTS??? AND LOSE???&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2140. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2141. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2142. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2143. Ok, who’s our OC again? Mike Shula??? The SON OF JAW??? &amp;nbsp;You’ve got CAM NEWTON, STEVE SMITH, BRANDON
  2144. LAFELL, GREG OLSEN, TED GINN, DEANGLEO WILLIAMS, DOMINICK HICKSON, and THIS IS
  2145. THE BEST YOU CAN COME UP WITH???!!!&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2146. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2147. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2148. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2149. SEVEN&amp;nbsp; F**KING
  2150. POINTS???&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2151. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2152. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2153. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2154. My rant is brief, and to the point. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2155. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2156. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2157. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2158. As a fan who intently, and passionately follows this team,
  2159. THIS early in the season, I have put the mind, and “legacy” of Shula on notice.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2160. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2161. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2162. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2163. You have got two, TWO games to turn this around. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2164. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2165. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2166. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2167. Or you take the hopes of a city that’s STARVED for
  2168. something, ANYTHING to cheer for, into the crapper, as well as the head
  2169. coaching career of a guy who really is a decent man.&amp;nbsp; And I, as well as many others in this city,
  2170. will speak your name not with the reverence of those who remember your dad, but
  2171. with the venomous repudiation we speak of a long line of failed coordinators. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2172. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2173. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2174. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2175. And any hopes you have of advancing your own NFL career
  2176. beyond He Who Launders Jock Straps.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2177. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2178. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2179. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2180. I pin this loss not on any miscue of the players. This is
  2181. not on the offensive line. Cam wasn’t sacked ONCE. This is not on the defense.
  2182. They played a TERRIFIC game. This loss is squarely on the lack of offensive
  2183. creativity of the coaching staff. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2184. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2185. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2186. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2187. I’m done. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2188. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2189. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2190. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2191. I’d better see better than this in Buffalo.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2192. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2193. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2194. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2195. Out.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2196. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2197. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2198. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2199. Gotta comment?&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2200. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2201. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2202. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2203. e-mail me, The Cedar Street Seer&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2204. &lt;br /&gt;
  2205. &lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;
  2206. CaptnTee@aol.com&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
  2207. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/feeds/3257835322762216609/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4702426501185997499&amp;postID=3257835322762216609' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/3257835322762216609'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/3257835322762216609'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/2013/09/margin-of-error.html' title='MARGIN OF ERROR'/><author><name>Pantherfanz</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12888138900369161303</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqy7HkuqCnRKVl7DO8Sq5bcGOzO37VHkNhwI7Ivpjq-VnEMJaNMiu6raPUyEVcMylnDoqeQcQv0MbhMrrQL9McH1mSmpVYKFtqBsDixp6lyFLJRkjvSYzXCtpksEmoA/s220/ranter.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702426501185997499.post-4895617230710849504</id><published>2013-09-01T18:36:00.001-04:00</published><updated>2013-09-01T19:01:40.944-04:00</updated><title type='text'>&quot;EXCITED AS HELL!!!&quot;</title><content type='html'>First off, I would like to apologize to the sites’ many followers and readers for my year-long absence.&lt;br /&gt;
  2208. &lt;br /&gt;
  2209. As many of you know, I’ve been on a heart-rending journey that started last year with my dad, who Marc proclaimed as the “Commissioner of the Lot” back in 2003, and his brief and unsuccessful battle with colorectal cancer. Add to that several life-changing events, and well, a gush of blog posts on a professional football team become irrelevant and unnecessary.  BUT –&lt;br /&gt;
  2210. &lt;br /&gt;
  2211. As with all things traumatic, they all pass, and that includes seasons of suckage, and the GOOD TIMES return to us all.&lt;br /&gt;
  2212. &lt;br /&gt;
  2213. So it goes with us, and the silver, black and electric blue wagon we’ve hitched our sports passions too.&lt;br /&gt;
  2214. &lt;br /&gt;
  2215. I’m back.
  2216.  
  2217.  
  2218. And the only phrase that I can think of is the one I’ve opened up the season’s first rant with – Let me return back to that gorgeous November morning back in 2003. My dad had recently returned from a lengthy misadventure in the Dominican Republic, and I implored him to attend his first tailgating experience in the old Morehead street lot. Of course, as is his way, he came quite nattily dressed in a fine blazer, dress shirt and sweater vest and wool slacks. Fox 18 did a quick story there and proclaimed Pops as “The Best Dressed Panthers Fan”.  In the brief interview he gave the reporter at the site, he said in his heavy Eastern European accent, quote – “This is my first time at the NFL game with my son, and –&lt;br /&gt;
  2219. &lt;br /&gt;
  2220. &amp;nbsp;I’M EXCITED AS HELL!!!”&lt;br /&gt;
  2221. &lt;br /&gt;
  2222. &amp;nbsp;Endquote.&lt;br /&gt;
  2223. &lt;br /&gt;
  2224. It was a phrase that Marc immortalized, set on the website, (if the link still works it can be seen in our archives here - mms://xpstream.winisp.net/dark_dante/Nov9-2003/), and used the sound bite to open his mega-touching blog concerning his own dad, Ron Stanton’s heart surgery. I had so hoped my Dad could have battled through his affliction to make it to the tailgate party to once again exhort us to the start of last year’s season, but alas, it was not to be.
  2225. And so, my Dad joins Marc and the other beloved members of our circle that have crossed the mortal boundaries of our existence to those eternal vistas that know no bounds, storms, or pain. And we are here to anticipate what is coming for our Panthers in the upcoming season. So, with an offseason of purge and acquire, General Gettleman, in his first go-around at the administrative helm of our Cats, has given clearance to Chef Rivera to FINALLY add the ingredients to our football feast that take us from fast-food burgers to an evening at Ruth Chris –  I’m returning to the theme of a rant I made at the start of Ron Rivera’s tenure…&lt;br /&gt;
  2226. &lt;br /&gt;
  2227. &amp;nbsp;http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/2011/09/changing-recipe.html&lt;br /&gt;
  2228. &lt;br /&gt;
  2229. So our offense now has the Frisbee catchin’ dogs that SuperCam needs to fling the biscuit at, although Chef Ron is going to need to go to the “Quick Sale “ isle for an offensive lineman or two. On defense, I’m definitely of the opinion that the defense is rapidly approaching Cordon Bleu status – yeah, yeah, I know that preseason is pretty much fool’s gold, but when thing are working right in the preseason, they tend to work right in the regular season. So while the offense needs some more time in the oven and an ingredient or two, the defense is ready to serve! And serve they will –&lt;br /&gt;
  2230. &lt;br /&gt;
  2231. &amp;nbsp;Here are my thoughts as to how the season unfolds –&lt;br /&gt;
  2232. &lt;br /&gt;
  2233. WEEK 1- vs. SEATTLE&lt;br /&gt;
  2234. &lt;br /&gt;
  2235. If we wanted to know where the team stood among the so-called NFL “elite” we could probably not ask for a much better opponent than the trendy pick from the media lemmings, the Seattle Seahawks. This is a team we SHOULD have beaten last year, save for a really stupid play from Cam – It’s largely the same team, except we’ve got some major additions, and exponential improvements in several facets of our game. This is a statement game, the SeaDogs RARELY play well on a East Coast jaunt, and the Panthers win this DECISIVELY.&lt;br /&gt;
  2236. &lt;br /&gt;
  2237. WEEK 2- @BUFFALO&lt;br /&gt;
  2238. &lt;br /&gt;
  2239. A team that should be improving is going backwards. With an outright inexperienced rookie starting at QB, this looks to be a defensive struggle that the Panthers ultimately pull out. The road win gives us a promising 2-0 start –&lt;br /&gt;
  2240. &lt;br /&gt;
  2241. WEEK 3 – vs. NOO YAWK GIANTS&lt;br /&gt;
  2242. &lt;br /&gt;
  2243. We revisit the colossal failure of last year’s nationally televised embarrassment.  Except this year, the stage is a little bit different, and the cast of characters revised a bit – don’t think that retribution’s NOT a motivating factor for everyone on the team that endured it last year – This one’s a WIN, boys and girls – that nasty front seven is going to make Brotha Manning PAY every time he takes a snap, and suddenly, the country is taking notice of the 3-0 CAROLINA  PAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANTHERS!!!&lt;br /&gt;
  2244. &lt;br /&gt;
  2245. WEEK 4- vs. BYE&lt;br /&gt;
  2246. &lt;br /&gt;
  2247. Not a particularly good time for a bye, but it gives the offense another week of hard practice to get any residual kinks worked out, because the schedule doesn’t get any easier from here on out –&lt;br /&gt;
  2248. &lt;br /&gt;
  2249. Week 5 - @ ARID-ZONA
  2250.  
  2251. This, on paper, looks like a win, but I’m not so sure. The giddy 3-0 start may have the ‘Cats feeling a bit over confident. The Cardynoles DO have a decent defense that just got better with the addition of LSU’s bad-boy dynamo Tyrann Matheiu – they will be a challenge, but I think the Panthers will come out of the better end of this, but it will be the toughest game we will have yet played in the young season.&lt;br /&gt;
  2252. &lt;br /&gt;
  2253. &lt;br /&gt;
  2254. WEEK 6- @MINI-SODA&lt;br /&gt;
  2255. &lt;br /&gt;
  2256. The Metrodome has traditionally been a tough place for us to play, and this won’t be an exception, even as it will be our last visit to this venerable structure. But the fact is that the Viking’s offense has become pretty much one-dimensional. Stop Peterson, and the job’s done. Leave that to our front seven, and the Panthers are now a scrumptious 5-0!!!&lt;br /&gt;
  2257. &lt;br /&gt;
  2258. WEEK 7- vs. ST LOUIS&lt;br /&gt;
  2259. &lt;br /&gt;
  2260. &amp;nbsp;The Bank of America stadium crowd will be like one we haven’t seen in some time. The Bandwagoners who had been largely invisible for the past four seasons, and BTW, have been selling their tickets to the opposing fan base, will all of a sudden be in their seats with their brand new Luke Kuechley jerseys to welcome the conquering heroes home. With nary a Lambs jersey to be seen, the Panthers steam roll the hapless ungulates from Missou, and now, the overexposed talking heads on ESPN, FOX and CBS will be paying attention to us, but few will be willing to go out on that limb and actually consider us contenders – not yet… on NBC’s nightly broadcast, the pundits will still be licking Tommy Brady’s jock…however –&lt;br /&gt;
  2261. &lt;br /&gt;
  2262. WEEK 8 - @ TAMPA BAY&lt;br /&gt;
  2263. &lt;br /&gt;
  2264. &amp;nbsp;-The NFL Network will be giving us our due, and on the opening game of the week, the country will see what we’ve known all along – The Panthers are damned good this year – The Sucky-neers will be going in reverse this season, and it will be apparent in this game – Holy shit –
  2265.  
  2266.  
  2267. The Panthers are now 7-0.
  2268.  
  2269.  
  2270. Some of us are not sure that we are just dreaming and it’s time to wake up –
  2271.  
  2272.  
  2273. And Jonathan Stewart will be back in the offensive mix… just in time...&lt;br /&gt;
  2274. &lt;br /&gt;
  2275. WEEK 9 – vs. ATLANTA&lt;br /&gt;
  2276. &lt;br /&gt;
  2277. On this day, I’m pretty sure the Peachtree populace will be caring FAR more about their HOTlanta Braves and their World Series appearance than their floundering Duckies. There’s a reason our games with these dirty birds were so dominant – The talent gap has closed. And in our case, especially DEFENSIVELY, it’s now overwhelmingly on our side. With our pass rush, and a now- hobbled Steven Jackson (trust me, he doesn’t last the season) the Duckies just can’t put the points on the board against this Panther Defense – The Canadian PantherFanz and the Bloody Caesar Brigade leave happy, and Uncle Jerry and BossMan Dave start thinking about new contracts for not only Cam, but Chef Ron….
  2278.  
  2279. And Chris Collinsworth still thinks we aren’t any good…&lt;br /&gt;
  2280. &lt;br /&gt;
  2281. WEEK 10 – @ SAN FRANCISCO&lt;br /&gt;
  2282. &lt;br /&gt;
  2283. I still think that The Fourty-Niners are one of the most dominant teams in the conference, and they will bring it against us – HARD – It’s almost impossible to believe, but we last played these guys – and BEAT THEM – in our 2-14 season with the now-departed Jimmy Claussen at QB-  payback’s a bitch, y’all. Our first loss, but hey, given what we’ve been through, 8-1 going into the last part of the season’s a beautiful thing. But I’m tellin’ you, if I was on my FOURTH Bloody Mary instead of my THIRD, I might be giving this game to the ‘Cats….&lt;br /&gt;
  2284. &lt;br /&gt;
  2285. WEEK 11 – vs. NEW ENGLANDGLAND&lt;br /&gt;
  2286. &lt;br /&gt;
  2287. The Panthers make their triumphant return to Monday Night Football against a very worthy and polarizing opponent. The Pastry-Rots will have had a tough season, and this game will just add to their misery. With a whole slew of new receivers that Tommy Terrific will have to get used to, even getting Gronk back won’t help the relentless pass rush we will unleash on the Cheat-a-Checks. We return to the winning side, for the season, and for the first time since that fateful 2008 campaign…
  2288. From here on out, our games will be flexed, some even featured on the NBC Sunday Night exclusive. And Chris Collinsworth will STILL be praising our opponent, while dissing us and every football quality we apparently lack…&lt;br /&gt;
  2289. &lt;br /&gt;
  2290. WEEK 12 - @MIAMI&lt;br /&gt;
  2291. &lt;br /&gt;
  2292. Here’s another game I just don’t feel good about. The Dull-fins will be a much improved team this year, and clearly the only serious opposition to the Pastry-Rots in their pitiful division. We’ve NEVER, EVER beaten this team in our history. And we will have to wait another 4 years.  Somehow, the Dolphins find a way to edge us. Even a FIFTH Bloody Mary’s not getting me to think we’re going undefeated…&lt;br /&gt;
  2293. &lt;br /&gt;
  2294. WEEK 13 – vs. TAMPA BAY&lt;br /&gt;
  2295. &lt;br /&gt;
  2296. At this juncture of the season, Chef Ron is NOT pulling a Jim Mora – He’s openly saying the “P” word at 9-2, and this divisional game is going to be for the “P” word – POSITIONING – with a lead on the Saints and Duckies, this will be a game we will have to have. Unlike last years’ habitual snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, this will be a game the defense wins for us, moreso than any game they have played this season.&lt;br /&gt;
  2297. &lt;br /&gt;
  2298. WEEK 14 - @ NEW ORLEANS&lt;br /&gt;
  2299. &lt;br /&gt;
  2300. If there was ever a team that felt they were owed, it’s these guys. I’ll guarantee this is a game that NBC and those Brees-Jock-Sniffing  Collinsworths will want on their broadcast. On paper, I’d say the Panthers are the better team, especially defensively, but Sean Payton has already been game planning on his two contests with the Panthers since his return to the head coaching duties. The ‘Cats put up a valiant fight, but Peyton pulls out every trick in his book, contacts every voodoo practitioner in the entire State of Louisiana, and they find a way to win this game. And for another week, Chris Collinsworth, in his mind, is vindicated on his disdain for the Panthers…&lt;br /&gt;
  2301. &lt;br /&gt;
  2302. WEEK 15 – vs. NOO YAWK JESTS&lt;br /&gt;
  2303. &lt;br /&gt;
  2304. The cornucopia of late season home games continues for us, but why, oh WHY did the schedule makers make this a 4.15 kickoff? The train wreck that is the  J*E*S*T*S will most assuredly be in full derailment, along with Sexy Rexy’s inevitable dismissal. It’s a happy, HAPPY time in the REAL Queen City (that’s RIGHT, Cincinnati, WE DEY!!!) as the Panthers CLINCH their first playoff spot since that year we are all trying very hard to forget -&lt;br /&gt;
  2305. &lt;br /&gt;
  2306. WEEK 16 – vs. NEW ORLEANS&lt;br /&gt;
  2307. &lt;br /&gt;
  2308. All of the Saints’ playoff hopes hinge on this game. Fox makes this the 4.00 National game, and the Panthers will not look as good as they will in this game. Still smarting from the voodoo-enhanced defeat at the Superdome two weeks earlier, Chef Ron snatches the offensive playbook from Coach Mini-Shula and gets Dad to phone in a few creative plays that overcome, embarrass, enmasculate, and evaporate the aspirations of the Comeback Saints. At 12-3, the Carolina Panthers are NFC SOUTH DIVISION CHAMPIONS, and a top seed in the&lt;br /&gt;
  2309. &lt;br /&gt;
  2310. &amp;nbsp;p –&lt;br /&gt;
  2311. &lt;br /&gt;
  2312. &lt;br /&gt;
  2313. &amp;nbsp;p-&lt;br /&gt;
  2314. &lt;br /&gt;
  2315. &lt;br /&gt;
  2316. &amp;nbsp;p-&lt;br /&gt;
  2317. &lt;br /&gt;
  2318. &lt;br /&gt;
  2319. &lt;br /&gt;
  2320. PLAYOFFS, BABY!!!
  2321.  
  2322.  
  2323. Which renders –&lt;br /&gt;
  2324. &lt;br /&gt;
  2325. WEEK 17- @ATLANTA&lt;br /&gt;
  2326. &lt;br /&gt;
  2327. -this game meaningless. The Duckies, eliminated weeks ago from playoff contention, intend to play this game for pride, and Chef Ron gets a tip from Chris Collinsworth’s leash holder, Tony Dungee, and signs Jimmy Claussen to a one-week contract so BOTH Cam Newton and Derek Anderson get to sit down for this game that has as much meaning as the fourth preseason game. The Duckies roll in a game that does nothing to salve Douglas Fairbanks’ clone, Arthur Blank in his rage at his under-performing Duckies.&lt;br /&gt;
  2328. &lt;br /&gt;
  2329. To the postseason we go, and one things for sure –
  2330.  
  2331.  
  2332. We will not be dealing with The Arid-Zona Cardy-noles, John Fox (not in the divisionals, anyway) OR  Joke Del-homey and his seven turnovers.&lt;br /&gt;
  2333. &lt;br /&gt;
  2334. THE BISTRO PANTHER IS OPEN FOR YOUR DINING PLEASURE!!!&lt;br /&gt;
  2335. &lt;br /&gt;
  2336. &amp;nbsp;AND –&lt;br /&gt;
  2337. &lt;br /&gt;
  2338. &amp;nbsp;I’M EXCITED AS HELL!!!&lt;br /&gt;
  2339. &lt;br /&gt;
  2340. &amp;nbsp;And I sure hope you all are, too -
  2341.  
  2342.  
  2343.  
  2344. It’s been a pleasure sharing my Bloody Mary-enhanced clairvoyance with you all. It’s good to be back.&lt;br /&gt;
  2345. &lt;br /&gt;
  2346. &amp;nbsp;I’ll share my view of the league with you all shortly –&lt;br /&gt;
  2347. &lt;br /&gt;
  2348. &amp;nbsp;Gotta Comment?
  2349. e-mail me, The Cedar Street Seer
  2350. CaptnTee@aol.com
  2351. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/feeds/4895617230710849504/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4702426501185997499&amp;postID=4895617230710849504' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/4895617230710849504'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/4895617230710849504'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/2013/09/excited-as-hell.html' title='&quot;EXCITED AS HELL!!!&quot;'/><author><name>Pantherfanz</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12888138900369161303</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqy7HkuqCnRKVl7DO8Sq5bcGOzO37VHkNhwI7Ivpjq-VnEMJaNMiu6raPUyEVcMylnDoqeQcQv0MbhMrrQL9McH1mSmpVYKFtqBsDixp6lyFLJRkjvSYzXCtpksEmoA/s220/ranter.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702426501185997499.post-8473254510407907195</id><published>2012-02-04T17:34:00.002-05:00</published><updated>2012-02-04T22:41:42.226-05:00</updated><title type='text'>THE SUPER BOWL CLARIVOYANCE</title><content type='html'>Happy  Saturday, Fanz!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The end of a most entertaining 2011 NFL season is upon us, and I for one, am looking forward to joining with our core tailgating group at Casa Coach for our final food and football fellowship of the league year! I will be most disappointed if my atomic chili doesn’t cause at least five cases of heartburn tomorrow… I’ve not failed you, dear reader, not once, in a weekly forecast this season for the first time since I took over the rant, and I won’t let you down now on this biggest of sports weekends.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;You know the participants. You know the stories, the background, the smack talk, the girlfriends, the wives, the mentors, the this, the that, the onandonandonandon that accompanies the two weeks before the big game. I’m not going to discuss a word of it. Not on this blog.  I’ve thought long and hard about this game – and my prognostication may disappoint some of you hoping for a good contest. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It won’t be.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;And I’ll tell you why –&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Who – was worse than the Panthers in total defense in the NFL this year?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Yep.  32 of 32. The Pastry- Rots.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;What do the Giants have more of than the Pastry-Rots?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Yep. That thing that wins cham-peen-ships.  I don’t see a matchup anywhere in this game that favours New Englandgland.  Pass rush? Giants. Running game? Giants. Wide receivers? Giants. Gronk? Injured.  I look for New York to take Gronkowski out of the game early, and rough up Tommy Terrific and get him out of his rhythm.  Without his ever-reliable tight end, I think the New York defensive backfield, along with that excellent group of linebackers, can take care of covering Hernandez and the rest of the Pastry-Rot receivers. If the Giants “O” line can keep Fat Boy Wil-I-love-my-Fork away from Brotha Manning, he’s going to find any and all of his Three Amigos in the WEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAK Pastry-Rot secondary. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This is going to be a blowout, friends. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;By the fourth quarter, we’re going to be more entertained by the commercials than the game.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Enjoy the day, loyal readers, and be safe. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I’ll be back with some draft day musings in April.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Gotta Comment?&lt;br /&gt;E-mail me, The Cedar Street Seer&lt;br /&gt;CaptnTee@aol.com</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/feeds/8473254510407907195/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4702426501185997499&amp;postID=8473254510407907195' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/8473254510407907195'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/8473254510407907195'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/2012/02/super-bowl-clarivoyance.html' title='THE SUPER BOWL CLARIVOYANCE'/><author><name>Pantherfanz</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12888138900369161303</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqy7HkuqCnRKVl7DO8Sq5bcGOzO37VHkNhwI7Ivpjq-VnEMJaNMiu6raPUyEVcMylnDoqeQcQv0MbhMrrQL9McH1mSmpVYKFtqBsDixp6lyFLJRkjvSYzXCtpksEmoA/s220/ranter.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702426501185997499.post-7175702443773900646</id><published>2012-01-27T14:38:00.002-05:00</published><updated>2012-01-27T14:55:38.914-05:00</updated><title type='text'>CHUD WATCH -</title><content type='html'>Hello, Fanz -&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I would be amiss in my place in the PantherFandom uni-verse if I did not comment on the end of the Chud Watch this week -&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Many of you know that yesterday, Tampa Bay hired Greggie Schiano from The University of Joisey, otherwise known as Rutgers, to guide their flagging franchise back to relevance, effectively ending all head coaching vacancies to all 32 NFL teams, and also effectively endng the prospect of Rob Chudzinsky, offensive wunderkind, leaving the Carolina Panthers for the 2012 season.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So, what does this mean for the Panthers, their fans, and the rest of the league?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It means that the number one priority for our continued success has been met.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It means that innovated plays like &quot;The Brockelrooskie&quot; will continue to amaze our fans, and distress our opponents.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It means that Cam Newton&#39;s growth as an elite NFL quarterback will continue unimpeded.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It means continued afternoons (and evenings) of exciting football that&#39;s worth tuning into.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It means at least one of our top three draft choices will be an offensive skill player.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It means an elevated attention factor to the team by the media.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;And it certainly means that for the 2012 season, Primetime will be calling the Panther&#39;s number, meaning late afternoon tailgate parties to plan your fall weekends (and even Mondays) around...&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;And as the 2012 Super Bowl becomes a memory, and the offseason officially begins, the excitement and anticipation for the new season officially begins, with a renewed purpose, because for one more year -&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;We&#39;re not tossing our Chud.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Gotta Comment?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Email me, The Cedar Street Seer&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;CaptnTee@aol.com</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/feeds/7175702443773900646/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4702426501185997499&amp;postID=7175702443773900646' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/7175702443773900646'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/7175702443773900646'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/2012/01/chud-watch.html' title='CHUD WATCH -'/><author><name>Pantherfanz</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12888138900369161303</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqy7HkuqCnRKVl7DO8Sq5bcGOzO37VHkNhwI7Ivpjq-VnEMJaNMiu6raPUyEVcMylnDoqeQcQv0MbhMrrQL9McH1mSmpVYKFtqBsDixp6lyFLJRkjvSYzXCtpksEmoA/s220/ranter.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702426501185997499.post-1137219278660091296</id><published>2012-01-27T14:35:00.003-05:00</published><updated>2012-01-27T14:38:26.617-05:00</updated><title type='text'>THE PRO BOWL HANDICAP AND CLARIVOYANCES...</title><content type='html'>Uh................................&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;GOTCHA!!!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;No comments beyond this..................&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Cedar Street Seer&lt;br /&gt;CaptnTee@aol.com</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/feeds/1137219278660091296/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4702426501185997499&amp;postID=1137219278660091296' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/1137219278660091296'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/1137219278660091296'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/2012/01/pro-bowl-handicap-and-clarivoyances.html' title='THE PRO BOWL HANDICAP AND CLARIVOYANCES...'/><author><name>Pantherfanz</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12888138900369161303</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqy7HkuqCnRKVl7DO8Sq5bcGOzO37VHkNhwI7Ivpjq-VnEMJaNMiu6raPUyEVcMylnDoqeQcQv0MbhMrrQL9McH1mSmpVYKFtqBsDixp6lyFLJRkjvSYzXCtpksEmoA/s220/ranter.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702426501185997499.post-5179055609578406180</id><published>2012-01-21T21:42:00.003-05:00</published><updated>2012-01-21T21:51:49.145-05:00</updated><title type='text'>THE CHAMPIONSHIP CLARIVOYANCE</title><content type='html'>Well, Fanz, I&#39;m late.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I&#39;ve been thinking about these matchups all week, and hoping like hell we don&#39;t get a Niners-Pastry-Rot Super Bowl. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I was scalded in my picks last week, bringing me to a even .500 record for the playoffs.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I&#39;ll make these brief. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;BALTY-MOORE @ NEW ENGLANDGLAND&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Houston gashed the Ravens again and again last week, and but for a couple of turnovers, it would be the Texans playing this game. This just in for the Quothers -&lt;br /&gt;New Englandgland&#39;s offense makes Houston look like East Meck. Pastry-Rots BIG.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANTS @ SAN FRANCISCO&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Giants have come to life on both sides of the ball just in time. This defense is playing much better than the Saints did last week, and the Giants&#39; offense is finding it&#39;s groove. This is a team that&#39;s ready to play well in the expected crummy weather elements forcast for tomorrow. I&#39;m on the Giants to win!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;There. Hopefully we avoid a sucky matchup two weeks from now -&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Chud watch, by the way, is still on, with no movement - cross your fingers, cross your eyes, cross your legs, knock on wood, embrace any talisman you have to make love to, but do it. We&#39;re almost in the clear...&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Thanks so much for keeping up with my rantz - your readership keeps me poundin&#39;...&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Gotta Comment?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Email me, The Cedar Street Seer&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;CaptnTee@aol.com</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/feeds/5179055609578406180/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4702426501185997499&amp;postID=5179055609578406180' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/5179055609578406180'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/5179055609578406180'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/2012/01/championship-clarivoyance.html' title='THE CHAMPIONSHIP CLARIVOYANCE'/><author><name>Pantherfanz</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12888138900369161303</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqy7HkuqCnRKVl7DO8Sq5bcGOzO37VHkNhwI7Ivpjq-VnEMJaNMiu6raPUyEVcMylnDoqeQcQv0MbhMrrQL9McH1mSmpVYKFtqBsDixp6lyFLJRkjvSYzXCtpksEmoA/s220/ranter.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702426501185997499.post-320101477834766792</id><published>2012-01-13T16:49:00.001-05:00</published><updated>2012-01-13T16:51:12.828-05:00</updated><title type='text'>THE PLAYOFF HANDICAP AND CLARIVOYANCE- DIVISIONAL WEEKEND</title><content type='html'>Happy Playoff Weekend Part 2, Fanz!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;In my opinion, this is the very best weekend of the playoffs, and that includes the Super Bowl – The pretenders are out of the way, and the Elite Eight of the NFL are ready to entertain (or disgust) us with their urgent-there-is-no-tomorrow play –&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I DID go 3 of 4 last weekend, and I’m giving myself an additional .5 in the scoring for correctly calling the manner in which the Saints-Leos game was played, only Detroit, sadly, failed to cover.  I feel really good about going 4 for 4 this weekend . Read on –&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;NEW ORLEANS @ SAN FRANCISCO&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;Ahh, the reward for a top seed- a home game for your long suffering fans. Here’s one angle that’s been brought up ad nauseum – The Saints are winless on the road in their playoff history. The fact that they’ve been a different team on natural grass away from home reflects in the small Vegas line. Here’s where the most important part of the game will be played out – The defensive line of the Niners, along with the linebackers, will have to dictate the defense. There’s just too many options at receiver for Drew Brees for the secondary to cover. If they can get Brees out of his rhythm, perhaps they can slow the parade of points long enough to penetrate that average Saints defense and hold the lead before they wear out. I think this game stays close for most of the game, but you know that eventually, that mad-scientist offense will eventually overcome a gassed “D”. I’m not entirely confident in a San Francisco offense that’s lacking a bona-fide playmaker that’s not Frank Gore. I like the Saints to cover the -3 ½ on the road, and prepare for either a Tundra odyssey, or a triumphant return to The Superdome. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;DENVER @ NEW ENGLANDGLAND&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This is the game that most fans around the country are salivating for, not to mention CBS, which is probably charging Anheuiser-Busch boxcar loads of cash for advertising time on this game. Come to think of it, I think Dr. Cheat-a-Chek is salivating over this, too.  Don’t think that a complete demolition of the Teblow Express is his one desire, as well as that of jilted coordinator Josh McDaniels. Here’s a fact- The past three seasons that the Pastry-Rots have made the playoffs, they have been bounced AT HOME. They won’t allow that this time. The Brady Bunch has scored in Saints-like proficiency on EVERY DEFENSE this season, never mind that their own defense has been Carolina Panther-like in defensive deficiency. The key to this game is whoever Cheat-a-Chek has “spying” on Timmy Terrific, much like Thomas Davis pretty much finished Mike Vick against the Panthers. It will need to be a stout linebacker, as TeBlow’s a big boy. Denver will get their points and their yards, no doubt about it. New EnglandGland won’t be able to contain the run AND Teblow’s heroics for the whole game, but like San Francisco’s dilemma against the Saints, there’s too many targets for Brady to hit, and that Broncoid defense will be gassed by the end of the third quarter. This is no crippled WorthlessBerger they’re playing against - The Pastry-Rots are as healthy as they’ve been all season, and this is where Teblowmania ends for the season. The line’s HUGE at 13 ½. That’s ridiculous. I have no doubt that the Brady Bunch pull this out. A decimated Squealer squad they are not, but Denver’s playing with house money now, and absolutely no pressure. All of the pressures on New EnglandGland, and at times, it will show.  Brady wins, but the Broncoids cover.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;HOUSTON @ BALTY-MOORE&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Three of this weekend’s game feature prolific, entertaining offenses. This one’s the pig in the pageant, if you ask me. This has the making of an ugly, UGLY Schlobberknocker between two stout defenses. Paramount in the outcome of this game is the ability of the defensive line to stop the run. If Ray Rice gets loose for the Ravens, it could be tough for Houston. Conversely, that two headed monster of Foster and Tate presents matchup problems for Balty-moore. I think Wade Phillips’ game plan would be to stack the box against Rice, and make Slacco Flacco beat them.  Flacco’s been wildly inconsistent this season, and I think that the Texan’s secondary can make it tough for the Raven’s receivers. Gary Kubiak will not need TJ Yates to win this game for him; he’s just not that kind of quarterback. Yates just needs to play unspectacular, mistake free football, and let Flacco do the screwing up. He will keep running and running and running the ball until Andre Johnson can get free of dangerous corner Ed Reed. Johnson will surely be the “X” factor in any chance of a Texans victory, but this game is certainly going to be in the hands of the defense. That Ravens defense is slowing down, and Houston’s is heating up. Balty-Moore’s had inexplicably BAD games this season – this will be another. UPSET! Houston to win a low-scoring game!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANTS @ GREEN BAY&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The second best weekend in sports  (the opening round of the NCAA Men’s Tournament is the best! Bar None!)  closes out with a tundra-melting matchup between two of the hottest offenses of late. The Packers have assembled a near-perfect 15-1 record by OUTSCORING opponents, as their defense has been penetrated again and again by teams with prolific offenses. The Giants, however, have finally gotten a bit closer to the way they like to play defense. If they can pressure Rodgers into incompletions, they can keep this game close. I’m seeing a vastly entertaining shootout, the best game of the weekend. Eli Manning should have a HUGE game with this “triplet” of wideouts healthy and available, and Aaron Rodgers gets All-Pro Greg Jennings back, too. However, playoff football in December is largely predicated on defense, and how well you run the ball. Right now, the Giants are better at both than the Packers, and I like the Giants and the +7 ½ in this one, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see them win.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;There you go, Fanz – get those bets in, and remember your Cedar Street Seer when you count your winnings! &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I’ll be back for an extensive championship forecast on Saturday.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Gotta Comment?&lt;br /&gt;Email me, the Cedar Street Seer &lt;br /&gt;CaptnTee@aol.com</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/feeds/320101477834766792/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4702426501185997499&amp;postID=320101477834766792' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/320101477834766792'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/320101477834766792'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/2012/01/playoff-handicap-and-clarivoyance_13.html' title='THE PLAYOFF HANDICAP AND CLARIVOYANCE- DIVISIONAL WEEKEND'/><author><name>Pantherfanz</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12888138900369161303</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqy7HkuqCnRKVl7DO8Sq5bcGOzO37VHkNhwI7Ivpjq-VnEMJaNMiu6raPUyEVcMylnDoqeQcQv0MbhMrrQL9McH1mSmpVYKFtqBsDixp6lyFLJRkjvSYzXCtpksEmoA/s220/ranter.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702426501185997499.post-5453287294799177746</id><published>2012-01-06T18:11:00.000-05:00</published><updated>2012-01-06T18:12:02.661-05:00</updated><title type='text'>THE PLAYOFF HANDICAP AND CLARIVOYANCE - WILDCARD WEEKEND</title><content type='html'>Happy playoffs, Fanz! &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Well, it’s not as happy as it’s going to be next year, as the Carolina Panthers make their return to the postseason after Mr. MopeyHead learns more about playing in this league – but it’s an intriguing weekend of games just the same – I fire up the clairvoyance gland and make some good picks for you –&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;CINCINNATI @ HOUSTON&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;We kick off the tournament with the Texans’ very first trip to the postseason, and they are arriving not quite as they had expected earlier in the year. Rookie TJ Yates will be starting under center, but he has Arian Foster ready to go, and Andre Johnson is FINALLY back after season-long problems with his hamstring. If he’s fully healed, expect Houston to throw to him often, opening up the run for Foster. They got their yardage against the Bengals last month, while keeping Cedric Benson in check. I’d imagine more of the same. They’ll be home, and fired up. The defenses will be controlling the game early, but as Yates starts to find his rhythm, I think the Texans distance themselves and wait for the aftermath of the Pissburgh-Denver game to make their flight reservations. I like the Texans and the -3 at home.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;DETROIT @ NEW ORLEANS&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;After last week’s offensive explosions by BOTH teams, I’m salivating for more of the same tomorrow night- it’s possible that new playoff records for BOTH teams could be set as Drew Brees and Matt Stafford fling the biscuit to their Frisbee-catchin’ dogs. Defense? What defense? These teams will get their yards, believe me. The line for this game is at 10 ½! The last team getting this kind of line was the ’08 Panthers at home, and we all know what happened in THAT game. I ain’t buyin’ it. While the Saints should win this game, I think the Lions keep it close, right to the end. I like the Leos and the points, BIG TIME!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;ATLANTA @ NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANTS&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The early game on Sunday has the GeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeMen back in the playoffs since their inspired Super Bowl run back in ’09 against the undefeated Pastry-Rots. The key for the Giants is to soften up that secondary, which is mediocre at best, and Eli Manning has the bullets to do it.  On defense, they will need to slow Michael Turner, and put pressure on Matt Ryan. The Duckies have been playing small ball against the better opponents this season, and they had better not do that here.  If the Giants O line can hold off John Abraham’s pass rush, they will carve the Duckies up like so much deli meat. And I think they will. Gimme GOTHAM and the -3!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;PISSBURGH @ DENVER&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The wild card games close out in the Mile High City – on paper this looks like a blowout. It’s not gonna be. The Squeelers are hurting in almost every position, particularly WorthlessBergers’ and his center Pouncey’s ankles, suffering from slow-to-heal high ankle sprains. SS Polomalu is dealing with a strained calf, which will hamper his speed, particularly in that elevated altitude of Invesco Field. They’ve not looked like the fearsome team they have been since their Dec 8th game against the Browns, and other than the game against the Lambs, have failed to cover. While Denver is suffering its own set of injuries, they still have a defense that will make things rough for a hurting WorthlessBerger.  This is going to be one UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGLY game – If your betting the under, I’d surely take it. It wouldn’t be a big surprise to see the Broncoids pull the upset, but you can bet Dick LeBeau and that perennial potent Pissburgh “D” will force Timmy Terrific into uncomfortable situations.  I think the Squeelers pull this out, but I’m on Denver and the +8 ½ at home.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;There you go, Fanz! &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Don’t go away for the season!  I plan on being back a few times before the draft…&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Gotta Comment?&lt;br /&gt;E-mail me, The Cedar Street Seer&lt;br /&gt;CaptnTee@aol.com</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/feeds/5453287294799177746/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4702426501185997499&amp;postID=5453287294799177746' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/5453287294799177746'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/5453287294799177746'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/2012/01/playoff-handicap-and-clarivoyance.html' title='THE PLAYOFF HANDICAP AND CLARIVOYANCE - WILDCARD WEEKEND'/><author><name>Pantherfanz</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12888138900369161303</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqy7HkuqCnRKVl7DO8Sq5bcGOzO37VHkNhwI7Ivpjq-VnEMJaNMiu6raPUyEVcMylnDoqeQcQv0MbhMrrQL9McH1mSmpVYKFtqBsDixp6lyFLJRkjvSYzXCtpksEmoA/s220/ranter.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702426501185997499.post-2099611044640421106</id><published>2012-01-02T15:48:00.007-05:00</published><updated>2012-01-02T16:11:56.589-05:00</updated><title type='text'>EPILOGUE, PROLOGUE, AND WORK TO DO...</title><content type='html'>A young mother looks in the mirror after a shower. She’s just dropped her two-year old to her first daycare, and the bikini body she had before she conceived is long gone. Her husband got a family gym membership, and she sighs, but she knows she has to get in there and sweat and exercise her body to get into that hot two piece she wore a scant 32 months ago. Shes’ got work to do.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Tri-Lambdas of “Revenge Of the Nerds” looked at the dilapidated house off campus, with all manner of fixtures and molding falling apart. They were not dissuaded. They wanted out of the oppressive situation the head football coach put them in. They had work to do. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Rocky Balboa road the coattails of his prior successes until Clubber Lang beat him senseless in the third “Rocky” movie. Status quo was no longer enough to stay on top of the heavyweight boxing world. Apollo Creed sought him out. He saw that there was still a champion in him, but there was work to do. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A big yellow retired school bus sits in its big aluminum shed in James’ West Mecklenburg address. It’s musty, the seats well-weathered, but it’s the start of the new Pantherfanz bus. We’ve got work to do.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It’s in this spirit that I close the final rant of the season. It was disappointing, to say the least, to finish the season the way we did. There’s nothing positive about rehashing everything that went wrong, and in record numbers. But if you’re using that most superlative of ass-kickings as a diagnostic tool, it can be useful. There’s work to do. Every aspect of the Carolina Panthers needs work. Some more than others.  Let’s start with the obvious.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The defense is awful. Against a bottom feeder like Tampa Bay is one thing. Against a good team you see the deficiencies. Against a great team, well, you saw the result. Yes, yes, yes, we’ve beat the injury bug drum all damn year. Every one has injuries. It’s part of the game. The key is having depth. This is where the scouting departments and talent evaluators must earn their money. You’re going to think I’m nuts, but I don’t believe that defensive line is our biggest need. I like our ends. I think Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy can put enough pressure on the passer, once the linebackers and secondary are stocked with NFL talent. I think a couple more big fat spaceeaters are important, although it’s possible our rookie tackles Fua and McClain could benefit from an offseason of OTA’s.  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Behind this line lies one of our two biggest needs. What started out as a defensive strength is now one of our biggest weaknesses. Linebacker is a pressing need on this team. We are sure to lose Dan Connor, who despite his effort, will never be a top NFL ‘backer. James Anderson is an excellent role player, but he’s not the beast that BEASTon or TD was. And speaking of those two, it’s likely we’ve seen the last of Thomas Davis. There’s no guarantee that Jon Beason will be back to 100% after his Achilles surgery. There’s no question the effort’s there, but the body will be the deciding factor whether he can ever regain his formidable field presence. What this unit needs is a lunatic, my body-be-damned-as-well-as-yours, freak of nature athlete in the mold of Kevin Greene or James Harrison.  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bHnD376M-wk/TwIcf_2s4JI/AAAAAAAAAGI/HbRtEWm60ik/s1600/KevinGreene.jpg&quot;&gt;&lt;img style=&quot;float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 371px; height: 400px;&quot; src=&quot;http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bHnD376M-wk/TwIcf_2s4JI/AAAAAAAAAGI/HbRtEWm60ik/s400/KevinGreene.jpg&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; alt=&quot;&quot;id=&quot;BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693144214992117906&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It isn’t likely this player is in this draft this year. Our best case scenario is for BEASTon to come back near peak, and a nice complimentary free agent acquisition. This is going to be a work in progress. It may take a couple of seasons to get this group back to its once fearsome, game changing status.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;What REALLY ails the defensive unit is the backfield. While Chris Gamble has made a remarkable comeback in Rivera’s first year, he can’t cover the whole field by himself. Captain Mummerlin has looked completely overwhelmed in coverage, and there’s been few sightings made by Godfrey and Martin, much less plays. Gone are the days of the power hitting of Mike Minter, and the turnover generating Chris Harris. Take your pick. A tenacious ball-hawking corner with turf-burning speed, or a human Exocet missile of a safety is what this secondary absolutely needs. What we have now will simply not do, as evidenced by the way Drew Brees made us look like juco walk-ons. Like the linebacking corps, this situation is likely not going to be remedied by one draft. There’s a corner or two in the draft’s upper spots, and there’s a safety from Alabama that has promise as a second-round pick. It’s a start. A bonus for this draftee would be the availability and ability as a kick returner, much as Patrick Peterson is for the Cardy-noles. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Fixing this defensive squad, clearly, is the number one priority of the franchise. When the defense is bad, everything is bad. You lose the field position game, you lose the time of possession advantage, and you force your offense to score on virtually every play to keep any chance of victory alive. In ANY contest.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Thankfully, our offense is capable of that. But they are not without need of a bit of elbow grease. While Cam is UNQUESTIONABLY the white-hot superstar of our franchise for years to come, he needs to continue to grow into the position, and learn to temper his emotions. I feel strongly that he will do this, and not only will he grow into the leader he is destined to be, but he will become mechanically better, he will make far smarter decisions with the ball, and he will execute plays both basic and exotic with the precision of an explosives disarming expert. To do this, he will need the following –&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;-We must keep our “Double Trouble” duo intact. Having SteWilliams in the backfield along with Cam is a three-headed beast that most teams will not be able to defend. For Chudzinsky to have this in his weapons chest is paramount.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;-We need Jeff Otah back healthy, or we need a suitable replacement. We also need to upgrade our line with depth. Keeping Newton’s jersey clean is a must next season. Opening holes for SteWilliams is vitally important to our offensive strategies next season. The O line is decent, but it can be better.  Otah is a big part of this issue.&lt;br /&gt;-While not a VITAL need, if you’ve got the chance to upgun your main cannon to a 105mm tank-buster, much like the Israelis (speaking of folks who had work to do) did with the archaic M4 Sherman Tank, you do it. Alston Jefferies of South Carolina is the kind of receiver that forces teams to single-cover Steve Smith or Brandon LaFell. Uh oh.  Another weapon in the inventory of Chudzinsky. If he’s (or another big possession type Mushin Muhammad-type receiver) available in the second round, I think Hurney should think hard about taking him.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;-And most important of all, we MUST keep Rob Chudzinsky on the staff for AT LEAST for one more season. Throw whatever cash you need to, Uncle Jerry, but this offensive wunderkind has to be retained.  The success of the offense and particularly Cam next season will depend on it. While your at it, Jerry, you can keep Son Of Jaw here, too.  Cam’s benefited much from David Shula’s intelligent and observant coaching style.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Another offensive need is a reliable backup to Cam if God forbid it, should he be catastrophically injured. Derek Anderson could be that quarterback.  As shown by Houston and Green Bay, a good backup is critical to a successful season. Not having one? Indianapolis is the perfect example of what happens when you don’t have a contingency plan in place. So is Jacksonville. So are the Deadskins. So are the Iggles. Panthers, don’t be that team.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;And while we’re at it –&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Time to cut our losses on players that will never be. Say goobye to Jimmy Claussen, Armanti Edwards, Captain Mummerlin, Dan Conner. Orlindo Mare.  Sherrod Martin, Charles Godfrey.  And anyone else not making plays. The “lockout” season is over.  Chef Rivera’s first trip to the NFL Mega-Mart is now less than four months away, and soon, it will be time to get to work on remodeling the Carolina Panthers, Ron Rivera style.  I can’t help but be excited.  Yes, it sucked getting our ass kicked by the team that very likely could be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy come February. But you know what –&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;When Rocky lost to Clubber Lang, he was clearly not the better boxer.  Poland had little chance against Hitler’s Panzers with its cavalry. Duke will never, ever, beat Alabama or LSU on the gridiron. (nor would the reverse be true on the hardwood) (damn.)&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;But at the end of a period of blood, sweat, toil and tears, and a judicious amount of elbow grease, that young mama put on her two-piece, and strolled confidently onto the sands of Oak Island. Her husband is planning to go to Jared for Christmas. The Tri-Lambdas got a great frat house, and deposed the tyrannical Alphas on the Greek Council, and took control of the student life at Adams College. Rocky Balboa inherited a nice Italian restaurant in South Philly. And like the slick new Pantherfanz bus taking form in James’ shed,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I can see the end of the hardship period of the Carolina Panthers. They’ve got work to do. It starts now.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;We’ve taken the first steps in getting out of the NFL cellar. We’ve gotten out of the bottom of the NFC South standings. That last place spot is now the domain of the Sucky-Neers. Duckies, you’re next. Saints-&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;We’re gonna remember this ass-kicking of yesterday. It’s not happening again. Win your SuperBowl XLVI, and have a big French Quarter parade. But next season, you will have 120 minutes, at least, of mouth-bustin’, bone-chattering, bell ringin’ football to play with the Panthers. From here on out…&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;And I’m not done with this blog. Not by a long shot. There’s still playoff football to experience, and I’m much inspired to chronicle this laborious journey about to be taken by Panther Nation –&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Stay tuned.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Gotta Comment?&lt;br /&gt;E-mail me, The Cedar Street Seer&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;CaptnTee@aol.com</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/feeds/2099611044640421106/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4702426501185997499&amp;postID=2099611044640421106' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/2099611044640421106'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/2099611044640421106'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/2012/01/epilogue-prologue-and-work-to-do.html' title='EPILOGUE, PROLOGUE, AND WORK TO DO...'/><author><name>Pantherfanz</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12888138900369161303</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqy7HkuqCnRKVl7DO8Sq5bcGOzO37VHkNhwI7Ivpjq-VnEMJaNMiu6raPUyEVcMylnDoqeQcQv0MbhMrrQL9McH1mSmpVYKFtqBsDixp6lyFLJRkjvSYzXCtpksEmoA/s220/ranter.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bHnD376M-wk/TwIcf_2s4JI/AAAAAAAAAGI/HbRtEWm60ik/s72-c/KevinGreene.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702426501185997499.post-5532620068308798790</id><published>2011-12-31T13:44:00.000-05:00</published><updated>2011-12-31T13:45:15.764-05:00</updated><title type='text'>THE WEEKLY HANDICAP AND OTHER CLARIVOYANCES-WEEK 17 SEASON&#39;S END!</title><content type='html'>Happy New Year, Fanz!  This Saturday morning finds us at the end point of a tumultuous 2011, a vastly entertaining NFL season, and the administrations of quite a few elected officials – it’s an out with the old, in with the new kind of feeling.  I’m already excited about the prospect of a significantly better 2012, and it’s in that spirit that I attack the slate of the final games of this season. It’s a Seeding Sunday, with all kinds of playoff scenarios even for those teams already in the dance, and TWO critical contests for playoff survival. And, I’m guaranteed a winning record. I am, after all, The Cedar Street Seer….&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;WARSHINGTOON @ PHILTHYDELPHIA&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;With their playoff cancellation determined weeks ago, these two division rivals are left to ruminate on what could have been. With no shot at a Mel-Kiperesque can’t miss draft choice, the Deadskins would surely like to close out the season with a win, but the Iggles, the biggest paper tiger since the 2005 Jets, are SUDDENLY playing inspired football on both sides of the ball, especially with Mike Vick back under center. Even with a depleted secondary, I’d expect those Iggles to get after Wrecks-Gross-man.Those fickle Philthy fans get to close out the season at the Linc with a win, thus giving them despised coach Andy Reid for yet another year. It’s a high line for a divisional game, but I’m inclined to go with the Iggles at home and the -8 ½ points.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;TAMPA BAY @ ATLANTA&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It’s incomprehensible how the trendy preseason pick of the Sucky-neers has collapsed like this in a nine-game losing streak – but the culprits; turnovers, lack of team speed, and key injuries have sealed the fate of Tampa for this season.  The Duckies can do no better than elevate themselves to a five seed with a victory in this one, but I’d expect that they come out blazing on both sides of the ball, in an attempt to erase the humiliation of the beatdown they got in New Orleans last Monday.  This game will be over by half time. Duckies double-digit big…&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;SAN FRANCISCO @ SAD LOOEY&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This is a bona-fide “Suck For Luck” contest. Tied with Indianapolis for the worst record in the league, the Lambs actually have a great draft position should they wind up with the top pick, and if not, they still have an excellent opportunity to improve their statistically worse league standings from this lost season. The Niners, a vastly superior team, particularly defensively, want that playoff bye – they will play like they want it. The Lambs wilted against Pissburgh’s defense last week, and San Francisco’s is BETTER. Even with a depleted wide receiver corps, there’s enough here to avoid letdown. No upsets here, boys and girls. Another game over by halftime – Niners by -10 ½.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;CHICAGO @ MINI-SODA&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It’s an audition game for both of the NFC Norris division also-rans tomorrow. Joe Webb will get the start for the concussed Christian Ponder, and Toby Gerhardt for Adrian Peterson.  They looked good last week in the defeat of the Deadskins, and the Vikings defense looked fearsome again with the rejuvenation of Jared Allen. The Bears were scraping the bottom of the quarterback barrel in starting Josh McClown , but he hasn’t looked Grossman awful. Yet. Kahlil Bell gets the start at running back for the Bears. I actually think this could be a high-scoring game. The line is a paltry 1 ½, and I’m leaning to the Vikings.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;DETROIT @ GREEN BAY&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;While not as sexy a matchup as we’d envisioned earlier in the season when both squads were undefeated, it’s still plenty big for Detroit, who are fighting hard for that #5 seed, and the favorable matchup against the floundering NFC Least champion. The Packers have clinched everything they can. While Mike McCarthy hasn’t revealed his plans on resting players, you can’t imagine he’d risk injury to his key players for the second Super Bowl run.  Who blinks first? McCarthy does. If you want to see Aaron Rodgers and Clay and Company in this game, you’d better tune in for the first half. You won’t see them again until the second round of the playoffs. And Vegas knows this. The Lions aren’t going to blow this chance to break that 0-20 streak on the Tundra, which is beginning to attain its Pleistocenic allure. I’m all over the Leos as a RARE road favorite at Lambeau, at 3 ½.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;CAROLINA @ NEW ORLEANS&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;All indications are that Sean Payton will be continuing to fling his juggernaut Saints at the suddenly bristling Panthers this Sunday. Sean Payton isn’t Mike McCarthy. He of the Onside Kick to start the second half of the Super Bowl will surely have his players in “urgency” mode for most of the game, but I guarantee he will be scoreboard watching for that Niners-Lambs game, playing at the same time. The Panthers, who are in the NFL’s top five offensive teams in yards AND points will be impossible for the Saints to stop. This game will be an entertaining close to the season for the Panthers, who will keep it close in a shootout, when Payton finally pulls his starters in the fourth quarter. Panthers have been a covering machine lately, and they continue here. Take the ‘Cats and the +8.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;TENNESSEE @ HOUSTON&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;On the surface, it’s a game with nothing to play for to the Texans, and EVERYTHING to play for to the Titans, who amazingly enough, are a ROAD FAVORITE at Reliant Stadium. I don’t see it. There’s motivation PLENTY in the Texans locker room. With two consecutive defeats to the Panthers and lowly Colts, and now only TWO Pro Bowl selections, along with the insult by the betting line, I think they are coming out in this game swinging. I’d expect that with the return of All-Pro wideout Andre Johnson, coach Kubiak will want Yates to fling the biscuit regularly in his direction. Arian Foster will be keeping the Titans defense honest, and this outcome will not be in doubt. Texans are going to win this one going away…&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;BALTY-MOORE @ CINCINNATI&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Here’s a game with much riding on the outcome – For the Bengals, it’s simple. Win and you clinch the #6 seed, Lose, and you can STILL back into the playoffs with losses by the Jets and Raiders. For the Ravens, it’s the difference between the #1 seed and the #5 seed! It feels like all of the pressure is on the Ravens, and they’ve played vastly different on the road this season. Add some significant injuries to the mix, particularly in the receiving corps, and I’m seeing a favorable outcome for the Bengals. Squeelers? Get set for yet another NFC North Championship. I’m liking the Bengals, with their Ginger Mini-C am, Andy Dalton at QB, leading the charge with that nasty defense behind him, to make the playoffs in an unlikely winning season for the Cincinnati Bengals.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;PISSBURGH @ CLEVELANDLAND&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This is a huge game for the Squeelers. The division, the playoff bye all hang in the balance as the team that probably hates them MOST, yes, more than the Ravens, entertain them in the season closer. Pissburgh is banged up like a teenager’s first car, but so are the Browns. I’d anticipate this to be a low-scoring game and I’d think if the score was comfortable enough, that Mike Tomilin would be sitting his starters by the fourth quarter. Vegas agrees, and has given the Men of Squeel a meager -7 point advantage. Take the Browns at your own risk, but rarely does Pissburgh blow this kind of game. I’m on the Squeelers.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;INDIANAPOLIS @ JACKSONVILLE&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Ahhh, the conclusion of the “Suck For Luck” campaign. This no longer looks like a shoo-in for the once-winless Colts. With wins over SUPERIOR divisional foes Tennessee and Houston, this is a chance to end the season on a strong note for Indy. To me, all of the matchups favor a Colts VICTORY! There’s a chance that TE Dallas Clark will be back, and they will be playing to a half-empty stadium in Jacksonville. Oh, how interesting the 2012 draft will be! Wrong team favored! Colts win! But Jim Caldwell’s job may still not be safe as the team looks to rebuild, and perhaps without Peyton Manning next season…&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;NY JETS @ MIAMI&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;One of the most entertaining rivalries in the league features a noteworthy storyline in the retirement of 15-year veteran LB Jason Taylor, and the desperation shot of making the playoffs for the Jets. Sexy Rexy’s team squandered the chance to control their destiny last week at home, now they get a chance to wilt in the South Florida sun. I think this will be a hard-hitting, low-scoring game. You can never be sure of the outcome of a contest between these two bitter rivals, but I’m sure that the Dolphins would like nothing better than to knock a team out of the playoffs and go into the offseason optimistic about a new season and new coaching staff for 2012. Miami brings a defense on the field that is equal to New York’s, and in games where there’s nothing to play for, Matt Moore tends to excel. Mark it down – Phish win.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;BUFFALO @ NEWENGLANDGLAND&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;With the Pastry-Rots needing a win to lock down the #1 seed in the conference, there’s no better team than the Bills to clinch with – Even though they rallied to beat New Englandgland at home, this is a shell of that team that teased the Upstate with a stellar 3-1 record to start the season.  Cheat-a-chek’s proved me wrong in all of the games I’d predicted blowouts in, and last week was no exception. If they DON’T blow out the Bills tomorrow, I’d be greatly surprised!  Brady will find his receivers early and often in that soft Buffalo coverage.  Pastry-Rots DOUBLE DIGIT big…&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;SAD DIEGO @ OAKLAND&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;For the first time since 2003, the Chargers are looking at a losing record if they drop this contest to a highly motivated Raiders team that has a shot to take the AFC Worst division, if Denver drops their showdown with Kansas Shitty. Sad Diego is wracked with injuries, players nearing the end of their careers, and an erratic Phillip Rivers. Their run defense is poor, and Raiders RB Michael Bush is on a roll. I’m expecting this to become a streetfight by the end of the game, which I think will favor Oakland. Gimme the rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAIDAHS and the -3, and the AFC Worst division champeenship!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;KANSAS SHITTY @ DENVER&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Aside from the Cowboys-Giants game tomorrow night, this may be the most watched contest of the day! Ahhh, the juicy storylines! Cut QB Orton coming back to Mile High! Teblow! Division championship! Crennell clinching a head coaching job for the Chefs! KC played the Broncoids tough in the matchup at Arrowhead – tomorrow afternoon they have one job – Stop Denver’s top-rated rushing attack. They have played at the top of their games for interim coach Romeo Crennell, and they’ll do it even more so Sunday. It will be Foxball vs. Fundamental Crennell. Won’t be a lot of scoring in this one. The mistakes will be made by Timmy Terrific, and the Chefs have an advantage of Orton having practiced against this defense.  Many of us remember what John Fox does in seasons teetering between winning and losing records- this game will be no different. My money’s on the CHEFS- straight up!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;SEATTLE @ ARID-ZONA&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Thankfully, none of these two teams are going to the playoffs, but both squads go into the offseason with both questions and optimism. Neither squad wants to lose this game, as the loser gets to travel to North Cam-a-lacky next season to lose to the Cam-a-Lots! Ok, seriously, draft position won’t be impacted, but a non-losing record would be of some solace to teams that started so poorly. Arid-zona is going without Kevin Kolb AND Patrick Peterson, and Seattle’s running game is firing on all pistons with Marshawn Lynch. I’d expect him to be the difference. I like the Seahawsk to cover the +3.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;DALLAS @ NY FOOTBALL GIANTS&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Ahhh, what a game to end the season! I’m not sure, in a season that doesn’t have the Panthers in the playoffs, if it gets better than this. Winner’s in. Loser’s out.  And this is a game the Cowboys tend to choke on. And I think it will happen. I will elaborate. Dallas’ aging offensive line has left Tony Romo open to the pass rush.  Injuries to the running backs have left the ground attack, uh, hamstrung. Meanwhile, the Cowboys defense has not been able to get to the passer as of late. Against Eli Manning, that will be a problem. Also, with the running game resurgent for the Guys from Gotham, it will be hard to keep the Geeemen from moving the chains.  I like the Giants – BIG.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;There you go, Fanz! My final prognostication of the regular season! I hope you win lots of bucks and beers this weekend! And have a safe, SAFE , SAFE New Year.  I’ll be back next week with the final rant of the year, and hopefully not as maudlin.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Last week – 9-7&lt;br /&gt;Season – 131-101&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Gotta Comment?&lt;br /&gt;Email me, The Cedar Street Seer&lt;br /&gt;CaptnTee@aol.com</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/feeds/5532620068308798790/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4702426501185997499&amp;postID=5532620068308798790' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/5532620068308798790'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/5532620068308798790'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/2011/12/weekly-handicap-and-other-clarivoyances_31.html' title='THE WEEKLY HANDICAP AND OTHER CLARIVOYANCES-WEEK 17 SEASON&#39;S END!'/><author><name>Pantherfanz</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12888138900369161303</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqy7HkuqCnRKVl7DO8Sq5bcGOzO37VHkNhwI7Ivpjq-VnEMJaNMiu6raPUyEVcMylnDoqeQcQv0MbhMrrQL9McH1mSmpVYKFtqBsDixp6lyFLJRkjvSYzXCtpksEmoA/s220/ranter.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702426501185997499.post-4563895309628798164</id><published>2011-12-26T16:02:00.002-05:00</published><updated>2011-12-26T16:09:05.465-05:00</updated><title type='text'>A VIEW FROM THE LOT - 5 YEARS LATER...</title><content type='html'>I’ve been looking at a blank screen for about 5 minutes now, trying to recover the overflow of thoughts, impressions, and feelings I had, not only as a Panther Fan, but as someone called to replace a legend, as I’m trying to rant about what we saw from our Panthers on Saturday, Christmas Eve. All of the tired old adjectives and metaphors about Christmas presents, giant monsters with cool superpowers, and other hokey notions, I have been rejecting.  I found myself coming again and again to someone I’ve thought a lot about lately –&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I found myself thinking about Marc “the JoKer” Stanton, who wrote about the team AND our party from a vastly entertaining and wholly different angle for years before The Cedar Street Seer took the keyboard.  One of the highlights of my gameday week was to read about Marc’s view of the game, or the game that was upcoming.  And of course, a larger than life presence at our now league-famous party, thanks to the tireless work of Dano, James, and all of the rest of you who picked up the club, who show up early on Sunday mornings to make a pregame experience that’s second to none.  I would imagine many of you who regularly read the “Rantz of the Week” know who I’m talking about.  And with the holidays in full swing, I thought, in a Dickesonian way, the ghosts of Panthers past, present, and Panthers Yet To Come and how in not a dreadful sort of way, but in a melancholy, yet warmly sentimental way, he personifies the spirit of PantherFandom.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vhd-Yy_cSxk/TvjiVwjG-wI/AAAAAAAAAF8/_vUWWgK1CRM/s1600/Marc%2Band%2BBrian%2B2005.jpg&quot;&gt;&lt;img style=&quot;float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 303px;&quot; src=&quot;http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vhd-Yy_cSxk/TvjiVwjG-wI/AAAAAAAAAF8/_vUWWgK1CRM/s400/Marc%2Band%2BBrian%2B2005.jpg&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; alt=&quot;&quot;id=&quot;BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690546992619911938&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Yes, I thought a lot about Marc the past week or so. I thought about the inconcievable sadness we felt on that tailgate morning, back in December 2006, trying to carry on, and the five year anniversary of that tradgedy. I thought about the family he left behind, and how his Pantherfanz family rallied for them. I thought about the dubious task I had in succeeding his website “voice”. But most of all, I thought about the pure, honest PASSION Marc had for these Carolina Panthers. I thought about how savagely he critized the team when we sucked, and how fired up he got when things were going great. I took a moment at our last tailgate party of the year, and reflected on the vibe that I felt, the anticipation of not just a good game, but a GREAT game to send us off into the offseason, full of anticipation for greatness to come.  And I appreciated the stark contrast, five years later, that THIS tailgate party, even without Dano and his thundering sound system, and his boisterous entrites to get us fired up, was a joyous celebration of the passion we all shared with Marc. I saw Marc’s Jeep parked in the spot he always had on gameday, the rear door opened, and a familiar archaic olive drab device beckoned to me. I picked up Marc’s old hand-operated WWII air raid siren that Brian thought enough of to bring, and let ‘er rip – and, you know –&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It almost felt like Marc’s hand grabbed mine from the eternal beyond, and enthusiatically gave me extra assistance in blowing out the eardrums of Rusty, one of our Korean War veteran guests.  It felt good (but not the part about giving you discomfort, Rusty, sorry dude!).  And among our many party participants, the mood was one of tingling anticipation, that this would be a game to remember as the familiar whine reverberated through our tailgate party. I know that I personally, had no doubt about the outcome, only by how much we would thump this dissappointingly underachieving Bucs team, a team that was still very much our rival when Marc would write about the highly entertaining contests the two teams would have twice a year. Only now, I really haven’t thought of them so much as a rival, not as I would view the Saints or Duckies.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I would be hard-pressed, I think, to find any of you out there who would really care about that notion.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;But all of these things did I bring to the forefront of my mind as what seemed to be an endless supply of homemade hooch in Mason jars found its way to my lips on that near perfect December football morning…&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I truly apologize for being so maudlin on what is supposed to be a victorious “rant”; only I have nothing to rant about. It should be a RAVE – only once has this Panthers team scored more points than this – a 52 point obliteration of the Bungles back in 2002. But it’s a reserved rave.  We really had no expectations coming in the season. The focus of the media is on all of the playoff participants, and it sucks to be out of that party, once again. A big win is a nice diversion from the unpleasantries of life as it is, but when the game has gone into last weeks’ fading storylines, we are once again reunited with what torments us.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;But ohhhh, what we saw on Saturday! But for a legitimate defense, would we have been in that conversation! And if we are to truly be worthy of the providence of what could be in the years to come, we could see this point total in MANY games! What, I ask of you readers, who dare to dream, who shared Marc’s passion, could you see, even for next year? And unlike Scrooge’s fear of that ghost of Things to Come, THIS Panthers of The Future is gladly welcomed, and could bring for 2012 –&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;-Three or more primetime games, with the pregame parties of the century? &lt;br /&gt;-More record setting performances by an offense that’s only NOW starting to realize its scoring prowess?&lt;br /&gt;-A bona fide HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE, where the league can least expect a road win?&lt;br /&gt;-A stadium bowl devoid of the fans of the other teams, as the home fans throw their support to the Panthers, at last?&lt;br /&gt;-A playoff appearance, and a shot at a return to The Super Bowl?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Ohhhhh, all of this and MORE! What might be lost on the average fan is that opposed to the incredible yardage Cam threw in the first few games of the season, he threw a simply efficient 172 yards! Most of our yardage came on rushing plays, and half our touchdowns were made on the ground!  With a defense to go with this powerful attack, there is no NFL team we cannot just beat, but blow out, week after week!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;And, at last, the maturation of the PantherFans in Bank of America Stadium was realized, when the Wave was started in earnest, when the VISITOR had the ball! I would just ask that all of you stay long enough for the playing of “Sweet Caroline” to really make the gameday experience complete. You know you want to go “BomBomBom” when the good times feel so good – Which is what I’m forcasting in the short, and long term future of the team.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;And how good it will be for me, as part of Marc Stanton’s legacy, to be able to pound out not rant after rant, but RAVE after RAVE when the dwindling trickle of Squeelers, Packers, Cowboys, Eagles, Giants and Duckies fans leave our stadium having had their teams’ fannies beat while we vociferously exclaim our victory as they once did here. If the performance we saw on Christmas Eve is an indication, the legacy left by Marc 5 years ago is in very, very good hands. I thank you all for your readership, and most of all, for living IN that legacy, whether you knew Marc or not….&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This has turned out to be much a different report than I had anticipated when I left the Stadium with my sobbing daughter, but yet, a joy.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;One more game before the season, for us, fades into the dusty archives of yesteryear. A happy holiday and safe and healthy new year to you all.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Gotta comment?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Email me, a melancholy Cedar Street Seer&lt;br /&gt;CaptnTee@aol.com</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/feeds/4563895309628798164/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4702426501185997499&amp;postID=4563895309628798164' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/4563895309628798164'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/4563895309628798164'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/2011/12/view-from-lot-5-years-later.html' title='A VIEW FROM THE LOT - 5 YEARS LATER...'/><author><name>Pantherfanz</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12888138900369161303</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqy7HkuqCnRKVl7DO8Sq5bcGOzO37VHkNhwI7Ivpjq-VnEMJaNMiu6raPUyEVcMylnDoqeQcQv0MbhMrrQL9McH1mSmpVYKFtqBsDixp6lyFLJRkjvSYzXCtpksEmoA/s220/ranter.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vhd-Yy_cSxk/TvjiVwjG-wI/AAAAAAAAAF8/_vUWWgK1CRM/s72-c/Marc%2Band%2BBrian%2B2005.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702426501185997499.post-679454774723483077</id><published>2011-12-22T17:38:00.001-05:00</published><updated>2011-12-25T08:22:29.998-05:00</updated><title type='text'>THE WEEKLY HANDICAP AND OTHER CLARIVOYANCES - WEEK 16</title><content type='html'>Good Thursday to you all, Fanz! It’s time once again for your weekly prognostitive entertainment, provided this season WITHOUT FAIL by your dedicated Cedar Street Seer. But this is no ordinary week of pics – This is CRITICAL Week 16, with most of the games being played on Saturday Christmas Eve, and postseason placement hangs in the balance – And I’m ready to let ‘er rip – &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Clairvoyance gland, don’t fail me now…&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;HOUSTON @ INDIANAPOLIS&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Colts felt the soothing relief of a victory last week, but the fact remains. This is not a very good football team by any measure, at any position, and it mystifies me that ONE player, removed from the lineup, can result in such a dreadful year.  Houston IS a good team, despite the letdown to the Cam-a-Lots, and that will certainly play itself out tonight. TJ Yates is not making the mistakes he made last Sunday. Take the Texans and the -6.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;OAKLAND @ KANSAS CITY&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Again, when you manage to beat a team like the Packers, you get your correct city and team name back. The Chiefs played their heart out for Romeo Crennel, and they’ll do the same on Saturday. The Raiders are battling a late season inconsistency, and I think the raucous Arrowhead crowd will help carry the hometeam through. I’m feelin’ the Chiefs and the -1 ½. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;DENVER @ BUFFALO&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;TebowMania took a break last week, but it promises to resume at Ralph Wilson Stadium this weekend. The Broncoids are still playing inspired ball defensively, and the Bills sure ain’t Brady’s Bunch. One win, and Denver’s in. This is the win. By -3.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;JACKSONVILLE @ TENNESSEE&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Titans got to be the team to lose to the 13-loss team last week. Chris Johnson is hobbled, as is Matt Hasslebeck, and with their playoffs on feeble math support, a win realistically, won’t help much. They had a hard time stopping a pair of unheralded fullbacks, and Maurice Jones-Drew is still quite the force in Jacksonville’s offensive backfield. I think this game will be closer than the line. I’m on the Jaggy-Whyers and the +7 ½.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;ARID-ZONA @ CINCINNATI&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It took a spirited fourth quarter and overtime for Johnny Skelton and his Cardy-noles to overcome a struggling Clevelandland team AT UOP last week. The Bengals will be that much tougher,  and Arid-Zona traditionally has a tough time travelling east. Cincinnati’s got a shot at a wild card slot, and the defenses will set the tone, but the men in the cool striped unis will prevail, and cover the -4.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;MIAMI @ NEWENGLANDGLAND&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This is a game Bill Cheat-a-Chek doesn’t lose. Period. The Broncoids “D” is much stouter than that of the Phish, and Brady’s Bunch will penetrate them again and again. Take the Pastry-Rots and the -9 ½.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;CLEVELANDLAND @ BALTY-MOORE&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Brownies’ defense is keeping the team respectable, and the Ravens dropped an inexplicable pterodactyl egg in San Diego last Sunday Night. Under normal circumstances I would take the Browns and the +13 points, but I made a vow not to take them again. And I’m not. But take the Ravens at your own risk with that hefty line.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;NY GIANTS @ NY JETS&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Funny, this is an “away” game for the GeeeeMen at their OWN stadium, that they share with the other Guys from Gotham. And both teams are reeling from REALLY bad losses. This is a very tough game to call for me – I love the Jets’ defense, but they looked TERRIBLE against the Iggles, and the Giants’ offense has looked incredible as of late, but looked like a bunch of fat hobbits against the Deadskins – AT HOME.&lt;br /&gt;Both teams MUST WIN this game to stay in the playoff chase, and it will be played like it. But I like the Jets’ D to make the play that changes the game. Jets by -3.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;MINI-SODA @ WARSHINGTOON&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A game for draft positioning. Peterson says he’ll play, and this is too late for Wrecks-Grossman to audition for next year.  Something tells me that the Vikings cover this one, and the Deadskins flub up offensively.  Northmen and the +6 ½.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;TAMPA BAY @ CAROLINA&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It’s a hallmark of inspired coaching when a team out of the playoffs continues to “swing their sword” as Foxy used to say. The Panthers are setting the tone for next season for Ron Rivera, and the Sucky-Neers are playing out theirs. There are some players who are vocally behind embattled Bucs coach Raheem Morris, but I don’t think there’s enough of them. There’s been some positive tutelage of Cam Newton by his teammates, and I think it will show itself on the field. A happy day for Pantherfanz. ‘Cats by -7 ½. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;SAD LOOEY @ PISSBURGH&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Even without Worthlessberger, I don’t think the Lambs can do much at Heinz Field with so much at stake for the Men of Squeel. The line’s off, but the clacking done by the universe and the space –time continuum may be too much to overcome if the Squeelers lose this one. There’s no way, but I would join the heavenly chorus of clackers if they do. But they won’t.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;SAN DIEGO @ DETROIT &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;With one win, the once laughable Detroit Lions secure their first playoff berth in decades. They will do it on Saturday, but the Chargers manage to get up for the big teams at the right time. It’s just the sucky ones they falter with, and it will cost Turner his job. But this contest will be hard fought. Matthew Stafford will find Calvatron and his Decepticons enough times to get that victory.  Phillip Rivers will do enough stupid things to cost the Chargers theirs.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;SAN FRANCISCO @ SEATTLE&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Niners can clinch a #2 seed with a victory over suddenly scrappy Seattle.  It’s always tough to play in Quest Field, and I think this weekend will be no exception. I’m feelin’ the Seadogs and the +2 ½. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;PHILTHYDELPHIA @ DALLAS&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Iggles embarrassed the Cowboys on their last trip to the Linc. I don’t like the revenge angle, especially when there’s so much at stake. The Cowboys have traditionally choked in this situation, and I don’t think it changes here. Mike Vick’s playing well in his return, and they’ll be tough to stop. I like the Iggles to continue to put the late season tease on for the frustrated Philthy fans and win!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;CHICAGO @ GREEN BAY&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Perhaps the best thing to happen to the Packers in their second championship quest was to be humbled by the Chiefs last week. They certainly get a chance to redeem themselves against their archrival from the Windy City, but Josh McClown is an upgrade from Mr. Hanie like Kim-Jong-Un is an upgrade from Kim Jong-Il. The Chiefs defense showed how to harass Aaron Rodgers through that now battered offensive line, and the Bears will do the same.  13 points is a heavy line, and I like the Bears to cover.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;ATLANTA @ NEW ORLEANS&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;One win for the Duckies, and they’re back in the playoffs. If it’s THIS win, they still have a chance to win the division. But with Dan Marino’s record, and the #2 seed on the line for the Saints, they have too much motivation to let the Duckies run all over them.  These two teams traditionally play tough, but when Drew Brees has something this significant to play for, he’s unstoppable. I’m all over the Saints and the 6 ½.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Another nice week for the Seer last week –&lt;br /&gt;10-6&lt;br /&gt;Season – 123-96&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Gotta Comment?&lt;br /&gt;E-mail me, The Cedar Street Seer&lt;br /&gt;CaptnTee@aol.com</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/feeds/679454774723483077/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4702426501185997499&amp;postID=679454774723483077' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/679454774723483077'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4702426501185997499/posts/default/679454774723483077'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://pantherfanz.blogspot.com/2011/12/weekly-handicap-and-other-clarivoyances_22.html' title='THE WEEKLY HANDICAP AND OTHER CLARIVOYANCES - WEEK 16'/><author><name>Pantherfanz</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12888138900369161303</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='24' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqy7HkuqCnRKVl7DO8Sq5bcGOzO37VHkNhwI7Ivpjq-VnEMJaNMiu6raPUyEVcMylnDoqeQcQv0MbhMrrQL9McH1mSmpVYKFtqBsDixp6lyFLJRkjvSYzXCtpksEmoA/s220/ranter.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry></feed>

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