NFC S Blog Repository

[stratocatter]

Or is that Suppository?

Anyhow, was looking at Yas' blog as I often do and there are some tidbits.

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth

Going by the 2012 winning percentage of 2013 opponents, the Carolina Panthers have the NFL’s hardest schedule. Their opponents went a combined 138-116-2 last season for a .543 winning percentage.

Seems like this is an annual thing.

Sports Illustrated’s Peter King tweeted Wednesday morning that he’s hearing the Atlanta Falcons are trying to trade up in the first round of next week’s NFL draft.

Worked out great for them last time.

Kiper has the Saints taking Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o at No. 15. I haven’t seen that one suggested anywhere else, as most draft experts have the Saints focusing on an edge rusher or a cornerback. Kiper acknowledges both needs, but said the right players weren’t available at No. 15 in this mock, so he went with Te’o.

Wish they would do something stupid like that. He'd fit right in at Mardi Gras.

At No. 14, Kiper has Carolina taking Missouri defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson. I’m kind of amazed how there seems to be universal agreement on what’s going to happen with the 14th overall pick in a year when the top five picks aren’t very clear.

He has a point there.
​

 

[Black&Blue_]

The Saints don't need an ILB at all.

 

[Black&Blue_]

Going by the 2012 winning percentage of 2013 opponents, the Carolina Panthers have the NFL’s hardest schedule. Their opponents went a combined 138-116-2 last season for a .543 winning percentage.

I think the league is still punishing us for stealing a 12-4 season in 2008.

 

[presidence99]

The Saints don't need an ILB at all.

Vilma seems a little light for a 3 front but there are far bigger issues on that defense. Then again if he does go in the division we can turn the panthers crap attendance into a million Manti jokes.

 

[CelticCat]

Arent they switching to a 3-4. I think Mingo would be their likely target.

We probably brought him in to make them think we like him too. Maybe force a trade up.

The univeral love for us taking Richardson is why I dont think there's a chance in hell he's the pick.

These guys cant even make up their minds on the top 10.

3 QB's to no QB's in less than a week. They're having trouble trying to nail down Jax and #2. Then you have that crazy bastard Buddy Nix.

To think the Raiders might be the team making the safe solid pick this year just doesnt even sound right.

 

[Purrsy]

Vilma's on the decline. But yeah, the Saints getting Te'o would fucking rock. We could employ our resident ******s Ted Striker and Shrapnel to fucking date that guy over the internet and fuck his game all up....

 

[presidence99]

Would Cam modify his (admittedly stupid) first down celebration into pretending to put his arm around a girl?

 

[Black&Blue_]

Vilma seems a little light for a 3 front but there are far bigger issues on that defense. Then again if he does go in the division we can turn the panthers crap attendance into a million Manti jokes.

There's a decent chance that Vilma will be relegated to nickel LB (which is essentially still a starter in today's game) but they still have Lofton and Hawthorne. That's a solid ILB tandem.

Arent they switching to a 3-4. I think Mingo would be their likely target.

Some pass rusher seems likely. I don't think they're reach too far for a need though. I think just getting Payton back gives them some BPA latitude.

 

[Black&Blue_]

Would Cam modify his (admittedly stupid) first down celebration into pretending to put his arm around a girl?

 

[stratocatter]

NFC South Blog - ESPN

Salary info on the Saints' draft picks:

I just got a look at the details of the four-year contract signed by New Orleans Saints first-round pick Kenny Vaccaro.

His deal is fully guaranteed and the total value is $9,424,704. Vaccaro also got a signing bonus of $5,234,328.

Vaccaro’s first-year salary will be $405,000 and his cap figure will be $1,713,582. His 2014 base salary will be $833,396 and his cap figure will be $2.141 million.

In 2015, Vaccaro’s base salary rises to $1,261,792 and his cap figure will be $2,570,374. In 2016, his base salary will be $1,690,188 and his cap figure will be $2,998,770.

I also got a look at the deals signed by the Saints’ other four draft picks.

Third-round pick Terron Armstead signed a four-year deal that averages $716,859. He received a $617,436 signing bonus. Third-round pick John Jenkins got a four-year deal that averages $698,140, and he received a $567,560 signing bonus.

Fifth-round pick Kenny Stills got a four-year deal that averages $588,613, and he received a $194,452 signing bonus. Sixth-round pick Rufus Johnson’s four-year deal averages $566,327 per year and he received a $105,308 signing bonus.

Really surprised that there isn't more difference in deals as you go down by round. And barely any difference between what the 3rd round and 2nd round deals. You'd think a guy taken a whole round higher would have a significantly better contract.

Also, on Shula and Cam:

Mike Shula: Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton needs to stay on even keel - ESPN

Shula: Newton needs to stay on even keel



After spending the last two seasons as the quarterbacks coach, Mike Shula has stepped up to the role of offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers. But it sounds like he also is prepared to be a psychologist of sorts.




Shula said it’s important for third-year quarterback Cam Newton to do a better job of keeping his emotions in check.

"The more you can continue to stay on an even plane and lead the group of guys around you, the more effective you are going to be as a quarterback," Shula said.

In his first two seasons, Newton has drawn criticism from fans for showing his emotions when things haven’t gone well. Even wide receiver Steve Smith once called out Newton for pouting on the sidelines. Shula said Newton has to stay on a more even keel.

"Probably the biggest thing for him is maintaining that balance," Shula said. "Because everything around you during the football season is going to be up and down."

Shula has plenty of other things to worry about as he puts his stamp on the offense. But helping Newton with his poise is a big part of the job.

The good news is that Shula and Newton already have a good relationship. Now that Shula has a bigger title, he might have even more influence, and Newton might be more open to trying to control his emotions.