1. How long have you been a Carolina Panther fan, what first attracted you to the team and why?
I have been Carolina Panther fan since day one, 1995 season. Many things attracted me to them, first was the uniform. They have the best uniforms in NFL football, hands down. They also had a monster running back, Tim Biakabutuka, not only could he run and catch the ball out of the backfield, I just liked his name. Lastly, panthers are my favorite animal.
2. Who have been your favorite players over the years?
Like I said, Tim Biakabutuka. In 1996 Steve Smith joined the team who we all know was a Pro Bowl receiver and played with the Panthers for many years. Soon to be Hall of Famer, Julius Peppers. From back in the day, Mike Rucker, Kris Jenkins, Dan Morgan, Chris Gamble, Deshaun Foster, Steven Davis. As far as the newer players, Cam Newton, Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis. Greg Olsen, DeAngelo Williams, the list goes on and on. The have all been a face of the organization at some point in time.
3. What do you think the Panthers downfall was that caused them to lose Super Bowl 50 against the Denver Broncos?
They stepped away from the running game. The drive that they scored, Cam Newton ran the ball for like 40 yards. The momentum was already in Denver’s favor with Von Miller’s sack fumble. Our offensive line seemed to be overwhelmed from the start. When Cam stopped running the ball, is when our offense stopped moving. He choose to sit back in the pocket instead of scramble. I mean, it could have been the play calling, it just seemed like they weren’t calling the right plays. Maybe they were calling plays for Cam to sit in the pocket, but gotta let Cam be Cam. If it’s a pass play and Cam sees a run, you gotta let him run, give him the green light at all times.
4. How do you think they did with their NFL 2016 draft picks?
Well, we will find out, I’m never satisfied with Carolina’s draft picks. With Jonathan Stewart’s history of injuries, I can’t imagine him to be healthy two seasons in a row. with one of the top defenses in the league, we drafted all defensive players and no running back to support Jonathan Stewart.
5. What game are you most looking forward to and which match up do you expect to be the most difficult?
Well we could go undefeated this season this too. I am looking forward to the Seattle Seahawks game the most because I have plans to go to Seattle with friends and watch the game at the CenturyLink Field. I have heard it is a loud stadium, one of the loudest. That’s why they have a number 12, it represents the 12th man. Football is played eleven on eleven, so having that stadium the loudest stadium it affects the opposing offense. The stadium is quiet for the Seahawks, but really loud for the visiting team, so it makes it hard for them to call plays and hear each other in the huddle. So it’s like having a 12th man on the field.
I expect the Arizona Cardinals to be the toughest match up. The good thing is that we play them at home, that gives us an advantage. At least on paper, the stats. The toughest match up because going up against last year, they are the most solid team.
Roaring Carolinas 