S42 Coach’s Interview w/ Alex-Panthers

Our fearless leader, the man himself Alex. It’s go time for the Panthers this season… Nick Chubb is in the building. What an offseason move. A handful of users have chosen him as the breakout user & I would not be surprised one bit.  That does sound a bit weird to say as I type it out… the guy has won several super bowls. 

 

What was your offseason focus & do you believe that you achieved those goals? Primarily in regards to trades & FA itself.

Alex: My main focus this off-season was bolstering my front 7, primarily linebacker. I traded a 3rd round pick to Justin for 25 year old star OLB Terrell Bernard. I then traded Tommy Tremble and some picks to the Rams in exchange for Dre’mont Jones, a veteran superstar defensive lineman.My only “need” on offense was to sign a serviceable TE. I signed Eric Ebron. I thought I upgraded at running back as well doing an even swap for Nick Chubb. Thanks Chase!This FA/Trade period set me up to go into the draft and take best player available. Everything went according to plan.

 

What was your draft strategy & who should the league be on the lookout for?

Alex: I had 8 picks in the draft, none until the 3rd round. I saw coverage linebacker Aries Smart was dropping late in the 2nd due to skipping the combine and pro day. I traded up with cam to snag him and he ended up being a superstar dev! The rest of my picks were late and I got some decent depth DT’s.

 

What is your realistic expectation for this season? Playoffs? Division Title? SB or bust?

Alex: My goal is always to make the playoffs, we missed via tiebreaker last season. My goal this year is to win the division   . I think I have a decent shot with Cmass missing 4 games or so. This is a big year for Bradley Mueller. The success of this team banks on his development. Hopefully Nick Chubb will make that a little easier for him.

 

If you had to name one breakout user for this upcoming season, who would it be & why?

Alex: It has to be Dan. No way he goes 3 seasons in a row stinking it up. He had a great off-season and even better draft. It’s time for Damon Chambers to take command of this team and take them to the dance.