Anmelden » When new Panthers owner David Tepper signed former

Pro Bowl safety and social activist Eric Reid it was another clear sign to players that times are changing in Carolina under his leadership.Tepper is showing the players in his locker room that he's eager to listen — and get involved — when it comes to social and racial injustice.Tepper supported the players' protests and this week he accompanied Carolina players Torrey Smith and J.J. Jansen on a "listen and learn" tour in Charlotte with law enforcement Womens Customized Carolina Panthers Jerseys , public defenders and social justice advocates. The group discussed solutions to what the Players Coalition said are "systemic issues that lead to racially and ethnically disparate over-incarceration" in North Carolina.The agenda topics included bail reform, racial disparity regarding policing, segregation and the lack of educational resources for youth in low-income communities of color."He's a person that really cares about the community," said Smith, a Panthers wide receiver and member of the Players Coalition. "It's not just about the flawed criminal justice system, it is about need in general. And he's all over it. He's very well educated in that field, and he cares a lot. I believe he is the perfect owner for this city and the challenges it has."Smith's comments seem to represent a 180-degree change in how the players view ownership — and it's only been three months since the 61-year-old hedge fund founder purchased the team.The Panthers previous owner and team founder Jerry Richardson erred on a more conservative side."They just signed Eric Reid," said former Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams. "There's no way ... the (previous) owner was going to touch Eric Reid."Players also no longer seem to have a fear of retaliation if they express themselves.In September of 2017, while Colin Kaepernick, Reid and others around the league were protesting racial and social injustices, players on the Carolina sideline all stood. The closest thing there was to a protest was by Julius Peppers, who remained in the tunnel for one game while the national anthem played.Some players say they were concerned about being punished — or cut — by Richardson if they protested.Panthers safety Eric Ball had once raised his hand and one finger after a black man was shot in Charlotte by police officers in 2016. He was cut from the roster a few days later.The frustration among the players prompted a meeting between Richardson and the team's captains about their stances on protesting racial and social injustice. While quarterback Cam Newton later said at the time the meeting "productive," no players protested on the sideline the following week.That could change Sunday when the Panthers host the New York Giants.Reid hasn't decided if he'll kneel or not, saying that he's "still evaluating the scope of our country" and that he would make that decision later.Based on his previous actions Authentic Christian McCaffrey Jersey , Tepper — who was not made available for comment through requests made to the Panthers — likely would have no problem if Reid takes a knee.Tepper recently defended NFL players in an interview with CNBC in September, saying the protests are about "justice for all." He also it makes him aggravated when people call players unpatriotic for protesting, saying "it's just wrong, it's dead wrong."Newton said Wednesday that Tepper has been "everything that we could have asked for and more" as an owner.Jansen, the team's long snapper, likes what he's seen too."It's very empowering for the players that the issues that we are interested in, he's interested in them, too," said Jansen, the team's long snapper. "That's not to say that he will agree with every player on every issue, but the fact that he finds them to be important issues to learn about is important."Smith believes this is just the beginning."This city will be better because of Tepper being the owner," Smith said.AP Motorsports Writer Jenna Fryer contributed to this report. The more things change, the more they stay the same. That’s the theme of too many seasons for the Panthers. They bounce back and forth from winning season to disappointment. They win games despite the best efforts of their coaches. They fire a steady, defensive-minded head coach http://www.pantherscheapshop.com/cheap-authentic-christian-mccaffrey-jersey , only to bring in a slightly younger, steady, and defensive-minded guy. The big change in 2018 was to fire their offensive coordinator and hire freshman Norv Turner, whose job was to take the offense to the next level while keeping it consistent.All of the coordinators changed this off season, for the record. The defense was so competent with new pieces and new coordinator Eric Washington as to almost be boring. Panthers’ fans can all but take for granted that they will have the privilege of watching a competent — and often stifling — defense. Special teams, meanwhile, had some good returns and botched an extra point. In other words, you wouldn’t know there had been coaching changes if somebody hadn’t told you.For the offense, it wasn’t until the 5th play from scrimmage — a 1st and 20 on the opening drive — that the Panthers saw their first positive play of 2018. It went for three yards. Cam Newton then scrambled for 15 yards to set up 3rd and 2. He converted on a QB sneak. I can’t speak to “the next level,” but that is certainly consistent with the last several years of Panthers offense. If you walked away after those first six plays then you would believe that the 2018 Carolina Panthers were going to be a strong defense supporting a fly-by-the-seat-of-Cam’s-teeth offense. A new look offense that was suspiciously familiar.You also would have missed the real story: The Panthers are just a few injuries away from being scary.Newton, while the most potent player on the team, is no longer the entire story of the offense. Christian McCaffrey, his one fumble aside, had a strong day and made plays even when he didn’t have room to work. Devin Funchess didn’t break out as a number one receiver http://www.carolinapanthersteamonline.com/daryl-williams-jersey , but he did prove that he can be a consistent option in the intermediate passing game in Greg Olsen’s (hopefully brief) absence. Torrey Smith and Jarius Wright both showed up larger and in bigger moments than any depth receivers the Panthers have rostered in years. We’re not even talking about Alex Armah and C.J. Anderson showing that they can be contributors if needed. Remember that we’re often mired in arguments over practice squad wide receivers at this point in the season.The Panthers’ offense has options and weapons and hope for the first time in years. The only thing they are missing is time. The offensive line is hurt. Ryan Kalil apparently had a fever. We hope it doesn’t cause him to sleep poorly on his neck. Daryl Williams injured his right knee again. Amini Silatolu looked like he need ‘OnStar for pass rushers’ in his helmet again. Some of these issues will be resolved with the attention of good doctors and the application of rest over the coming weeks. Some will simply fester in the blind spot of veteran-enamored coaches. This is the way things are.That’s a whole lot of question marks and bad portents for a team that won —for a team whose offensive line played relatively well for most of the game. First year starters Taylor Moton and Greg van Roten had a shaky beginning, but they settled down and proved to be the least of Turner and Newton’s worries. That is huge for the Panthers’ hopes.The offense had a few mistakes throughout the game, but that was only to be expected. Turner doesn’t know these guys but so well and they only know him just as far. There is a balance that they are trying to strike. It will take time to find that. Unlike years past, now you can actually see their goals and their misfires on the field. There is a palpable sense of intention and progress that, when not sidelined by injury, could mean the world for Newton and for the Panthers.That brings us back to time. The difference between the time it takes to run a play and the time it takes for a defensive end to blow a play up is almost imperceptible. Fortunately, it is obvious what needs to change to produce the time that Newton and Turner need to get their offense in rhythm. The right tackle position is a fight between the ghost of Daryl Williams’ knee, Amini Silatolu, and recent trade acquisition Corey Robinson. It is also the biggest question mark casting doubt on the Panthers’ offense being able to operate on the level of their defense. It is where they are currently losing time. The Panthers have long been a team that relied on talent on both sides of the ball to overcome coaching. 2018 looks to field one of their most talented rosters in years. Answer that question at right tackle, give Newton just a little more time, and the Panthers could become one of the safer bets in the NFC.