Power Pros Forum

Been a while since we've had a bump like that.

This log is in a coma, but the doctor expects it to pull through.

Doctor, how long will it take for it to recover???

Anywhere from a week to a few months.

Damn it! Why didn't I invest in eastern Poland?!?!

August 31st, 2013

"Hey, Phil!"

I looked to my left and saw Brandon Williams, one of the four tight ends still with the team. Before I could respond, he spoke again.

"Coach needs to see you."

Immediately, my heart began to race. I stood.

"Oh, and bring your playbook."

My heart sank. It was well known throughout the world of football what that meant. I grabbed my playbook from my locker and walked into the office of head coach Ron Rivera. He didn't look up from what he was writing as he greeted me. "Sit down, Philip." I sat. He continued to write as he reached out his left hand, still without looking up. I didn't move. He looked up.

"Playbook, please."

My throat knotted up. I handed it over and buried my head in my hands.

"Some of these plays are just awful," I heard him say. "I don't know what Shula was thinking. With a jolt, I realized what was happening. I looked up to him handing the playbook back.

"Congratulations," he said. "You're a Carolina Panther."

...Sorry, but I don't get it.

Regular Season, Week One
September 8th, 2013

Seattle Seahawks (0-0) vs. Carolina Panthers (0-0)

The atmosphere for opening weekend at Bank of America Stadium was electric. Unfortunately, the game got off to a rough start, as the Seahawks jumped out to a quick lead after just one quarter of play, thanks poor performances on both sides of the ball. The game started to get out of hand when Russell Wilson led a quick touchdown drive to open up the second, propelling Seattle to a 20-0 lead.

We finally got on the board about halfway through the second quarter, as Graham Gano nailed a 36-yard field goal. The Seahawks pulled away with back-to-back touchdowns, and although we managed to score 17 unanswered toward end the game (including a 1-yard touchdown to yours truly), we never really had a chance.

Final Score
Seahawks - 37
Panthers - 20

Game Stats
2 rec, 5 yards, 1 TD

The playbook thing? A coach taking the playbook back from the player means the player's being cut (and thus won't need it).

Good job with that touchdown Rheinhold.

I got that, but why did the coach take it and give it right back?

Oh, it was supposed to be implied that he was making changes by the "Some of these plays are just awful" bit.

Regular Season, Week Two
September 15th, 2013

Carolina Panthers (0-1) vs. Buffalo Bills (0-1)

CJ Spiller kicked off the scoring on the Bills' opening drive, taking his first carry of the game 80 yards for a score. On the ensuing possession (on which I was minimally involved), we worked the ball down the field and into field goal range, where Graham Gano nailed one from 51 yards out.

Midway through the second quarter, we claimed our first lead of the season when DeAngelo Williams ran it in from just outside the 1-yard line. Later in the quarter, with the score still at 10-7, I dropped a pass when I was hit while making the catch. The Bills scored again just before half time, which we entered down 14-10.

Getting the ball to start the second half, we marched into the red zone on a long drive but came away with just a field goal that put us within one; however, the Bills answered with a field goal of their own two possessions later, and we entered the final quarter down by a score of 17-13, where the score stayed for several minutes. Then, the Bills, thanks in large part to a huge sack on 3rd and 5, forced a three and out and immediately scored to go up by 11. With 5:00 to play, we got the ball back and began to make our way down the field. With the ball at the Buffalo 45, I came up with a 21-yard reception that brought us to the 24.

I came off the field for a few plays as we inched to the 9-yard line. I was sent back out and ran an out on the first play, catching the ball in traffic but just over the goal line for a touchdown that brought the score to 24-19. We converted the ensuing 2-point conversion, and with the score now at 24-21, it became up to the defense to get us the ball back with 2:52 to play.

The Bills ran just three plays on that next drive, gaining seven yards on the ground. They were forced to punt with a healthy 2:09 still on the clock. On the first play, I nearly came up with a 30-yard catch but was hit hard and couldn't hold on. I came off the field after that and watched as we were able to advance to midfield before Cam Newton was intercepted, effectively ending the game.

Final Score
Panthers - 21
Bills - 24

Game Stats
2 rec, 30 yards, 1 TD, 2 drops

2013 Stats
4 rec, 35 yards, 2 TD, 2 drops

Good game without the 2 drops.