Bears vs. Panthers Talking Smack with Cat Crave
By Mike Praser
Sep 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Carolina Panthers fans Justin Curlee (left) and Kristy Curlee (right) hold up signs prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
This week the Bears go on the road, where they seem the most comfortable. I don’t understand why they have lost two at home and won two on the road, but I’ll take what I can get. This week’s road warriors take on the beat up Carolina Panthers in a match-up of Defense vs. Offense. These are usually the most boring of games, but Bears fans should be wary thinking that it is going to be easy to go into Carolina and squeak out a win. As per our weekly post, we are smack talkin with Bryan Palmese from Cat Crave, the Carolina Panthers Fansided site.
Before we start this week’s edition of talking smack, can you tell our readers a little something about yourself?
"My name is Bryan Palmese and have been a Panthers fan since inception in 1995. I have also been the Editor at CatCrave.com since May of 2014. I am originally from Long Island, NY, but went to school in Raleigh, and have been a resident of Charlotte for 5 years now. Sep 14, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) rushes for a gain against San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Corey Lemonier (96) during the second quarter at Levi So, how do you truly feel about Jay Cutler as your QB? For awhile I thought he was heading down the Tony Romo path to underachieving, but he looks more mature now. Do you truly think he is your franchise QB?"
What, no insults? No Jay Cutler jokes? I know that the Panthers just came off a big loss, oh wait a minute… Are you still upset over Steve Smith running around the Panthers defense ‘like they were schoolyard kids’?
I do truly feel that Jay Cuter is the Bears franchise quarterback. Is he as good as Aaron Rodgers, Payton Manning, Drew Brees or Tom Brady? No, absolutely not. Jay Cutler can make all the throws, but at the same time he can make all of the mistakes. I think he showed great poise and resilience in the two victories against the 49ers and Jets in the previous weeks. But that being said, he just turned the ball over way too much in the two home losses in week 1 against the Bills and in week 4 against the Packers. I personally like Jay Cutler and think he is the best quarterback the Bears have had in decades. But at the same time, I don’t know if he is the quarterback that is going to win us championships. With the group around him, I think he is a great piece to the puzzle. Now let me flip the coin and ask you the same thing about Cam Newton. Do you feel that Cam Newton is the Panthers franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future?
Sep 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) winces after being tackled by Baltimore Ravens defensive end Chris Canty (not pictured) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
"Meh, the Cutler Jokes are so 2010, and way too easy to delve into. I’d rather focus on that defensive display against Green Bay that made our defensive shortcomings against Baltimore not look so bad. As for Steve Smith, he did abuse us all day, and that scares me a little with the likes of Marshall, Jeffery, Bennett coming to town. Not to mention, Forte rediscovered himself against the Pack and our run defense has looked horrible the previous two weeks. I think we’re in for a high-scoring affair and think Cam Newton gets back on track with his best game of the season this coming weekend. To your question about Newton and the franchise, I do think Newton is the Panthers’ franchise quarterback. The nagging injuries have hampered his running game, but it has helped him be a better passer. His decision making and check downs have shown that he has matured at reading defenses. I think if the Panthers can add a deep speedy receiving threat opposite Benjamin in the draft or free agency, and improve the running game, Newton is poised to be an elite QB in ’15. The character issues and polarizing persona that he possessed when he was drafted do not concern me anymore. He has matured both on and off the field, and once he is healthy, is our franchise QB."