Shula, promoted from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator last week, was the Buccaneers' offensive coordinator from 1996-99. Strictly from a statistical perspective, it wasn't what you look for: four consecutive seasons ranked 22nd or lower in total offense.
But it isn't all about black-and-white stats. Those Tampa Bay teams relied on their stout defense while asking the offense not to lose games, a formula that netted two playoff berths – including a NFC Championship appearance – during Shula's tenure. Tampa Bay's quarterback for most of that time was Trent Dilfer, who enjoyed by far his best touchdown-to-interception ratio (21-to-11) of his career under Shula's tutelage in 1997. By comparison, Dilfer had 12 touchdowns versus 11 interceptions for the defensively dominate Baltimore Ravens team that won the Super Bowl following the 2000 season.
Anyway, what really should matter is what Shula has done lately and is poised to do in the future, and the Panthers are excited about those prospects. He's obviously very familiar with quarterback
What are some of the improvements that Cam Newton needs to make in his third year? – Parnell in South Orange, N.J.
Newton was playing the best football of his pro career when last season ended, accounting for 14 touchdowns and just two turnovers during the team's 5-1 finish. The Panthers lead the NFL in plays of 20 or more yards over Newton's two-year tenure with 165, but it's the smaller stuff that Newton made the most progress toward shoring up late last season. He became much more effective in the short passing game, more often making a wise decision to take what the defense gave him rather than trying to force the ball downfield. Still, he finished just 26th in completion percentage. That's undoubtedly one number he wants to improve in 2013.
Bryan, can you tell me what the Panthers do to the footballs in preparation for a game? The footballs look different from "The Duke" you can buy. – Jim in Columbia, S.C.
"That's kind of an in-house secret," longtime equipment manager Jackie Miles said, adding that any pregame treatment is done to satisfy the preferences of the starting quarterback. Assistant equipment manager Don Toner, whose sure hands often catch the footballs to keep practice moving, explained that balls can be used in practice prior to game. Each team is allowed 24 balls per game, and balls can be used in as many as three games.
"We'll practice with the balls starting in training camp and then put them aside to use them for the games," Toner said. "You're allowed to wipe them down with a wet towel and use a bristle brush on them. The new ball is real slick, still has some residue on it, so we try to bring the tack out."
Bryan, I saw where the Panthers signed
Yes. And no.
The other five became free agents when practice squad contracts expired for NFL teams not in the playoffs. Two, however, are no longer free agents, as wide receiver Jared Green and guard Ray Dominguez signed future contracts with the Dallas Cowboys. They're called future contracts, by the way, because players signed to them don't officially join the roster until the new league year begins March 12.
