Carolina Panthers: How to Fix the Worst NFL Team in 11 Easy Steps!

The 2010 edition of the Carolina Panthers was the worst since the inception of the franchise. Even though they won one more game than the inept 2001 edition that went 1-15, these Panthers were unwatchable and gave no hope unlike the 2001 bunch.

The offense, in particular, was putrid. Many local high school teams ran more creative plays.

But, Carolina, there is HOPE, yet!

Gone is the numb skull offensive coordinator, Jeff Davidson, and the "it is what it is" Head Coach John Fox (what it was, was bad!), and his ridiculous "bend, but don't break" defensive philosophy.

In is the new head coach, Ron Rivera, and new offensive coordinator, Rob Chudzinski, from sunny San Diego. Also joining them is blitzing defensive coordinator Sean McDermott, from Philadelphia, who will hopefully shine some light on this dark, dismal season that the Panther fans just endured. 

The Panthers can turn this around in a hurry by following my suggestions, and please Jerry Richardson, do not spare the change like you did this year. You nearly ruined the franchise and the fans will choose to spend their money elsewhere if you don't listen to me.

Here is how to make the Panthers competitive again:

No. 1: RE-SIGN YOUR STARS

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 03: DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers in action during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on October 3, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

This is a must!

DeAngelo Williams is the Panthers all-time leading rusher, and with a healthy Jonathan Stewart, makes the running game the best offensive threat. What gives hope on the offensive line is the return of Jeff Otah at right tackle from injury, paired with Pro Bowl tackle Jordan Gross.

By re-signing free agent Pro Bowl center Ryan Khalil, outside linebacker Thomas Davis and corner Richard Marshall,  defensive sack beast, Charles Johnson, the Cats would be send a message to fans that the Panthers mean business in 2011.  

Also getting Steve Smith the ball more would help.

How to do that?

No. 2: GET A REAL NFL QUARTERBACK THAT CAN RUN TOO!

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 31: Quarterback Vince Young #10 of the Tennessee Titans drops back to pass against the San Diego Chargers in the game at Qualcomm Stadium on October 31, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeated the Titans 33-25. (Photo by

Vince Young you say?

I say a big YES!

His 2010 quarterback rating was a 98.6, the league average was 75.0. He threw 10 touchdowns and only three picks in 2010, before he injured his thumb. Sure, he had his issues with Jeff Fisher, but Fisher is not there anymore.

The Panthers had a chance to get Michael Vick before he signed with Philly, but let him get away.

Sign Vince Young and he will put fans back in the seats of Bank of America Stadium!

Let Clausen and Tony Pike watch a real NFL quarterback perform.

No. 3: DRAFT THIS GUY!

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Nick Fairley #90 of the Auburn Tigers reacts during their Tostitos BCS National Championship Game against the Oregon Ducks at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Ge

NICK FAIRLEY is simply a BEAST! The former basketball player has the quickness, toughness and tenacity the Panthers sorely lacked last year from the middle of the defense. He led the SEC in sacks and tackles for loss, and single-handedly made the Ducks soup in the NCAA title game! He makes Pro Bowl linebacker Jon Beason that much better by keeping the guards and center away from him, and yes put Beason back in the middle where he belongs!

No. 4 DRAFT THIS GUY TOO!

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: D.J. Williams #45 of the Arkansas Razorbacks reacts to what he thought was a touchdown but he was down by contact in the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on

The Panthers desperately need a tight end threat! D.J. Williams is a receiver first, then a blocker, but the Panthers have not had a threat at tight end since the Wesley Wall days of long ago. A good tight end is a quarterback's best friend and Williams is as good a person as he is football player. Give the defenses something else to worry about & it will help the entire offense. Williams should be available by the time the Panthers pick first in the third round, if not give up a 6-7 rounder to move up & get this guy!

No. 5: CUT THIS GUY!

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 23: Kicker Rhys Lloyd #5 of the Carolina Panthers watches play against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on November 23, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

The Panthers were the only team (and the worst team) in 2010 that had two kickers. Rhys Lloyd had the easiest job in the NFL last year, as the Panthers never scored! This dude uses a a valuable roster spot, almost laughable that he is even on the squad. If John Kasey can't kick it to the end zone, get somebody else to get field goals, I love Kasey, but having two kickers for the worst scoring offense in history is just plain dumb! 

NO. 6: PLAY SOME REAL MUSIC AT BANK OF AMERICA STADIUM!

Martin Rose/Getty Images

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 10 :Fergie of Black Eyed Peas perform a song during the kick-off celebration concert for the 2010 FIFA World Cup at the Orlando Stadium on June 10, 2010 in Soweto, South Africa. (Photo by Martin Rose/Getty Images)

OK, I could have said a few other need positions, but if they accomplish #1-#5, the Cats are back in the playoff hunt. One thing is missing - a LOUD and rocking Bank of America stadium. Part of the problem is the stupid music they play. Can you believe they actually play " Sweet Caroline" at an NFL game?? Come on man! Give us some AC/DC or Black Eyed Peas or something to get the fans going! Jerry needs to visit a few other LOUD stadiums and hire the music guy to get the fans pumped. If we are 2-14, at least we could hear a few good tunes!

NO. 7: MAKE HIM A PRO BOWLER AGAIN!

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 19: Steve Smith #89 of the Carolina Panthers points to the Arizona Cardinals sideline during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Just throw him (or reverse to him) the damn ball! Not getting the ball to Steve Smith is ridiculous. A real NFL quarterback would make this a priority. Many times last year, Smith caught his first pass in the second half! Line him up in the backfield, reverse - anything to get Stevie back to the Pro Bowl is good for the Panther offense and fans!

NO. 8 BLITZ!!!!!!!!

Doug Benc/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 26: Linebacker Trent Cole #58 and defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley #97 of the Philadelphia Eagles bring down running back Maurice Jones-Drew #32 of the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on September 26, 2010 in Jacksonv

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers make it an art form! The John Fox, bend but don't break, cover two Tampa does not put pressure on quarterbacks. The Carolina defense was as boring as the offense, nothing gets the house rocking like a blitzing, tough, aggressive defense. Rivera and McDermott will do this! 

No. 9 PUT THIS GUY BACK IN THE MIDDLE!

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 24: Jon Beason #52 of the Carolina Panthers against the San Francisco 49ers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 24, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Jon Beason is a Pro Bowl player at middle linebacker, not outside linebacker. Put your best players in their best position, enough said! Beason is the heart & soul of The Panthers defense, put him behind Fairley & he would be "The Beast Beason" again!

NO. 10: GIVE ARMANTI A REAL CHANCE!

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

GREENVILLE, NC - SEPTEMBER 05: Armanti Edwards #14 of the Appalachian State Mountaineers reacts to his teams' 29-24 loss to the East Carolina Pirates at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium on September 5, 2009 in Greenville, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/G

Armanti Edwards can play. John Fox hates to play young players, Foster over Williams (good luck Tebow!) was a prime example. Give this stud a real opportunity to touch the ball on offense, he will electrify given the chance!

No. 11 PUT A SMILE ON YOUR FACE!

Geoff Burke/Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 10: A Carolina Panthers cheerleader dances against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images)

Even the Panther cheerleaders were down last year! Giving the fans hope with better quarterback play, a blitzing defense, a tight end they actually use, a big hoss in the middle of the defense, getting the football to play makers, better music in the stadium, all add up to happy fans, and happy cheerleaders, (and more money for you Mr. Richardson!) .