AGOG Coach Interview: Panthers' Coach Barnabas Hughes Keeps Pounding

by patriotsfan543 | 6 years ago | 0 Comments

Today we sat down with Coach Barnabas Hughes, who has led his Panthers to an 8-0 start to the season. The Panthers are one of the frontrunners in the NFC and is a sure Super Bowl contender. We discuss with Coach Hughes how he has gotten here, the quest for an undefeated season, and the now-crowded backfield. 

 

Q: Hello Coach Barnabas, your Panthers have kept pounding to the tune of an 8-0 record to start this 2018 season. What has been the key to this success thus far?

 

A: Well, to be quite honest, I don’t feel like any single player is to be recognized for exemplary play leading to my impressive start, in fact my offense is sitting at number 13 in the league, and my defense is slightly more impressive at number 6. If I had to choose the one key element that has been fueling my success, I would have to say it would be our turnover difference, we are currently ranked number 1 in the league in the aforementioned category, with a whopping 18 as our turnover difference.

 

Q: Seems like you are just a solid team all-around, but obviously the turnover difference is a big thing. How have you been able to achieve such a big turnover difference? Any big playmakers on defense? A certain gameplan to limit turnovers on offense?

 

A: My key to forcing turnovers is making sure I have the right guys in the right spot. I lost my starting strong safety, for multiple weeks, and immediately made a trade with the Dallas Cowboys to acquire Ron Parker to fill the gaping hole, his first game as a Panther, resulted in him intercepting a pass, ultimately sealing the game. As far as any “big” playmakers, I would have to say that our middle linebacker, C.J Mosley, shows up every game ready to play, he currently has 5 interceptions, and 2 sacks. I look forward to seeing him progress throughout the year.

 

Q: Makes sense, it definitely is a team sport and you need everyone to step up week in and week out. So now you are sitting pretty at 8-0 atop the NFC South with a 3 game lead over 2nd place. I know we are only halfway through the season but are there thoughts of a undefeated season brewing in Carolina?

 

A: Our focus is to win games. I would be lying if I said that the idea of eventually having 16 wins in the “win” column is not tucked in the back of my mind. I’ve, of course, reviewed my schedule a plethora of times, and only see one real threat to ensuring that very idea becomes a reality. Baby Little Dick, and his Lions are playing good football, and we meet up in two weeks. I know it’s quite atypical to look forward to games, but when you have as much as we do riding on the line, it’s almost impossible not to.

 

Q: That game vs. BLD(Lions) is shaping up to be the Game of the Year and could be the battle of the undefeateds if you guys both take care of business beforehand. I know it’s a couple weeks out, but do you have a certain gameplan in mind for that Lions game? It will be a great test for your Panthers as you push towards the playoffs and we can potentially be looking at a NFC Championship Preview that week.

 

A: To be honest, I have a bit of a decision to make in my running back department. I originally drafted Jordan Howard, with the intent for him to be my go to man, someone I can rely on, and two games into the season, he has a severe injury that sidelined him for five weeks. I wasn’t willing to give up any of my players to replace him and my picks are too valuable, so I took to free agency. After scouring over the available half-backs, I decided to sign Jeremy Langford, who has been nothing short of amazing. He totes the rock at least 20 times a game, a natural workhorse, he averages 2.5 touchdowns a game, and a little over 100 yards a game. We are talking about a man I simply pulled out of free agency. From waiting for a call, to starting for arguably the best team in the league, in a weeks time. I know BLD is a passing team, and he knows I’m a running team, but that is not going to stop me from pounding the rock with… Jeremy Langford. Who I have named my starting running back for weeks to come, despite Howard returning.

 

Q: I am so glad you brought up your running back situation, was one of the topics I wanted to cover. Glad you went over that situation thoroughly. Must be a tough situation for Jordan Howard to be going through, getting Wally Pipp’ed, but depth is never a bad thing. So now we’ve talked about undefeated aspirations and what not, but do you think that this Carolina Panthers team is a Super Bowl caliber team? What are your expectations for this team?

 

A: My pleasure, always like to give credit where credit is due. Any coach, any real coach, will always say he believes his team has what it takes to hoist that infamous Lombardi Trophy at the end of the year, but what people won’t tell you is, not all coaches mean it. I fully, 100% believe, my team has what it takes to make it to The Big Game. We are clicking on all levels right now, as you mentioned, leading the division, which I believe we will take. I don’t think a wildcard game will be in play for us, as we will have a bye that week. It’s important not to get too ahead of ourselves though, one week at a time. One week at a time.

 

Q: Well you’ve definitely been playing like a Super Bowl team in the first half, if you perform similarly rest of season you are one of the frontrunners for the SB. I thank you for your time and participation, Coach Barn.

 

A: I appreciate the chance to get to sit down and talk about my success this season, and thanks for the kind words.