Bill Voth
Charlotte
Digital & social strategy
Ex: @Panthers Sr. director of content & broadcasting, @BlackBlueReview & @SpiracleMedia cofounder, TV sports anchor
Orangeman via CLE
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Articles by Bill Voth
The five NFL teams doing the best on social and digital media
The Chiefs’ YouTube offerings include the long-form series, “The Franchise.” The NFL is a copycat league on the field and, all too often, on digital media. The league’s content teams are keenly aware of what everyone else is doing, which is why there are a lot of indistinguishable posts across platforms. Contract-signing photos, “Hard Knocks”-like long-form series, hype videos — social media osmosis means the playbook looks the same. But the best digital teams are leaders, not followers.
Week 16 Inactives: Brian Burns active in Washington
CHARLOTTE – Defensive end Brian Burns is active for Sunday's game at Washington. Burns, who head coach Matt Rhule this week called "more than likely out" but who was listed as questionable, is going to play through a knee sprain he suffered in last Saturday's loss at Green Bay. Burns leads the Panthers with 8.0 sacks and will keep his streak intact of playing every game since the Panthers took him in the first round of the 2019 draft.
Week 16 Final Injury Report: Brian Burns questionable
CHARLOTTE – Defensive end Brian Burns is listed as questionable for Sunday's trip to Washington, giving him a slightly better chance to play than the three Panthers who are doubtful. That's the designation for running back Christian McCaffrey (thigh), left tackle Russell Okung (calf) and cornerback Troy Pride Jr. (hip). For McCaffrey, it would be his 12th missed game this season. Okung has been limited to seven games, while Pride has appeared in every game as a rookie.
Week 16 Wednesday Injury Report: Christian McCaffrey "doubtful" to play at Washington
CHARLOTTE – Running back Christian McCaffrey will likely miss a sixth straight game and 12th overall this season. McCaffrey didn't practice Wednesday though he joined his teammates on the practice fields while wearing a red, no-contact jersey. He was scheduled to return from a shoulder injury after the Week 13 bye but tweaked his thigh while getting ready to face the Broncos.
Christian McCaffrey ruled out of Panthers' trip to Minnesota
CHARLOTTE – Running back Christian McCaffrey will not join the Panthers when they travel to Minnesota on Saturday and has been downgraded from questionable to out for this weekend's game with the Vikings. On Friday, head coach Matt Rhule said he expected McCaffrey to be on the trip, but he was unlikely to play with a shoulder injury that's kept him out of the past two games. "I'm pessimistic that he'll play," Rhule said after Friday's walkthrough.
Week 11 Inactives: Teddy Bridgewater will not play against Lions
CHARLOTTE – Teddy Bridgewater is inactive for Sunday's game with the Lions, making way for P.J. Walker to make his first NFL start. Bridgewater, who came into Sunday as a game-time decision with a right knee injury he suffered late in last week's loss to the Buccaneers, went through two on-field workouts pregame.
Week 11 Friday Injury Report: Teddy Bridgewater listed as questionable
CHARLOTTE – Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is listed as questionable heading into Sunday's home game with the Lions. Bridgewater, who injured his right knee late in last week's loss to the Buccaneers, was limited in practice all week. But the Panthers are still hopeful he'll be able to play. "He's getting better. All along I've felt good about where it's headed," head coach Matt Rhule said. "It's just a matter of will we have enough time to get him to where he can be?
Christian McCaffrey ruled out for game against Lions
CHARLOTTE – Running back Christian McCaffrey, who sat out Sunday's loss to the Buccaneers with a shoulder injury, will also miss this week's game against the Lions. McCaffrey suffered the injury late in the Week 9 loss at Kansas City. He had just returned after missing six games with a high ankle sprain. In three games this season, McCaffrey has averaged 124.7 scrimmage yards and scored six total touchdowns. With McCaffrey ruled out, Mike Davis is expected to get another start.
Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey ruled out for game against Lions
Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey (22) runs against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Bashaud Breeland (21) during the second half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020.
Teddy Bridgewater exits loss with knee injury
CHARLOTTE – Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater left Sunday's loss to the Buccaneers with a knee injury and did not return. As of Sunday night, the severity of the injury was unclear. "I don't know because he got up and walked off," head coach Matt Rhule said when asked about his level of concern for Bridgewater. "When it comes to knees and stuff like that, I never know. I don't have a feel one way or the other because, unfortunately, when the game is over, I come in, he's not in there.
Rapid Reactions: Buccaneers run away from Panthers, 46-23
CHARLOTTE – The Panthers have had troubles on third downs and in third quarters this season, and that trend continued Sunday. After taking Tampa Bay to the half tied at 17, things fell apart quickly. The Bucs won the third quarter, 12-0, en route to a 46-23 win and handing the Panthers a fifth straight loss.
Week 10 Inactives: Jeremy Chinn active for Buccaneers rematch
CHARLOTTE — After sitting out last week's loss in Kansas City with a knee injury, safety Jeremy Chinn is active Sunday against the Buccaneers. Chinn was never in real danger of missing the game, but he was listed as questionable just like he was heading into the contest with the Chiefs. He still leads all rookies in tackles by a comfortable margin with 66 this season.
Week 10 Friday Injury Report: Christian McCaffrey officially ruled out for Bucs rematch
CHARLOTTE — Running back Christian McCaffrey has officially been ruled out of Sunday's rematch with the Buccaneers. McCaffrey, who injured his shoulder late in last week's loss to the Chiefs, missed all three days of practice this week. The good news is the injury isn't considered long-term, and head coach Matt Rhule said he's hopeful McCaffrey can return next week against the Lions. With McCaffrey out, Mike Davis will get his seventh start of the season.
Why Brian Baldinger is bullish on the Panthers' young building blocks
CHARLOTTE – Few national media members are as familiar with Panthers head coach Matt Rhule and how he wants to build a team as Brian Baldinger. An analyst for multiple outlets, including NFL Network and FOX, Baldinger first got to know Rhule in 2013 when he was Temple's head coach. Rhule made weekly appearances on Baldinger's Philadelphia-based radio show and Baldinger returned the favor by speaking to the Owls at least once a season.
Christian McCaffrey designated for return
CHARLOTTE – The Panthers on Tuesday designated running back Christian McCaffrey to return from the reserve/injured list. The move means he can begin practicing, and the team now has 21 days to put him back on the active roster. McCaffrey, who hasn't played since he suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 2, showed up to Tuesday's practice in a red, non-contact jersey and baseball cap. But he soon changed into a black jersey and helmet during the portion of practice open to the media.
Luke Kuechly officially joins the Panthers front office as a pro scout
CHARLOTTE – The last time Luke Kuechly had a job that didn't require him to play football, it was the summer of 2008. "My family ran an auto parts company. That was my last job when I was in high school. I worked in the warehouse as a warehouse picker," Kuechly recalled Thursday night. That's right. Before becoming a seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker and one of the best players in Panthers' history, Kuechly spent his summers at J&N Auto Electric in Cincinnati. But what's a warehouse picker?
Luke Kuechly could join Panthers scouting staff
The Panthers on Tuesday officially placed linebacker link-placeholder-0] on the [NFL's reserved/retired list. But Kuechly could soon be back in a new capacity. Kuechly is considering a role in the front office, where he'd join the team as a pro scout. Famous for his love of the game and hours spent dissecting film, Kuechly would be able to carry those passions over into a new career.
Marty Hurney: Parting ways with Cam Newton was "extremely difficult"
Nearly nine years after Marty Hurney used the Panthers' top pick of the 2011 NFL Draft on Cam Newton, the general manager on Monday faced a number of questions about why Carolina moved on from the quarterback last month. On a conference call with local media, Hurney wouldn't get into specifics. "In fairness, I'm not getting into the details of our decision-making process," he said. Instead, Hurney stressed the call was anything but easy.
Main takeaways from Matt Rhule's NFL Combine press conference
1.) As of right now, Cam Newton is the Panthers' quarterback in 2020, if healthy There are obviously a couple of caveats in that statement. "As of right now" = there are still 201 days until the opening Sunday of the regular season. A lot can happen between now and then, but it appeared the main message about Newton was the Panthers are planning to have him behind center at the start of next season.
Marshall Faulk: Christian McCaffrey is "a better version of me"
MIAMI – Christian McCaffrey was so good in 2019, it felt like every superlative was exhausted by November. But even now, more than four weeks after McCaffrey and the Panthers wrapped up the season, it's still possible to uncover new accolades. "Phenomenal." That's how legendary running back Marshall Faulk on Wednesday described McCaffrey's year. That word, phenomenal, wasn't a new descriptor. What Faulk followed with was. "He's a better version of me." Yeah, that's new.
Will Grier, Panthers sputter through "impossible situation"
INDIANAPOLIS – As if making his first career start for a team on a six-game losing streak wasn’t enough of a hill to climb for Will Grier, the rookie quarterback was handed another challenge after just six plays Sunday. DJ Moore, who led the NFL with 711 receiving yards over the Panthers’ past seven games, was lost after the second drive with a concussion. “That wasn’t ideal,” Grier said afterward. No, no, it wasn’t.
Turnovers again doom Kyle Allen, Panthers
CHARLOTTE – Despite the Panthers’ loss at snowy Green Bay last week, many saw signs of progress from quarterback Kyle Allen. On Sunday, that positivity was buried in a pile of interceptions. Allen tossed four picks against the Falcons, who had totaled just four takeaways in their previous nine games this season. Those were a league-low. So were their two interceptions. It took them less than 30 minutes to exceed that number against Allen.
Despite "impressive" finish, earlier turnovers cost Kyle Allen, Panthers
GREEN BAY, Wis. – Christian McCaffrey said Kyle Allen “fought his ass off.” Ron Rivera praised Allen’s “moxie.” Greg Olsen described Allen’s fourth-quarter performance as “pretty incredible.” With all that said, the final score didn’t care that Allen nearly helped the Panthers pull off a miraculous comeback in adverse conditions at a venerable stadium. “It doesn’t matter,” Allen replied when asked about moral victories.
Thomas Davis facing four-game suspension
CHARLOTTE – Linebacker Thomas Davis on Friday announced he recently learned he violated the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy. In a video posted to his Twitter account, Davis said: “I was completely caught off guard by this. I've never in any way done anything to try to intentionally cheat the game. “I've taken the same supplements for the last seven or eight years and never had any issues, been tested numerous times over the years while taking the same stuff.
Grill Bill: A choice incoming at quarterback?
Website submission from Rob in Greensboro, NC: Cam vs Kyle? Who would you start against the 49ers? You know, a lot of this stuff is starting to remind me of 2015. It’s not an apples-to-apples comparison, and I’m not saying this year is bound to turn into a similar magical season, but let me explain. Back then, it struck me how many fans focused on things other than the winning.
What's left to say about Christian McCaffrey? A lot.
CHARLOTTE – If there's a go-to guy to describe how Christian McCaffrey is playing right now, it wouldn't be McCaffrey. But I had to at least try after his latest masterpiece. "I think I'm playing well," he said in his typically understated way after torching the Jaguars for 237 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns. "I think there's a couple things here and there that I've got to get better at." That's such a McCaffrey response, but it does help explain how he continues to amaze week after week.
Jarius Wright flashes when Kyle Allen, Panthers need him most
HOUSTON – Someone showed up for this weekend’s road trip wearing one of those hats. Brim, bright color, big clothespin, feather. But it wasn’t Cam Newton. He stayed back again to nurse his injured left foot. So who was the Panther trying to pull off some flash? One of the most understated guys on the team. “That’s why it was a big hit because this is not me,” wide receiver Jarius Wright said as Carolina’s victorious locker room cleared out Sunday afternoon.
"Hell of a defense" shuts down dangerous Deshaun Watson
HOUSTON – When Deshaun Watson's last-gasp attempt fell to the turf Sunday afternoon, Shaq Thompson ran toward the Panthers' sideline with arms raised. The usually reserved linebacker then ripped off his helmet and began shouting at the stunned crowd. Thompson's words were unclear, but his message wasn't. "They're going to have to start giving us more respect," he said, referring to the lack of attention Carolina's revamped defense has received.
Grill Bill: A Cam Newton, Kyle Allen conundrum coming?
Website submission from Derek in Raleigh, NC: Are you ready to say Kyle Allen should be QB going forward? If by “going forward” you mean at Houston and maybe another game or two, sure. Beyond that, I liked the gist of Steve Smith Sr.’s take this week when he suggested folks “pump the brakes” on this kind of talk. Sure, Allen was tremendous in Arizona. I certainly didn’t see that kind of nearly flawless performance coming.
Cam Newton, offense left looking for answers after loss to Bucs
CHARLOTTE — Cam Newton has no limitations. That’s what he and the Panthers said last after last Sunday’s loss to the Rams and in the days leading into Thursday night’s matchup with the Buccaneers. But something’s clearly off — with Newton and the offense. “Through my lens, it’s hard to look defensive guys in their eyes after a game like this,” Newton said early Friday morning after the Panthers fell to 0-2. “Offensively we didn’t hold up our end of the bargain. That’s the obvious.
Cam Newton: I'll throw deep when it's the right opportunity
CHARLOTTE – It’s going to be a question until Cam Newton connects on at least one in a game. Where’s the quarterback’s once-vaunted deep ball? In Sunday’s season-opening loss to the Rams, Newton threw just one pass that traveled 20-plus yards beyond the line of scrimmage, and that was a misfire to an open Curtis Samuel. And because Newton’s 37 other attempts were of the short or intermediate variety, there were queries afterward about why he never seemed to try to stretch the defense.
Cam Newton "rusty" in first real action of 2019
CHARLOTTE – It had been nearly nine months since Cam Newton last threw a pass in a regular-season game. In the 265 days between, the Panthers quarterback underwent a shoulder procedure and sat out spring workouts before throwing just six passes in the preseason. So it stands to reason he wasn’t all that sharp Sunday. “(I was) a little rusty. Just have to get on the same page with everybody,” Newton admitted after the Panthers’ season-opening loss to the Rams.
Cam Newton "feeling good," cautiously optimistic for Year 9
CHARLOTTE – There are many times when Cam Newton doesn’t like talking about himself. His first game-week press conference of the 2019 season was one of those times. Because reporters hadn’t talked to the Panthers’ quarterback since he sprained his foot two weeks ago, the first question he got Wednesday was about what happened in that preseason game against the Patriots. “(I’m) focused on the Rams,” Newton replied. Ok, but how does he feel going into this season versus years past?
Joey Slye hopes to settle into new home after taking winding road to NFL
CHARLOTTE – A day after he officially found out he’d start the season as Carolina’s kicker, Joey Slye had some adulting to do. He spent his Saturday apartment hunting, eventually settling on a place conveniently near Bank of America Stadium. But the biggest perk may be that it’s fully furnished, which means no more trips to the local coin-operated laundromat.
Panthers hope Cam Newton dodged a preseason bullet
FOXBORO, Mass. – If someone asked you, "What's the worst thing that could come out of the Panthers' preseason game against the Patriots," you would've answered "an injury to Cam Newton," right? Well, that worst-case scenario happened when Newton hurt his left foot on Carolina's third drive. But as Newton left the stadium in a walking boot, there was some good news.
Grill Bill: Most under-the-radar training camp standout?
Website submission from Richard in Fayetteville, NC: Hi Bill, After training camp in Spartanburg, do you have any players who stood out other than Curtis Samuel? #KEEPPOUNDING #PANTHERNATION Funny, cause the last time I wrote this column, Samuel had to be at the top. Same this time around. That’s how good he’s been this spring and summer. But since you’re asking for a name other than the third-year wideout who forced us to notice him day after day, I’ll present Dennis Daley.
“Swole” kicker Joey Slye inches closer to fulfilling promise made to late brother
CHICAGO – Joey Slye could have quit. Most would have. The Buccaneers didn’t want the kicker after a rookie minicamp tryout last summer. Neither did the Browns. Then after spending all of last season away from football, Slye got a chance with the Giants in May. He was cut a week later. The Giants called again on the eve of training camp last month. He was cut four days later. So why keep going?
2019 Training Camp Observations: A picturesque Tuesday
SPARTANBURG – The final training camp practice before the preseason opener is typically a glorified walkthrough, so Tuesday was an obvious choice to give a bunch of vets a day off, including running back Christian McCaffrey, tight end Greg Olsen, center Matt Paradis, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and linebacker Shaq Thompson.
2019 Training Camp Observations: Curtis Samuel shines again
Sunday, Jul 28, 2019 02:21 PM SPARTANBURG – Another day, another practice featuring multiple Curtis Samuel highlights. The third-year wide receiver came into camp with more momentum than any other Panther, and through four practices, he’s lived up to the hype. It’s becoming routine that when you see someone catching a pass, you’re often left thinking, “Oh, that was Samuel – again.” Despite his stop-and-go injury-hampered first two seasons, Samuel has never lacked in confidence.
Clear your Friday night calendar: You're going to binge "All or Nothing"
It's a side of Carolina's quarterback we've never really seen, and it's one of the numerous examples of how Amazon Prime's "All or Nothing" masterfully takes viewers behind the curtain to humanize Panthers players and coaches. Newton is the star of the series, of course. That was a no-brainer for the NFL Films production.
With Berry Unavailable, Panthers Could Add Safety Help With Barry
It was a fun thought while it lasted. The Panthers are looking to strengthen their safety group. So Eric Berry, an embodiment of Carolina’s “Keep Pounding” mantra, would have been an ideal addition. That option, of course, was taken off the table last week when the Chiefs made Berry the NFL’s highest-paid safety.
Why the Panthers are Mad About Madden
A video game rating isn't just for kids. It's a statement on speed, skill, strength--but what do you do if you think it's wrong? By Bill Voth Published: 2015.09.04 09:20 AM Speed is a sensitive subject in the NFL. Slow guys think they’re fast. Fast guys think they’re faster. During Carolina Panthers training camp this summer in Spartanburg, speed seemed to be a daily conversation. Who’s the fastest guy on the team? And of the running backs? Or on the offensive line? And why does it matter so much?
Sharks place Thornton on IR after swelling in knee
The injury bug has taken a significant bite out of the San Jose Sharks early in the season, as forward Joe Thornton has been placed on the injured reserve after experiencing swelling in his surgically-repaired right knee, according to Paul Gackle of the Mercury News. Thornton flew back to the Bay Area amid the club's four-game road trip to visit doctors, but head coach Peter DeBoer says it's only precautionary.
Beckham expresses frustration with Giants' offense, connection with Eli
There's no question the New York Giants' offensive struggles are getting frustrating for Odell Beckham Jr. The 1-3 Giants rank 29th in points per game entering Week 5. ESPN's Josina Anderson asked Beckham if the problem lies with veteran quarterback Eli Manning. "I don't know," he said. "Like I said, I feel like he's not going to get out the pocket. He's not - we know Eli's not running it. But is it a matter of time issue?
Week 5 NFL betting report: Bettors hammering Rams, Eagles
Week 5 of the NFL season rolls along on Sunday with four games in the late-afternoon window and another to cap off the night. Will Bernanke, the lead analyst at CG Technology in Las Vegas, provided insight on how bettors are approaching the games. The Oakland Raiders earned their first win of the season, and first under head coach Jon Gruden, last week in an overtime victory over the Cleveland Browns.
Meyer dropped to a knee on sidelines due to headache
A scary scene took place on the Ohio State sidelines Saturday when head coach Urban Meyer dropped to a knee late in the game. Meyer has dealt with a history of health issues. He retired from coaching after suffering from chest pains during the SEC championship game in 2009 when he was with Florida. He also had an arachnoid cyst on his head drained in 2014. Meyer said Saturday's episode was nothing more than a headache. "I've dealt with headaches in the past.
Panthers 'Next Man up' at Center Is a Former Landscaper Living a Dream
A year ago, Tyler Larsen was digging trenches for his father’s landscaping company in Utah. Now he’s getting ready to start for the defending NFC champs on Sunday Night Football. Larsen is next in line at center for the Carolina Panthers, who on Tuesday placed Ryan Kalil (shoulder) and Gino Gradkowski (knee) on injured reserve.
Observations: First minicamp practice
—Every player on the roster was present and accounted for as the Panthers kicked off the first day of their three-day minicamp. The only guys who weren’t on the practice fields were tight end (ankle) and defensive tackle (back). Defensive end , who’s spent most of his spring working inside, did come out to watch a bit and hand out some tips to the youngsters. Peppers is coming off shoulder surgery, and it’s not like someone who’s played as long as he has needs minicamp reps. — was full-go.
David Tepper off to a winning start
It was only a first impression that lasted under seven minutes, but the soon-to-be Panthers owner won his first major press conference. ATLANTA – Close your eyes for a moment and think about a prototypical NFL owner. What do you imagine? I’ll tell you what I see. Based on first impressions, that’s not David Tepper. “I should have worn a better shirt,” he quipped shortly after he was unanimously approved by NFL owners to buy the Panthers. In a way, Tepper had on the perfect shirt.
Talkative rookie Donte Jackson not short on confidence
Second-round pick is already reminding Ron Rivera of the last loquacious cornerback that played in Carolina. CHARLOTTE – The last cornerback who talked a lot around here believed he could morph himself into the Dark Knight. Two seasons removed from Josh Norman, it appears the Panthers have finally found a replacement. As a yapper, at least. “I talk,” second-round cornerback after Friday’s rookie minicamp. “But I don't really do the superhero thing. “I wake up like this. Just a natural edge.
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