SB Nation - Jason Carter

Charles Godfrey breaks his hand & Panthers Make Roster Moves

LittleKing — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:28:34 -0000

Just announced but another injury has surfaced for the Panther Defense. Apparently Charles Godrey broke his hand during the game Saturday night as reported by Darin Gannt.

Starting FS Charles Godfrey had surgery to repair a broken right hand. No word yet on his timetable.

Since he wasn't being extremely effective this appears to be a minimal hit, but more importantly takes depth again away from another position because of injury. Darin is also reporting that Quinton Teal will slide into his place as starter at FS for the time being.

To add depth back in to the position, they signed free agent S Kevin Kaesviharn. This of course means they had to release someone and give us an indicator of how the depth chart will form. To make room WR Jason Carter was released. Despite his standout performances in training camp he wasn't making the grade during live action.

I'm putting this season on the coaches. With all the injuries, it will really come down to how well the coaches do their job in getting all the newbies ready for the season.

Panthers Release Depth Chart with a Few Surprises

Jaxon — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:20:30 -0000

Panthers.com has now posted a depth chart and it has a few surprises worth discussing. I agree it doesn't mean too much at this point but I think it does reflect some things we have already seen in Training Camp. Let's start with the offense:

Offense:

WR1 — Steve Smith, Ryne Robinson, Jason Carter, Kevin McMahan
LT — Jordan Gross, Patrick Brown, Mackenzy Bernadeau
LG — Travelle Wharton, Jonathan Palmer, C.J. Davis
C — Ryan Kalil, Justin Geisinger, Mackenzy Bernadeau, Keith Gray
RG — Keydrick Vincent, Duke Robinson, Justin Geisinger
RT — Jeff Otah, Geoff Schwartz, Gerald Cadogan, Garry Williams
TE — Jeff King, Gary Barnidge, Dante Rosario, Andrew Davie
WR2 — Muhsin Muhammad, Dwayne Jarrett, Kenneth Moore, Marcus Monk
QB — Jake Delhomme, Josh McCown, Matt Moore, Hunter Cantwell
FB — Brad Hoover, Tony Fiammetta
RB — DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Mike Goodson, Decori Birmingham

In spite of the high praise sent his way in TC C/G Mackenzy Bernadeau is still 3rd string at center and is not listed at guard anywhere. He is instead listed 3rd string at LT (huh?). Justin Geisinger is #2 at center and has obviously improved his stock given he can play multiple positions.
T Gerald Cadogan is listed as 3rd string RT behind Geoff Schwartz. Patrick Brown is slated as Jordan Gross back-up on the left side where I thought Cadogan would compete. This doesn't bode well for Cadogan.
TE Gary Barnidge has passed Dante Rosario (no surprise there)
WR Ryne Robinson remains ahead of Jason Carter.

Defense:

LDE — Tyler Brayton, Charles Johnson, Everette Brown
LDT — Nick Hayden, Marlon Favorite, Lonnie Harvey, George Hypolite
RDT — Damione Lewis, Corvey Irvin, Lorenzo Williams
RDE — Julius Peppers, Everette Brown, Hilee Taylor, Casper Brinkley
OLB1 — Na’il Diggs, James Anderson , Landon Johnson, Kelvin Smith
MLB — Jon Beason, Dan Connor, Jeremy Leman
OLB2 — Thomas Davis, Mortty Ivy, Anthony Heygood
LCB — Chris Gamble, Dante Wesley, Captain Munnerlyn
RCB — Richard Marshall, C.J. Wilson, Sherrod Martin, D.J. Clark
SS — Chris Harris, Nate Salley, Joe Fields
FS — Charles Godfrey, Quinton Teal, Paul Chiara

The biggest surprise here is LB James Anderson is listed above Landon Johnson. Cutting Johnson might save some cap space if Mortty Ivy can fill the #7 back-up LB spot.
DE Tyler Brayton is still listed over Charles Johnson
DT Corvey Irvin is slotted behind Damionne Lewis at RDT and not LDT. It looks like until a vet DT is brought in Nick Hayden and Marlon Favorite will battle for the Kemo's spot.

Special Teams:

K — John Kasay, Rhys Lloyd
P — Jason Baker, John Kasay
H — Jason Baker, Josh McCown
PR — Ryne Robinson, Larry Beavers, Captain Munnerlyn
KR — Ryne Robinson, Mike Goodson, Larry Beavers
LS — J.J. Jansen

Robinson is still getting the benefit of the doubt in kick returns. Beavers over Munnerlyn so far and Goodson over Beavers in KO's.

Any other surprises for anyone else?

Ten Players to watch during the Pre-Season

Revshawn — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:00:17 -0000

Through the Pre-Season, there are ten players I am going to be keeping an eye on. Five on offense, and five on defense. I thought that today I would share them with you, so that you can keep an eye on them too.

Matt Moore

Until the Panthers decide otherwise via the NFL Draft, Matt Moore is the future of this franchise. He has shown at times that he can get the job done, especially during the latter half of the 2007 season when he started three games for us, winning two of them. He followed that up with a horrible 2008 Pre-Season showing, but he will get another chance in 2009 to show us that we can depend on him to lead this franchise. He has the arm strength, but can he be accurate?

Dwayne Jarrett

All eyes are going to be on Jarrett throughout the whole game. His confidence has been reported to be rising during training camp, and his play along with it. Can Dwayne Jarrett push Moose to start at flanker? A good showing would help him, especially if he stops dropping those easy passes. We don't need a Braylon Edwards on this team, we need an Andre Johnson. Jarrett has two strong veterans in Moose and Smith to train him into the player we know he can be, but he needs to step up in Pre-Season and show us that he has potential.

Jason Carter

Another wideout that you will need to keep an eye on. For those that don't already know, Jason Carter is one of the kings of training camp. He showed tremendous potential during the 2008 training camp, but we lost him for the season due to injury. This year he seeks not only to make the roster as a 4th or 5th receiver, but to secure a position at slot receiver once Moose retires and Dwayne takes over at flanker. We'll see how far he has come.

Ryne Robinson

3rd receiver in a row I know, but we need to see how Ryne is doing in his kickoff return duties. He has been inconsistant in previous years, and in 2008 due to Ryne's injury in Pre-Season the Panthers were forced to bring in Mark Jones whom performed pretty well. He averaged 24 yards a kick return, and every now and again he would break off a big return to start the Panthers off in their opponents territory. Had the Panthers not had the Julius Peppers situation, they may have opted to resign Jones and cut Ryne altogether. But because of it, Ryne has another opportunity to step up and take the job. He will not get it without a fight, he faces competition in newly signed Jason Chery, and Larry Beavers, as well as our 3rd RB Mike Goodson.

Tony Fiammetta

Hoover finally has some competition, and he's only the best fullback in the 09 draft. The Panthers could save some money by cutting the Hoov, but it's a shame considering how long he has been with our team. I suppose times change, and people grow older. It's rare for a team to carry two fullbacks, so if Tony performs well expect for Double Trouble to have a new guy clearing up the running lanes in front of them.

Corvey Irvin

With Kemo out for the season, Corvey is going to be pushed into a much bigger role than he would be before. Never mind Nick Hayden, I still don't believe that he'll start over him. At worst, Irvin may slowly take the role bit by bit as the regular season progresses as John Fox slowly works him into the role. He'll need to improve quickly if we're going to make up for the loss of Kemo.

Dan Connor

With a strong need at DT and our LB core loaded, Dan Connor may end up as trade bait if he performs exceptionally well in the Pre-Season. Even if he isn't traded, if he manages to overcome Na'il Diggs and take over at OLB we may have the best crew of linebackers in the league. Jon Beason is an absolute beast, Thomas Davis is the best player at our team at blitzing the QB, and Dan Connor reading the mind of the QB to pick off his passes. If it happens, it's going to stink of awesome.

Richard Marshall

With Ken Lucas being signed by the Seahawks, Marshall is going to have a big target on his back. Gamble on the other side is being portrayed as a shutdown corner, so expect Marshall to be tested early and often. He needs to prove that he is able to stand his own as well, or else you'll see QB's pick on him in the regular season.

Sherrod Martin

Expects to convert to corner and serve the same kind of nickel DB role that Marshall served in the previous seasons. How good will he be, and how fast is he going to develop? He's been a rather quiet and unwatched player during training camp, and his play remains to be seen by many fans.

Charles Johnson

In his limited play last year, Charles Johnson did something that Tyler Brayton failed to do the entire season even though he was the starter: Get to the QB. Despite Tyler starting all 16 games, Charles still beat him in the sack category by 1.5 sacks. I read a little more into this than most people. Charles Johnson will compete against Tyler Brayton for the starting DE spot beside Julius Peppers, with Everette Brown the rookie thrown into the fray as a wildcard.

Those are the players I will be keeping an eye on when the Pre-Season kicks off this Monday Night at 8PM. You should keep an eye on them too.

Panthers vs. Giants 2009 Preseason Game Preview

Jaxon — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 10:00:10 -0000

Finally, the Panthers get to hit someone from another team rather than each other. It's about time. Also, be sure to chime in on Open Game Thread Monday Night at 7pm.

Panthers Offense:

We can expect the Panther first team offense to play at least two series but not maybe much more. Josh McCown will be the first off the bench and expect to see RB Mike Good son early and often. Matt Moore will get a chance to atone for a horid 2008 peseason that ruined his momentum. An early measure of this offense will be how well the 1st team o-line manages to run the ball against the Giants first team d-line. Here's the state of the Giants d-line from the Bleacher Report:

I have no idea how the defensive line will shake out. There are at least eight guys that could be starting on many teams (Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, Mathias Kiwanuka, Fred Robbins, Barry Cofield, Chris Canty, Rocky Bernard, and Jay Alford).

Some of these guys are coming off injuries. Might the Panthers make a bid for one of these cast-offs? Other players to watch on offense include WR Dwayne Jarrett, FB Tony Fiammetta and WR Jason Carter. I will also key on how well the Panther srun the ball late in the game when the back-up o-linemen are in the game.

Since these two teams meet later this season don't expect too much trickery. The scheme should be fairly vanilla from both offenses as they focus on execution of the basics.

Panthers Defense:

I'm excited about seeing this new, more aggressive defense we've heard so much about. Expect a lot of rotation across the front line and hopefully they can keep the Giant running game in check. LB Dan Conner should get in the game early as our second team LB's will get plenty of action. Rookie DE Everette Brown should replace Peppers on the right side early as well. Let's see if the kid is the real thing and gets pressure on whatever Giant QB is out there. Another battle to watch is DE Charles Johnson trying to outperform Tyler Brayton, a hybrid DE/DT who could become a 3^rd down specialist.

The secondary should get plenty of work as the Giants try to figure out what they have at WR. The Giants Steve Smith won't be playing either so the Panther secondary can expect opportunities to make plays on the ball in the red zone. Without Plaxico Burress the Giants have no established red zone receiving threat. This should give S Quinton Teal an opportunity to continue his good work and who knows, maybe an INT in a live game.

Once we get in the 4^th quarter let's see if there is a drop off in intensity. A couple UDFA's are making a bid for the practice squad, including LB Jon Leman and DT Marlon Favorite. Also 7^th round pick Captain Munnerlyn will probably play a lot and hopefully show how to play the bump and run. I will be curious to see how much man-to-man the Panthers will show the Giants just to give them something to think about when they meet again when it counts.

Special Teams:

Both the kick return and punt return competitions are wide open. Expect to see some rotation as Goodson, WR Larry Beavers and WR Jason Carter take turns. On punts it will be WR Ryne Robinson, Beavers and Munnerlyn getting looks. It should be an adventure.

On kick coverage many of the Panthers second team will be trying to show the added value of good special teams play. I'm predicting Conner, Munnerlyn and Sherrod Martin excel against the Giants.

Panthers Week 1 TC Stock Watch

Jaxon — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:30:17 -0000

After one week at Panthers Training Camp there is already movement in the predicted final roster. Some players are building on their OTA performance and others are still stuck in neutral.

The following players have improved their stock:

JJ Jansen - Long Snapper

With the release of J3's primary competition in Nick Sundberg Jansen's stock went golden. As long as he avoids multiple blunders in preseason he should secure a roster spot.

Gary Barnidge - TE

Barnidge continues to build on his good work from OTA"s and is now seeing reps with the first team. Though he is a lock for the roster if he continues his good work into the preseason he good secure the #2 TE spot and see some work on 3^rd down going into the season.

Dan Conner - LB

With Jon Beason watching from the sidelines nursing a hamstring tweak Conner has shown he could step right in if needed. Though I don't expect him to overtake Beason or even SLB Na'il Diggs for a starting slot he could get into a rotation at some point.

Quinton Teal - S

Teal has shown some much needed ball-hawking skills in TC as he displays an aggressive nose for the ball. Where he may have appeared vulnerable coming into OTA's due to his previous UDFA status he continues to show he belongs in this league.

Jason Carter - WR

Carter looks to have picked up right where he left off prior to a leg injury last TC. If Dwayne Jarrett struggles or fails to gain the confidence of the coaching staff Cater could move into the #3 spot with no other challenger stepping up.

Stock is moving down:

Dante Rosario - TE

With Barnidge moving up that can only mean Rosario is moving down. Darin Gantt recently compared Rosario to a one trick pony, a pass-catching TE who struggles to block. That description does not bode well for a TE in this Panthers offense and pretty much explains why Rosario disappeared after game 1 in 2008.

Duke Robinson - OG

The concern about Robinson coming into TC was his conditioning. The fact he is having a hard time with the heat may indicate he has yet to get in game shape. Though I still expect Robinson to make the roster he may end up in the #9 OL slot and ride the ‘inactive' pine all season.

Ryne Robinson - KR/PR/WR

Robinson continues to be treated with kid gloves as they bring him back slowly. The problem is that as a result his competitors are getting more looks and opportunity to take his job. Though Robinson hasn't done anything wrong he also hasn't grabbed his opportunity and shown he can be the return guy. The longer he waits to long his chances of winning the job get.

Projected Panthers 2009 Depth Chart: Receivers

Revshawn — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:00:20 -0000

The Carolina Panthers boast one of the best receivers in the league, and also one of the shortest in Steve Smith. You look at the rest of the top receivers in the league, and they all hover around a height of 6-2 or 6-3. Meanwhile Steve Smith is only 5 foot 9, and he's playing among the best of them like it's no big deal. Until he retires, he's going to be one of the top receiving threats that the Panthers have, while the rest of the guys are just fighting to keep up with him. That's the way you describe our receiving core, and this year will be no different.

Steve Smith - Projected 1st receiver - 5,9 185 pounds (9th year, Utah)

Steve Smith was drafted in 2001, the year the Panthers had possibly the best draft in their history. Taken in the 3rd round, all of the draft gurus had already pinned him as a return specialist, for there was no way a person at his height was going to be able to be a productive receiver in the NFL right? 40 times, college production, and all of the statistics all thrown out the window they took one look at his height and his draft stock flew down the drain.

Steve Smith set out in his career to prove them wrong. 4 Pro Bowls, 5 years with 1000+ yards, and all in a career that isn't hardly half over yet. Steve Smith is a deep ball threat on every down with his speed, yet he has the possession skills to make shutdown corners look silly in the short game. If the game is on the line and the Panthers are behind then you no problem. Steve Smith has shown time and time again that he has the ability to catch balls in double coverage and save the game for you in the end.

Steve Smith 2008 Highlights (via AMadden13)

With a six year contract extension signed in 2007, Steve Smith looks to be a Panther for life. It goes without saying that he will be the starter in Week 1. No one will question that. He is a natural leader whose presence cannot underestimated in the locker room or on the field.

100% Possibility to start

Muhsin Muhammad - Projected 2nd receiver - 6,2 215 pounds ((14th year, Michigan State))

Moose is a household name in Carolina. He is our current record holder in almost every career record in the receiving category we have as a team, and besides a 3 year stint in Chicago he has played in Carolina his entire career. He hasn't been exceptionally awesome. He's only had 3 seasons with 1,000+ yards in the regular season, one Pro-Bowl appearance. However, he has been consistent, and the blocking skillset he brings to the table is something a lot of other people don't catch onto when they look at Moose. Breaking off a big run is much easier when there is a big physical receiver to take out a safety or a corner out of the play. He's a good part of the reason that Deangelo Williams had his breakout year, and one of the reasons he will stay a starter on the Carolina offense in spite of being 36 years of age.

Does Moose stand to break 1,000 yards this season? Probably not. In spite of his rapport with Jake Delhomme, our running game is just too great to figure Moose getting much over 60 receptions again in his career. Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart will get the ball early and often with our coaching staff in remembrance of that fateful 5 INT day by Jake Delhomme. Their success sets up the deep ball game perfectly with Steve Smith once the safeties get sucked up in the running game, and Moose is left with possession catch duties when the Panthers are stuck in crucial 3rd down situations as well as the odd pass here and there.

I would imagine a 55+ reception year for the aging veteran in which may be his final year with the Panthers, depending on whether or not the following receiver is ready to take over.

80% possibility to start, 95% possibility to make roster

Dwayne Jarrett - Projected 3rd receiver - 6,4 219 pounds ((3rd year, USC))

While his USC teammate Steve Smith has went on to win a Super Bowl in his rookie year with the Giants, Dwayne Jarrett has yet to nail down his starting roster spot even though he was hyped as a tough, physical that could have went in the 1st round if he had a better pro-day showing and a faster 40' time. So far, he's been a disappointment. Dwayne Jarrett didn't get the start over Keary Colbert in his rookie year, and since then he has been reduced to slot receiver duties until further notice. In 2009, it's going to be even harder for him to hit the field thanks to the success of Double Trouble keeping the 3 WR set off the field.

However, there is some reason to hope.

Dwayne Jarrett is entering his 3rd year, which is the traditional time for receivers to break out and have a big year. Dwayne Jarrett is not without talent and playmaking ability, as he flashed last year with a couple of 3rd down receptions in the game against the Chargers, leading to a dramatic conclusion we all remember and treasure deep in our hearts. Finally, he will not have D.J. Hackett stealing snaps from him on 3rd down so he will be able to see the field more and finally start flashing those physical catches in traffic that we drafted him to see.

This is a make or break year for Jarrett. If he has a strong showing, the Panthers will take him under their wings as the 2nd receiver for now and for the future. If not, except the Panthers to work harder to sign that contract extension for Julius Peppers so that they can free up some cap space to search for Dwayne's replacement in FA. Dwayne Jarrett will make the team this year, but what happens after that is up for his play on the field to decide.

Dwayne Jarrett has an outside chance to start if he shows signs of improvements and Moose takes a heavy step back. If not, expect John Fox to go with the longtime veteran.

20% chance to start, 100% chance to make roster

Ryne Robinson - Projected in 5 WR set/Kick Returner - 5,9 179 pounds (3rd year, Miami)

Like Dwayne Jarrett, Ryne Robinson is at a crossroads with the Panthers. Drafted in the 4th round of the 2007 NFL Draft, he was taken in hopes that he would provide a reliable return man for the Panthers. Instead, he was inconsistent in his rookie year and suffered an injury the following year that put him on IR. With Mark Jones leaving via free agency, Ryne Robinson has one more chance to prove that he can contribute to the team.

As a receiver, Ryne Robinson is a small, speedy guy. He's not going to win many jump balls, but he has that speed that can stretch the defense and give defensive backs some trouble. However, he needs to improve his hands and hold onto the football better, as he was the result of two fumbles in his limited time as a rookie. With a little work he can be a contributor in the 5 WR set.

He is also expected to return to his kick return and punt return duties in 2009. Don't expect for him to keep them long though if he struggles early in the preseason. Jonathan Stewart has experience in kickoff returns and did well in the Pac-10, and Jason Carter along with a few other receivers have the skills needed to try out as well. Ryne has flashed the skills to do his job well near the end of his rookie year, but he needs to prove that he can be more consistent for the Panthers to commit to him long-term.

95% chance to make roster

Jason Carter - Suspected in 5 WR set/Kick Returner - 6,0 205 pounds (3rd year, Texas A&M)

Jason Carter started his career with the Vikings in 2006. He stayed on their practice squad and made it onto the active roster near the end of the year before being cut at the 07 training camp. Then he came to the Panthers, and Jason Carter turned some heads and amazed the fans in training camp. It would have been enough for him to make the team, but then he blew out his knee and ended up on IR for the year. In 2009, it looks to be another developmental year for the young receiver, and he may develop into a long-term answer at slot receiver if Dwayne Jarrett takes the #2 spot later on.

Jason Carter made his mark in training camp with his speed. Excellent hands, he'll soar up and make some circus catch that makes you scratch your head and wonder how he did that. And once again, he has that 3rd year breakout label working for him too. I'd be very surprised if he's cut at the end of training camp, Jason Carter should continue to rise into the roster and make the team through one reason or another, whether it be Punt Return, Kick Return, or another man on the 5 WR set. He is a playmaker, and it would be a waste for him to ride the bench.

80% chance to make the roster

Kenny Moore - Suspected WR - 5,11 195 pounds (2nd year, Wake Forest)

With Mike Goodson being tried out for the slot receiver position, Kenny Moore's roster spot has been put into doubt. He will have to fight hard to prove worthy of being kept by the Panthers. The ceiling of our other wideouts are far too high, and if Mike Goodson can prove himself to be a capable receiver it would make Kenny Moore obsolete, and he would be cut so the extra spot could be used at other positions. Depending on how Goodson performs, it's a virtual coin-flip on whether or not he makes the final roster. Will the Panthers go with 5 wideouts and accept Mike Goodson as a 6th? Or will they elect for 6 wideouts like they have in the past? The job of Kenny Moore hangs in the balance.

50% chance to make the roster

Larry Beavers - Suspected cut - 5,10 167 pounds (Rookie year, Wesleyan)

Averaged 39.5 yards per kick return and an amazing 29.2 yards per punt return as a senior at Wesley. He has a chance to make the team as a kick and punt returner. Though at 5.10 and 167 pounds, he is extremely tiny for his size. He's going to have to bulk up a bit to withstand the pounding he'll receive from other teams, one good lick will knock this kid out cold.

25% chance to make the roster

Jason Chery - Suspected KR/PR - 5,11 185 pounds (Rookie year, Louisiana-Lafayette)

A fellow Rajun Cajun from the same school as Panthers Jake Delhomme, Jason Chery declined offers from the Steelers and the Saints after the draft to sign an offer with the Panthers. A little-known player that was on the rise as the draft approached, he didn't manage to crack the 7th round. He listed Carolina as his choice mainly because he believed that Carolina would be his best bet to make the team as a Punt or Kick returner. He will attempt to do this during training camp, but with more skilled players ahead of him the chances of him making it are very little. He seems destined to make the practice squad on some team.

20% chance to make the roster

Kevin McMahan - Suspected cut - 6,2 196 pounds (2006 Mr. Irrevelant, Maine)

After being thrown around from team to team, practice squad to practice squad, the 2006 Mr. Irrevelant makes it to Carolina with a interesting skill set. He's 6,2 and runs a 4.4, yet he's never been able to put it all together to be a starter in the league. His desire to play the game is questionable, he once left a game while playing with the Raiders because he had bit his tongue. Seems like just another camp body.

5% chance to make roster

Marcus Monk - Suspected cut - 6,4 222 pounds (2nd year, Arkansas)

Monk is a big body, but he doesn't have the speed to provide for anything other than an endzone possession receiver. Never latched onto a practice squad during his rookie year, which is worrisome. He has a high ceiling as a possession receiver, but not enough to justify keeping him around. Expect him to be cut.

0% chance to make roster

Panther Paw Prints Around the Web

Jaxon — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:04:11 -0000

My latest version of Paw Prints uses a new format that comes courtesy of the latest SBN platform upgrades.

It looks like the top 3 vying for kick returner duties has been identified:

Darin Gantt's Panthers Blog | The Herald - Rock Hill, SC
OTA's Day 3: They had rookie RB Mike Goodson, WR Larry Beavers and CB Captain Munnerlyn back there Friday, all looking exceedingly quick. QB Jake Delhomme marveled at Goodson's feet the other day, eyes popping wide and saying "He's got jets," when asked about the impression the fourth-rounder had made. Any of the three would provide a speed upgrade over 2008 version Mark Jones, who might have been the slowest good returner ever. Now all special teams coach Danny Crossman has to do is teach these fast kids to return as well as Jones could, and they could be onto something.

I'm liking WR Jason Carter's chances of being the #4 WR

Darin Gantt's Panthers Blog | The Herald - Rock Hill, SC
OTA Day 4: After practice, WR Jason Carter was impressive, catching balls fired from the Jugs machine with one hand. He's either going to end up with a roster spot or a broken finger if he keeps it up.

If the Panthers can get quality o-line back-ups from 7th round picks my hat is off to them

Inside the Panthers: Delhomme on Jarrett; Hurney on OL depth
"We feel very good about (guard-center) Mackenzy Bernadeau and (tackle) Geoff Schwarrtz as far as (them) coming into their second year," said Hurney. "We took them last year in the seventh round. They’ve had a year to kind of learn. We’ll see how they do. Then we used another draft pick (this year) on (guard) Duke (Robinson). And we really were aggressive and signed some rookie free agents after the draft. "You’re evaluating every day and (seeing) how things go. Competition will kind of answer those questions. But I think we feel like we’ve got some good competition there for those backup spots."

Are we not all hoping this is WR Dwayne Jarrett's break out year?

Panthers hope this is Jarrett's year | The Herald - Rock Hill, SC
"It's so much easier, just in terms of preparation, learning the playbook, just going out there knowing what you're supposed to do," Jarrett said of his current practice routine. "The game slows down that much more, so it's like a learning process all the time, but it's definitely easier than my first two years. "Some guys get it fast, and some guys it takes longer. I've just been working at it ever since I got here."

This post points out some interesting potential impacts from some of the new coaches.

Extreme Makeover Coaching Edition: Carolina Panthers Welcome Fresh Faces | Bleacher Report
This hire brings a level of chemistry to the offense, and Scherer’s methods and tactics are different from McCoy’s—a quality that could lead to a rejuvenation of Jake Delhomme. Scherer was the wizard behind the curtain of Browns’ quarterback Derek Anderson’s breakout 2007 season. Former Texans defensive coordinator Richard Smith takes over as linebackers coach after grooming DeMeco Ryans into one of the best linebackers in the AFC, and transforming Mario Williams from a top pick bust to an established defensive end.

Up until this post everyone has been saying to expect less blitzing.

Carolina Panthers Playbook Plans for Consistency on Offense, Overhaul on Defense | Bleacher Report
It is likely that he will use more linebacker blitzes than the traditional Tampa-2, given that he has threats such as Jon Beason and Thomas Davis in his linebacking corps. More zone coverages for the Panthers secondary will also help, as they at times seem undersized and overmatched when defending man-to-man.

Panthers Top 5 Position Battles: Offense

Jaxon — Wed, 13 May 2009 11:00:18 -0000

Continuing the review of the Panthers top position battles to look forward too in training camp we turn to the offense. In this case I've got 5 roster positions to analyze as the more intriguing match-ups to watch.

#3 / Slot Wide Receiver

With the release of DJ Hackett it would seem Dwayne Jarrett has the inside track on this spot, or does he? Then the Panthers selected RB Mike Goodson in the ~~5^th~~ 4th round and quickly declared him a prospect for the slot position. When you add in 3^rd year WR and PR Ryne Robinson and WR Jason Carter you have a full on competition. The Panthers could keep 6 wide receivers if two of them also fill duel roles, like 3^rd RB, PR or KR. Since I don't have to explain where I would get the roster spot from I'm going to say the Panthers will figure out a way to keep all four mentioned above with Jarrett getting the first reps in the slot against the Eagles, then Robinson. Until we see what plays they run for Goodson in the preseason I can't say if he will even see the field outside of special teams. Carter could work his way into a rotation but working against him the Panthers focus on the running game. If the Panthers cut one at this point I have to say it will be Carter, my thinking being he may need more time coming off the injury.

Fullback

I don't think it's a given the Panthers keep two fullbacks. The Panthers will have some tough decisions with the final cut down so I'm thinking if the 4^th round rookie Tony Fiammetta can instill some trust with management he might usher in the end of the Brad Hoover era sooner than expected. I love the Hoov as much as any fan and I don't think he has lost much on his game in spite of the obvious pounding he has inflicted on others. It could just come down to the headcount and the Panthers desire to take a chance on another player. I have not even seen film on Fiammetta so I can't say for sure he has the skills to do it but if there is a position that translates from college to the NFL it is fullback. If you know how to run and block the role can be adequately reduced to just that. It would be better for the Panthers in the long run if Fiammetta showed he was ready for the prime time immediately.

Will Panther WR Dwayne Jarrett Gives the Panthers a 3rd Option at WR in 2009?

#2 TE

The Panthers may not run many two TE sets in 2009 but they will still retain the personnel to run it. Though they actually kept 3 TE's in 2008 that is not a given in 2009. Its safe to say Jeff King will be the starter and I'll say right now Dante Rosario holds off Gary Barnidge for the #2 position. If the Panthers keep two FB's then Bardnidge could be the odd man out. Why Rosario disappeared after the San Diego game is still confusing to me as far as how little the Panthers involved him in the passing game.

Right Guard

In spite of the fact many other pundits are expecting rookie OG Duke Robinson to compete for Keydrick Vincent' spot I don't think it will be that close provided Vincent is healthy. I think Robinson's conditioning and inability to control his temper will be enough to let him watch a few games before the staff gives him more playing time. If Vincent shows wear and tear and Robinson gets in shape I might eat my words but my money is on Vincent starting against the Eagles.

#2 QB

Since ~~Luke~~ Josh McCown wasn't brought into Carolina until after the preseason we has yet to participate in a TC competition in Carolina. 3^rd stringer Matt Moore has to be miffed to be listed 3^rd after playing so well at the end of 2007. If not for the preseason injury in 2008 he might be getting more consideration as competing for the starter's job. Moore represents the biggest boom or bust in camp. I can see him blowing away McCown and I can see him cutting cut. If he can't show more promise than McCown than the rookie UDFA Hunter Cantwell might be a darkhorse for the #3 QB slot. I'm going to stick with McCown holding the #2 job at the start of the season.

How the Panthers 2010 Free Agents will be affected without the CBA

LittleKing — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:09:14 -0000

I previously posted a general look at how the Panthers organization would fair beyond the 2010 season without a salary cap. In continuing to think about his topic I realized that we have a slew of players in their last contract year. Trying to negotiate a new contract with no cap next year and uncertain future will be extremely complicated.

With the new provision of having to acquire six accrued seasons of NFL experience to become a UFA instead of the current four I was wondering how many would fall into this category.

Here's a list of all the players in their last contract year for the 2009 season.

Player (Pos)	Years Pro After 2009 Season
Under six accrued seasons
Nick Hayden (DT)	2
Kevin McMahan (WR)	2
Lorenzo Williams (DT)	2
Kenneth Moore (WR)	3
Nate Salley (S)	3
James Anderson (LB)	4
Jason Carter (WR)	4
Rhys Lloyd (K)	4
Matt Moore (QB)	4
Quinton Teal (S)	4
C.J. Wilson (CB)	4
Jeff King (TE)	5
Richard Marshall (CB)	5
Six and over accrued season
Thomas Davis (LB)	6
Tyler Brayton (DE)	8
Josh McCown (QB)	9
Julius Peppers (DE)	9
Keydrick Vencent (G)	10
Jake Delhomme (QB)	12
Muhsin Muhammad (WR)	15

Here is how the numbers breakdown: 20 total players subject to become FA, 13 that will be under the six year rule and 7 players over. Of the first 13, those with 2 & 3 years are unaffected by the new rule (since they would still be RFA under the current rules), its those with 4 & 5 accrued season it will affect.

The two biggest names of out this group are TE Jeff King and CB Richard Marshall. King was tendered this year and this means, if he doesn't sign a new contract this year, we can use the tender on him again next year. Marshall is in the last year of his contract. If he makes good use of this year and proves he is starter quality, we can use the a tender on him as well if he doesn't want to sign long term.

It will be interesting to see how we handle the rest in this group. CB C.J. Wilson has been a project Fox may like to continue to see develop. With the safety positions locked in with Chris Harris and Charles Godfrey, S Quinton Teal definitely would continue as a backup. Since he wasn't drafted he would get a low tender.

QB Matt Moore and K Rhys Lloyd would be a difficult decision. Moore is in a tough spot, fans want him to play, but bringing in McCown last year didn't show a lot of confidence. Although since Fox likes to have a veteran backup, maybe you can't read a lot into it. But if they think Moore is the future it sure is hard to tell. Fox and his QB will always be a mystory. Lloyd was definately a benefit last year but every year we have to ask, is the roster spot worth it? Most will probably say yes.

WR Jason Carter wasn't drafted but if he continues this year the way his 2008 preseaseon was going be in for a tender next year if not a full long term contract. His recently signed contract was probably a one year deal. And that leave LB James Anderson. He was given a tender this year and because he knows the system could be give a tender next year.