ESPN Panther Camp Review

by Jaxon on Jun 30, 2008 2:37 PM EDT

Here's a decent post from ESPN about potential Panther training camp battles to watch. Nothing too surprising here but I thought the post hit on some key areas.

#1 Running Back

They lament DeAngelo Williams poor luck.

Williams will most likely get the first crack at the starting job in camp, while Stewart recovers from toe surgery and learns the team's playbook, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see the rookie getting the call come Week 1.

As I've said before I'm not so sure D-Will won't be the starter for the first several games. It's his postion to lose in my opinion.

#2 Wide Receiver

Then again, the bar has been set so low, it shouldn't be difficult to improve on the 10 touchdowns the departing duo provided over the past three seasons combined. If they provide even a modest threat, that should free up Smith to have a 1,600-yard season, and even if they fail, Smith will still reach the 1,000-yard plateau with a handful of scores, simply by sheer force of will.

1,600 yards and 15 TD's sounds good to me. Everybody recognizes Smitty's will to win and what a huge talent he is on the football field.

Offensive Line

In short, this musical-chairs experiment might result in an inexperienced line, in which its players need time to develop chemistry with one another. The unit must gel quickly for the team to have any chance at success.

Any other year I would be terrified of what might become of this many changes on a line. But given the players we have plugged into there I'm excited to see what they can do. It's true though our season swings heavily on Delhomme's arm.

Yes, the Panthers might go far this year, but only as far as Delhomme's elbow and bounce-back will allow. If everything falls just right, the five most feared words in the English language might just end up being, "You're playing the Carolina Panthers."

I liked the ending of this post as well. It's time to the Panthers to strike some fear this year like they used to.

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I realize I've sucked this past week keeping this site updated. Please have patience, I've had some serious personal issues this past week, I won't bore you with the details. If anyone wants to type a juicy post for the front page to help out just put in a Fanpost and I'll promote it.

Hopefully things will be back to normal in a couple weeks before training camp. I'm still planning on attending more sessions this season and will be posting my camp reviews like last year.

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Comments

The only problem with williams

Is his blocking. Fox’s schemes seem to demand that everyone block, note that even smith will block. The best image I have of Williams problem is a game when he went to block a defensive end and basically ended up hugging him because his arms where too widely spaced. The pass went well but he hasn’t shown up to now that he can effectively block during passing plays.

by Parmenides on Jul 1, 2008 12:44 AM EDT reply actions

Very good point

Pass protection will be a priority early in this season and ‘olay’ blocks by a RB should get you a quick seat on the bench. I wonder how well Toefield blocks? If J-Stew needs time to learn I could see Toefield getting the call on 3rd down to stay in and block.

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Jul 1, 2008 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions

That a great question

I know he was hurt but Toefield has to be getting some talk about getting some carries, what was the point of signing him if we dont use him. That said for a back of his size i would be shocked if he can not block. I think he has a chance to be a big part of the 2008 panthers or he would be my dark horse canadite to be a huge addition to this team.

by A'sfaninNC on Jul 2, 2008 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions

Hope

everything is OK with ya Jaxon! Also hope we can be a force to be reckoned with. I get tired of the rival fans in our division and any cowboys fan running down the Panthers. Let’s kick some ass this year!

by Davejinxer on Jul 1, 2008 8:30 AM EDT reply actions

Thanks Dave

Losing two in a row to the Cowboys has been especially bothersome for me. I would love to knock them out of the playoffs this year, though I may be getting ahead of myself.

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Jul 1, 2008 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions

good stuff

Five minutes ago was the first time I ever thought about Williams ability to block, good point parmenides. I think the bottom line with him is that he needs to get 15-20 touches a game. If Stewart gets 18 carries to D-Will 10 and 6 receptions, then we’re doing pretty good. As for Williams’ pass blocking, well it was more crucial last year as we constantly fell behind early and had fragile QBs in the game. I remember one year when LT only ran for about 1200 yards. He caught 100 passes that year. That kind of play is more D-Will’s style. Toefield is a quality back with size and power. He can definitely punch it in on the goal line and 3rd and 2. Therefore, Stewart and D-Will have to work to keep him off the field. He won’t win a starting spot over those guys, but he will definitely show them what it’s like to be hungry.

I’ve heard some people say Jarrett will be a star in this league. If he shows some flash this year, Hackett will be gone next year. In the criticisms of Jarrett, his blocking and inability to learn the playbook were his weaknesses. That can be a good thing in that his ability to catch the ball and make plays are not weaknesses. If Colbert had the playbook memorized, it didn’t help. Being able to catch is the number one thing we need from our 6-4 4th receiver. If he can’t do it, Barnidge will fill that role in the red zone. Moose isn’t exactly a small receiver, either.

Training camp starts on the 25th.

Jaxon, I hope all is well. You are my #1 source for Panthers news because the other guys suck. Keep your head up. Don’t worry about us, take care of yourself.

by usana_gaines on Jul 1, 2008 3:30 PM EDT reply actions