I like Goodson, but we need be sure his case of fumblitis is cured before we give him any substantial part in the offense, especially if it’s going to be taking away from Williams and Stewart. As I said, I like him but turnovers have been one of our biggest battles thus far.

Since the bye, we’ve averaged 184.75 rushing yards a game, compared to 101 before the bye. Goodson has shown a penchant to fumble (4 fumbles in 44 carries as a professional, including more than one against preseason scrubs who’ll never sniff a roster), and his runs of 4, -3, 4, and -2 yards in the regular season don’t exactly suggest he’s some kind of dynamic weapon who would be a threat every time he touched the ball. Williams and Stewart are doing a fantastic job, and I see no reason whatsoever to mess with their rhythm. It’s hard enough to keep two guys happy and into the game. To try and mess up that well-established dynamic at this point seems pretty pointless to me.

Think the Panthers are waiting for Goodson to develop better skills following blocks and for him to cut down on his fumbles before they give him any serious time in the offense.

But ultimately, whose carries does anyone suggest he takes?

The teams running a true 3 back system in the NFL all have one thing in common, none of their backs have the talent to be a true #1 back in their own right.

DeAngelo Williams is a true #1 back in his own right, and Jonathan Stewart is right on the cusp and would be starting for over 3/4 of the league. When you have that much talent at the position I don’t see any need to add Goodson to the mix.

I see Goodson’s true value as a KR, 5th reciever and possible wildcat RB where he can use his speed to get to the edge.

I bet the Saints see that tape as well.

…and particularly now when they need to throw something new into the mix that opponents can’t prepare against as easily. Goodson is a flat-out scoring threat. Yes, he can have problems hanging onto the ball, but that’s a correctable thing with the proper coaching.

Personally, I don’t want to see Goodson take additional carries away from Deangelo and Stewart, though…or at least, not a very high percentage. He needs to come in on running plays where they’re in the wildcat or using two RB sets where they can pair him with Deangelo and Jake could hand off to either guy to run for the edge.

More importantly, I think they need to start using Goodson in the passing game. Put him in the slot while Deangelo or Stewart is in the backfield. Put him in motion. Maybe handoff to him on a quick snap as he’s going in motion. Use him on reverses, paired up with Steve Smith. Try some new stuff and use him as the weapon he can be. What is there to lose at this point in the season by trying such things? The Panthers are a longshot to make the playoffs even as a wildcard. So, they could benefit by taking some longshots with their younger guys.

Sherrod Martin and Captain Munnerlyn are paying off dividends on defense. Why not look for something similar with Goodson on offense? Even if it doesn’t turn the season around, using him now and getting him experience in the sets can only make him better for our long-term success. Don’t just make him the KR until we draft another one and need to replace a RB we lost to free agency.

But that’s just my two-cents,
—Neil

Maybe Jaxon can talk to the CAR brass about stealing Paul Johnson from GT. JStew is a perfect B back, DWill is a prototypical A back, and Goodsen could take the other A back slot. That would put Steve Smith one on one with no safety help. Sure you could get Vick at the end of the season for cheap, and probably even sign Nesbitt as an UFA after the draft for the back up spot. The defenses in the NFC South are small and quick, and would get crushed by the Spread Wishbone….