Top 5 starters in danger of losing their job next season

by Revshawn on Jun 4, 2009 1:03 AM EDT Comment 48 comments

1. Brad Hoover FB

Don't get me wrong, in spite of his mistakes during the season Brad Hoover had this job locked up. Then in round 4 of the NFL Draft the Panthers picked up Tony Fiammetta, whom most scouts had declared the best fullback in the draft. He's a solid player with strong blocking, rushing, and pass catching abilities. I believe that if he impresses in camp that the Panthers will go for the younger, cheaper talent. Brad Hoover will be 33 in November, and by cutting him the Panthers will save 540k against the salary cap.

2. Tyler Brayton DE

With Everette Brown being taken in the 2nd round as a result of a trade, Tyler Brayton is going to have to put his rear in gear in order to keep his spot. Unless he pulls off a miracle in training camp and turns himself into a modern day Rocky, the Panthers are going to go with the smaller rookie in an effort to turn him into another Dwight Freeney.

3. Richard Marshall CB

Richard Marshall will start Week 1 with Ken Lucas gone, but other teams are not going to be impressed with him right off. Until he proves himself, he's going to be a guy with a big x on his back. Teams will throw to his side of the field early and often, and I wouldn't be suprised if the team yanks him in favor a bigger corner like Sherrod Martin if he struggles on a consistant basis. We might even see the two corners splitting time on the field, who knows?

4. Na'il Diggs OLB

Here's where things start to get a bit iffy, but irregardless this is a Top 5 article. We have arguably 5 starting caliber linebackers. Jon Beason and Thomas Davis are two young locks right off the bat, and Na'il Diggs is your old, experienced veteran. The two wildcard players that could be starters are 2nd year player Dan Connor, and Landon Johnson. Dan Connor has a chance to rise up and prove to everyone that he is the next Dan Morgan (minus the injuries). If he can do that, he just might take down Na'il Diggs and secure his spot. He might have done so last year, but he was injured for the season in Week 3 so we never got a chance to see if he could do it late in the year.

Dan Conner is pretty much the successor of Na'il Diggs in the future, but it's a matter of time. Diggs is still a tremendous player and he still produces, it's only a question of whether he can maintain it or not over a 16 game schedule. If he cannot, then Connor might sneak in there late in the year and get some playing time.

5. Dante Rosario TE or Muhsin Muhammad

Arguments can be made on both sides. Moose is getting old and Dwayne Jarrett is in his 3rd breakout year, so he might rise and take control. On the other hand TE Gary Barnidge was known as a great pass-catcher coming out of college, and if his skills have matured in the next level we might have another target on the field for Jake Delhomme. I'm going to open this one up for a poll. Your thoughts please!

Poll

Which player has the better chance of being replaced?

TE Dante Rosario

715 votes

WR Muhsin Muhammad

187 votes

902 votes | Poll has closed

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PS: I love the new submission module.

Everything about it kicks major rear. It was just begging to be said.

"Once again the trowsers of evil are yanked down by the mocking hands of justice!"-Revshawn

by Revshawn on Jun 4, 2009 1:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes, it does rock

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Jun 4, 2009 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

A few opinions:

1. I think Brayton should be at the top of the list. Not only does he have E Brown to fend off, but also C Johnson. Also take into account he is older and has 1 year left on his contract (I think), and that smells like a recipe for replacement. I could see the coaches wanting to get younger and giving Brown and Johnson more time also b/c they have more invested in them (draft picks, #2 and #3 respectively).

2. I do not see Hoov getting cut, especially for 540k. He was a vital part of our record setting rushing attack. Why mess with that? Plus he is our “type” of guy. He is a team guy and a leader. There is nothing wrong with having talent loaded in the backfield considering that is our strength. If injuries arise, then I feel very comfortable at RB/FB.

3. I agree that Marshall will be tested early and often, but I do not see him being benched for a rookie and one who played mostly safety in college. I think Martin has tools, but is a project kind of guy who needs to focus on a few things, technique wise at least, at first before even considering throwing him out on an island.

4. I agree on Diggs.

5. Moose is not going to get beat out for the #2 spot.

Will Parker

by WillParker81 on Jun 4, 2009 1:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm right with you on every one of these points.

I think he listed Brown with Brayton because Brown’s working@LE with the 2s and Johnson’s at RE. Shouldn’t be too hard for either of them to change positions if necessary, though.

FB isn’t like QB…Fiammetta can still be useful even if he’s not starting. He’s got to be a better blocker on ST than Goings, right?

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 4, 2009 2:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep, me too

On every point.

I also believe Goings’ ST blocking was among the reasons he was let go.

Aside from starters, I think the WR and CB battles are going to be the most interesting fights on the depth charts.

by the bomb dot com on Jun 4, 2009 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

There's also some interest...

…to be seen in the battles for the backup positions along the offensive line. All the starters from last year should still start. But after that, it’s open season. You’ve got Schwartz and Bernadeau as 2nd year players trying to stick. And there’s Cadogan, Robinson, and a handful of others trying to make it too. We won’t be able to keep them all.

by NSpicer on Jun 4, 2009 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

OL battles are important...

But they’re not particularly interesting, in that there’s very little a backup OL can do to contribute once he’s been established as the 2nd-stringer. Thus, no rallying cries for them to get moved up, since nobody sees practices and that’s the only time you’d really get to see them work.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 5, 2009 2:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I mean...

I don’t think there were many reasons to keep Goings, outside of nostalgia and loyalty. He really didn’t do much at all well last year, although I suppose his 12 tackles in coverage isn’t bad.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 5, 2009 2:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Moose won't loose the job

but I bet he retires after this season (with a Super Bowl ring with luck) and Jarret starts. So next season he won’t be starting.

by Flowing Willow on Jun 4, 2009 2:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I hope so.

Two Super Bowls, one very long completion in each Super Bowl with one being a record that still stands today. You have to hope that the 3rd time’s the charm.

"Once again the trowsers of evil are yanked down by the mocking hands of justice!"-Revshawn

by Revshawn on Jun 4, 2009 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1 amen to the Rev

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Jun 5, 2009 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The only one I could see is Rosario

I believe Hoover will remain because he had one of his best seasons last season, and his cost is minimum. Hoover will prove what he has to in order to start over Fiammetta, at least for this coming season. The Panthers know what Hoover can do for the running game during the season, they don’t with Fiammetta.

I think Brayton will keep his job because he’s better against the run than Johnson and most likely better than Brown too, considering the lack of Brown’s size in defending against the run. Also, Brayton became better against the pass as the season went on, 3 of his 4.5 sacks came in the last 4 games of the season.

I believe Marshall will remain the starter because outside of of Gamble, the Panthers don’t have a better CB. I seriously doubt Sherrod Martin will be better than Marshall this coming season, if any season. Marshall is a talented CB that I believe is ready to start. He’ll make his mistakes early on, but overall, he’ll have a good season.

I think Diggs will remain as the starting SLB because he’s better than Landon Johnson and he can cover TEs better than Dan Connor. Dan Connor is good against the run because he’s great at shedding blocks and making the tackle, but I believe he’s too slow to play SLB where he would have to cover the type of TEs the Panthers will have to face, even in their own division with the likes of Gonzalez, Winslow, and Shockey. Who knows for sure, maybe he’ll surprise me and be able to cover a NFL TE adequately, I hope so, but I’m not counting on it.

Moose will keep the #2 spot because of his excellent blocking and because he can still run his routes and catch the ball. He had 65 catches for 923 yards last season, not too shabby for a #2 WR. Plus, he stays in great shape. I do think Jarrett will play better and much more this coming season, but it won’t be to the point they replace Moose with him, not this season.

Rosario won’t lose the starting spot because that has belonged to King, but he may lose the #2 spot behind King because of his inconsistency at catching the ball, his many false start penalties, missing blocks on STs that cost them a blocked punt, and his recent surgery.

“Who was responsible for that blocked Punt? If its Goings again, then he needs to go…

Posted by: WRAPPEDinBACON |

A: Best we can tell, it was Dante Rosario."
http://blogs.charlotte.com/panthers/2008/10/answering-you-2.html

by meanoreno on Jun 4, 2009 3:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Mike Cranston wrote an article the other day...

Talking up Johnson, noting that he had bulked up, but was still in good enough shape and had enough speed to be frequently pacing the DLs in their sprints.

Also, while you may know more about Connor than I do, I don’t remember his profiles suggesting he was deficient in coverage. In fact, I remember his combine and pro day numbers answering questions about his athleticism, and here’s one internet quote:

He is athletic, and has the quickness and speed to cover in space.

—Football’s Future

A counter to that, though:

Connor does show good instincts in pass coverage to disrupt shorter routes but probably is too slow to turn and run with the more athletic tight ends in the NFL.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 4, 2009 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Some more starting jobs in jeopardy...

I’d also offer up these additional position battles to round out a Top 10 starters in danger of losing their jobs:

6. Keydrick Vincent vs. Duke Robinson – Vincent gets the nod over “the Duke” on starting day. But, depending on injuries and performance, we could see Robinson take over that spot in the lineup, particularly since we tend to have a lot of line shuffling throughout a season anyway. If Duke gets in there because Vincent goes down…and if he performs well…he could win that spot away from the veteran by the year’s end.

7. Jake Delhomme vs. the Other QBs – Let’s be honest. Whether you’re a Jake-hater or a Jake-homie, if he starts the season with more “bad Jake” blow-ups, there’s no doubt he could get yanked. Whether that will happen…and whether McCown or Moore could perform well enough to move into the starting role for a sustainable length of time is completely debatable. But everyone’s going to be watching the QB play of #17 very closely in the early going.

8. Jonathan Steward vs. Deangelo Williams – These guys are splitting time no matter what. And it’ll prolong both their careers because of it. Right now, we tend to start Deangelo and bring in Stewart to spell him. Now you’ve also got Goodson who can do a bit of that, too, probably. But the bottom line is whether or not Stewart might move into the starting role with Deangelo and Goodson providing the change of pace. Last year, Stewart was a rookie and he needed to learn the system and work on his blocking. He’s got a year of experience now. Will his athleticism trump Deangelo’s veteran status to give him the starting role now? Probably not. But it’s still another scenario that might bear watching.

9. Damione Lewis vs. Corvey Irvin – Between our starting DTs, Damione Lewis is the weaker of the two. We don’t know yet if Corvey Irvin will be any better. He’s certainly going to be less experienced. So Lewis most likely continues as the starter right now. Down the road, however, Irvin might displace him if he plays well. He could also see significant playing time if Lewis or Kemo go down at any point during the season. So, Irvin’s probably not a guy who’s going to be riding the pine for 16 games.

10. Dwayne Jarrett vs. Any Other WR#4 – Everyone’s saying this is Jarrett’s year to “make or break” and though he showed some ability to contribute last year, he’s still got a long way to go to finally achieve a starting role in the NFL. In addition, there are a lot of hungry WRs trying to make this team. If Jarrett stumbles, I could see a Jason Carter, Ryne Robinson, or Mike Goodson taking over the WR#3 position.

I don’t necessarily believe any of those scenarios will come true. And, in fact, I hope many of them don’t. But all of them bear watching during training camp, preseason, and throughout the regular season as injuries take their toll and guys start gaining experience. The good thing from a Panther fan’s perspective is that it’s great to have this much competition everywhere. The roster cuts are going to be painful this year.

Just my nickel’s worth,
—Neil

by NSpicer on Jun 4, 2009 8:58 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice follow-up Neil

I might have to post this as a separate story.

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Jun 4, 2009 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you do...

Please correct my misspelling of Stewart’s name. Sometimes I push post when I mean to go back and proofread…

by NSpicer on Jun 4, 2009 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, comment editing gets a lot of discussion amongst the bloggers on SBN

Upper mgt has to this point not agreed to do it for fear bloggers might modify their comments or those of others and feel it is might undermine our credibility.

All I can do is cut and paste (which then I can correct the typo) but otherwise all I can do is delete or hide a posted comment. Just a little operational info for you.

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Jun 5, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Awesome addition.

Wish I would have put in Corvey Irvins name instead of Moose. Good follow up! :D

"Once again the trowsers of evil are yanked down by the mocking hands of justice!"-Revshawn

by Revshawn on Jun 4, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like the follow up too. I will say that I would be very surprised if Irvin beats out Lewis. I think Irvin will only start if there’s an injury.

by zrjohnso on Jun 5, 2009 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

This.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 5, 2009 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That is not Foxy's MO

He always leans to the vet unless the rookie really tears it up or the vet sucks it up

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Jun 5, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

live or die by Jake

Fox’s plan is live or die by Jake Delhomme. The running game will be stout enough that Jake will not be in position to lose his job. All he has to do is complete a few passes, and let Smitty and Deangelo do the bulk of the work.

DWill vs JStew is pretty tricky. Obviously Stewart has the stature and posses the skill to be the starter. But there is no reason to believe Deangelo will slow down anytime soon. So do you expect Fox to replace one of the best backs in the league, with a Prodigy? No way Williams is too good and Fox too loyal. Only injury or free agency (in coming years) will change this.

on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city

by southtunnel on Jun 6, 2009 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We know they can both run...

So, in the long run, the RB job will be determined by who does the little things (pass protection, running routes/catching passes out of the backfield, and being able to succeed in any situation: short-yardage/inside or outside running/selling play fakes, etc.) Frankly, it might be best to let Williams go once he reaches free agency. Why pay a guy top-end RB money when we’ll have a capable starter being paid on a rookie contract? I will note, though, that Williams has shown to be a more durable guy than Stewart, both in their Panthers’ careers and prior.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 7, 2009 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Veteran trumps little things?

Remember the pain of watching Fox start Stephen Davis in every game in 2005? The only thing that warranted that was a very good season 2 years earlier. And Deangelo is coming off an even better season!

I agree with you that Williams could be out once he reaches free agency. But we better see a stellar season by Stewart first. And as you pointed out a durable season too!

on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city

by southtunnel on Jun 7, 2009 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What's wrong with keeping both?

Huh? You guys talk like it’s one or the other. Why not keep both and have the best rushing attack in the league? Neither seem to be jealous and they both get along, keep both, that way in case of injury we lose nothing.

by Flowing Willow on Jun 8, 2009 5:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Salary cap efficiency...

We’re real tight against the cap right now paying two great backs like journeymen (or worse.) It’s an unnecessary use of funds to spend top-end money on a player when you can replace him with a guy who will be as good or close for significantly lower cost.

Here’s a look at the numbers:

This season, the pair had a combined cap hit of $3.74 million (Stewart-$1.495 mil, Williams $2.245.)

Williams will be a free agent in 2011, having been at least paid $1.7 million (without adding incentives he’s likely to hit if he stays healthy and plays at the level he has.)

For 2011, Jonathan Stewart is scheduled to be paid $2.89 million. I’m less sure about that number because his bonuses were structured weirdly.

Now, it’s impossible to tell what a player like Williams (a young, established starter-quality player) would get on the FA market, but with his additional experience in addition to a cap that’s likely higher due to nothing more then inflation, I’d say Michael Turner’s contract ($34.5/6) is a baseline. At more than $6 million/year, Williams would be being paid more than twice what Stewart would, and our total number for the two RBs would also double from this year. At some point, it just makes sense to let a guy get overpaid (or even properly paid) so you can maintain your team’s balance at the position. Also, Mike Goodson will hopefully be established as a third-year player ready to handle true backup RB duty at that point, plus young, inexperienced backs tend to come relatively cheap, either through the draft or free agency.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 8, 2009 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Eventually...

…they won’t be able to keep both. But that may not come for another couple of years. Mike Goodson likely sticks around and can provide a similar role. Meanwhile, the Panthers could drop Deangelo in a salary cap move. Stewart needs to show himself healthy enough to make it through an entire season, though. Otherwise, we’ll want to keep Deangelo for his durability. And frankly, having both of these guys split the carries helps extend their durability anyway.

From a salary-cap perspective, I think it’s going to be really interesting what happens when Peppers leaves. That frees up a TON of cap room. If they still want to keep Deangelo at that point, they could offer him a contract extension. Richardson, Hurney, and Fox have shown themselves capable of doing that as a reward to players who have produced for the team in a big way. It’s also part of their philosophy of keeping their core players intact from year to year. If they view both Deangelo and Stewart as a part of that core nucleus, I could see them spending the extra cap room they get with Peppers’ departure to keep them both around.

by NSpicer on Jun 8, 2009 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just might tear up if they let DW go

He’s a great guy to have on your team. It would be different if we had 2 star receivers, cuz they could be on the field at the same time. But having a star RB always on the bench is a waste. Stewart has the edge because of his thumping ability that Foxy drools over. A solid slasher behind him (maybe like Goodson) would make a lot of sense.

on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city

by southtunnel on Jun 8, 2009 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If Goodson pans out...

…there’s no doubt the Panthers have the best RB stable in the NFL. Some might say we already did before the acquisition of Goodson. He’s a great insurance policy to have in case of injury.

But, the best thing about having both Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart on our roster (despite the salary cap issues) is that they complement each other so well…and, by rotating them into the games, it prolongs their longevity and keeps the injury bug at bay.

Last season, it was kind of interesting to watch the Panthers’ offensive strategy in the running game. I remember wondering to some of the folks that sit with me at the stadium why we didn’t hit teams with Stewart first…to wear them down…and then put Deangelo in later in the game when the defense would be too tired to chase him down. Instead, they went the opposite direction. They play Deangelo first so a defense will wear itself out chasing him all over the field. Then they come at you with Stewart later in the game (or goal line situations) and his combination of power and speed flat runs over people who are too worn out to stop him.

Either way you go, it’s a win-win for the Panthers. I hope we see both those guys stick for awhile. And I hope Goodson pans out too. The great part about Goodson is that he can contribute in other ways with his versatility (i.e., slot WR, KR/PR duties, wildcat formations and trick plays). So it’s not like we’re just carrying a really good 3rd string RB on the roster. We’re carrying a guy that’s basically an upgrade from Nick Goings in every part of his skillset…and then has some extra skills Goings never did!

No matter what, watching all three of these guys play and contribute to the team’s success will be a joy…for as long as we have them here.

by NSpicer on Jun 9, 2009 7:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And, it's not like they're not versatile...

Both have the ability to make shifty finesse moves to create space, and to deliver a blow when they need to.

I’ll also mention that we will miss Goings’ kick coverage abilities. He’s ranked in the top three or so in ST tackles nearly every year he’s been here.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 9, 2009 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I for one don't think they compliment each other that well.

They are both close to the same size, almost same weight… slightly different build. Stewart runs through DBs more often, while Deangelo looks a bit more illusive. But the core of their styles looks very similar. I don’t think Stewart is a Stephen Davis/Brandon Jacobs like power back. Those guys could force their way forward… Double Trouble both bounce outside when there is no gap… they need space.

I also think Deangelo starting has nothing to do with strategy, and everything to due with Fox’s veteran loyalty.

on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city

by southtunnel on Jun 12, 2009 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stewart was plenty successful as a power runner in short-yardage situations.

In fact, I think he was one of the best in football last year at converting 3rd-and-short situations.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 12, 2009 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They'll keep both for awhile

…until the point they have to make a choice. When that time comes they’ll keep the best back. I could easily see DeAngelo being that back, especialy if he proves to be more durable. I’m a little concerned with Stewart’s durability now that I see he’s injured again.

“Durability is a concern. Sustained a right toe injury against Arizona on 11/15/07. Nagged by a high left ankle sprain sustained on 9/2/06. Re-injured left ankle on 10/14/06. Injured rib cartilage on 10/28/06. Strained neck on 11/18/06. Missed two games in 2005 with a sprained left ankle. Fractured left ankle in high school. Toe Surgery in March 2008: Jonathan Stewart underwent surgery in March 2008 to repair a right toe injury he suffered in November 2007.”
http://www.ffmastermind.com/prem_view_article.php?id=1016

Here’s a someone thinking this latest injury could be more than just a routine injury for him to miss all of minicamp and OTAs.

" Jonathan Stewart-RB- Panthers Jun. 8 – 2:46 pm et

Beat reporter Darin Gantt doesn’t anticipate Jonathan Stewart (ankle) practicing before the Panthers convene for training camp.

If Gantt is right, Stewart will have missed all minicamps and Organized Team Activities. The Panthers have said nothing about the injury, which may have required surgery. It would be very odd if Stewart, a second-year player, was held out this long for a routine injury.
Source: Darin Gantt on Twitter"
http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=NFL&id=4650

The Chargers didn’t get rid of LT after they drafted Turner and LT was up for a new contract. Maybe they should’ve since LT was older and had more miles on him, but they didn’t. Although, Turner was drafted in the 5th round and came cheaper than what Stewart is costing the Panthers from being drafted at the 13th pick in the 1st round.

The Jags didn’t let Fred Taylor after drafting Maurice Jones Drew, at least not until Taylor’s production slowed down. Taylor was on a veteran contract after drafting Drew, but the Jags kept Taylor for the 2006, 2007, and 2008 season. There’s no doubt in my mind, if DeAngelo is still being as productive as he was last season, or close to it when his contract is up, that the Panthers will make him a reasonable offer in hopes to keep him. If Foster was being as productive as DeAngelo was last season then he would still be with the Panthers instead of Stewart.

by meanoreno on Jun 10, 2009 3:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I got destroyed by most people for being concerned about Stewart's durability when we drafted him...

The common reply was “But he played through it.” I agree that that’s a good capability for a back to have, particularly since they’re all going to get dinged up over the course of a 16-game season. But Stewart has been getting these little types of dings regularly going back even as far as high school.

I will say, though, that I don’t think the Turner/LT comparison is fair. Stewart’s 900-10 total yardage and TDs in just his rookie year is better than Turner was ever able to put together at any point in SD (550 was his highest yardage and he had 3 TDs at most.)

Also, Fred Taylor had to restructure his contract at least once to keep the Jags from releasing him, so it’s not like they weren’t thinking about it.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 10, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice post Rev

Hoover could be the last cut if it comes down to numbers provided Fiammetta picks up the offense. But I would agree the Panthers more than likely won’t want to risk hurting the running game. Otherwise I can’t disagree with any of the points.

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Jun 4, 2009 11:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I really have this feeling...

…that they’ll keep both FBs this year. Goodson and Fiammetta both probably have big roles coming up on special teams. And they provide quality depth in the running game, as well as the receiving game with Goodson as a decent slot WR and Fiammetta having “good hands” according to all the scouting reports.

The primary question is if they keep Fiammetta (as well as Hoov), what other position do they cut?

by NSpicer on Jun 4, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Donte Curry's spot would be my first guess.

He was exclusively a special-teamer, and, as I saw it, not really an impact guy despite his reputation. Also, we could carry one less DB with Godfrey, Martin, Wilson, and Wesley all having some positional flexibility. Also, I could see us going with just 2 QBs as we did a few years back if Moore has another bad preseason. Also, our returners this year will probably to play some semblance of a real position, so that could open a spot.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 4, 2009 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're probably right about the FBs.

It’s not like it’s a big deal on salary cap either. They’re both good blockers, and they both can contribute on special teams. Hoover probably takes a hike next year though. He’s getting old, and it’s time for him to retire. Still, I’m pretty high on this new rookie. He’d help out the passing game as Neil mentioned, and he’s good enough to be just as good a blocker as Hoover was.

"Once again the trowsers of evil are yanked down by the mocking hands of justice!"-Revshawn

by Revshawn on Jun 4, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

But I think the best scenario has him learning under a wiley vet like Hoover.

Still, I’d hope Hoov would retire rather than go somewhere else. It’d be weird to see him in another uniform.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 4, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

I hope Hoov does get a chance to mentor the guy. It would only help magnify Fiammetta’s natural talents (which might outstrip Hoover’s at the FB position) and leave the Panthers with an even better offensive weapon.

I have this feeling, though, that even if we do eventually cut Hoover to allow Fiammetta to replace him (which is maybe 2 years away, maximum), that he’ll probably try to keep playing somewhere. If nothing else, he could demand some decent money as a free agent for one last front-loaded contract before he fully retires. Then we could bring him back temporarily so he could retire as a Panther. That would be the classy thing to do.

by NSpicer on Jun 4, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I mean

Lorenzo Neal is still playing at what, 55?

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 4, 2009 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nah...

More like 38 or 39 now. But a stud FB, no matter the jersey.

by NSpicer on Jun 4, 2009 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That dude is a rock

I wouldn’t want him to hit me at 65

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by Jaxon on Jun 5, 2009 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm thinking...

…the same thing…i.e., it’ll be a LB position, but probably not one of the current stable we use as backups defensively. Rather, it’ll be a roster spot labeled as a LB that we were using primarily on special teams. That way, Fiammetta is essentially the same thing…i.e., same build-type, etc…as a LB/FB playing special teams.

And, given that our LB depth is already one of the strongest areas on the entire team, I think makes an even stronger case for a position being cut from their ranks to fit both FBs on the roster. But, if it doesn’t come from there, I also agree they probably trim a DB to make room for him. Someone who was on special teams where they feel they’ve got a replacement from among the rookies they’re going to sign…e.g., Fiammetta, Goodson, etc.

by NSpicer on Jun 4, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs