More High Praise for Panthers WR Dwayne Jarrett
Finally some good news about our receiving core. Charles Robinson, a writer for yahoo sports, just wrote an article after observing Dwayne Jarrett in training camp and talking to some coaches. The full text can be read here...
Jarrett Finally Grasping Panthers Tough Love
via l.yimg.com
"He’s better – the players see it and I see it," Panthers head coach John Fox said. "We haven’t played a game in six months, but he’s way further ahead right now than he was this time last year."
There is some pretty high praise from Fox, and now we can look forward to him getting more work and PT with the 1st team while Smitty is out resting his shoulder.
"Without a doubt, I think Dwayne is [ready to step up]," Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme(notes) said. "What he’s done this camp is a big jump. Certainly from year one to two, two to three, I think Dwayne’s the one [who could have an impact]."
Maybe that means that Jake might actually look through his progressions and find Jarrett once in awhile.
"For a young guy to come in, and you see that guy’s not working as hard as you work in practice, it’s like a smack in the face or like you’re not respecting the game," Jarrett said. "I completely understand now where Steve was coming from."
He’s also seeing the difference that comes with preparation. After managing only 10 catches in his second season, teammates say Jarrett has looked far more comfortable in practice, his weight is where it needs to be and he has begun to seize on his natural talent. Delhomme no longer has to worry whether he’s lined up in the right place, and Fox rarely has to jump on him for floating on plays.
Muhammad said the difference has been Jarrett realizing that the NFL is a league in the middle – with the majority of players having similar skill and talent levels. Nuance and hard work are the difference between being great, average or falling out of the league altogether.
Well, he is saying all the right things. I can't wait to see if it turns into meaningful play on the field. What do you think? Will Jarrett hit that magical 3rd season and prosper? Or will he burn out like other USC wide receivers before him like Mike Williams?
The content of these posts are those of the person/idiot making the post only
1 recs |
80 comments
|
Comments
overhyped
Jarrett at his best will not beat out Moose this year. I don’t know how his speed compares to Moose, but his blocking and working the defense are not as good. Moose has the experience and toughness that Jarrett is aiming for. I think he will be 4th on the team in receiving yards behind Moose, Smitty and Barnidge, but next year (provided this is Moose’s last) is when we’ll see him break out. When we talk about a receiver having a breakout year in their 3rd season, we usually aren’t talking about #3 receivers. He’ll make some big plays, but he’ll still only be a #3. We don’t throw enough for him to be a #3 on the scale of Az-Hakim in STL in 1999 or Breaston last year (Warner QB’d both teams to the Superbowl), but he will be a factor.
That doesn't mean he won't move to #2
Everyone even Moose knows Jarrett needs to move up and Moose needs to step back. If Jarrett comes on strong they need to give him every opportunity. If Moose isn’t re-signed next year then we don’t want to be stuck with a #2 receiver that hasn’t had decent playing time.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
On the other hand, however...
What indication has there truly been that Jarrett is “coming on strong?”
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 14, 2009 2:14 AM EDT up reply actions
coming on strong
reports from camp and comments from players and fox have stated that he is coming on strong, but it’s only training camp. lots of players come on strong in tc, but fade in the regular season. let’s see if he continues to improve.
by usana_gaines on Aug 14, 2009 5:48 AM EDT up reply actions
I hope he has been studying more and focusing on other off-season issues.
From my eyes, he still needs to work on his speed, footwork and technique.
Will Parker
by WillParker81 on Aug 14, 2009 9:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, that was kind of my point.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 15, 2009 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions
None. Nobody said Jarrett was truly coming on strong.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
I'll put him somewhere between minimal and breakout.
Due to the constrictions of this offense, Jarrett just isn’t going to see many looks unless he passes Muhammad, and I don’t see that happening. Combine that with the emergence of Gary Barnidge as a solid pass-catcher who can do enough in the run game that he won’t be keyed on, and I’d say a 400-3 season with a much better catch% (he was only 10/19 last year) would be a very successful year.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 13, 2009 11:48 AM EDT reply actions
Do you remember Ricky Proehl?
He averaged over 440 yards/season while here as #3 receiver, including 4 TDs in 03’ and 4 more in 05’… all in the Fox/Delhomme era. The real problem is that since Proehl we haven’t had a decent #3. I would be happy with 440 yards and 4 TDs from Jarrett this year.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
I did think about Proehl...
But I think Barnidge is setting himself up to make a bigger impact and eat into that yardage more than any of our TEs (Mangum, Wiggins, Seidman, Gaines) did during Proehl’s tenure.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 14, 2009 2:14 AM EDT up reply actions
That would be nice
But Fox has never used a TE this way
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
by southtunnel on Aug 14, 2009 1:48 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I agree, that would be nice.
Maybe Fox never had the personnel to have such an offense. Seidman was a pretty high draft pick, but his career was derailed by injuries.
Will Parker
by WillParker81 on Aug 14, 2009 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions
We'll see in 3 days
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
Has he ever had a TE TO use in that way, though?
As WP mentions, Seidman was the only receiving TE we ever drafted, but he got hurt before he really got a chance to show his skills. You could also mention Wiggins, but that was in the ‘03 season, and he had never shown the success he’d see in Minnesota year later.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 15, 2009 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions
So that means
We had a pass catching TE, but for one reason or another were not able to use him that way.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
He had never shown himself to be a passing TE.
The only place he was ever successful was Minnesota, and when you add his mediocre skills to the fact that their receivers were god-awful and they had a pass-heavy offense anyway, it made him look a lot better than he was..
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 15, 2009 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Seidman caught four TD's the final weeks of 04
I have a game on VCR, Panthers/Bucs, week 16, 04 season. Seidman caught two TD’s that game I think, Moose caught another, and Colbert had a nice catch.
Oh and btw all four of those were from Delhomme. ; )
by Flowing Willow on Aug 16, 2009 3:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Huh?
He had just two TDs in his career. Both came in ’04, yes, but just one was in the week 16 game you mentioned. The other was in week two. First career catch, and it was a game winner.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 16, 2009 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Similar to Rosario. Hopefully his back injuries do not knock him out like Seidman.
Will Parker
by WillParker81 on Aug 16, 2009 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Siedman's injuries were pretty chronic.
He started with a pre-combine hernia, and then had two separate knee issues that put him on IR. This is Rosario’s first brush with issues, and he is already full go. I’d guess it’d be a lack of ability that will sink him faster than injury issues.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 17, 2009 4:09 AM EDT up reply actions
I was just stating the similarity in the game winning catch that each made early in their careers.
I was not saying that Rosario is “injury prone.” I meant that I hope Rosario Dawson;-) does not continue to develop more injuries, especially to his back, a very tricky and potentially dangerous part of the body to injure.
Will Parker
by WillParker81 on Aug 17, 2009 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Aha.
Well as you may recall, both King and Rosario (alongside Seidman) are actually both members of the “My first career catch was a TD club.” And King’s, yes, was a game winner (the Wildcat game.) Rosario’s came in the San Fran blowout two years ago.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 17, 2009 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh, sorry
Maybe it was Moose with two????
by Flowing Willow on Aug 17, 2009 2:46 AM EDT up reply actions
success
Late in the year, it would be nice if we run some single back, three receiver sets with a TE, and Jarrett is an actual threat. With his size and ability, he could beat most OLBs on 3rd down and in the red zone, so he may have a 400-3 season, or less, but I just hope those 400-3 are meaningful, and not garbage time stats.
Also keep in mind...
The Injury Imp.
If Smitty misses a couple games early on Jarrett will get to run in a #2 role assuming his health and Moose’s as well. This could be the boost he needs. I voted for the 600 yard mark, because I fully believe there will be some times this season when he needs to fill that #2 role, either because of an injury or because he needs to spell Moose a little.
But yes, I don’t think a breakout year is in order. He will have to assume the full-time #2 role for that to be considered possible.
As far as his speed and size compared to Moose, his size is clearly better, and his speed, at this stage in Moose’s career, is undoubtedly faster. Moose is still likely the better blocker, but given the praise so far this off season I am betting he has been schooled in the Muhammad University of Blocking, and will eventually fill that role as well.
Smith won't miss games unless something else happens.
With no structural damage, I’d be willing to bet he’ll be cleared to play before the preseason is over, but he’ll get held out to protect him.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 13, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
We hope.
As long as the shoulder is indeed without any bone breaks or muscle tears and it gets to heal properly… I’m more than happy watching Smitty sit out all of the preseason. However, i do think Jarrett, provided that he can prove himself going forward in camp, will start seeing a few reps at the #2 spot, and if he lives up to his potential from his USC days he could be deadly in the slot on 3rd down.
I think if he has a positive impact this season playing from the slot and from the occasional #2 duty, he becomes the official #2 next year, and THAT is when he has breakout potential. As you said in another post, he still has a lot of work to do to prove himself better than the Keary Colberts of the world.
And yeah… Rice played into his 40s… but, his best years ended right about the age Moose is now.
Best years?
Rice put up 1139-9 and 1211-7 at ages 39 and 40. I’d take numbers like that out of an old man…wouldn’t you?
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 14, 2009 2:16 AM EDT up reply actions
best years
tater is right about rice’s best years ending around moose’s age. that’s when rice got hurt. those numbers you put up would have been disappointing for rice in his prime, when he was at 100-1500-15 almost every year for about 4 in a row before his injury. either way, we’re talking about a #2, not a #1 anyway.
by usana_gaines on Aug 14, 2009 5:51 AM EDT up reply actions
That is Jerry Rice.
Moose is not Jerry Rice. A dedicated hard working player yes, but Rice is an all-time talent.
I understand that.
Just saying that guys can be productive into their later years.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 15, 2009 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Especially dedicated, hard working, professionals like Moose.
Which as MP has said, Moose has not shown any signs of slowing down in terms of production.
Will Parker
by WillParker81 on Aug 16, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Have you seen Moose or Jarrett run?
I really doubt DJ is faster than Moose even at 36. At least not game speed. The difference as it seems in my eyes is Moose’s work ethic. I remember an article on the observer talking about Moose working out with Harris and how impressed Harris was with him. When I saw Moose, he looked like a shredded 6’2" 215lbs Beast. As for DJ, I have already stated my observations on how he looked at TC.
Will Parker
by WillParker81 on Aug 13, 2009 8:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Muhsin's work ethic is why he is where he is at this point in his career.
He was never a burner, so he focused on route running, strength, and conditioning. Attitude and desire like that can take one a long way.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 14, 2009 2:17 AM EDT up reply actions
+1
Not trying to take away anything from Moose, and I am not sold on the idea that this is his last season, but certainly I hope Jarrett can mature and prove he can be an effective replacement.
As do I...
Anything else will be a waste of money on a vet, not to mention the waste of a 2nd-round pick.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 15, 2009 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly
And to be clear, DJ has never been considered a burner either. I have not seen any reason to think DJ is faster than Moose.
Will Parker
by WillParker81 on Aug 14, 2009 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions
It's not speed that will make him good
It is his big frame and ability to catch anything and everything. He doesn’t need to outrun most corners because he can out muscle them. And even Smitty said he has incredible hands. He’d be a great compliment to Smitty.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
I agree, and I do not expect him to be a speed guy.
I do expect him to work on his speed and try to improve in an area of weakness. Specifically, he needs to get a better burst in and out of his cuts and coming off the line of scrimmage. A former 1st round pick and 9 year vet at WR told me that as a WR “you never want to help the CB.” So when I see him constantly “helping the CB” by taking a false step off the LOS, I get disappointed.
Will Parker
by WillParker81 on Aug 14, 2009 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions
He's still got to put himself in position to get open.
He has not often done that thus far in his career.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 15, 2009 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions
i agree
smitty really doesn’t need a lot of preseason reps. i remember a couple years ago when clinton portis tore his shoulder in the preseason making a tackle after an interception. he was lost for months, and never played 100% that year. we don’t need that from smitty b/c there will never be a play where smitty goes 50% or tries to play safe.
I think Jarrett will be a great 3rd receiver in the NFL or possesion receiver one day an hopefully this year he can put up at-least 600 yards and prove he is not a complete joke a’la Kerry Colbert etc…. However should he not we must look to upgrade this position and the DT depth chart in the offseason; Heck we need to upgrade our WR’s period I mean Smitty isn’t getting any younger an I cannot imagine Moose returning after this season.
Either way DJ needs to show up this year in a big way an prove he belongs.
Go Panthers !!
by Holty_Panthers_Fan on Aug 13, 2009 3:34 PM EDT reply actions
To be honest...
Jarrett hasn’t even proved he’s as good as Keary Colbert, much less better. Also, about Moose…he’ll only be 37 next year. Jerry Rice was productive into his 40s…food for thought.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 13, 2009 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Jarrett hasn't had the opportunity
Keary started 32 games in 04 and 05… of course he’s going to have proven more. In 05 he only had 282 yards and 2 TDs. From the little I saw of Jarrett last year, I think he would have more than 282 yards if he started 16 games.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
He had opportunities to earn them, but never did. That says a lot.
Will Parker
by WillParker81 on Aug 13, 2009 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Because he was a num-skull his 1st year
But according to players, even Smitty who ripped him in year one, he seems to have gotten his act together this year.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
And what of the year before?
He couldn’t take a spot from one Keary Colbert, as I recall. It’s also worth noting that the team had to go out and sign a 35-year-old receiver coming off several of the worst seasons of his career because they trusted that guy more than Jarrett.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 14, 2009 2:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Are you judging his athleticism or maturity?
Because his rookie year he wasn’t on the field not because he couldn’t play, but because he wasn’t trying. Colbert just isn’t very good. Reports from players are that this year Jarrett is taking things very seriously.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
by southtunnel on Aug 14, 2009 2:09 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I'm judging his performance.
No matter the excuse, he didn’t do anything. There is no excuse for any person or player paid nearly $2 million to do a job “not to try.”
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 15, 2009 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Nobody's making excuses
Just saying that if he gets his act together, he could be a good player. Something Keary Colbert wasn’t.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
Colbert was a decent player until he got hurt.
Jarrett has never had a physical problem.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 15, 2009 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions
He had a mental problem
which IMO is easier to fix.
by Flowing Willow on Aug 16, 2009 3:33 AM EDT up reply actions
He had a maturity problem
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
by southtunnel on Aug 16, 2009 10:16 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Which is on the athlete.
Not any outside factors.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 16, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Nice twist on that one
Kids typically mature after they graduate… has nothing to do with their athletic ability. It’s OK to give a little MP, you don’t have to be 100% right every time.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
Sorry, but the "maturing process" isn't usually done on $2 million of somebody else's dime.
My first argument against socialized healthcare? Yunel Escobar's grill.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 17, 2009 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions
A Keary Colbert update.
He still doesn’t have any hands. He dropped some passes the other day, including Matt Staffords first pass att. Sounds like a trivia question.
Will Parker
by WillParker81 on Aug 16, 2009 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions
That he did.
But at least he has a job. Drew Carter doesn’t after he tore up his knee last year with the Raiders.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 17, 2009 4:10 AM EDT up reply actions
???
I do not understand why you made this point.
Will Parker
by WillParker81 on Aug 17, 2009 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Just a statement.
I bet most around here would have imagined Carter would stick somewhere for a few years. He always flashed potential, even if the consistency wasn’t there. Colbert finished flashing potential by his second or third year (although, obviously, the ankle injury had a lot to do with that.)
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 17, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
You don't catch with your ankles
Here’s an article testifying that after the injury Colbert looked back to normal speed, separation and running his routes…
http://www.trojanwire.com/football/keary-colbert-back-at-full-speed.php
His problem is his hands not the injury.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
That same article praises him for all the great catches he was making, too...
So are you just picking and choosing which parts of the article you like to work for you point?
My first argument against socialized healthcare? Yunel Escobar's grill.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 17, 2009 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions
colbert
not sure why there is even discussion on colbert. southtunnel is right, colbert was back to normal speed, but he couldn’t catch. drew carter, as you point out, was fast as lightning with gret potential, but he couldn’t catch either. apparently, dj hackett couldn’t catch, either. so we draft Jarrett, and he was stinking it up, but he’s supposed to be better now.
by usana_gaines on Aug 18, 2009 7:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Moose will be 37 in May 2010
Will Parker
by WillParker81 on Aug 13, 2009 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Dat's what I said, no?
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 14, 2009 2:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Correct. I was not "challenging" you, I was just providing further info to the point.
Will Parker
by WillParker81 on Aug 14, 2009 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions
OK...
I just didn’t understand it since it was sort of redundant.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 15, 2009 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions
irrelevant
jerry rice’s production in his 40’s is really irrelevant to this blog. rice at 40 was better than most receivers at their peak. he’s the greatest ever. we’re not comparing jake to favre at the same age, so i don’t see the point.
by usana_gaines on Aug 14, 2009 5:54 AM EDT up reply actions
All I'm saying...
Is that there is not some magical paradigm that says Muhammad cannot possibly continue to produce this year and beyond.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 15, 2009 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh...
And nobody has suggested that Delhomme is sure to retire after this season because he won’t be able to produce any more. That’s what has been alleged about Muhammad.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 15, 2009 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions
i never heard that
i never heard that moose is retiring after this year. i think he has at least two left, and he won’t consider retiring until jarrett flat out beats him for the job. moose isn’t going to give it away. he remembers the feeling of throwing that stiff arm on that 85-yd TD in the superbowl, and he wants to do it again.
by usana_gaines on Aug 17, 2009 5:57 AM EDT up reply actions
I haven't "heard" it either.
But people seem to say that he’s just so old he can’t get it done.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 17, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
DJ isnt a down the field NFL reciever
With his size i truely believe that DJ will be more of a short yardage and across the middle type of reciever. He really fits into a Keyshawn Johnson type of a roll the big reciever that can get you that first down when you need it and block on running plays
Hopefully he picks up some tips from Moose on blocking
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
by southtunnel on Aug 14, 2009 2:11 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
To be honest...
Just plain old effort can take a receiver a long way in this regard. Most of them are as strong or stronger as the corners they have to lock up.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Aug 15, 2009 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Well he has 2 guys in front of him
who put in a lot of effort. We’ll see if he’s been paying attention.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
Nice post Tater
The comment about understanding what Smitty was saying about respecting the game, that shows maturity. I think Jarrett fits better on the outside as a #2, eventually replacing Moose.
I prefer to see a smaller, faster guy in the slot like Mike Goodson or Ryne Robinson. Run those crossing patterns and get in some space
I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com
+1
I really agree with your preferred scenario. I hope DJ has a successful year (300-400yds and 4 TD’s).
Will Parker
by WillParker81 on Aug 13, 2009 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Goodbye Dwayne Jarret
Hello Kenneth Moore!
Ran a good route, caught the ball, got hit, hung to the ball. Just what we need as 3rd WR
While I have heard a lot of good things about Jarret since Smitty got hurt, I just don’t think he has IT. I really hope I am wrong.

by 






















