Panthers Game Changing Offseason Moves - Part 4
by Jaxon on Jun 3, 2010 2:47 PM EDT
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Sponsored Post: This post is presented by Sprint. Bringing you the first wireless 4G network from a national carrier. Only on the Now Network.
This is the fourth post in a series of sponsored posts that cover the Panthers game changing offseason moves. In part one I described the release of long time Panther QB Jake Delhomme and the resulting ascension of back-up Matt Moore. The second feature looked at the departure of DE Julius Peppers and the potential impact on the Panther defense. The 3rd installment discussed the changes with special teams. This week we turn to the much discussed #2 WR position and the release of long-time fan favorite Muhsin Muhammad, or Moose as we love to call him.
For anyone not familiar with Moose, he was drafted by the Panthers in 1996 and spent his nine seasons in Carolina. He is most remembered for his NFL record 85 yard TD reception in the 2003 season and the subsequent 1,400+ yards and 16 TD's he parlayed in the following season in Steve Smith's absence. Alas the monster season brought a big payday from the Panther-snatching Bears and Moose went to the Windy City for three seasons. Yet that didn't go near as well and the Panthers were happy to bring him back for his most recent two seasons as our #2 WR. At age 37 though Moose, like many Panther veterans, got caught up in the Panther youth movement and remains unsigned by any team. Have no doubt though, Moose is still in great shape and can still play...more after the jump...
So the obvious question after this game changing offseason move is who will replace Moose? Replacing his 2009 production shouldn't be too difficult: 53 receptions, 871 yards and one TD. In that regard we shouldn't worry too much, well hopefully we shouldn't have to worry much. Yet Moose also provided many intangibles that will also be missed. He was a fierce blocker in the running game and was a big-time leader in the locker room. With the size of the veteran purge there might be some missing voices in the locker that leaves a motivational hole.
The obvious player in line to replace Moose is 4th WR Dwayne Jarrett. Yet Jarrett has been an enigma in Carolina, showing flashes of talent in practice but not getting results when it counts. In a recent interview with Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, he had this to say about the reason so many veterans were released:
JR: ...we have a number of younger players who showed promise at the end of last season and need to get on the field.
Is Jarrett one of those young players that simply need to get on the field? I think the easy answer is yes, but can he really fill the #2 role? That still remains to be seen. But if he falters even a little bit there are plenty of guys behind him who also want their shot to compliment Steve Smith. Most of us agree that guy is more than likely 3rd round draft pick Brandon LaFell from LSU. The guy is built in the mold of Moose and excels at the run game. Also like Moose (unfortunately) the only rap on him is a tendency to drop passes. Regardless LaFell is the odds on favorite to win the #2WR competition simply because of his blocking ability.
via media.scout.com
Fellow 3rd round pick Armanti Edwards is also vying for snaps and the coveted #2 WR role. Sure he is built more for the slot position but so was Steve Smith back in 2002. What a strange futuristic thought that just crossed my mind, #1 Panther receiver Armanti Edwards. As unlikely as it sounds the Panthers gave up a 2nd round pick in 2011 to draft this guy so they obviously think he is something special. If he does shine don't be surprised to see the Panthers start two small guys at WR or (perish the thought) we could see Edwards spelling Smith on the outside to preserve the veteran's career. Wow...is that a stretch or what? A lot can change over the course of a season.
There are a few other guys who will get their looks in the preseason such as Charley Martin, Kenny Moore and David Gettis but none of them have the promise or talent to replace Moose in 2010. Rest assured it will either be Jarrett, LaFell or Edwards that emerges from the 2010 season as the Panthers #2 WR in receptions. What is currently a question mark at #2 WR at the start of the season could very well become a strength down the stretch towards a possible Panther playoff run. Early indications show the Panthers focusing on the passing game in OTA's as they recognize the need for additional options beyond Smith. With so many talented options I'm thinking this offseason move does become a game changer, one that brings balance to the Panthers offense.
By the way, take away the hair and doesn't Edwards kind of look like Steve Smith?
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Dwayne Jarrett is going to claim the number 2 spot and catch somewhere around 50-60 balls, IMO.
The other guys (the ones that make the 53), as Foxy’s rookies do, will sit and watch, with the exception of Edwards, who should see some returner duty and the occasional slot and wildcat look.
Do or do not. There is no try.
One of the biggest knocks I had against Jake Delhomme was his penchant for locking onto primary receivers, which is why he threw so many INT’s and didn’t throw for very many TD’s. I found this video on youtube, which the guy who made it said was “like finding a needle in the haystack” to compile. When Jarrett was the primary receiver, (watch Jake lock on and never move his head) he can make plays. A crapload of his catches have come on 3rd and long, and alot in double and triple coverage.
It is disconcerting that he’s been inactive for so many games. I’m really hoping it was a lack of chemistry with Jake, or if it was lack of effort in practice, he’s finally matured.
I hope this is the Jarrett we see this year:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=op9c4FDoDcI
Knee jerk reaction - adj. 1. an immediate unthinking emotional reaction produced by an event or statement to which the reacting person is highly sensitive. 2. a facilitator of long threads on Cat Scratch Reader and similar blogs.
And the Matt Moore interview at the end is quite funny as well
Knee jerk reaction - adj. 1. an immediate unthinking emotional reaction produced by an event or statement to which the reacting person is highly sensitive. 2. a facilitator of long threads on Cat Scratch Reader and similar blogs.
We might be related
You have the the same teams as me on your profile, Wilfpack, Panthers, Canes, and Braves.
Great video compilation of Jarrett's abilities.
I vote for him to break out this year, for 7 TD’s, 700+ yds.
When the ball comes to him, IT’S HIS!
My favorite part was that the guy who made the video needed to replay and slow mo EVERY highlight just to get to 3:00 mins!
I seriously hope Jarrett breaks out… but I have to admit the video depressed me a little. 3 years and all the highlights of him total roughly 10 plays?
The Moore moment at the end was CLASSIC though.
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
I also blog the Panthers at Real Bits of Panthers
BTW... How do you like Charleston Jaxon?
We’ve often thought about moving somewhere with a longer hot season. Like Charleston a lot, but have only been there as a tourist.
Great minds talk about ideas, small minds talk about people" - Eleanor Roosevelt
I know you were asking Jaxon about Chucktown
but as a recent transplant there are a lot of great parts of the city. The beaches, some of the people, the history, the arts, the restaurants,and if you enjoy a hot season of 90 degrees and 90% humidity (much like Orlando) then it really is an awesome place.
The reality is that visiting here and working here are amazingly different. The tourists driving slower and rubbernecking the old buildings is a nightmare when you are heading to work or school down town. I was once run off of the road and into a parked semi while driving down Calhoun during Spoletto (our anual arts festival).There is a bias against certain parts of the city by the mayor, in fact the whole local and SC government IMHO sucks. The median age is really high so it is like driving in the South Park episode where all of the old people are heading to Country Kitchen Buffett. It is a college town, and downtown is a bustling nightmare of people texting while riding there bikes the wrong way down a one way street.
Imagine all of the tourist issues of New York, but with a really slow lifestyle and beaches. If that sounds like something you would be interested in then Charleston is a wonderful place.
If God came down on Christmas Day
I know exactly what He'd say
He'd say "Oi!" to the punks
and "Oi!" to the skins
but "Oi!" to the world and everybody wins.
-The Vandals
Any decent public transportation?
I’m not a huge NY fan, but I love the Subway. I’d love to live somewhere where I could get about anywhere I needed to go without driving.
Great minds talk about ideas, small minds talk about people" - Eleanor Roosevelt
Not realy
The bus system has improved over the last few years, but it has taken a lot of people from outside Charleston to make that happen. The predominant thinking is that only poor people take the bus and they don’t pay taxes to keep it running. There is a quite a bit of classism here.
That being said, there are some awesome walkable neighborhoods here. I live right outside of DT in an area called Avondale, where I can walk to 4 really nice bars and restaurants, I have a huge Harris Teeter right across the street from me. I have beautiful bike paths, and an affordable brick house that was built in the 50’s. It is a lot like Dilworth or the recently renovated Plaza/Midwood area. And Mens Health Magazine rated the Park Circle area in North Charleston one of the best places for single guys in the country (as I am not single, I do not live there).
Like I said, there are some problems, but it is an awesome place to live.
If God came down on Christmas Day
I know exactly what He'd say
He'd say "Oi!" to the punks
and "Oi!" to the skins
but "Oi!" to the world and everybody wins.
-The Vandals
I agree with you on a lot of things, but not this one
Jarrett still hasn’t shown us much other than that he has good hands. I don’t see any reason to believe he won’t still disappear in games and continue to struggle to get separation. He just doesn’t appear to have much game at this level.
I think he’ll have a solid camp like usual, and be handed the #2. But after a few games of doing his best Houdini-disappearing act, he’ll slowly get faded out. I’m assuming one of the rooks will do the opposite and slowly fade in and eventually take his spot.
I specifically say “one” because I don’t like the odds of 2 rookies playing exceptionally well their 1st year. But all we really need is to come out of this with a solid #2 and a situational #3, and that will be an improvement.
Great minds talk about ideas, small minds talk about people" - Eleanor Roosevelt
I disagree.
Especially late in the year, I saw Jarret get separation. Not a lot mind you, but just as much as Moose did. And we don’t need him to get as much separation as Smitty, all we need is two or three feet, and Jarret will use his body and hands to do the rest. That what we used Moose for, and Jarret will repeat that role.
Good bye #43. Good luck in Chicago.
by Flowing Willow on Jun 4, 2010 4:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Until he plays against taller more athletic DBs
Great minds talk about ideas, small minds talk about people" - Eleanor Roosevelt
There are no 6-4 DB's.
And Moose had the same issue late in his career here. Jarret can be just as good as Moose was.
Good bye #43. Good luck in Chicago.
by Flowing Willow on Jun 5, 2010 5:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Well Jarrett's in his prime
And while Moose can’t burn guys anymore, he still get’s open
Great minds talk about ideas, small minds talk about people" - Eleanor Roosevelt
LaFell may be used in 1 WR heavy sets to run-block
and to give Smitty a spell.
Do or do not. There is no try.
On a side note: Watching the Panthers.com videos
Sorry for the subject change… But some interesting observations can be made watching those guys run around in OTA’s.
1. It’s been mentioned already but Everette Brown bulked up big time. If he didn’t loose any quickness or mobility, then he could be a force this year. Assuming that extra muscle gives him more game time strength, then I like what he’s done… Props for putting in the extra work this off season.
2. Leonard looks tiny! He’s listed on NFL.com at 325lb. Either he lost weight or like some have mentioned he doesn’t hold his weight well.
3. Duke Robinson just looks plain nasty. He talks mean (even to reporters), his hair is nappy, skin looks scarred… and get the guy some friggin chap stick! I’m ready to see him play nasty as well.
Great minds talk about ideas, small minds talk about people" - Eleanor Roosevelt
RE; #2
This subject has been beaten to death, but i truly think you’ll see us look more like Indy on defense this year. We’ll compromise with bigger guys, but you won’t see us use a NT like in past years. Penetration is the name of the game this year, and laser guided missiles on defense. Hopefully they can explode on impact instead of bounce off like last year.
Good bye #43. Good luck in Chicago.
by Flowing Willow on Jun 4, 2010 4:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Indy isn't really setting the bar that high
Great minds talk about ideas, small minds talk about people" - Eleanor Roosevelt
well said
All these comparisons to Indy are not that exciting. It’s like aspiring to be lower middle mediocre.
Do or do not. There is no try.
by ERL on Jun 4, 2010 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
That's where I think we'll be ranked.
But Indy has made two Super Bowls with that defense, including one they won while Manning was playing like crap and they relied on Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai. I think we’ll be fine.
Good bye #43. Good luck in Chicago.
by Flowing Willow on Jun 5, 2010 5:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Their defense didn't get them to a SuperBowl though
But to your point, if our defense is at least slightly above average, then I think our offense and schedule will be able to compensate. I’m just concerned about falling short of our goal… if our goal is mediocrity.
Great minds talk about ideas, small minds talk about people" - Eleanor Roosevelt
Great metaphor: "laser guided missiles"
I think that’s exactly what they’re going for, but they will be firing multiple missiles on every play and rotating to “reload”
I can resist everything except temptation. - Oscar Wilde
He actually does... they look like brothers.
I can resist everything except temptation. - Oscar Wilde
I thought this about DeAngello when we drafted him
Great minds talk about ideas, small minds talk about people" - Eleanor Roosevelt
It's hard to say who will end up at # 2 now that we have a QB that spreads the ball !
Finally, everyone will see that Jarrett can get the job done. Jarrett has been deactivated several times in career, he’s never really had a chance to show what he can. But like someone said, every time the ball was thrown his way, he caught it and made plays. Jarrett was the result of a tunnel-visioned QB, Moore even made Colbert look good, so I have high hopes for Jarrett !
"It's a bad day to have a bad day" - Coach John Fox of the Carolina Panthers
It's not thrown his way, because QB's prefer to throw to an open receiver
And if you have to throw into coverage, you odds are best with Smitty.
To your point though, maybe a new QB will show less partiality. And maybe the staff needs to be held more responsible for using him more wisely.
But I bit on the DJ hype last off-season, and as W put it… Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice… uh… oh, just don’t fool me again!
Great minds talk about ideas, small minds talk about people" - Eleanor Roosevelt
Or maybe the new QB will actually not lock onto one WR per rplay and may find that Jarrett was open quite frequently, hard to say since the camera locks into where the pass is going, but it’s inconceivable that in 399 snaps he was only open 33 times.
Knee jerk reaction - adj. 1. an immediate unthinking emotional reaction produced by an event or statement to which the reacting person is highly sensitive. 2. a facilitator of long threads on Cat Scratch Reader and similar blogs.
Why is it inconceivable?
I think it’s more reasonable to conclude that he had trouble getting open, then it is that he was open often and never noticed. Our TE’s didn’t have this problem.
Great minds talk about ideas, small minds talk about people" - Eleanor Roosevelt
I’d be more inclined to agree if I hadn’t suffered through watching Jake “Tunnel Vision” Delhomme for 7 years.
And the majority of TE pass plays that Carolina runs, the are specific for TE targets, i.e. the first read.
Knee jerk reaction - adj. 1. an immediate unthinking emotional reaction produced by an event or statement to which the reacting person is highly sensitive. 2. a facilitator of long threads on Cat Scratch Reader and similar blogs.
I wish we could move past this 'tunnel vision' theory I hear so much about
In a past article (I wish I could find it) I pulled all the numbers for Matt Moore and Jake Delhomme and Moore targeted Steve Smith only 3% less than Jake Delhomme. I believe it was something like:
- Delhomme: 32.8%
- Moore: 29.7%
I agree that empirically it looked like Delhomme targeted Smith more, but that stands out more when a QB is failing rather than succeeding.
From the numbers I see the tolerance for a NFL starting QB to target their #1 ranges anywhere from 28-33%
Delhomme fit this mold, it just stood out because of the ‘WTF?!’ plays he made.
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
I also blog the Panthers at Real Bits of Panthers
I wish Jake could have moved past it
It was a rare occurrence when Jake threw to the 2nd/3rd/4th read on any play.
Knee jerk reaction - adj. 1. an immediate unthinking emotional reaction produced by an event or statement to which the reacting person is highly sensitive. 2. a facilitator of long threads on Cat Scratch Reader and similar blogs.
If you'll notice, I didn't say how often he targeted his "#1" receiver
The play call, not the WR designation, determines the primary read on any given pass play. If Smith, or Moose, or Jarrett, or whoever was the primary read, that’s pretty much where the ball was going to be thrown.
It’s the same situation as a college QB coming out of a spread offense, they typically don’t have the ability to progress through reads like a true, drop back QB does, and this is the same thing Jake suffered with.
Knee jerk reaction - adj. 1. an immediate unthinking emotional reaction produced by an event or statement to which the reacting person is highly sensitive. 2. a facilitator of long threads on Cat Scratch Reader and similar blogs.
Honestly, there is no way to verify what the plays were or who the primary was
All I can go by is how many times Delhomme put the ball in the air in Steve Smith’s direction, and that fell in line with the league average- as did Matt Moore.
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
I also blog the Panthers at Real Bits of Panthers
Ok, I can agree with that
But all I can go by is watching Jake take the snap, his head whipping toward the primary receiver and never leaving him until the ball was out, which was virtually every single play.
I went to youtube, typed in Jake Delhomme and this is the first one on the page, so I watched it, in X amount of plays they showed, only ONCE did he not throw to a primary receiver.
Just saying maybe Matt Moore will actually be able to progress through his reads and maybe find a secondary receiver who is open.
Knee jerk reaction - adj. 1. an immediate unthinking emotional reaction produced by an event or statement to which the reacting person is highly sensitive. 2. a facilitator of long threads on Cat Scratch Reader and similar blogs.
Well there's a reason a play is designed to target a specific guy first
And it’s not like Jake had all day to sit back there and be picky. I’ll be happy with Moore just hitting his check-downs consistently.
Great minds talk about ideas, small minds talk about people" - Eleanor Roosevelt
Exactly.. NFL quarterbacking 101. Look off the safety,
get rid of the ball, throw it away if the play is dead.
I can resist everything except temptation. - Oscar Wilde
To me
The real question becomes, how often did Delhomme throw to Smitty in when he was blanketed and how often did Moore do that?
I think Jarrett deserves criticism but probably not as much as he gets. I won’t be surprised if he becomes a factor this season.
Smitty's made a name for himself making plays with multiple guys covering him
Triple Crown anyone??? That’s how we won many close games in 2008. I don’t blame Jake for doing that.
The difference I saw the last 2 years is that Jake was seriously under and over throwing his targets. All defenses had to do was keep a high safety and a corner in front of anyone going deep, and Jake would eventually throw one right to them.
Great minds talk about ideas, small minds talk about people" - Eleanor Roosevelt
Right. Smith will win most battles for the ball
if it’s in the same zip code.
I can resist everything except temptation. - Oscar Wilde
And another thing about Jake...
I’m not bashing him. He was great at what he did until he didn’t any more…huh. Anyway, Jake made a living with the back shoulder throw early on. When the def. backs learned that, he (mostly) failed to compensate.
I can resist everything except temptation. - Oscar Wilde
Jarrett can't be faulted for his ability at making the catch in traffic
A lot of his receptions were made with defenders all over him — and they rarely jarred it loose, either.
You don't think he needs to add more to his game?
Than 20 yard catches in traffic?
Great minds talk about ideas, small minds talk about people" - Eleanor Roosevelt
Jou keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.
I’m sorry, couldn’t resist. This really should have been Indigo’s comment.
I can resist everything except temptation. - Oscar Wilde
As of now, 385 votes and 16 comments???
Knee jerk reaction - adj. 1. an immediate unthinking emotional reaction produced by an event or statement to which the reacting person is highly sensitive. 2. a facilitator of long threads on Cat Scratch Reader and similar blogs.
Always happens with a poll
We have hundreds of people who vote and never comment because you’re not required to have an account to vote.
I would love to see more people commenting and joining the community. I’m already looking forward to the 2010 gameday threads… I can only imagine how the crew will act this season!
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
I also blog the Panthers at Real Bits of Panthers
...its gonna be nasty
I know the first few weeks some guys are gonna be on the “I told you we needed a DT” bs. And so on.
I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else.
~Winston Churchill
Double Trouble. #89. A QB who can protect the ball. Gary "the broad side of a " Barnidge. One of the very best O-lines in the league. A few young talented WRs with a lot of upside. The best FB to come out in the Draft in a long long time.
A top 5 secondary. An awesome LB corp. A 325 lb. wall on wheels in Leonard. A 306 lb. Tank that is as strong as his name suggests. Eric Norwood and Everette Brown coming off the edges too fast. Ol reliable Brayton and Johnson.
A totally new Special Teams unit. With the Jets best gunner in Wallace Wright, the Cardinals ST captain Aaron Francisco, Marcus Hudson, Fast as you want to be Brian Witherspoon.
This is one hell of a football team! This Football team is very young and set up to have success for years to come. This is the foundation of a Dynasty!!!!
by STEVEN 785 on Jun 4, 2010 8:56 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I can't believe the first three players are still that close in the voting.
And I’m really surprised by all the Armanti love.
That's just Tater signing in and out LOL
Knee jerk reaction - adj. 1. an immediate unthinking emotional reaction produced by an event or statement to which the reacting person is highly sensitive. 2. a facilitator of long threads on Cat Scratch Reader and similar blogs.
LOL!
Wouldn’t surprise me. ;)
Good bye #43. Good luck in Chicago.
by Flowing Willow on Jun 5, 2010 5:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Well, Edwards has shown great hands already..
to go with the speed and quickness. Once he learns to run the routes, you’ve got to say his upside is, well, way up. Plus, he’s just so nice and polite, plus he’s a local product. So I’m not surprised by "all the Armanti love’ at all.
I can resist everything except temptation. - Oscar Wilde
I still want to see it in pre-season
OTA and TC reports on unproven guys often fall way short
Great minds talk about ideas, small minds talk about people" - Eleanor Roosevelt
With what we know about Fox
I’m surprised Jarrett is 3rd behind two rookies. If you ask me how would I want it to look, then I’d probably say something close to how the voting shook out, but ask me how it is going to look, and I’d say Jarrett, Lafell, Edwards, Martin (I have a feeling that unless he wins one of the returning jobs, Moore is out, and Gettis is probably going to spend the year on the PS.
Do or do not. There is no try.
Here's my feeling on the matter
Jake Delhomme was a very ‘needy’ quarterback. What I mean by this is that he needed to form bonds with guys and trust them implicitly; because of this he developed deep relationships with players who would do anything for him. As a result the receivers often pushed harder than they normally would to make the big catch for Jake.
This was a double edged sword. On the one hand this meant that guys like Steve Smith and Muhsin Muhammad played to their full potential every down, but it also made the development of you receivers more difficult because they needed to win Delhomme’s heart before catching his passes.
Dwayne Jarrett was a prima-donna when he entered the league which rubbed guy like Delhomme and Smith the wrong way; guys who were discounted and overlooked and needed to fight to make themselves a career while Jarrett thought he was ‘entitled’ to being an NFL star and unprepared to put the work in early.
Now we have a QB change and a more mature Dwayne Jarrett. While I think Matt Moore is certainly less ‘needy’ than Delhomme, don’t underestimate that I’m sure at least some of Delhomme’s philosophy on being an NFL player and a Carolina Panther rubbed off on Moore.
The second part of this new equation is Jarrett. It seems that every offseason brings the promise of a ‘new Dwayne Jarrett’ but we’ve yet to see that translate. A picture is worth a thousand words and his picture has been a mess thus far. This really is Jarrett’s last hurrah, and he needs to make an impact now if he care’s about having an NFL career. I hope this is motivation enough, however, he is #2 WR right now by default; he hasn’t done anything to earn it yet and until I see the change I keep hearing about he’ll be the same player who looks like a bust like Keary Colbert was.
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
I also blog the Panthers at Real Bits of Panthers
As you were eluding to
With no Jake and no Moose, it seems that the walls that were standing in the way of young Dwayne Jarrett have been knocked down.
Do or do not. There is no try.
by ERL on Jun 4, 2010 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions
If Jarrett plays well this year
I’ll chalk it up to a staff that’s been lousy at producing receivers before blaming any of the players.
Great minds talk about ideas, small minds talk about people" - Eleanor Roosevelt
+1
Totally agree with him not doing anything to earn the #2 spot, but all the highlights that have been compiled of him(though a short list) he has great hands and makes awesome catches. He also has caught everything that was thrown to him and in tight spots might i add. With Moore under center we’ll get to see a lot more of Jarrett and i think he’ll surprise everyone.
This year is going to be one heck of a ride! Looking forward to it!!!
by Panther4Life!!! on Jun 4, 2010 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions
I've been thinking
Given this is the last year of Jarret’s rookie contract, suppose he does have a break out year. How would that impact his likelihood of getting a new deal considering we have Lafell, Edwards, and Getting right behind him?
by SlayerGhaleon on Jun 4, 2010 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions
100% he gets a new deal if he breaks out
The situation with Jarrett is far better than that of Matt Moore if both are amazing this season.
If Jarrett has a 700-800 yard season he will garner interest in free agency, but the Panthers will hold the cards and could lock him up. You need multiple WRs, you don’t need multiple QBs.
If he has that amazing season Gettis will be the casualty.
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
I also blog the Panthers at Real Bits of Panthers
What if LaFell and Edwards also show up?
Every indication is that LaFell will be a more typical Panther receiver with his blocking ability. And both (especially Edwards) should be better after the catch than Jarrett. In other words if all 3 show us something, I think Jarrett will have the lowest ceiling.
Great minds talk about ideas, small minds talk about people" - Eleanor Roosevelt
If all three exceed their targets then yes, Jarrett would be low man on the totem pole.
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
I also blog the Panthers at Real Bits of Panthers
I just think he was simply a mediocre QB that happened to possess all the "intagible" qualities
He was gritty yet respectable, tough, passionate, a leader, and a winner… yes a winner. But unfortunately he wasn’t that great of an athlete, wasn’t the most accurate passer and wasn’t that smart (in terms of QB IQ).
Great minds talk about ideas, small minds talk about people" - Eleanor Roosevelt
He was a good player at one point.
Don’t let what happened last year and in 08 cloud your view of him. Even this year, you saw flashes of what he was. He was never a great talent at QB, that is true, but he always had enough skill to work his magic. I remember one year in Madden they gave him some number in accuracy that would surprise you. He wasn’t particularily accurate, but he knew where the holes were, and while his talent level didn’t suggest it, he could fit the ball in places not even Peyton Manning could. Sometimes that ended badly, but other times it ended beautifully.
Good bye #43. Good luck in Chicago.
by Flowing Willow on Jun 5, 2010 5:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Clearly he was less accurate the last 2 years
But I remember him always being questioned talent wise, and was always shaky under pressure. I attribute his early success more to the talent around him.
In 2003 he was surrounded with his best receiving targets… 2 WR that would both make the ProBowl the next 2 years, and both lead the league in receiving yards, not to mention a very reliable Ricky Proehl.
And in 2005 Smitty was just insane, he was making plays that no WR has any business making.
2004 was probably Jake’s best year of averages. But game to game he was all over the place… 100+ QB rating one game, 60- the next.
Great minds talk about ideas, small minds talk about people" - Eleanor Roosevelt
Bingo!
Delhomme connected with players who wore their heart on their sleeve like he did. That’s why he and Smith were such a lethal combo.
Good bye #43. Good luck in Chicago.
by Flowing Willow on Jun 5, 2010 5:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Obviously, most QBs have a bond with their receivers and their linemen...
And I think you’re right that this was a much bigger factor with an emotional player like Jake. In Jarrett’s first year, he was the prima donna as you described, and he had a “humbling” rookie year. So, while I agree with your premise completely, I don’t think Jake would have carried it over to Jarrett’s 2nd and 3rd years. Yes, this is the year Jarrett had better excel or he gone.
I can resist everything except temptation. - Oscar Wilde
Jarrett should send Jake flowers
I don’t want to get into a discussion saying that Jarrett is a great receiver, but I don’t think it’s difficult to see that the kid has talent and suffered in an offence with Jake as QB. This is the NFL and it’s rare for a receiver to get real seperation from a DB. You can’t compare Jarrett to Smith. Smitty is a top 5 NFL receiver. We don’t need or shouldn’t expect the same type of separation from Jarrett that we see in Smitty. I think what needs to be said is that Jarrett went after balls and won them when he was closely covered and Jake actually threw to him. If half of the balls that Jake forced in to Smitty went to Jarrett, he would have easily walked away with 50+ catches last year. I like the additions of Edwards (I graduated from ASU) and LaFell, but I think if we need a big catch on 3rd down this year, I want the ball going to Smitty or Jarrett before it goes to either of those Rooks. Let’s face it, if we would have had a QB that could get the ball withing Jarretts reach, he would have caught it, covered or not. With the exception of a few receivers, nobody in the NFL is really open. All this talk about Jarrett being covered is BS. Of course he was covered. That’s why we need a guy who can hit a receiver in the in the hands and not overthrow him by 6 feet on every other throw.
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