Rivera not taking chances in 1st preseason game v. G-Men

by Rick Bates on Aug 13, 2011 1:18 PM EDT

With Ron Edwards, Gettis, and Zack Williams already lost for the year, BAMF will be cautious about who plays tonight against the Giants. As a result, there will be a chance to shine for some of the 2s and 3s. But, for better or worse, make no mistake that the Panthers on the field tonight are far from the "Full Monty."

From Joe Person via the Observer:

(emphasis mine)

(Charles) Johnson (sore shoulder) , who led the Panthers with 11.5 sacks in 2010, is among several starters who will sit Saturday nght. Receiver Steve Smith (finger), linebackers Jon Beason (Achilles) and Thomas Davis (foot) and defensive end Greg Hardy (lacerated toe) are out. Starting cornerbacks Captain Munnerlyn (calf) and Chris Gamble (groin) and offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz (hip) are questionable, Rivera said.

That's six starters from the Defense (counting Hardy, who I think will be the starter), plus 2 starters from the offense. None of these guys have injuries that will keep them out of the regular season, but it's smart to sit them for now. I noted that Otah is not on the list. Maybe the big guy's going to play tonight, even though he's missed a few practices in order to "rest."

Another point that has to be made here... With Connor starting, he'll be able to showcase his talent against the Giant's 1s, including big Brandon and Bradshaw. I expect some GMs to be looking in.

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So then tonight is all about seeing Clausen, Cam, Olsen and Double Trouble

There’s no reason our running game, at least, shouldn’t be looking good.

STEVE SMITH!

by southtunnel on Aug 13, 2011 1:36 PM EDT reply actions

+1

-J Pugh
Follow me on twitter @PughDaddy73-

by PughDaddy73 on Aug 13, 2011 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions

No way..

I want to see how our secondary plays..eho steps up at DT and who steps up amongst our plethra of WR’s.. There is much to be seen in this game for the Panthers. I want to see how Ziemba looks as well..i think he could be a sleeper to come in and snag the starting RG spot.

by Ryan439 on Aug 13, 2011 2:02 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I'm less concerned with how our secondary plays considering our two starters are out.

I don't always fail, but when I do...
I do it awesomely.

by BusyBeingAwesome on Aug 13, 2011 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Gamble is out, yes.

But we dont know who will be our #2 CB yet.. We could be seeing him tonight, who knows? I wouldnt crown Captain our #2 just yet though, although that’s a fair and reasonable guess.

by Ryan439 on Aug 13, 2011 2:15 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I'm ready and willing to.

Captain’s a beast who is vastly, vastly underrated.

I don't always fail, but when I do...
I do it awesomely.

by BusyBeingAwesome on Aug 13, 2011 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions

agreed BBA

I loved captain even while h was at sc. Played physical and much bigger than his stature. That shows heart imo. He’s close to a lock for the job unless someone else really explodes during preseason.

by braves&panthers4ever on Aug 13, 2011 4:47 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I'd say that unless they bring in a CB

Captain will without a doubt start the season at #2.

I don't always fail, but when I do...
I do it awesomely.

by BusyBeingAwesome on Aug 13, 2011 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions

agreed

I think he did a good job for us last year and deserves his chance to prove he’s more than a nickle

by LimeyPanther on Aug 13, 2011 6:15 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Second

Rec’d

You get what you put in and people get what they deserve.

by Disciple of Carolina on Aug 13, 2011 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm trying to do some work...

but all I can do is think if tonight’s game, and its only a preseason!

-J Pugh
Follow me on twitter @PughDaddy73-

by PughDaddy73 on Aug 13, 2011 1:51 PM EDT reply actions

Ususally I'm very productive when I do catch-up work on the weekends.

Not this weekend, though.

I don't always fail, but when I do...
I do it awesomely.

by BusyBeingAwesome on Aug 13, 2011 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions

same here!

-J Pugh
Follow me on twitter @PughDaddy73-

by PughDaddy73 on Aug 13, 2011 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions

I really just want to see the progression of our QB's

I’m sure our big players will be ready when the season heats up but when it comes to our QB’s I will be watching the EXTREMELY carefully. I really want to have that relief feeling that we have a person who can drive down the field with poise, agression, and comfort. On a side note, sooo happy to be seeing my Panthers play! Thank tha Lord!

by Panther down South on Aug 13, 2011 1:53 PM EDT reply actions

I think your comment about Connor might be a valid one.

To me, trading him to the Eagles for Asante Samuels would benefit both teams. With Omar Gaither as a LB backup for Beason, Connor becomes espendable, and our need at CB would be solved by such a swap. Nothing against Connor, but it makes sense.

by bigdavis on Aug 13, 2011 1:56 PM EDT reply actions

Would we be willing to take on his contract?

I think he’s owed $5.9, 8,4, 10.4 million over the next three years. Those are this numbers without incentives if I’m correct. In 2013 we would be paying a 33 year old corner over $10 million.

by jnrumsey on Aug 13, 2011 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Yup, primary reason nobody has jumped on getting Samuels on their team. His contract is just to damned big to take on.

Proud Member of Cat Scratch Reader and coiner of the (minus Bowers) meme

by Ivan459 on Aug 13, 2011 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions

I dont think we have the cap room for Samuel.

And Connor isnt counting much on the cap. Maybe we can make that deal after we extend Kalil but we literally cant do it right now. I do think we need to look for a CB, but it doesnt need to be a top tier one…Asante would count 8M this year against the cap and even more the next two years.

by Ryan439 on Aug 13, 2011 2:09 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Connor for Asante S

straight up won’t get it done, probably will have to add a draft pick( wouldn’t be surprise if it’s a 2nd rounder). Didn’t Asante S have a heated agruement with Sean M last season? Can’t have to 2 corners who doesn’t pull up 100% effort to tackle. Heck wouldn’t be in shock if CB or WR is addressed in the 1st round.

by adam carter on Aug 13, 2011 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Should be some stud WR's in this draft. The kid out of USC (Gamecocks) is a beast.

Not sure where we end up picking though.. We’ll see whats out there, but we could go DL, CB, or WR this coming draft. Hoepfully, we’re not asking ourselves id we should draft Andrew Luck though… :-P

by Ryan439 on Aug 13, 2011 3:40 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I like Justin Blackmon

or Fuller from Texas A&M. If Carolina was close to the Andrew L sweepstakes they can get 2 1st round picks for him by trading back.

by adam carter on Aug 13, 2011 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions

rec

Plus the eagles know we need a corner, those greedy ‘dream team’ idiots would take us for every penny they could. I wouldn’t be surprised if they would want conner and a 1st rounder!

by LimeyPanther on Aug 13, 2011 6:19 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I'm interested in seeing...

…Olsen, Naanee, Armanti, Cam, and the offense in general. I will not miss Fox/Davidson, and I don’t think Pickles will either. I just think he has a better chance of thriving under BAMF/Chud. I see a lot of potential in this year’s team. If they can just stave off the injury bug, they HAVE to do better than last year, right? I also think the Panthers could have a couple of good sleeper fantasy picks this year.

What we do is what we do.

by WilkesViking on Aug 13, 2011 2:06 PM EDT reply actions

Hey WilkesViking.

What high school do you go to?

Yes I'm a dude.

by Flowing Willow on Aug 13, 2011 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm not in high school.

What kind of question is that?

What we do is what we do.

by WilkesViking on Aug 14, 2011 12:07 AM EDT up reply actions

Sorry, should have been "/did".

Just curious, my high school scrimmaged Wilkes Central Friday, and IIRC they are the Vikings.

Yes I'm a dude.

by Flowing Willow on Aug 14, 2011 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Not a problem...

…I see what you meant now. Actually, the Vikings are North Wilkes HS. Wilkes Central HS are the Eagles, which is where I went (way back before the Panthers existed.)

What we do is what we do.

by WilkesViking on Aug 14, 2011 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Okay, I knew I had seen Wilkes and Viking in the same sentence somewhere so that's probably what gave me that idea.

Yes I'm a dude.

by Flowing Willow on Aug 15, 2011 1:39 AM EDT up reply actions

I was thinking about that earlier today

We’re going to be far from full strength. Missing both starting DEs, 2 of our 3 starting LBs, both starting CBs, #1 WR, and possibly our starting RG and maybe RT. Possibly 9 of 22 starters out.

Not that I really care, I’m just dying to see some panther football, and see Cam take the field for the 1st time.

Rules and Regulations of the Game: 89, Bottom Line

by John Chilton on Aug 13, 2011 2:07 PM EDT via mobile reply actions