Panthers WR LaFell Answers Call to Step Up

by Jaxon on Sep 24, 2011 4:13 PM EDT

It was only two weeks into training camp when Panthers HC Ron Rivera stated he needed a WR besides Steve Smith to stand up. After that comment and then the subsequent loss of David Gettis caused concern in Panther land.

Said Rivera on Aug. 6th when the team signed Naanee: "Probably the biggest thing is we've had nobody step up other than Steve. We've got to find guys that are going to step up."

LaFell didn't just turn the other cheek:

"Yeah, of course I took it personally," LaFell said. "It was a week into camp. ... We hadn't really gotten a chance to figure out the offense. But it's a business. (Naanee) was their guy in San Diego, he knows all the routes. He's playing well. I can't get mad. Just when I get my chance, I need to make plays."

Well, I'm not going to say Naanee has played well but I will say LaFell has stepped up his game big time in response to the challenge. I'm not sure how LaFell got into the 'needs to step up' category to begin with I'm just glad he decided to respond. He has 8 receptions for 114 yards and a TD in two games with none being bigger than the 3rd and 22 conversion late in the Packers game. You have to love to hear Newton describe how the play was drawn up:

"Cam said, 'You just run down the field 15-20 yards and spot up, and I'm going to throw you a jump ball,' " LaFell said.

LaFell then demonstrated how to bring down both feet after catching a jump ball. In fact LaFell is showing quite the knack for body and feet control around the sideline. More after the jump...

LaFell explains is sudden rise to respectability:

"The game is starting to slow down for me now," LaFell said. "I'm reading defenses on the run now instead of just pre-snap reads. ... And then it's kind of easy when you've got those two tight ends out there making plays and (Steve Smith) is out there making plays."

Rivera stated that Naanee is still the starter but I think its only a matter of time before LaFell is the starter opposite Smith. Here's why:

He's a much better blocker than Naanee
He's got a knack for making those big catches
He knows how to get his feet down in bounds
HC Ron Rivera has noticed

Rivera:

When reminded of that quote Wednesday, Rivera said of LaFell: "Maybe we were a little impatient, to be honest. Maybe we wanted too much right away."

Wow...anyone else shocked that our HC actually said something like that? 'Maybe we wanted too much right away'? That is probably exactly right but I'm still so used to the evasiveness of the previous coach these type of comments still shock me.

Anyway, its nice to see a kid like LaFell up his game and make plays when the team needs them most. If I had my way he would already be the starter.

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Comments

I caught that quote in the Rivera presser. I was shocked, in a good way, to hear that. Specifics aren’t something we’re used to getting around here.

Getting a bit of a running game will only help our WRs as well. The threat of Double Trouble on top of having a rookie QB has held up passing lanes a bit, but until we run well, the full potential won’t be known.

by jtsparks2 on Sep 24, 2011 4:18 PM EDT reply actions

I mentioned how much LaFell has stepped up before

Last Sunday proved as much. I think he will be a good one but everyone else still needs to pick up the slack and provide Cam more legit options downfield.

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

by Disciple of Carolina on Sep 24, 2011 4:19 PM EDT reply actions

For now, I am eating major crow on LaFell. Glad he is proving me wrong the the willingness to give his all.

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by Ivan459 on Sep 24, 2011 4:31 PM EDT reply actions

I still can't help but wonder....

What it would have been if Gettis stayed healthy. If LaFell continues to progress then I don’t think we need to address WR in the draft. We have maybe 2 more years of Smith being #1. We could go after Vincent Jackson to get our next #1 I think he will be around 28 next year.
LaFell would be a great possession rec. Gettis could actually push Jackson for #1. Smith could get his wish of extending his career as #2 then we also have the Kid from Hawaii.

This would let us focus on CB or DT. To be honest though I hope we take best available at 1 of three positions CB/LB/ and I hate saying it but LB

Catches Bullets With His Teeth?

by KissMyConverse on Sep 24, 2011 4:37 PM EDT reply actions

Agree wholeheartedly

Barring any long term injuries, we are set at wide receiver for the next several years at least.

Also, I agree with LB suddenly being a position of emphasis for next year’s draft. Maybe not the 1st round, but I’d like to see someone from this position by the 4th round.

Newton for '11 ROY!
Walker for '11 ROY!
Biyombo for '11 DPOY!

by Newsinz on Sep 24, 2011 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Just Project Those 8 Catches Over A Full Season, 64 Catches

We all know those silly projections never workout, but it does sort of put his production so far into perspective.

by PanthersRoar on Sep 24, 2011 4:39 PM EDT reply actions

i also read where LaFell said that he noticed a soft spot down the sideline in their zone, which led up to the play he and Cam came up with on the 3rd and 22

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by ernie b on Sep 24, 2011 4:53 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Lafell is on his way to proving that he's Mr. Clutch, and more of a gamer than practice player...

Nice write-up James. What is really exciting is this “in the huddle” chemistry he’s building with Cam. Let’s hope he continues to improve; he has break-out potential.

So much to be done, and so few people willing to do it for me.

by Rick Bates on Sep 24, 2011 5:18 PM EDT reply actions

Sorry, that should be "Nice write-up Jaxon"

So much to be done, and so few people willing to do it for me.

by Rick Bates on Sep 24, 2011 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions

I like Lafell a lot

This season it seems like every time he catches a ball its an awesome catch and in a huge spot. It looks like his hands have improved considerably as well. If he can improve his route running so that he gets a little more separation I think he’ll be an excellent #2 receiver.

by ppfcpp on Sep 24, 2011 5:27 PM EDT reply actions

Wow, a Carolina head coach admitting a mistake?

That’s great to hear, really. And LaFell really has stepped his game up. I’m still in favor of drafting Jeffrey, but LaFell’s production is definitely a nice surprise.

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by Jake Humphrey on Sep 24, 2011 5:44 PM EDT reply actions

Major props to Lafell

I’m glad he’s answered the call. Also glad to see the Rivera dog house is something you can get out of with almost an apology rather than a trade.

by Swamp Panther on Sep 24, 2011 6:24 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Lafell brings a great skillset for a #2 recevier, he needs to step up and take his spot for good.

We saw what he can do last season in a limited role, hopefully he continues to bring it every sunday. The door is wide open for him to step up and be a big part of the offense, I think he’s probably starting to realize it.

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by John Chilton on Sep 24, 2011 7:01 PM EDT reply actions

nothing unexpected.

“I’m not sure how LaFell got into the ‘needs to step up’ category to begin with I’m just glad he decided to respond.”

I’m with you on that. Have some people forgotten that he improved through the course of the season LAST YEAR and made a few clutch, sideline catches. I knew he could do it and he’s reminding everyone else that he can. I’m proud of this dude.

by IsaidgoodDAY! on Sep 24, 2011 9:07 PM EDT reply actions

Now all we need is for Naanee to answer our call to step DOWN.

Newton for '11 ROY!
Walker for '11 ROY!
Biyombo for '11 DPOY!

by Newsinz on Sep 24, 2011 9:42 PM EDT reply actions

I still can't get used to this insight from our head coach.

So far this season my main question with LaFell has been when did the stone turn to glue?! Dude’s been ballin’. If he keeps up his current production I can’t imagine the coaching staff keeping him outta the starting lineup anymore. Got great chemistry with Cam and actually shows some desire on the field. He keeps improving like this and Gettis recovers from that ACL tear and Cam’s got some weapons for years to come. And we’ll finally get to see Smitty in the slot.

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by KaiserBromley on Sep 25, 2011 12:34 AM EDT reply actions

I think it has a lot to do with separation

Really, while LaFell has been making circus catches, they are all in tight coverage b/c he can’t get away from defenders. Knowing and runnning all the routes for every play perfectly are very important, as is being a potential target on said routes. Take, for example, you’re running a clearout route for an underneath pass. If your receiver has no chance in hell of breaking away from the DB then the defense obviously can diagnose that route as a clearout and jump the underneath pass. I think LaFell will get it with time, but expecting Cam to throw the perfect balls within a window of only about a foot due to him not breaking away is a tall order.

by ppalm on Sep 25, 2011 1:22 AM EDT up reply actions

the only problem is...

That if he starts, he’s gonna get tougher opponents covering him. Still I think he can handle it. Gettis and lafell could be huge for us… Gettis especially shows that you can get very good receivers lower in the draft.

Save us Pilares

by LimeyPanther on Sep 25, 2011 7:27 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions