How "Linsanity" can come to Carolina: The hidden gems on our bench
by carolinapillpusher on Feb 14, 2012 11:18 AM EST
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PrintIf you have watched anything ESPN related lately, you have seen how "Linsanity" has dominated the headlines. It really shows you the void left in the sporting world as a result of the football season ending. Despite the over-exposure, I must admit that it is a pretty cool story because it is the story of an underdog. Jeremy Lin is a guy who was buried on the bench and made the most of a single opportunity. This no name guy is coming out torching teams and producing wins when the "superstars" on the team could not do it. His rise to success got me thinking, is there anyone buried on the Panther's bench that would take the world by storm if just given an opportunity? To me that person is our very own flying Hawaiian, say aloha again to Kealoha Pilares.
Kealoha Pilares 1st Preseason NFL Touchdown (via planetxseo)
Kealoha Pilares - First NFL Touchdown - 101 Yard Kickoff Return (via xMcBeastie)
I admittedly don't have a lot to go on. Most everyone remembers the touchdown he scored down the sideline during the preseason. I know it was the preseason, but the glimpse was enough for me to want to see more. His running style has a sense of aggressiveness, agility, and speed that strikes you as soon you see it. We've seen some promising things athletically from him in the return game as well, similar to how another special Panther receiver started his career. The issue however is just not only in him being buried on the WR depth chart, but also the fact that we use a lot of 2 TE sets. This obviously has limited our use of three and four receiver sets where we could get him on the field. He paid his dues riding the pine his rookie season. It may be a while before we see him, but I just have a feeling that if he ever gets an opportunity, he could set the league on fire. But as always, what I really want to know is: What do you guys and gals think?
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I think Pilares
I’m with you on this one, He was amazing in college,and there just seems to be that special edge to him. I like to dream of him becoming a Welker clone…
The only problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.
-Margaret Thatcher
by Panther Fan in GA on Feb 14, 2012 11:25 AM EST reply actions
I like to think Pilares will be a Smitty clone.
Welcome to the Cam Cave
pilares and barnidge both have the potential.
i think barnidge would be more out of leftfield. i still voted pilares b/c he seems like more of a safe pick, though we’re talking, by definition, about the unlikely, haha. i think kealoha is going to end up playing a little bit of that “sproles role” Air Coryair (forgve the spelling) next year. i love the idea of getting the ball in his hands on bubble screens, jet sweeps or really anything to spring a couple of blockers for him. when he gets moving north-south you know what happens. he almost had a second return touchdown but that quad got him…
Gotta agree I think both have that potential
we were hearing nothing but glowing praise about Gary in the preseason before he broke his ankle and as i said yesterday I think he is more than capable of replacing Shockey. Pilares showed great flashes and does give some reminders of smitty it will be interesting to see how he developes from here!
I'm with you on both,
Barnidge does have an edge because he likely will get more snaps next year, and will see significant PT if Shockey is not resigned. If you are a TE and Chud is high on you, that is a good thing. The biggest issue with Pilares is going to be getting PT. You would hate for someone to get hurt, but that would likely be his only chance to step in during the near future. Like you said, the thought of him using his RB skills in the screen game (like in the TD above) is scary.
"You know the new iPhone? It’s faster, more powerful and smarter. It’s revolutionary. Why can’t the quarterback be like that? Why can’t you be a big, tall, fast, quick, strong, smart, mobile quarterback who’s unstoppable?"
-Cam Newton
by carolinapillpusher on Feb 14, 2012 12:30 PM EST up reply actions
If we draft another wr...
Pilares growth as a wideout will be severely limited.
by Panthster on Feb 14, 2012 12:45 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Exactly, him and everyone elses...
If we draft a WR we should only do so in the first or second round, and it needs to be someone who is either a day 1 starter or projects as a future #1 reciever. I don’t see how a Dwight Jones or even a Brian Quick would be good use of a draft pick this year.
"You know the new iPhone? It’s faster, more powerful and smarter. It’s revolutionary. Why can’t the quarterback be like that? Why can’t you be a big, tall, fast, quick, strong, smart, mobile quarterback who’s unstoppable?"
-Cam Newton
by carolinapillpusher on Feb 15, 2012 12:20 PM EST up reply actions
every fan base thinks the 4th and 5th recievers on their team can be future stars
Just think the Jeremy Lin situation wasn’t based on talent but he had to deal with sterotypes.. when in reality he was already very good. If you watched any of his college ball he is the same player.. same skill level.. just people didn’t believe it because ..well.. sterotypes.
Barnidge could be a star… but the Gettis could be a really good player. So you never know. But this is what every last team in the NFL says about their back ups….
But they don't have
The Flyin Hawaiin
"How come when you wake up from being blacked out drunk you've never done anything productive? You're never like dude, I think I built a shed last night. I don't know if I'm ready for a shed right now. This shed is ruining my life!"
by Imisshooooooooov on Feb 14, 2012 12:52 PM EST up reply actions
For the record, I don't feel the same way about Seyi Ajirotutu
As far as Pilares and Barnidige we just need to see more of them in game situations. They could either be trash, the next big thing, or fall somewhere in between. We’ve seen enough flashes to be optimistic. Steve Smith wasn’t high on the WR depth chart when he started out either. As for Lin I agree sterotypes likely held him back. I don’t know why more people won’t admit that him being an Asian-American point-guard in the NBA makes his story that much more cooler.
"You know the new iPhone? It’s faster, more powerful and smarter. It’s revolutionary. Why can’t the quarterback be like that? Why can’t you be a big, tall, fast, quick, strong, smart, mobile quarterback who’s unstoppable?"
-Cam Newton
by carolinapillpusher on Feb 14, 2012 12:58 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
i think both will
Remember we still haven’t seen what Gary can do in this offense and I really believe he can be the next Jimmy Graham. But I love pilares he reminds me of Smitty when he first came out!
Barnidge could be good in his own right in his own way….
Remember we still haven’t seen what Gary can do in this offense and I really believe he can be the next Jimmy Graham.
Gram is a 6’6 TE who runs like a reciever… he is very unique and so can’t agree with Barnidge becoming like Gram. Gram’s skill sets are very unique. Barnidge could be very good if healthy but not like Gram..not even remotely….not even kinda sorta
gary barnidge is 6'6' as well and he has 4'6 speed like graham
and is probably weigh’s another 20lbs than graham, he also had scolarship’s out of high school to play basketball as well, but he chose to stick to football. just like peppers! and you see what kind of freakish athelete he is.not comparing barnidge to pep, but just because they don’t play a sport in college doesn’t mean they didn’t have the chance.
I Like Barnidge,But He's Not On The Same Level As Graham & Only Has 12 Career Catches (All In The Same Season)
Here is the info from Barnidge and Grahams Combine numbers.
Gary Barnidge (6-5 5/8, 247) – 4.61-40 – 1.53-10 – 31 inch vertical
Jimmy Graham (6-6 1/4, 260) – 4.53-40 – 1.53-10 – 38.5 inch vertical
Their other events were almost the same, with Graham better in all but the bench reps (20-22) and 20 yard shuttle (4.23 to 4.45).
www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/TSX/2010_TE
www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/TSX/2008_TE
If Shockey leaves the Panthers can’t depend only on Barnidge as Olsen’s backup. In that case I feel the Panthers will to add another TE, maybe drafting Michael Eqnew in the 5th round.
by PanthersRoar on Feb 14, 2012 7:25 PM EST up reply actions
nice insite thanks for the info
but i still like him alot, a couple of those 12 catches were real nice ones!
in all fairness my very first comment in this line stated "i believe he can be a star"
But please understand the context. Graham and Barnidge aren’t alike. Graham is a different type of match up right now. Just aren’t in the same class.
That 20 yard shuttle doesn't surprise me.
Graham’s athleticism is hyped up by the media, but he’s pretty much just a big guy with a good vertical that is fast in a straight line. He looks slightly awkward when he has to move laterally.
Brees’ accuracy is the thing that makes Graham so effective – well that and the new rules that don’t allow the DB to wipe out a receiver when their QB leaves them out to dry.
"Nah, you look like Elijah Wood." - danmerqury
The combine comparison is valid
but I don’t think you can compare their on field production.
Graham has Drew Brees throwing to him in a pass happy scheme that makes good use of TEs.
Barnidge had Jake, Matt Moore, and Jimmy Clausen throwing to him in a run first offense that used TEs almost exclusively to block.
Having made that argument, I agree that Graham is on a different level, but am excited to see what Barnidge can actually do.
Good point about the QBs.
If Cam liked throwing to Shockey, he’ll LOVE throwing it to Barnidge.
why do you think pilares fell as far as he did
Because he is Hawaiian, that’s stereotyping! Thank god we have a head coach now that can see threw all that now. Bring home a Lombardi Rivera!
why do you think pilares fell as Because he is Hawaiian, that’s stereotyping! Thank god we have a head coach now that can see threw all that now. Bring home a Lombardi Riverafar as he did
With all honesty he wasn’t even the best prospect on his team…
Green Bay took a RB from Hawai'i in the 3rd round.
The truth will set you free, but not until it is finished with you. ~David Foster Wallace
I may not always be right, but even a blind nut finds a squirrel every once in a while.
youre right i forgot about that.
for some reason i was thinking in the dt or ol range, wasn’t even on the same path. MY BAD!
Alex Smith IIRC.
Cam Newton, when a reporter asks him who will win the Heisman Trophy on Saturday: "I'll tell you Sunday."
by Son of a Newton on Feb 14, 2012 5:22 PM EST up reply actions
RB Alex Green Went At #96 & WR Greg Salas To The Rams At #112Pilares At #132
by PanthersRoar on Feb 14, 2012 7:30 PM EST up reply actions
That was it, lol.
I don't want to draft Michael Brockers or Devon Still.
by Son of a Newton on Feb 14, 2012 7:34 PM EST up reply actions
then who was it? and why were they not picked before him
Alex Green RB
Greg Salas WR
Both drafted ahead and viewed as better players. Salas infact played signifcant snaps for the Rams…. both better prospects
green yes, i forgot about him
But I don’t think Salas is better, he went before pilares because he is taller that’s about it. The shorter receivers always get overlooked
Salas was part of the reason the Rams were so bad.
The guy dropped a lot of passes.
Welcome to the Cam Cave
Not sure if serious....
Follow me on Twitter at @JakeHumphrey91
by Jake Humphrey on Feb 14, 2012 2:17 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
unless your troy palamallou
or you weigh over 350 lbs. sorry for shredding his last name.
John Fox especially!
Follow me on Twitter at @JakeHumphrey91
by Jake Humphrey on Feb 14, 2012 4:29 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Obviously it's Pilares! He would be great 4th or 5th receiver.
I know defense wasn’t mentioned, but what about Brandon Hogan?
+1
I’m with you on Hogan. Wouldn’t it be a kick in the ass to find out we have both a legitimate second corner AND a punt return threat already on the roster?
The only problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.
-Margaret Thatcher
by Panther Fan in GA on Feb 15, 2012 2:46 PM EST up reply actions
Andre Neblett
The advanced stats love him and he’s shown some ability to get into the backfield to make plays.
If this were my team, he’d be the starting UT coming into camp.
Follow me on Twitter at @JakeHumphrey91
by Jake Humphrey on Feb 14, 2012 4:43 PM EST via Android app reply actions
I agree with that.
Cam Newton, when a reporter asks him who will win the Heisman Trophy on Saturday: "I'll tell you Sunday."
by Son of a Newton on Feb 14, 2012 5:26 PM EST up reply actions
Right. Shirley has the size, speed, and moves to be an anchor at the NT.
IMO, we’ re set at DT, with Kearse and McClain to spell Neblett and Shirley, and Fua a lost cause.
Watching this highlight video reminded me of something.
Behind the combined arms of Jimmy, Cam, and DA, we beat the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. At least we can hang our hat on that.
I don't want to draft Michael Brockers or Devon Still.
by Son of a Newton on Feb 14, 2012 7:36 PM EST reply actions
sad thing is our dline looked nasty that night for some reason
i know i was there, 6 rows back sitting in that down pour at the beginning of the game.
Same here, and yeah, they didn't look that bad.
I don't want to draft Michael Brockers or Devon Still. Member of the Copleites
by Son of a Newton on Feb 14, 2012 9:19 PM EST up reply actions
If Pilares has some fire in him
He could possibly replace Smitty in 3-5 years (if he gets some PT)
by rscott94 on Feb 15, 2012 12:42 AM EST via mobile reply actions
I voted for Goodson
I know ppl here aren’t high on him because he fumbled a lot, but if he can get that under control, then I think he could really make a name for himself.
He had those end of season games, when 28 and 34 were out with injuries, where he posted +100 yard games. This was in a year when our run game was struggling because the passing attack was so horrid.
Rivera wants a “Sproles” type and that’s exactly what Goodson is. Fast, good hands (catching), can take some contact, return game. I know we’re going to let him go and think that we’ll regret it once he kills it for another team.
That's why I threw him in the poll
He obviously can be very explosive and has a lot of potential. He may very likely be one of those guys who starts with a clean slate on another team and just lights things up.
"You know the new iPhone? It’s faster, more powerful and smarter. It’s revolutionary. Why can’t the quarterback be like that? Why can’t you be a big, tall, fast, quick, strong, smart, mobile quarterback who’s unstoppable?"
-Cam Newton
by carolinapillpusher on Feb 15, 2012 12:26 PM EST up reply actions
I'm surprised more people did not vote for Barnidge...
Chud is high on him, and he could get a lot of playing time next year putting up big numbers in this style of offense. Combine that with year 2 of the NFL Tight End explosion, and he could very well be “that guy” next year.
"You know the new iPhone? It’s faster, more powerful and smarter. It’s revolutionary. Why can’t the quarterback be like that? Why can’t you be a big, tall, fast, quick, strong, smart, mobile quarterback who’s unstoppable?"
-Cam Newton
by carolinapillpusher on Feb 15, 2012 12:30 PM EST reply actions
I think it'll depend on what we do with Shockey
If he’s still here, it might be hard for Barnidge to get on the field.
Yeah I agree, his style kind of draws you in
Its aggressive and powerful like a running back, but smooth and deceptively quick like a small slot receiver at the same time. Makes you really want to see what he can do.
As a side note: How about Jeremey Lin just keeps on winning, or should I say "Linning"?
"You know the new iPhone? It’s faster, more powerful and smarter. It’s revolutionary. Why can’t the quarterback be like that? Why can’t you be a big, tall, fast, quick, strong, smart, mobile quarterback who’s unstoppable?"
-Cam Newton
by carolinapillpusher on Feb 16, 2012 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
This Linsanity is fun
Much more so than Tebowmania. Probably because Lin is actually playing the position well while leading to victories unlike Tebow.
And as for Pilares running, he takes huge strides and doesn’t look like he’s moving that fast, yet he blows past people like they’re in quicksand.
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