Carolina Panthers OL...it's confusing me and it holds keys (1 Viewer)

[Ministry of Pain]

Here's the thing. The Panthers have gone out and brought in a lot of talent to inject into the offense. They sent Drew Carter and Keary Colbert on their way, brought in DJ Hackett who many thought could be the WR1 in Seattle if he could ever stay off the injury report. I like him a lot and think he should help keep Steve Smith from being triple covered at all times. They also bring in Mush for the WR3 spot, maybe even the WR2 in some situations. His experience alone should help improve the passing game.

They draft Jonathon Stewart and we could go round and round about the battle between DWill and Stewart but I think they both will do well if they are used right. I actually think DWill and his abilities out of the backfield will make nudge him slightly ahead of Stewart for total points at the end of the season.

Let's get to what we really want to talk about and that is the OL. now they have Jordan Gross at LT, a former 1st rounder who played extememly well at RT in 2006 but has struggeld on the left side. He is a much better run blocker than pass blocker, so LT might not be the best spot for him and Delhomme's blindside I might add. On the other side at RT we have a rookie in Otah. this guy is 6-6 325 lbs and has a lot of strength, easily should make an impact in the run blocking, and he can run block effectively downfield which is typically a necesity in zone block running, which I believe the panthers are going to stick with this year. but again we have a situation where both Tackles are suspect in pass protection. This does not spell out good numbers for Delhomme and I am pretty optimistic about him so far thsi off season...now i am having questions. Should Moore have to take over at some point this season, not sure I like that at all.

So in the passing game I think Carolina is in some trouble, but i also believe they will get some good run blocking on the edeges from their LT/RT combo, that should mean good things for DWill as he will likely be the guy bouncing outside.

Travelle Wharton who was their LT form a year ago will be moved inside to LG. From what I gather, Wharton is a pretty good run blocker, slow feet so they moved him inside, not an exceptional pass blocker but in the middle of the line he is less of a liability. RG is a going to be a bit of a mystery but it looks like Keydrick Vincent is going to get the nod. Nothing exceptional and it could be someone else.

At Center will be Ryan Kalil...he was a 2nd rounder last season and played Guard where he struggled most of the season. He will replace Justin Hartwig who was let go. Reports say that Kalil has added 15 lbs of muscle in the off season but he still is somewhat weak by NFL standards. The interior of this OL has a lot of question marks in the run game. I stress this as it is an area of the field I would think JStew will be trying to bully his way thru. Owners might want to take notes.

So the OL to me has a negative impact on the revamped pass attack. The OL has some big holes in the middle of it and that could lead to trouble for JStew. The OL can run block on the edges fairly well and because of a pass blocking scheme that could get them in a lot of pressure situations, you just might see a lot of dump offs and that would again favor DWill as well as the better blocking form the Tackle positions.

Anyone have a better read on this? I'm frustrated becasue Steve Smith look slike he could be had on the 2/3 turn this year and you potentially could have the #1 WR in FF if not a top3-5, yet if Delhomme is not upright you can throw all that out the window. Hackett and Mush look like value too. Stew and DWill are going at about the #25-35 RBs off the board...again value but which one?

 

[BLOX]

I can't answer your questions, but I really like where you are going with this.

The other thread you started where you listed the 5 variables you like to interject with your rankings shed a new light on how I do my own now.

The reason I'm posting in here is wondering how we could find out more info about the O-Lines (not just the Panthers).

I can answer questions and point out links for the Packers for instance, but that's all I know.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I can't answer your questions, but I really like where you are going with this.

The other thread you started where you listed the 5 variables you like to interject with your rankings shed a new light on how I do my own now.

The reason I'm posting in here is wondering how we could find out more info about the O-Lines (not just the Panthers).

I can answer questions and point out links for the Packers for instance, but that's all I know.

This thread might help some. Good links and also a link to another FF site in there that I am liking quite a bit too.

 

[kremenull]

In reading some of the blogs about offseason training, I'm hearing that Fonoti (6'4" 340 lbs) will almost assuredly earn one of the starting G spots. Has anyone else heard this? If so, I see a very heavy, power-oriented line in place. I don't know how well all these big guys translate to a finesse, zone-blocking scheme.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

In reading some of the blogs about offseason training, I'm hearing that Fonoti (6'4" 340 lbs) will almost assuredly earn one of the starting G spots. Has anyone else heard this? If so, I see a very heavy, power-oriented line in place. I don't know how well all these big guys translate to a finesse, zone-blocking scheme.

Funny, because Kahlil is not really a power run blocking type Center, although when they drafted Stewart, you would think they are going to go to a power run game. If they get good run blocking from the Tackles, and Wharton ups his game moving inside, and Fonoti can come in at RG...I would agree and that would point to good things in the power running game or the run game period. If it is good enough it will take a lot of pressure off them in play action...but again I am left scratching my head as the Panthers have been on some sites bottom 5 list at OL...that's not good. And I am not saying I agree with them but we need to get some more info about them.

 

[EBF]

I think Stewart will be a nice value if he's healthy. Everyone will point to the fact that John Fox kept Williams behind Foster and Foster behind Davis as evidence that he'll keep Stewart behind Williams. Personally, I don't buy it. The reason Williams and Foster didn't get on the field is because they simply weren't very good. Both guys were disappointments. So can you really blame Fox for keeping them on the bench?

I know D-Will has some fans around here and I know his YPC has been solid, but he runs weak and just isn't a special talent. The fact that he couldn't beat of Foster in two seasons coupled with the fact that the Panthers went out and used a top 15 pick on a RB tells us everything we need to know about their opinion of Williams. They don't like him. They don't want him starting.

Fox had his best seasons with a pure power attack. I think that's why he brought in Stewart. I look for Stewart to get the majority of the carries in about a 2:1 ratio and possibly lead all rookies in rushing yards. He's definitely one of the guys who jumps off the projections page as underrated IMO. I think 1,000-1,200 rushing yards is a realistic possibility.

Of course, all of this is contingent on him being healthy and not a bust. There's certainly some risk.

 

[Max Power]

I'm not overly concerned with both Tackles being "suspect" in pass protection. King and Hoover should be enough to help give Delhomme the time he needs. I don't even recall the Panthers going to 3-4 wideout looks very often either.

Panthers have always been a run first team. The run should set up the pass nicely this year. This might be the most talented backfield and WR corps Carolina has had in years. I am very high on this team in 2008. Delhomme will be a top 8-12 QB this season. Steve Smith will return to the fantasy elite. Stewart and Williams will combine for some respectable numbers.

 

[PSULions]

In reading some of the blogs about offseason training, I'm hearing that Fonoti (6'4" 340 lbs) will almost assuredly earn one of the starting G spots. Has anyone else heard this? If so, I see a very heavy, power-oriented line in place. I don't know how well all these big guys translate to a finesse, zone-blocking scheme.

I have Panthers season tickets and I like the moves they have made this offseason so far. Back in January, Hurney and Fox met with the Big Cat (Jerry R.) to show him their plans for the team to make it back to the playoffs this year. They had lost their way over the past few years and were not set up to be a power running team that can control the clock, like Coach Fox likes to do. In fact, if you look at the T.O.P. for each of the games last year the only game that they lost when they controlled the clock was the Indy game and the only game they won when the opponent controlled the clock was the Saints game, landing them in the middle of the pack with a 7-9 record.The outcome of that meeting was that they wanted to go back to Panthers football and install an power running game that can grind out yards and make the play action more effective. Foster was never an effective power runner between the tackles so they issued him his walking papers and grabbed JStew as their newer, younger version of S. Davis. They went out traded to get Otah to start at RT, moving Wharton to LG and from out I heard after OTAs, Fonuti was running with the ones at practice, so they are getting a lot bigger on the OL to really try to run the ball more effectively this year. I think eventually JStew will take the starters job with DW being the change of pace back. Adding, Hackett and Moose is a big improvement for the WRs and Rosario has been doing very well at practice so far this year too. The offense with Delhomme at the helm will create many more problems for the defense and take pressure off the pass blocking because they should be able to mix things up better this year so the DL will not be able to pin down their ears to get after the QB as much this year. I think the return of an effective running game will make the passing game better and Steve Smith will have a very big year.If the offense is much improved from the junk we saw last year, it can only help the defense stay fresher later in the games and help notch a few more wins this year. I think the OL will be much better this year compared to last year, but until they lace them up in September, they will likely not get many accolades from the experts because each of the 5 OL slots will be manned by a new player this year.Hope this helps you guys out with any Panthers players you may be considering in your upcoming drafts.

 

[buck naked]

Hey PSU Lions, that was a

Thanks!

 

[Getinthemix]

In reading some of the blogs about offseason training, I'm hearing that Fonoti (6'4" 340 lbs) will almost assuredly earn one of the starting G spots. Has anyone else heard this? If so, I see a very heavy, power-oriented line in place. I don't know how well all these big guys translate to a finesse, zone-blocking scheme.

Funny, because Kahlil is not really a power run blocking type Center, although when they drafted Stewart, you would think they are going to go to a power run game. If they get good run blocking from the Tackles, and Wharton ups his game moving inside, and Fonoti can come in at RG...I would agree and that would point to good things in the power running game or the run game period. If it is good enough it will take a lot of pressure off them in play action...but again I am left scratching my head as the Panthers have been on some sites bottom 5 list at OL...that's not good. And I am not saying I agree with them but we need to get some more info about them.

I thought that is why they gave up so much for Otah. To go to a power running game.

 

[Jayrod]

All indications are that the running game will be fine, IMO.

-They drafted Otah & Stewart - 2 guys who can excel at the run game

-The multiple rumors about Fox and Co. longing to return to the power game

-The bulking up at the guard positions mentioned already in this thread

-The bulking up of the center (previously a guard)

-Run blocking is a much more natural and less communicative technique (especially in the zone schemes) for O-linemen

As a result of all of this info, I don't see a problem with the running ability of the Panthers even with the inexperience and ufamiliarity of the O-line. I'm staying pretty optimistic with my D-Will & Stewart projections.

However, their pass blocking will no doubt be suspect and the biggest threat from that is Delhomme's health. He's a gamer and can get the ball to guys with less time than average QB's, but he can't do a thing if he gets injured again.

If Delhomme stays healthy he'll produce above average numbers (top 12). Steve Smith would then finish in the top 10 easily and probably top 5. Hackett would be a TD producer of WR2-WR3 quality depending on the league scoring. All that goes out the window with an injury to Delhomme. Jake and SS are two of the biggest high-risk/high-reward players in this year's draft, IMO.

 

[skillz]

In reading some of the blogs about offseason training, I'm hearing that Fonoti (6'4" 340 lbs) will almost assuredly earn one of the starting G spots. Has anyone else heard this? If so, I see a very heavy, power-oriented line in place. I don't know how well all these big guys translate to a finesse, zone-blocking scheme.

I have Panthers season tickets and I like the moves they have made this offseason so far. Back in January, Hurney and Fox met with the Big Cat (Jerry R.) to show him their plans for the team to make it back to the playoffs this year. They had lost their way over the past few years and were not set up to be a power running team that can control the clock, like Coach Fox likes to do. In fact, if you look at the T.O.P. for each of the games last year the only game that they lost when they controlled the clock was the Indy game and the only game they won when the opponent controlled the clock was the Saints game, landing them in the middle of the pack with a 7-9 record.The outcome of that meeting was that they wanted to go back to Panthers football and install an power running game that can grind out yards and make the play action more effective. Foster was never an effective power runner between the tackles so they issued him his walking papers and grabbed JStew as their newer, younger version of S. Davis. They went out traded to get Otah to start at RT, moving Wharton to LG and from out I heard after OTAs, Fonuti was running with the ones at practice, so they are getting a lot bigger on the OL to really try to run the ball more effectively this year. I think eventually JStew will take the starters job with DW being the change of pace back. Adding, Hackett and Moose is a big improvement for the WRs and Rosario has been doing very well at practice so far this year too. The offense with Delhomme at the helm will create many more problems for the defense and take pressure off the pass blocking because they should be able to mix things up better this year so the DL will not be able to pin down their ears to get after the QB as much this year. I think the return of an effective running game will make the passing game better and Steve Smith will have a very big year.

If the offense is much improved from the junk we saw last year, it can only help the defense stay fresher later in the games and help notch a few more wins this year. I think the OL will be much better this year compared to last year, but until they lace them up in September, they will likely not get many accolades from the experts because each of the 5 OL slots will be manned by a new player this year.

Hope this helps you guys out with any Panthers players you may be considering in your upcoming drafts.

This is the part that concerns me. While each of the individual players on the line may be an improvement -- all five spots on the line are being shuffled around. So the Panthers are entering the season with a group of players that have never played together as a unit. It may be a bit ugly early on, particularly with them opening against some tought defenses such as San Diego, Chicago, and Minnesota. I am really high on Stewart this year but I think the running game may start off slow while the line gels and the schedule gets a bit easier.

 

[skillz]

In reading some of the blogs about offseason training, I'm hearing that Fonoti (6'4" 340 lbs) will almost assuredly earn one of the starting G spots. Has anyone else heard this? If so, I see a very heavy, power-oriented line in place. I don't know how well all these big guys translate to a finesse, zone-blocking scheme.

I have Panthers season tickets and I like the moves they have made this offseason so far. Back in January, Hurney and Fox met with the Big Cat (Jerry R.) to show him their plans for the team to make it back to the playoffs this year. They had lost their way over the past few years and were not set up to be a power running team that can control the clock, like Coach Fox likes to do. In fact, if you look at the T.O.P. for each of the games last year the only game that they lost when they controlled the clock was the Indy game and the only game they won when the opponent controlled the clock was the Saints game, landing them in the middle of the pack with a 7-9 record.The outcome of that meeting was that they wanted to go back to Panthers football and install an power running game that can grind out yards and make the play action more effective. Foster was never an effective power runner between the tackles so they issued him his walking papers and grabbed JStew as their newer, younger version of S. Davis. They went out traded to get Otah to start at RT, moving Wharton to LG and from out I heard after OTAs, Fonuti was running with the ones at practice, so they are getting a lot bigger on the OL to really try to run the ball more effectively this year. I think eventually JStew will take the starters job with DW being the change of pace back. Adding, Hackett and Moose is a big improvement for the WRs and Rosario has been doing very well at practice so far this year too. The offense with Delhomme at the helm will create many more problems for the defense and take pressure off the pass blocking because they should be able to mix things up better this year so the DL will not be able to pin down their ears to get after the QB as much this year. I think the return of an effective running game will make the passing game better and Steve Smith will have a very big year.

If the offense is much improved from the junk we saw last year, it can only help the defense stay fresher later in the games and help notch a few more wins this year. I think the OL will be much better this year compared to last year, but until they lace them up in September, they will likely not get many accolades from the experts because each of the 5 OL slots will be manned by a new player this year.

Hope this helps you guys out with any Panthers players you may be considering in your upcoming drafts.

When you say "eventually" do you think it will be first couple of games during the season, or are you thinking latter part of the season. Barring injury, I personally just don't see how Stewart does not get the majority of carries starting week 1.

 

[Mr. Soup Nazi]

In reading some of the blogs about offseason training, I'm hearing that Fonoti (6'4" 340 lbs) will almost assuredly earn one of the starting G spots. Has anyone else heard this? If so, I see a very heavy, power-oriented line in place. I don't know how well all these big guys translate to a finesse, zone-blocking scheme.

I have Panthers season tickets and I like the moves they have made this offseason so far. Back in January, Hurney and Fox met with the Big Cat (Jerry R.) to show him their plans for the team to make it back to the playoffs this year. They had lost their way over the past few years and were not set up to be a power running team that can control the clock, like Coach Fox likes to do. In fact, if you look at the T.O.P. for each of the games last year the only game that they lost when they controlled the clock was the Indy game and the only game they won when the opponent controlled the clock was the Saints game, landing them in the middle of the pack with a 7-9 record.The outcome of that meeting was that they wanted to go back to Panthers football and install an power running game that can grind out yards and make the play action more effective. Foster was never an effective power runner between the tackles so they issued him his walking papers and grabbed JStew as their newer, younger version of S. Davis. They went out traded to get Otah to start at RT, moving Wharton to LG and from out I heard after OTAs, Fonuti was running with the ones at practice, so they are getting a lot bigger on the OL to really try to run the ball more effectively this year. I think eventually JStew will take the starters job with DW being the change of pace back. Adding, Hackett and Moose is a big improvement for the WRs and Rosario has been doing very well at practice so far this year too. The offense with Delhomme at the helm will create many more problems for the defense and take pressure off the pass blocking because they should be able to mix things up better this year so the DL will not be able to pin down their ears to get after the QB as much this year. I think the return of an effective running game will make the passing game better and Steve Smith will have a very big year.

If the offense is much improved from the junk we saw last year, it can only help the defense stay fresher later in the games and help notch a few more wins this year. I think the OL will be much better this year compared to last year, but until they lace them up in September, they will likely not get many accolades from the experts because each of the 5 OL slots will be manned by a new player this year.

Hope this helps you guys out with any Panthers players you may be considering in your upcoming drafts.

This is the part that concerns me. While each of the individual players on the line may be an improvement -- all five spots on the line are being shuffled around. So the Panthers are entering the season with a group of players that have never played together as a unit. It may be a bit ugly early on, particularly with them opening against some tought defenses such as San Diego, Chicago, and Minnesota. I am really high on Stewart this year but I think the running game may start off slow while the line gels and the schedule gets a bit easier.

But this is a zone scheme where the only issue will be familiarity, not communication. Once they know the abilities of the guy next to them, it is a very simple system for an O-lineman.

 

[PSULions]

In reading some of the blogs about offseason training, I'm hearing that Fonoti (6'4" 340 lbs) will almost assuredly earn one of the starting G spots. Has anyone else heard this? If so, I see a very heavy, power-oriented line in place. I don't know how well all these big guys translate to a finesse, zone-blocking scheme.

I have Panthers season tickets and I like the moves they have made this offseason so far. Back in January, Hurney and Fox met with the Big Cat (Jerry R.) to show him their plans for the team to make it back to the playoffs this year. They had lost their way over the past few years and were not set up to be a power running team that can control the clock, like Coach Fox likes to do. In fact, if you look at the T.O.P. for each of the games last year the only game that they lost when they controlled the clock was the Indy game and the only game they won when the opponent controlled the clock was the Saints game, landing them in the middle of the pack with a 7-9 record.The outcome of that meeting was that they wanted to go back to Panthers football and install an power running game that can grind out yards and make the play action more effective. Foster was never an effective power runner between the tackles so they issued him his walking papers and grabbed JStew as their newer, younger version of S. Davis. They went out traded to get Otah to start at RT, moving Wharton to LG and from out I heard after OTAs, Fonuti was running with the ones at practice, so they are getting a lot bigger on the OL to really try to run the ball more effectively this year. I think eventually JStew will take the starters job with DW being the change of pace back. Adding, Hackett and Moose is a big improvement for the WRs and Rosario has been doing very well at practice so far this year too. The offense with Delhomme at the helm will create many more problems for the defense and take pressure off the pass blocking because they should be able to mix things up better this year so the DL will not be able to pin down their ears to get after the QB as much this year. I think the return of an effective running game will make the passing game better and Steve Smith will have a very big year.

If the offense is much improved from the junk we saw last year, it can only help the defense stay fresher later in the games and help notch a few more wins this year. I think the OL will be much better this year compared to last year, but until they lace them up in September, they will likely not get many accolades from the experts because each of the 5 OL slots will be manned by a new player this year.

Hope this helps you guys out with any Panthers players you may be considering in your upcoming drafts.

When you say "eventually" do you think it will be first couple of games during the season, or are you thinking latter part of the season. Barring injury, I personally just don't see how Stewart does not get the majority of carries starting week 1.

Hard for me to give a meaningful guess when he may take over the starter job, since he is just out of the boot and he hasn't been on the field yet. IF he can pick up the blitz well and he shows the promise that they drafted him for, I think he could be the starter for the opener against the Chargers. Once camp starts and I get a read on his progress in TC and the first few pre-season games, I will update any news on JStew that I can share at that point.

 

[Iron_Far]

In reading some of the blogs about offseason training, I'm hearing that Fonoti (6'4" 340 lbs) will almost assuredly earn one of the starting G spots. Has anyone else heard this? If so, I see a very heavy, power-oriented line in place. I don't know how well all these big guys translate to a finesse, zone-blocking scheme.

I have Panthers season tickets and I like the moves they have made this offseason so far. Back in January, Hurney and Fox met with the Big Cat (Jerry R.) to show him their plans for the team to make it back to the playoffs this year. They had lost their way over the past few years and were not set up to be a power running team that can control the clock, like Coach Fox likes to do. In fact, if you look at the T.O.P. for each of the games last year the only game that they lost when they controlled the clock was the Indy game and the only game they won when the opponent controlled the clock was the Saints game, landing them in the middle of the pack with a 7-9 record.The outcome of that meeting was that they wanted to go back to Panthers football and install an power running game that can grind out yards and make the play action more effective. Foster was never an effective power runner between the tackles so they issued him his walking papers and grabbed JStew as their newer, younger version of S. Davis. They went out traded to get Otah to start at RT, moving Wharton to LG and from out I heard after OTAs, Fonuti was running with the ones at practice, so they are getting a lot bigger on the OL to really try to run the ball more effectively this year. I think eventually JStew will take the starters job with DW being the change of pace back. Adding, Hackett and Moose is a big improvement for the WRs and Rosario has been doing very well at practice so far this year too. The offense with Delhomme at the helm will create many more problems for the defense and take pressure off the pass blocking because they should be able to mix things up better this year so the DL will not be able to pin down their ears to get after the QB as much this year. I think the return of an effective running game will make the passing game better and Steve Smith will have a very big year.If the offense is much improved from the junk we saw last year, it can only help the defense stay fresher later in the games and help notch a few more wins this year. I think the OL will be much better this year compared to last year, but until they lace them up in September, they will likely not get many accolades from the experts because each of the 5 OL slots will be manned by a new player this year.Hope this helps you guys out with any Panthers players you may be considering in your upcoming drafts.

I am in the camp that doesn't think the Panthers lose all that much by going to Moore if/when Delhomme goes down. I saw all the games Moore played in last year and can't help but be impressed w/ the decision making (and most importantly, ability to get SS the ball) aside from very OBVIOUS rookie mistakes. That QB coach and Coach Riley at Oregon State has done a very nice job over the last few years w/ Moore and Derek Anderson. Moore is one of the reasons I am buying the Panthers offense, and especially SS, this year.

 

[PSULions]

In reading some of the blogs about offseason training, I'm hearing that Fonoti (6'4" 340 lbs) will almost assuredly earn one of the starting G spots. Has anyone else heard this? If so, I see a very heavy, power-oriented line in place. I don't know how well all these big guys translate to a finesse, zone-blocking scheme.

I have Panthers season tickets and I like the moves they have made this offseason so far. Back in January, Hurney and Fox met with the Big Cat (Jerry R.) to show him their plans for the team to make it back to the playoffs this year. They had lost their way over the past few years and were not set up to be a power running team that can control the clock, like Coach Fox likes to do. In fact, if you look at the T.O.P. for each of the games last year the only game that they lost when they controlled the clock was the Indy game and the only game they won when the opponent controlled the clock was the Saints game, landing them in the middle of the pack with a 7-9 record.The outcome of that meeting was that they wanted to go back to Panthers football and install an power running game that can grind out yards and make the play action more effective. Foster was never an effective power runner between the tackles so they issued him his walking papers and grabbed JStew as their newer, younger version of S. Davis. They went out traded to get Otah to start at RT, moving Wharton to LG and from out I heard after OTAs, Fonuti was running with the ones at practice, so they are getting a lot bigger on the OL to really try to run the ball more effectively this year. I think eventually JStew will take the starters job with DW being the change of pace back. Adding, Hackett and Moose is a big improvement for the WRs and Rosario has been doing very well at practice so far this year too. The offense with Delhomme at the helm will create many more problems for the defense and take pressure off the pass blocking because they should be able to mix things up better this year so the DL will not be able to pin down their ears to get after the QB as much this year. I think the return of an effective running game will make the passing game better and Steve Smith will have a very big year.If the offense is much improved from the junk we saw last year, it can only help the defense stay fresher later in the games and help notch a few more wins this year. I think the OL will be much better this year compared to last year, but until they lace them up in September, they will likely not get many accolades from the experts because each of the 5 OL slots will be manned by a new player this year.Hope this helps you guys out with any Panthers players you may be considering in your upcoming drafts.

I am in the camp that doesn't think the Panthers lose all that much by going to Moore if/when Delhomme goes down. I saw all the games Moore played in last year and can't help but be impressed w/ the decision making (and most importantly, ability to get SS the ball) aside from very OBVIOUS rookie mistakes. That QB coach and Coach Riley at Oregon State has done a very nice job over the last few years w/ Moore and Derek Anderson. Moore is one of the reasons I am buying the Panthers offense, and especially SS, this year.

I totally agree with the comments on Matt Moore. Last year, he didn't get any reps because he was in the Cowboys camp before he was cut, but now after 3 full NFL games under is belt where is performed very well (and won 2 of 3 games) he will have all OTAs and a full camp to further hone his skills under the Panthers offense. You look at David Carr under center and see a scared, jittery QB looking to unload the ball as soon as he could THAN you look at Matt Moore (a rookie) that looked very sharp, made good throws and had poise in the pocket and it was a HUGE improvement over Carr. The kid does have promise, no doubt.

 

[Longrifle]

On Panthers.com TE Jeff King indicated that he should have an increased role in blocking this year.

“For King, that may prove to be as an all-around tight end. That means taking extra time to work on blocking – both in honing his skills and adjusting to Carolina’s new blocking scheme, which is designed to give ballcarriers freedom to choose their holes. At Virginia Tech, King said the Hokies’ blocking schemes involved "a little bit of everything," encompassing zone and man-on-man blocking techniques. But he’s excited about focusing upon the former rather than the latter.

"It definitely helps. I think any time you're asked to zone-block more than man-block, it's an easier concept for everyone," King said. "It's team-oriented more than man-on-man. Whatever they call on us to do, we're willing blockers, and we'll go out there and play our tails off." And blocking ability will prove crucial for King as he looks to turn his solid second year into a lengthy career. "I'm trying to get better every day, get stronger and block better, because in this offense, you're going to have to block," King said. "I think that's more of my role this year -- to be that guy, to be the point man and block a little bit more. “

Link - http://www.panthers.com/Common/Article.aspx?id=33722

This makes a lot of sense for a couple of reasons. 1- Last year Carolina was looking everywhere for pass catchers and finally looked to the TE position (Last year was the most production from the TE position in the Fox era). This year the Panthers should have plenty of WR options which will lessen the need for the TE to catch passes, leaving him in to block. 2- Carolina knows that their season begins and ends with Delhomme. So I think protection will be the #1 priority. So from evaluating the OL for Carolina I think they plan to keep more bodies in for protection and blocking. This should improve the line play from last year and hopefully have them looking like the NFC Champ Panthers of a few seasons ago.