Team Spotlight: Carolina Panthers (1 Viewer)

[Maurile Tremblay]

See the pinned thread for links to each team spotlight.

I'll start off by posting my projections to get us going. The idea is for others to post their own projections as well, or to comment on the projections posted by others.

I'm higher on Stewart and correspondingly lower on Williams than most people.

Overall

501 pass attempts for 304 receptions, 3457 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions; 488 rushes for 2149 yards and 17 touchdowns.

QB

Matt Moore: 247 of 407 passing for 2816 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions; 22 rushes for 34 yards and 1 touchdown.

Jimmy Clausen: 57 of 94 passing for 641 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions; 5 rushes for 19 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Tony Pike: 0 of 0 passing for 0 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions; 0 rushes for 0 yards and 0 touchdowns.

RB

DeAngelo Williams: 192 rushes for 905 yards and 6 touchdowns; 36 receptions for 269 yards and 1 touchdown.

Jonathan Stewart: 224 rushes for 1001 yards and 9 touchdowns; 28 receptions for 202 yards and 1 touchdown.

Tyrell Sutton: 18 rushes for 75 yards and 0 touchdowns; 3 receptions for 21 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Mike Goodson: 14 rushes for 53 yards and 0 touchdowns; 2 receptions for 16 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Tony Fiammetta: 9 rushes for 37 yards and 0 touchdowns; 1 receptions for 10 yards and 0 touchdowns.

WR

Steve Smith: 77 receptions for 1056 yards and 7 touchdowns; 5 rushes for 26 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Kenneth Moore: 29 receptions for 361 yards and 2 touchdowns; 0 rushes for 0 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Dwayne Jarrett: 36 receptions for 436 yards and 2 touchdowns; 0 rushes for 0 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Wallace Wright: 6 receptions for 84 yards and 0 touchdowns; 0 rushes for 0 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Charly Martin: 6 receptions for 82 yards and 0 touchdowns; 0 rushes for 0 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Brandon LaFell: 10 receptions for 122 yards and 1 touchdown; 0 rushes for 0 yards and 0 touchdowns.

TE

Gary Barnidge: 41 receptions for 508 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Dante Rosario: 20 receptions for 231 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Jeff King: 7 receptions for 58 yards and 1 touchdown.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

I'm higher on Stewart and correspondingly lower on Williams than most people.DeAngelo Williams: 192 rushes for 905 yards and 6 touchdowns; 36 receptions for 269 yards and 1 touchdown.Jonathan Stewart: 224 rushes for 1001 yards and 9 touchdowns; 28 receptions for 202 yards and 1 touchdown.

Ok, fair enough. There was pretty solid off-season analysis of this situation....and while I'm a Stewart owner....all indications from last year would suggest DWill gets at least 55-60% of carries. Can you say more about why you are higher on Stewart? Love these threads BTW. Thanks for putting them together!!

 

[Bri]

Maurile(or anyone) at first I'd have guessed Moore to be the starter but then they drafted 3 of the 15 QBs taken in the NFL draft.

Traded to select Armanti Edwards one round after Claussen and then Pike three rounds later. Fox had a nice quote about loving the results of competition in camp.

This is an interesting draft philosophy that bears some attention and discussion IMO. Yep it's hard to find a franchise QB in the draft, so let's take 3 of the top 10 guys and see what happens.

I don't think taking 3 QBs is a sign of confidence in Moore at all.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Maurile(or anyone) at first I'd have guessed Moore to be the starter but then they drafted 3 of the 15 QBs taken in the NFL draft.

Traded to select Armanti Edwards one round after Claussen and then Pike three rounds later. Fox had a nice quote about loving the results of competition in camp.

This is an interesting draft philosophy that bears some attention and discussion IMO. Yep it's hard to find a franchise QB in the draft, so let's take 3 of the top 10 guys and see what happens.

I don't think taking 3 QBs is a sign of confidence in Moore at all.

It's probably not a huge sign of confidence in Moore. It's also probably not a sign that the front office has any clue what they are doing.

 

[Tau837]

Maurile(or anyone) at first I'd have guessed Moore to be the starter but then they drafted 3 of the 15 QBs taken in the NFL draft.Traded to select Armanti Edwards one round after Claussen and then Pike three rounds later. Fox had a nice quote about loving the results of competition in camp.This is an interesting draft philosophy that bears some attention and discussion IMO. Yep it's hard to find a franchise QB in the draft, so let's take 3 of the top 10 guys and see what happens. I don't think taking 3 QBs is a sign of confidence in Moore at all.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe they drafted Edwards to be a WR. In theory, he could be a Wildcat guy, but they have Williams (or possibly Stewart) for that.

 

[Tau837]

I'm higher on Stewart and correspondingly lower on Williams than most people.DeAngelo Williams: 192 rushes for 905 yards and 6 touchdowns; 36 receptions for 269 yards and 1 touchdown.Jonathan Stewart: 224 rushes for 1001 yards and 9 touchdowns; 28 receptions for 202 yards and 1 touchdown.

Ok, fair enough. There was pretty solid off-season analysis of this situation....and while I'm a Stewart owner....all indications from last year would suggest DWill gets at least 55-60% of carries. Can you say more about why you are higher on Stewart?

It's not crazy to be high on Stewart. But why is it you think Stewart will get more carries? Just a hunch? I find that pretty surprising, and I disagree with it.

 

[Bri]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe they drafted Edwards to be a WR. In theory, he could be a Wildcat guy, but they have Williams (or possibly Stewart) for that.

They drafted Edwards for excitement is about the only thing that's clear. He's a playmaker.They were one of the teams that liked him as a QB predraft but post draft he's being called a WR so....we'll see I guess.

 

[BassNBrew]

Maurile(or anyone) at first I'd have guessed Moore to be the starter but then they drafted 3 of the 15 QBs taken in the NFL draft.Traded to select Armanti Edwards one round after Claussen and then Pike three rounds later. Fox had a nice quote about loving the results of competition in camp.This is an interesting draft philosophy that bears some attention and discussion IMO. Yep it's hard to find a franchise QB in the draft, so let's take 3 of the top 10 guys and see what happens. I don't think taking 3 QBs is a sign of confidence in Moore at all.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe they drafted Edwards to be a WR. In theory, he could be a Wildcat guy, but they have Williams (or possibly Stewart) for that.

They traded Harris yesterday figuring that Edwards could take some snaps at free safety or play nickel back. Fox is also trying to figure out how to use him as both the long snapper and place holder.Speaking of which MT, if you're going to go to the trouble to project fodder like Wallace Wright, Charley Martin, and Fiammetta, you should probably give Edwards some number because he'll post more points than what you have projected for these guys.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Maurile(or anyone) at first I'd have guessed Moore to be the starter but then they drafted 3 of the 15 QBs taken in the NFL draft.Traded to select Armanti Edwards one round after Claussen and then Pike three rounds later. Fox had a nice quote about loving the results of competition in camp.This is an interesting draft philosophy that bears some attention and discussion IMO. Yep it's hard to find a franchise QB in the draft, so let's take 3 of the top 10 guys and see what happens. I don't think taking 3 QBs is a sign of confidence in Moore at all.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe they drafted Edwards to be a WR. In theory, he could be a Wildcat guy, but they have Williams (or possibly Stewart) for that.

They traded Harris yesterday figuring that Edwards could take some snaps at free safety or play nickel back. Fox is also trying to figure out how to use him as both the long snapper and place holder.

 

[TheBaylorKid]

Do you guys see David Gettis making the practice squad? The kid has the tools, but he needs more development. He made strides his SR. season at Baylor.

 

[omally]

I don't think taking 3 QBs is a sign of confidence in Moore at all.

They didn't draft Edwards as a QB. Fox and Hurney said Edwards is their progect guy, and they will convert him to WR and KR. They said they took Clausen and Pike, because they didn't think either would fall like they did, and they felt in those rounds they were the best available, and the value was too good to pass up. They reinterated after the draft that it had no reflection on how they feel about Moore, and that he is still their starter. They said the QB competition is good for all of them.

 

[Bri]

I don't think taking 3 QBs is a sign of confidence in Moore at all.

They said they took Clausen and Pike, because they didn't think either would fall like they did, and they felt in those rounds they were the best available, and the value was too good to pass up. They reinterated after the draft that it had no reflection on how they feel about Moore, and that he is still their starter. They said the QB competition is good for all of them.

That's scripted, about what they almost have to say.

 

[Sweet Love]

Do you think Moore will be that much more productive than LaFell? I don't think Jarrett is ever going to get it and while guys have made the transition relatively quickly to WR (like Curry and Ward), I still think Year 1 between the two belongs to LaFell.

ETA: Moore is not a rookie (I am actually not sure if that is even correct technically), as he has been in the league two years (one on the practice squad and one on the team). I was confusing him with the QB from App State when I posted, but still believe LaFell should have the edge.

 

[Honda]

Do you think Moore will be that much more productive than LaFell? I don't think Jarrett is ever going to get it and while guys have made the transition relatively quickly to WR (like Curry and Ward), I still think Year 1 between the two belongs to LaFell.

I'm with ya. 10 catches seems awfully low.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

OK who is kenneth moore?

 

[B. Nugget]

OK who is kenneth moore?

WR out of Wake Forest, I believe he is the hometown hero, right Panther fans?IIRC, he is very versatile, but a little undersized.

 

[Sweet Love]

OK who is kenneth moore?

WR out of Wake Forest, I believe he is the hometown hero, right Panther fans?IIRC, he is very versatile, but a little undersized.

I believe his is about 5'10 or 5'11 and almost 200lbs (kinda Marty Booker build). He was very versatile in college and had a very good Sr. year (I think he topped 1000 yards) and also returned punts and kicks and even rushed the ball a good deal.

 

[karmarooster]

Nobody expects bigger things out of Steve Smith? In four games with Moore last year he put up the following:3/78/02/83/19/157/15/60/1I know a straight extrapolation only puts him at 76 receptions, but Moore obviously used Smith more as he got comfortable as the starter. I don't know how the ADPs will shake out, but I'm really high on Steve Smith this year. The guy is still an elite talent. Before anyone else says it, I know they are not a throwing team but who else is going to compete with him for catches? He is so quick that he's able to get it done with double teams. The only way he was able to but shut down in the playoffs a few years back was via triple team. I think the really strong run game prevents that from being an option. I'm looking for him to be drafted in the WR10-15 range, maybe later, and ending up top 5.

I tend to agree with this. Delhomme shut down Smith's production last year, not Moore. However, 77 for 1,000+ and 7 TDs is all you can reasonably expect from him next year given the QB uncertainty. If Clausen gets some PT, it would probably hurt Smith's numbers a bit. Smith should still be a good value, low end WR1/high end WR2.

 

[the spanker]

Nobody expects bigger things out of Steve Smith? In four games with Moore last year he put up the following:3/78/02/83/19/157/15/60/1I know a straight extrapolation only puts him at 76 receptions, but Moore obviously used Smith more as he got comfortable as the starter. I don't know how the ADPs will shake out, but I'm really high on Steve Smith this year. The guy is still an elite talent. Before anyone else says it, I know they are not a throwing team but who else is going to compete with him for catches? He is so quick that he's able to get it done with double teams. The only way he was able to but shut down in the playoffs a few years back was via triple team. I think the really strong run game prevents that from being an option. I'm looking for him to be drafted in the WR10-15 range, maybe later, and ending up top 5.

I tend to agree with this. Delhomme shut down Smith's production last year, not Moore. However, 77 for 1,000+ and 7 TDs is all you can reasonably expect from him next year given the QB uncertainty. If Clausen gets some PT, it would probably hurt Smith's numbers a bit. Smith should still be a good value, low end WR1/high end WR2.

I suppose that is true, but I guess this is my problem with projections. They tend to be slight tweaks of the year before, never predicting any disruptions to the rankings at the end of the year before. Personally, I'm targeting Smith this year - I guess with the expectations of nothing less than these predictions but with a 95/1500/10 upside. I mean, Delhomme seriously crippled him last year, and in only 15 games the guy produced almost 1000/7 (65/982/7). With any improvement in QB play he's going to be at 1200/8. I don't see how he's not the talk of the town right now. It'll be interesting to see where he goes in relation to Fitzgerald. If we're talking about a redraft non-ppr, I'd take Steve over Larry right now. One got a QB upgrade and one got a QB downgrade, but I'm certain the perceived value is still heavily swayed in Fitz's favor.

Gotta agree with this analysis. I'm in PPR where Fitz will still go 1st round with Smith most likely dropping into the 3rd round....good value.

 

[VaCatFan]

Early camp notes from friend on another board:

Early start this year. Prior camps have gotten started right around 10am. This year, I pulled up around 9:40 and the field was already full of players.

First sight I saw when I walked up to the entrance was Claussen running up the sidewalk to the field. Also saw LaFell and others of our new draftees, but Claussen was the only one booking it.

Initial observations: Ed Johnson is round, really round. Similarly, but better, Tank Tyler lives up to his name. Pike is tall, and has a buzz cut. As Kenny Moore was walking up, one of the fans said “Go Independence” and elicited a smile. Also noticed John Kasay walking up talking with trainer Ryan Vermillion. Don’t know that I’d read much into that, but it was noteworthy. The rest of the special teams crew rolled up later. Next to the other players, they look like members of Best Buy’s “Geek Squad”.

Marty Hurney was out early. A little after I got there, new team president Danny Morrison came out and made a real effort to engage the fans who were outside the fences (never recall the prior team pres. even so much as acknowledging the fans). I got the chance to say hello and he made sure I had a copy of the roster sheet (I already had one printed from online, but his was better). He seems to be taking his job seriously and really wants to spark some excitement in the team. Lots of credit to him.

Fair number of people out to watch, and oddly a lot of non-player people were inside the fence today. Someone mentioned they were people who had paid to be part of some special media thing. I don’t know the full deal there.

At the last camp, I remember noting how odd it was to not see Nick Goings out there. That feeling was multiplied this season. No Delhomme, no Peppers, no Hoover, and no Muhammad. Kemo, Lewis and of course, Harris, all gone too, but none of them were as longstanding as those four.

It really hit me just how different things are now the first time I heard Matt Moore call out “52 is the Mike”. That first call was always Delhomme’s voice before. No longer.

It’s worth noting too that I’ve heard Moore calling out the Mike LB before, but he sounded different doing it this year; louder, more authoritative. Perhaps he’s really taken it to heart that this is his team, now. If so, that’s a good thing. He’ll need that mindset if he’s going to succeed as a signal caller.

Speaking of voices, Jeff Davidson sounded gruff today too. Jerry Simmons was loud too, but that’s nothing new.

Last year, one of the first things I heard was Ron Meeks yelling out “Where’s Richard Marshall? Where’s Richard Marshall? Is he running?” Meeks didn’t bother asking where Marshall was today.

From departures to returns. Early on caught sight of Thomas Davis running around with the defense. Just drills, mind you, but he didn’t look like someone who’d suffered a major injury. Gross, Otah, Williams and Stewart were all on the field but not taking part. Stewart didn’t even stretch. Corvey Irvin was taking part in DL drills but had to stop at one point and get stretched out by a trainer.

One new pickup: A receiver named Trent Guy out of Louisville. He wasn’t on the roster I had printed so I had to look him up later. Smallish type, possibly another return option though I didn’t see him get work there. Apparently, he’s a Charlotte kid.

Number reassignments: Sentimentality over Na’il Diggs didn’t last so long. Recent acquisition Jamar Williams got his old #53. Armanti Edwards has Ryne Robinson’s #10. Undrafted guard Noah Franklin is sporting Kris Jenkins’ old 77 (someone had that last year, but I forget who). Newly signed RB Daniel Porter gets Goings’ old #37. Still no 17, 45, 87 or 90.

Speaking of numbers, I heard someone say today that Jerry Richardson won’t allow any player to wear the number “1”. I vaguely remember hearing something like that before. Given that there’s never been a “1” on roster that I can recall, sounds like it’s probably true.

Other changes from last year: Everette Brown’s previously written about increase in size is indeed noticeable. I could swear Tony Fiammetta actually looks thinner. I remember thinking for a second that Hilee Taylor looked really different. Then I remembered Taylor had changed numbers and it was actually Eric Moore I was seeing.

First group on offensive drills: Moore at QB, Sutton at runningback, Smith and Jarrett at receiver. O-Line consisted, right to left, of Garry Williams, Travelle Wharton, Ryan Kalil, Geoff Schwartz and Rob Petitti. Interesting that they’re trying Schwartz at guard, and ahead of Bernadeau. Still, it’s just minicamp. Barnidge was also the first TE in, same as last year, but it didn’t mean anything.

Noted that more than a few times today, the offense practiced an end around to Smitty. Not a new play in the arsenal, mind you, but they seemed to like using it today.

Watching the Quarterbacks: Moore’s first pass of the day was completed to Steve Smith. The throw was just a hair behind, but Smith adjusted well. After that though, I can really only recall seeing one pass I thought was a little off. Overall, Moore looked pretty good. He was clearly in charge, even stopping one drill before it started because he saw the outside guys were lined up wrong. His play action fakes looked good. And when he passes, the football comes out of his hands fast, very fast. Scherer has clearly preached “quick release” to Moore a lot. I noticed it last year, and Moore hasn’t forgotten.

Cantwell ran the second offensive group and was the only QB I saw tossing passes back and forth when others were running drills. Moore spent his spare time helmet off, gabbing with coach Rip Scherer. Claussen was third, Pike fourth. Don’t know how long that rotation order will last. Gantt believes Cantwell has a better chance of sticking than most. He could be right, but with that said, you could probably get away with stashing a Hunter Cantwell on the practice squad. I’m not so sure that’s true of Tony Pike.

Speaking of Pike, it’s really weird to see a #16 out there quarterbacking again. Hope he has better luck than the last guy who wore it. He had an up and down day. Some good moments, some bad. One pass to new receiver Trent Guy was waaaaayyyy off target.

Claussen’s first pass of the day was a perfect throw…right to defensive back Marcus Walker. Could have been a clean pick but I’m not sure Walker saw it coming. The ball hit him right in the bread basket and he dropped it. Welcome to the NFL, young fella.

Does that mean Claussen looked bad? No. It’s been said that he has near-perfect mechanics as a passer, and watching him throw, you’d believe it. He had his fair share of completions, including a pretty nice one to Jeff King later on. Likewise, Pike had his moments. Both, however, were clearly having to adjust to the speed of the NFL. Claussen held the ball too long more than once, as did Pike (one time noticeably so). It’ll take reps to get better, but camp is still a ways away.

Barking out signals, Claussen actually sounded a little quiet at first. Someone likely mentioned it to him, as by the end of practice he was a lot louder and sounded more commanding. Good sign, as it points to his being receptive to suggestion and capable of adjustment. Pike was fairly even from start to finish. Cantwell sounded decent, but not as good as Moore.

Summing it all up: Of the quarterbacks today, Matt Moore easily looked the best. It wasn’t even a contest. Realistically speaking though, anyone who expected it to be one on the first day of minicamp probably wasn’t thinking it through. Moore may be a new starter, but this is his fourth NFL season. Claussen and Pike are rookies at their first minicamp, and when you watched them, they looked like rookies at their first minicamp. Neither Claussen nor Pike can rightly be judged solely by what they did today. Time will tell the tale.

Also on the rookie offense front, Armanti Edwards and Brandon LaFell worked in the third set of receivers (second was Kenny Moore and Charley Martin). Both guys looked decent. For all the talk about LaFell being not as fast as others, his game speed looks pretty good (even for just camp). He’s very long, lean and lanky. Saw him catch a pass from Hunter Cantwell on an outside route. Didn’t notice him as much after that, but my attention was spread around a lot.

As to Edwards, his dreads are so long that you can only make out “Ed” on the back of his jersey. Running routes, he’s fast, and seems to have taken up Steve Smith’s habit of always going full speed no matter what. Saw a few passes thrown his way, and watched him catching punts from Baker. For the record, I didn’t see a football that came his direction hit the ground. If he dropped anything, I missed it.

What to make of Dwayne Jarrett? Saw him make a good catch early in 7 on 7, then later on not even look back for the ball in a passing drill. Once or twice, I remember looking at him and wondering if he really wanted to be there. If he wants to start (or for that matter, stick on the roster) he’ll need to show something that, to this point, he’s not yet known for: that being consistent effort. Not sure I saw that today, but in fairness I didn’t make a special effort to watch him.

General offensive notes: More short passing than long today. Jeff King had a lot of catches and looked good. I saw him pull down passes from Moore, Cantwell and Claussen. He looks a little faster than before. Tyrell Sutton is very elusive when he runs. Mike Goodson less so, despite his reputation (sometimes I wonder how hard he’s trying). New rookie David Gettis also had some nice moves after catching a pass today. Undrafted guy Andrew George runs some nice routes, as he should wearing # 85.

 

[VaCatFan]

pt2, FRIDAY AGAIN, AGAIN NOT MINE

On the defensive side of things, aside from noting Thomas Davis running, the guy you notice first on the defense is Jon Beason. Like Smith, there seems to be no such thing as half speed in his repertoire. When the defense was running drills to the corner of the end zone, Beason stood out as running hard. James Anderson, Charles Johnson, Eric Norwood and fellow rookie Jordan Pugh also all looked to be giving it their best effort.

Eric Norwood looks pretty fast on the field. Saw him lined up at DE a time or two in drills, but he worked out with the linebackers, not the D-Line. He had a nice rush on one play that probably would have wound up a sack at game speed.

Speaking of stops, Charles Johnson had a good one early. He sniffed out a screen and stopped it cold. Johnson and Brayton look slotted to be the starting DEs at this point, with Brown working in the second unit. Again, that’s not necessarily an indication of anything, but it makes some sense as a rotation.

This year’s winner of the Marlon Favorite award for being DL Coach Brian Baker’s whipping boy might be Ed Johnson. His last cut from the Colts was for performance reasons, not character concerns. It’s only day one, but from what I’ve seen so far, that cut may have been justified. In drills, Johnson was consistently a half to a full step slower than his defensive line mates. He may get better with time, but today was definitely not his day.

On the flipside, Baker’s (not Marlon) favorite pupil today was second year DE Everette Brown.

Also of note, late year acquisition Derek Landri looked decent in drills and scrimmage.

Rookie DE Greg Hardy looks very tall and strong, but seemed a little tentative in practice. He wasn’t that explosive hitting the sleds for the most part. At one point, he got yelled at by one of the defensive coaches (Baker, I think) for running with his eyes down rather than looking where he was going. Not sure whether he’s still rehabbing injury or maybe just had an iffy first day of his transition to the pros. Either way, hope he gets better.

As expected, Charles Godfrey and Sherrod Martin started at strong and free safety. I noticed Martin close in fast on an early play (probably would have been a solid stop in a game). Both were all over the place in practice. We’ll need that to compete in today’s pass happy NFL. Watching them at camp, you can get an idea of why the team went this route. Hope it pays the dividends they’re looking for.

At corner, Captain Munnerlyn was starting in Richard Marshall’s spot.

Of the various special teamers that signed, the one who looked like he might have the best shot of contributing elsewhere was Marcus Walker. Saw him in on a fair share of defensive plays today.

If I’m being perfectly honest, I thought the defense as a whole looked a tad disorganized today. There was a lot of yelling and complaints from defensive coaches, especially baker and LB coach Richard Smith. This time of year, it’s usually the offense that looks out of synch. And yes, they had their moments, but overall they looked better than the defense did.

Special Teams: Not much of note. Munnerlyn, Dexter Jackson and the previously mentioned Armanti Edwards were the guys fielding punts. Baker was okay, but shanked a few (wind may have caught them; it was strong). Didn’t see anyone drop one that got close to them. Jackson caught one on a bounce.

Coaching Note: Brian Baker and Dave Magazu are both good at what they do, but very different. If being coached by Baker is like being hit upside the head with an alumimum baseball bat, Magazu's style is the wooden bat. It doesn't make as loud a noise, but it can crack you just as hard.

Post Practice:

Duke Robinson walked out with no shoe on his right foot. Don’t know why. It served to distract attention from the enormous melon he carries on his shoulders. I’m amazed they found a helmet to fit him.

Everette Brown walked out with DL coach Brian Baker, still pumping him for info. He’s definitely an eager pupil. I was hoping to see the Mohawk I’d heard mentioned before, but it looks like he’s decided to just go with a conventional buzz cut.

QB coach Rip Scherer was gabbing with someone on the way out. I overheard him saying “Yeah, I tried to change that with Matt. He’s better at it now.” Would love to know what he was talking about.

Smitty actually stopped to sign a few autographs. He got most of the crowd that was there and chatted a bit, but prior to the last few he said “No, I’m done. I’m tired of signing” and trotted off.

In prior years, Jake Delhomme was always the guy who worked the crowd the most, engaging as many as he could. That duty has fallen to Matt Moore now, and he took to it well, being very friendly and courteous to well-wishers.

I had a chance to speak briefly with Moore, and took the opportunity to say one thing: “Just remember, the coach can make you the starter, but it’s up to you to become the leader.” He seemed to like that, as he broke into a broad grin and said “That’s right. That’s absolutely right. Thanks.” Before heading off.

Claussen was one of the last ones out, and had someone hurrying him along the whole time. Even so, he was friendly, courteous and accommodating to autograph seekers. Of all the signers, he was the only one I heard ask for names and personalize his autographs. He doesn’t come off as standoffish at all.

Last guy out was Armanti Edwards. Not sure if he and Claussen were working on something or just talking to the media (probably the latter). He’s a little more clean-shaven now and looks like a high school kid in the face. Some folks asked for him to stop but he was being rushed onto a golf cart to head up to the stadium and told everyone he was running late, but said thanks for the support.

 

[VaCatFan]

SATURDAY: AGAIN, NOT MINE

Hate to say it, but for my money the team in general looked a little off today, especially the quarterbacks. Happily, it’s still just minicamp. That doesn’t mean everything was negative, mind you, but overall it was rather blah.

What I saw in the practices today...

OUT ON THE SIDEWALK:

As was covered on Panthers.com, some fans decided to have a little tailgate outside the practice today. I had to chuckle when I walked up and saw the setup they had. A few of the players even took part, getting a snack or two.

Like yesterday, Jerry Richardson came out for the afternoon practice, but not the morning one. He spent pretty much all his time on the cart talking to Marty Hurney.

Team president Danny Morrison was out again, making friends and handing out rosters. In each of the three practices I attended, I was given a roster. Twice, it was Morrison who gave it to me. Have to appreciate the work he’s doing.

Also saw Brian Baker walk up and have a fan ask if his guys were ready. His response? “We have four months to get ready” (aaaahhh, that’d be a no).

Steve Smith signed a few pre-practice autographs.

Jon Beason, Jamar Williams and Mortty Ivy all came running up together. Fox came up behind, commenting to fans “I think they’re too busy to stop for autographs.”

Dexter Jackson has kind of a strange, 19th century looking beard.

Louis Leonard has a gap in his front teeth, though nowhere near as large as that other guy who’s known for a gappy grin (what was his name again…I forget…)

Rookie corner R J Stanford has some words tattooed on his neck. Didn’t get a good enough look to see what they said.

Hard to miss Tony Pike when he walks up since he’s the only non-lineman who’s 6’6”.

Gamble no longer has any dreads (not sure when he lost them).

And just as a side note, it’s actually kind of amusing watching guys try to walk normally on a sidewalk wearing cleats.

THE WALLFLOWERS:

Jonathan Stewart out as usual. He practices less than Allen Iverson, but plays as well as Iverson in his prime on game day too.

DeAngelo Williams also not in the mix, and no Thomas Davis today.

The Tyler boys - Brayton and Tank - sat out of the D-Line work, though Brayton spent a fair amount of time in one session working against a tackling dummy on his own.

(at one point I think it must have trash-talked him or something because I saw him grab it and knee it in the nuts)

QUARTERBACK OBSERVATIONS:

First pass of the day that I saw was an overthrow from Cantwell aimed at Kenny Moore. In a way, that set the tone for the practices to come. Quarterbacks were off target pretty much all day. Too high, too low, wide left, wide right…You name it, they threw it. In fairness to the QBs, more than a few passes that actually were on target wound up being dropped. But still, it just wasn’t their day.

Best looking QB of the day? You could make an argument it was Jimmy Clausen. While Clausen had his off moments too, he also had some where he looked brilliant. He’s not as slow to react as yesterday, and on one play threw a brilliant fake (by brilliant I mean that it fooled me). He also at one point put a bullet of a pass in Jeff King’s gut that I’m surprised didn’t go right through him. As mentioned though, he wasn’t immune from mistakes, among them a bad choice on a pass play that resulted in a pick by Chris Gamble.

The broad gap of superiority Moore had yesterday was lessened today. Was Moore still largely better? Maybe, but he had a day full of overthrows, miscommunication, and grounders. One particularly bad miscue led to a pickoff by Sherrod Martin that he enthusiastically ran back. That play was one I’m sure he’d like to have back.

Before you bail on Moore though, you should take note of something else that happened today.

After a rather badly thrown pass, Moore’s demeanor and body language took a rather sharp turn. He looked extremely pissed off - apparently at himself - and when he stepped to the line for the next play, things were a little different. It started with his cadence, which was louder and more authoritative, and continued with his execution. On each of the next four plays I watched, Moore was efficient and his passes were crisply thrown and on target.

Bottom Line: The quarterback position will be fun to watch come time for training camp.

Additional QB Notes:

Coach Rip Scherer had the guys practicing some subtle hand and head fakes in individual drills.

Matt Moore’s head swivels a lot more than the other QBs. The others tend to focus in one direction.

Clausen’s mechanics are incredibly precise. Watch him throw the ball twenty times and the last one will look exactly like the first one.

Tony Pike was the only quarterback I saw do much scrambling today. The others all tended toward straight dropbacks.

Pike had a nice toss or two, but he’s not in the class of Moore or Clausen at this point. Right now, he looks like he’s competing for a roster spot. That could change, of course. We’ll see.

THE BUBBLE GUYS:

Runningback duties today were split between new acquisition Josh Vaughan (#40) who looked decent, and Mike Goodson. Didn’t see Tyrell Sutton out there. Could have been hurt, but I hadn’t heard anything. Just as likely the team has seen what they need to see and decided to take a look at Mike Goodson.

Unknown whether Goodson believes his job is in danger, but he worked hard today to give the team a lot to think about. That’s a good thing, honestly. It’s better if Goodson can show himself to be a contributor since it gives the team more options and it means they didn’t waste a draft pick when they took him.

As to Dwayne Jarrett, saw more good than bad from him today. He had a really nice spinning catch during scrimmage. During goal line drills he rolled Charles Godfrey after Godfrey got in his way on a route (didn’t look like it took much effort).

Jarrett’s still firmly in the number two receiver spot, and will likely remain there until further notice barring unforeseen developments. Preseason will probably be what tells the tale, as he’s been known at times to look better in practice than against actual competition. Stay tuned.

ROOKIE REPORTS:

Armanti Edwards continues to impress. One of the better visuals of the day came when Hunter Cantwell threw a pass a little behind him. Edwards caught it with one hand (his left) right on his hip. Like yesterday, nothing that came close to him hit the ground while I was watching. He could be the real deal, but then as the saying goes, lots of guys do well in shorts and not so well in pads.

Brandon LaFell had some flashes, especially on one really nice long pass from Clausen. One pass that was thrown high to him went off his hands. He’ll need to pull those down if he really wants to be the guy. Overall not bad, though. He still doesn’t quite stand out like Edwards, but his game speed is good and I have some hope that he’ll be impressive come time for training camp.

Caught a little of the work being done by Jordan Pugh and Aaron Francisco. They’re certainly athletic, but safety is a tough position to evaluate with no pads. Credit to Francisco for at one point recognizing a gap in the defensive formation and pointing it out.

 

[Bri]

thanks V

 

[Ministry of Pain]

This is a very nice thread. Lot of insight, also wanted to tip my hat to V with the camp notes.

Took Smith at the 3.06 in SSL (WR15), pretty happy about it.

 

[Bri]

VaCat,

one thing that is a considerable concern for rooks is the speed of the NFL game and that's apparent in shorts. Safe to say no worries for Armanti there, right? He's adjusting to the speed of the game just fine?

 

[healthpellets]

love me some clausen. will be following this very closely.

is there a link to those first hand practice reports from another board (assuming it's a team board)?

 

[VaCatFan]

love me some clausen. will be following this very closely.

is there a link to those first hand practice reports from another board (assuming it's a team board)?

Try this link. It's the Panthers Lair over on NFLfans.comhttp://www.nflfans.com/x/showthread.php?t=60479

I'm trying to get the exact link to the reports which were reposted from another site.

This is another decent spot to get some Panthers insight.

http://absolutepanthers.blogspot.com/

 

[VaCatFan]

VaCat,one thing that is a considerable concern for rooks is the speed of the NFL game and that's apparent in shorts. Safe to say no worries for Armanti there, right? He's adjusting to the speed of the game just fine?

Just based on what I've read over on another site, he seems to be picking things up quickly. I keep seeing the same statement about him in that the ball doesn't hit the ground if it's near him. That's awesome for him to be able to quickly corral a ball and get it secured. Right now, he seems to be doing very well and most everyone agrees he seems to be an excellent athlete, but again, it's in shorts. We'll see how he does in camp once he's got pads on.

 

[simey]

Armanti Edwards continues to impress. One of the better visuals of the day came when Hunter Cantwell threw a pass a little behind him. Edwards caught it with one hand (his left) right on his hip. Like yesterday, nothing that came close to him hit the ground while I was watching. He could be the real deal, but then as the saying goes, lots of guys do well in shorts and not so well in pads.

It will be nice if Armanti turns out to be the real deal. I like his diversity, and he isn't completely green at WR. He played WR most of his years in high school, and then switched to QB during his senior year (of course that was several years ago). Hopefully as he gains experience, he will turn out to be a really nice weapon for the cats.

 

[Jeff Haseley]

Good article from the Charlotte Observer discussing the team's QBs - link to article

 

[VaCatFan]

Article from Pat Yasinkas http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/i...-carolinas-camp

Some final thoughts and observations on Carolina’s minicamp now that I’m back home.

First, an update, out of John Fox’s wrap-up comments. This one’s interesting. Fox talked about the decision to trade safety Chris Harris and said the team’s budget had something to do with the move. In other words, it had a lot to do with the trade and probably prompted it. Consider this another sign that general manager Marty Hurney is probably steering this boat more than ever. Decisions are being made with a possible 2011 lockout in mind and the long-term future a big part of every decision. Yes, we all know Fox is on the hot seat as he heads into the final year of his contract. But I’m not so sure Hurney falls into that category in the eyes of owner Jerry Richardson.

I thought cornerback Captain Munnerlyn looked pretty good out there, running with the first-team defense. He was in there because starter Richard Marshall is looking for a long term contract and didn’t attend. Marshall could be trying to force a trade and I could see the Panthers doing something like that, in part because of the reasons we talked about in the first item. But Marshall, a restricted free agent, isn’t really dealing from a position of strength. Yes, the Panthers could definitely use him this year, let Munnerlyn develop as a nickelback for another season and groom some of their young guys for bigger roles. But Munnerlyn might not be that far away from being ready to be a starter.

The single-best play I saw in all the sessions was by the other starting cornerback, Chris Gamble. He made a diving interception Saturday on a ball that looked like he had no chance to get. Very quietly, Gamble has been putting together a pretty nice career and I wouldn't be surprised to start seeing this guy get some more recognition.

I came away really impressed by what I saw out of Armanti Edwards, the rookie out of Appalachian State. He played quarterback in college, but the Panthers are going to use him as a receiver and a punt returner. This kid is pretty dynamic and can be an instant factor in the slot. Fox and coordinator Jeff Davidson haven’t used a slot receiver much in recent years. Might be time to change that and there could be other ways designed to get Edwards some touches. In fact, this kid could turn out to be what some people thought Tim Tebow could be. Plus, I think Edwards’ throwing motion might be better than Tebow’s.

Speaking of Tebow, Fox wasn’t sending out any smokescreens when he was singing the praises of the University of Florida product at the owners meeting. Fox really liked Tebow and so did others in the organization. They think he might become a good NFL quarterback, but they never were serious about using an early-round draft pick because they think he’ll take time to develop.

Obviously, quarterback Jimmy Clausen, who the Panthers believe is much more ready for the NFL than Tebow, was the talk of minicamp. I don’t want to declare this kid the next Joe Montana, and I don’t want to declare him the next Ryan Leaf. It was one minicamp and you really can’t tell much from that. But the kid can throw the ball and he seemed to be interacting quite nicely with his new teammates and saying all of the right things to the media. The rest of the offseason and training camp will determine if Clausen's ready to start ahead of Matt Moore. Speaking of Moore, I didn't see anything bad out of him in the minicamp, but I didn't see anything spectacular.

One final thought: Receiver Steve Smith kept saying throughout the weekend that change can be good. I don’t always agree with everything Smith says or does, but I’m going to agree with him strongly on this one. Yes, there are a lot of questions to be answered by a lot of young players, but I walked away thinking the Panthers might have the ingredients to become a pretty good team.

 

[pantherclub]

Harris was only scheduled to make like 2mil the next couple of years so it is odd that they trade him for monetary concerns. What does the potential lockout have to do with that?

 

[simey]

Harris was only scheduled to make like 2mil the next couple of years so it is odd that they trade him for monetary concerns.

His contract was 7.7 million over the next three years.

 

[pantherclub]

Harris was only scheduled to make like 2mil the next couple of years so it is odd that they trade him for monetary concerns.

His contract was 7.7 million over the next three years.

Maybe I am off base here but that is pretty cheap for a slightly above avg safety.

 

[Jeff Haseley]

Chris Harris will be missed, due to his fumble forcing ways and big hits - - however, he also had his share of missed tackles and misplays on coverage underneath. He often threw himself at ball carriers going for the big hit instead of the sure tackle. I'm not necessarily liking the trade, but I see some advantages or the proverbial "silver lining" in the deal for Carolina.

 

[VaCatFan]

Chat with NFL writers Charles Chandler and Darin Gantt on Panthers draft and minicamp (05/06/2010)

11:43

Mike Persinger:

Thanks for joining us for today's live chat with Observer reporters Charles Chandler and Darin Gantt. Charles and Darin will be along in at noon, but feel free to start sending your questions now. This is a moderated chat, which means your questions and comments won't appear until the moderator (that's me) approves them. It won't do any good to send a question repeatedly. Once is plenty. Today's best question wins a $10 gift card to Buffalo Wild Wings, which has a new location at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte. The winner will be notified by private message on this chat, and chosen in the chat's final five minutes. You have to be watching this page in those final five minutes to win. Again, thanks for joining us. We're glad you are here.

Thursday May 6, 2010 11:43 Mike Persinger

11:47

Which Panthers rookie excites you the most after minicamp?

Jimmy Clausen

( 16% )

Armanti Edwards

( 62% )

David Gettis

( 3% )

Brandon LaFell

( 7% )

Eric Norwood

( 12% )

Someone else

( 0% )

Thursday May 6, 2010 11:47

11:49

Which quarterback do you expect to start the Panthers' opener?

Matt Moore

( 88% )

Jimmy Clausen

( 10% )

Hunter Cantwell

( 0% )

Tony Pike

( 2% )

One not yet on roster

( 0% )

Thursday May 6, 2010 11:49

11:51

Which position for the Panthers concerns you the most after the draft?

Quarterback

( 4% )

Wide receiver

( 10% )

Offensive line

( 6% )

Defensive line

( 76% )

Defensive back

( 4% )

Thursday May 6, 2010 11:51

11:58

[Comment From JustinJustin: ]

Why cant John Fox use Armanti Edwards the way the Pats used Edelman last year. I have to think that Edwards is a much better athlete than Edelman. We shouldnt have to change the offense, but at least alter it to utilize this guy in Year 1. Thoughts?

Thursday May 6, 2010 11:58 Justin

11:59

Darin Gantt:

I think they're going to do some things with him. Better arm than Edelman. Or Tebow for that matter. Davidson would be foolish not to use him.

Thursday May 6, 2010 11:59 Darin Gantt

11:59

[Comment From AlAl: ]

How does Brandon LaFell look in mini camp? Also, why is so many people bashing Clausen? Profootballtalk said that he yelled at the receivers and a TE. You know who they were?

Thursday May 6, 2010 11:59 Al

11:59

Charles Chandler:

LaFell generally looked good ... Had a few drops but improved as the three days went along. Expect him to start. ... That "report" on Clausen is bizarre. Sounds like it came from someone with an agenda. I don't believe Steve Smith thinks ill of him at all. As a matter of fact, Smitty made an appearance on ESPN's "First Take" just yesterday mornikng to talk about Clausen.

Thursday May 6, 2010 11:59 Charles Chandler

11:59

[Comment From ScottScott: ]

Which rookie at this years minicamp looked the most NFL ready? Which one had the most intensity?

Thursday May 6, 2010 11:59 Scott

11:59

Darin Gantt:

Not to beat a dead horse, but Edwards is far more advanced than most people expected. Great hands.

Thursday May 6, 2010 11:59 Darin Gantt

12:00

[Comment From JoeJoe: ]

With teams being able to find a loophole in the 30% rule, any chance Panthers resign any of their core guys??? Beason, Kalil, Davis, Williams etc.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:00 Joe

12:01

Charles Chandler:

Keep in mind that Patrick Willis was picked much higher in the Williams, and Kalil was a second rounder. Base salaries minimum for them.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:01 Charles Chandler

12:01

[Comment From JASONJASON: ]

WHATS THE CHANCES OF HUNTER CANTWELL MAKING THE TEAM

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:01 JASON

12:01

Darin Gantt:

I think good. He's got the best arm of the four QBs on the roster. He's fourth in buzz, but that's not his fault, or an opinion shared by the front office.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:01 Darin Gantt

12:02

[Comment From EvanEvan: ]

Was Fox chloroformed during the draft? No lineman? First 5 of 6 picks to enhance...the passing game?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:02 Evan

12:02

Charles Chandler:

Not.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:02 Charles Chandler

12:02

Charles Chandler:

Passing game was awful last year. Needed elp

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:02 Charles Chandler

12:02

[Comment From Eric DouglasEric Douglas: ]

Is Super Bowl optimisim realistic considering the trust our coaching staff and organization has in the past players they have drafted or acquired via trade in areas that appear to be weaknesses? Example: RG though I believe Mackenzy Bernadeau is prime for a pro bowl within the next two years or SS after Chris Harris trade though Charles Godfrey should play SS and Sherrod Martin in FS...

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:02 Eric Douglas

12:02

Charles Chandler:

Needed help (not elp)

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:02 Charles Chandler

12:02

Darin Gantt:

I think they could be competitive, but too many things would have to break just right to be SB contenders

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:02 Darin Gantt

12:02

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

Not much has been said on David Gettis so what can you tell us about him and does he have a chance to compete for the #2 or #3 spot?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:02 Mike

12:03

Charles Chandler:

Gettis is an exception athlete with size and speed. In shorts, he looks like a future star. But there's a reason he was a sixth-rounder. However, potential is immense. He certainly could compete for No. 3 orf 4, doubt 2.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:03 Charles Chandler

12:03

[Comment From DWDW: ]

For Darin. As an ASU grad, what do you expect from Armanti Edwards? I think in a few years, he'll be the next "Steve Smith" - undersized guy that is a "football player", doesn't mind taking a hit across the middle, etc. He's like a Timex watch. Thoughts?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:03 DW

12:03

Darin Gantt:

I think he's going to be the first Armanti. I feel so selfish for hogging him the last four years. Time for ASU fans to share him with the world.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:03 Darin Gantt

12:03

[Comment From JASONJASON: ]

WILL JOHN FOX REMAIN COACH IF THE PANTHERS MAKE THE PLAYOFFS?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:03 JASON

12:03

Darin Gantt:

I don't htink Fox's future is tied to W-L record. It's all about a contract negotiation

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:03 Darin Gantt

12:04

Charles Chandler:

I think he'll be leaving no matter what happens, but that can change. Winning changes lots. So would a huge rookie season by Clausen or a big year by Matt Moore.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:04 Charles Chandler

12:04

[Comment From RobRob: ]

When Jake was released, we let go of a huge veteran presence. Assuming that Steve Smith is not an ideal positive presence in the locker room, who do the Panthers turn to, to step up and take that role by the horns and lead our much younger roster? Has anyone showed signs of leadership during mini-camp?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:04 Rob

12:04

Darin Gantt:

Other than Smith, Beason and Davis, a lot of the leaders are on the sidelines (Gross, DeAngelo, etc)

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:04 Darin Gantt

12:04

[Comment From NoahNoah: ]

With the huge deal that Patrick Willis in SF just got, is it possible that we can keep both Beason and Thomas Davis?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:04 Noah

12:05

Charles Chandler:

That wasn't really a huge deal. IT was the best deal they could put together for Willis given current rules. But, yes, the Panthers fully intend to keep both Beason and Davis -- and DeAngelo and they hope to keep Kalil.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:05 Charles Chandler

12:05

[Comment From Mister ScotMister Scot: ]

While Ron Meeks' defenses have sometimes been vulnerable to the run due to small defensive linemen, is it possible that the stout linebacking corps of the Panthers can neutralize that problem?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:05 Mister Scot

12:05

Darin Gantt:

The LBs are good, but they'll need help up front. Ed Johnson has to be a factor.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:05 Darin Gantt

12:05

[Comment From JohnJohn: ]

Any plans at all to improve D-Line?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:05 John

12:05

Charles Chandler:

I would not expect anything dramatic before training camp.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:05 Charles Chandler

12:05

[Comment From will from rock hillwill from rock hill: ]

which 3 QBs will be on the sidelines in the season opener and which on will be holding the clipboard.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:05 will from rock hill

12:05

Darin Gantt:

At the moment, I'd peg it as Moore/Clausen/Cantwell. Matt's the starter unless he coughs it up

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:05 Darin Gantt

12:06

[Comment From JASONJASON: ]

WHATS THE CHANCES WE GO AFTER A VETERAN TIGHT END. WE SEEM TO STRUGGLE IN THAT POSITION

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:06 JASON

12:06

Charles Chandler:

Not sure what you mean by that. The three guys they have are just fine for this offesnse, though Barnidge needs to step up his game a lot.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:06 Charles Chandler

12:06

[Comment From VINNIE BALLOONSVINNIE BALLOONS: ]

DO YOU THINK ANY GAMES WILL BE BLACKED OUT FROM POOR ATTENDANCE

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:06 VINNIE BALLOONS

12:06

Darin Gantt:

Most of the tickets already sold. This isn't Jacksonville.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:06 Darin Gantt

12:06

[Comment From TateTate: ]

Do you think Eric Norwood make a permanent switch to defensive end?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:06 Tate

12:06

Charles Chandler:

He'd probably have to add more weight to do that. Right now, he's very attractive as a combo SLB/rush end.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:06 Charles Chandler

12:07

[Comment From JASONJASON: ]

IS DWAYNE JARRETT FINALLY GOING TO COME THROUGH OR IS HE TRADE BAIT

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:07 JASON

12:07

Darin Gantt:

Who would want him given what he's shown thus far?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:07 Darin Gantt

12:07

[Comment From RonRon: ]

Can't these 3 lined up together as WRs be the "Triple Trouble" the Panthers offense needs - Smith, Edwards and Goodson to produce fear in opposing defenses?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:07 Ron

12:07

Darin Gantt:

Goodson has yet to shown he can master any position. Looks good in short-pants practices, has yet to translate

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:07 Darin Gantt

12:07

[Comment From J-MacJ-Mac: ]

Do you think we have the next steve smith on the roster now?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:07 J-Mac

12:07

Charles Chandler:

Very well might have. As I'm sure Darin would agree, his name might just be Armanti Edwards. Seriously.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:07 Charles Chandler

12:08

[Comment From Eric DouglasEric Douglas: ]

Is Jerry Richardson the most genuis owner in the NFL for not signing players or even Marty/John to long term deals prematurely?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:08 Eric Douglas

12:08

Darin Gantt:

Marty's going to be here. John's a different question.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:08 Darin Gantt

12:08

[Comment From Mister ScotMister Scot: ]

At this point, where do the Panthers need the most elp?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:08 Mister Scot

12:08

Charles Chandler:

Do you have a spelling problem?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:08 Charles Chandler

12:08

[Comment From VINNIE BALLOONSVINNIE BALLOONS: ]

whats your pick on who win the superbowl this year and the the two teams in the championship game.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:08 VINNIE BALLOONS

12:08

Charles Chandler:

Defensive end.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:08 Charles Chandler

12:09

Darin Gantt:

I like San Diego and Green Bay.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:09 Darin Gantt

12:09

Darin Gantt:

Rivers for the win

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:09 Darin Gantt

12:09

Charles Chandler:

Chargers vs. Minnesota, Chargers win

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:09 Charles Chandler

12:09

[Comment From AllenAllen: ]

With the new additions to the team who is now the fastest guy on the Panthers?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:09 Allen

12:09

Charles Chandler:

Could be David Gettis.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:09 Charles Chandler

12:10

[Comment From GregGreg: ]

You saw Fox's situation isn't about win's and losses, but about contract negotiation, do you think Jerry will attempt to keep Fox or is he good as gone?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:10 Greg

12:10

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

If John Fox doesn't return, could you see the FO promoting from within? (I.E. Jeff Davidson or Ron Meeks) ?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:10 Mike

12:10

Darin Gantt:

Depends on what John wants. If it's all about money, he could well be gone.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:10 Darin Gantt

12:10

Charles Chandler:

Yes, could see them promoting from within. Meeks possible. Also, Brian Baker seems to have what it takes to be a head coach someday, perhaps sooner than later.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:10 Charles Chandler

12:11

[Comment From TateTate: ]

Do you think the Panthers will even take a look at T.O.?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:11 Tate

12:11

Darin Gantt:

They haven't thus far. Not sure why anyone thinks they would now.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:11 Darin Gantt

12:11

[Comment From Justin from MDJustin from MD: ]

Is it possible that Tony Pike will be traded? Or will we end up trying to place him on the practice squad and most likely losing him?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:11 Justin from MD

12:11

Charles Chandler:

Nothing like that will be decided until after they see how he does in training camp and the preseason.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:11 Charles Chandler

12:11

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Is it possible that the Chris Harris trade was a way to free up some money to sign Richard Marshall to a long term contract?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:11 Guest

12:11

Darin Gantt:

I think Harris trade was about getting guys who can run on the field, no matter what Fox says.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:11 Darin Gantt

12:12

[Comment From GregGreg: ]

Even with the "youth movement" in full swing, there seems to be a sense of excitement around the team that I haven't seen in a while. It's exciting, hearing positive things from most "experts", do you guys think this team has a realistic chance to compete with the NFL's elite teams?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:12 Greg

12:12

Charles Chandler:

Realistic chance to be in playoff contention, but to win the Super Bowl, doubt that seriously.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:12 Charles Chandler

12:12

[Comment From JasonJason: ]

Is Fiammetta the answer at fullback, or is Sutton going to get another opportunity?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:12 Jason

12:12

Darin Gantt:

It's on Fiammetta, or Rashawn Jackson.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:12 Darin Gantt

12:12

[Comment From EvanEvan: ]

Does the drafting of three receivers indicate the move to more 3WR + 4WR sets? Foxy's 3rd WR is a 20 catch guy post Ricky Phroel.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:12 Evan

12:13

Charles Chandler:

Yes, I believe you will see that. They have not used a slot receiver much, but the trend in the league is heavily in that direction. The drafting of Edwards telegraphs they're heading in that direction also.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:13 Charles Chandler

12:13

[Comment From J-MacJ-Mac: ]

How many years do you think Steve Smith has left?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:13 J-Mac

12:13

Darin Gantt:

I'd say he should be fine for 3-4 more. He's still in good shape.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:13 Darin Gantt

12:13

[Comment From ChrisChris: ]

Will we run any wildcat plays using the air this year?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:13 Chris

12:13

Charles Chandler:

Only if you think Armanti Edwards can throw. (Yes!)

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:13 Charles Chandler

12:13

[Comment From ErikErik: ]

Is there anybody out there that you feel the Panthers would be taking a look at for veteran presence in any position?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:13 Erik

12:13

Darin Gantt:

I think the roster's probably 98 percent set. This is what they've got

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:13 Darin Gantt

12:13

[Comment From RobRob: ]

How does Fiametta look as a blocker compared to last year? Is he ready to assume the role as a full time lead blocker?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:13 Rob

12:14

Charles Chandler:

No pads in minicamp. Won't be on until training camp, so we'll have to wait and see.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:14 Charles Chandler

12:14

[Comment From MattMatt: ]

Does the Panthers not addressing DT in the draft speak more to the fact they're comfortable with the guys on the roster or that they didn't like ones available at the slots they drafted?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:14 Matt

12:14

Darin Gantt:

I think they were looking, but they like LL, Tyler, Irvin.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:14 Darin Gantt

12:14

[Comment From JAMESJAMES: ]

GIVE ME YOUR THOUGHTS ON OUR RECORD 9-7

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:14 JAMES

12:14

Charles Chandler:

That's a realistic possibility as long as the coaching situation doesn't become a big distraction.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:14 Charles Chandler

12:14

[Comment From AllenAllen: ]

Has Hurney signed his contract?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:14 Allen

12:15

Darin Gantt:

No, and he's not going to talk about it when he does.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:15 Darin Gantt

12:15

[Comment From JasonJason: ]

What is the likelihood that we have two 1000 yard rushers again, or will teams stack the line against us and make the passing game damage them?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:15 Jason

12:15

Charles Chandler:

If both backs stay healthy, both should gain 1,000 yards again. Teams stacked the line last year and shouldn't be able to do it as much if the passing game improves as expected.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:15 Charles Chandler

12:15

[Comment From GregGreg: ]

When or will Richard Marshall sign his tender, or is he really waiting on something long term?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:15 Greg

12:15

Darin Gantt:

He really has no choice. He'll be here eventually.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:15 Darin Gantt

12:16

[Comment From Tim CTim C: ]

Do you see us losing D.Williams and (just went blank) our center next year???

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:16 Tim C

12:16

Charles Chandler:

Not DeAngelo. They can franchise him. But Kalil could be lost in free agency. Think he likes it here though and will want to stay if the price is right.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:16 Charles Chandler

12:16

[Comment From ScottScott: ]

What do you guys think about Greg Hardy?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:16 Scott

12:16

Darin Gantt:

World of potential. Brian Baker has to unlock it. Looks the part, but hasn't delivered consistently

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:16 Darin Gantt

12:16

[Comment From ChrisChris: ]

So you think that Fav-ruh is going to play?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:16 Chris

12:16

Charles Chandler:

Just as sure as the sun is shining outside.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:16 Charles Chandler

12:16

[Comment From TateTate: ]

The Chargers... Really?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:16 Tate

12:17

Darin Gantt:

They were already good, and may have upgraded at RB. Rivers is too good not to push through at some point.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:17 Darin Gantt

12:17

[Comment From Panthers FanPanthers Fan: ]

How are the panthers planning to address the need at DT? Is there a reason we haven't tried to get a proven player to help out. I don't think this Colts DTis the answer

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:17 Panthers Fan

12:18

Charles Chandler:

Ed Johnson would be in the rotation, not starting. They like their group of DTs more than fans and the media do. Again, doubt they'll do anything major in that area until they get into camp and see what they have now. Don't forget Corvey Irvin either.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:18 Charles Chandler

12:18

[Comment From JASONJASON: ]

IS CAPTAIN MUNNERLYN READY TO STEP UP AND PROVIDE

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:18 JASON

12:18

Darin Gantt:

He surprised people last year. He's a competitor, which you have to be when you're his size.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:18 Darin Gantt

12:18

[Comment From GregGreg: ]

Will Matt Moore be given a fair chance as long term starting QB for the team or is the team too eager to put Clausen in there?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:18 Greg

12:18

Charles Chandler:

He'll get a fair shot, but the rope might not be very long.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:18 Charles Chandler

12:18

[Comment From Brad JBrad J: ]

Why do you think that Coach Fox will not be here next season? In my opinion hes done a pretty good job over the years.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:18 Brad J

12:18

Darin Gantt:

I think John's going to want to get paid, and not getting paid already has added a personal element to the whole thing.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:18 Darin Gantt

12:18

[Comment From EE: ]

Do you think this trend of purging veterans (not just by the panthers) is deliberate to tell the older players salaries have to come down? I really see this as posturing and I am getting ready for no football after this season. Am I reaching?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:18 E

12:19

Charles Chandler:

It's not quite as simple as that, but there is definitely a message being sent to the players and the NFLPA. The owners are going for the jugular this time.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:19 Charles Chandler

12:19

[Comment From EvanEvan: ]

Do the Panthers still need significant pass-rush help? Do you see a camp trade for a 4-3 DE or a 3-4 OLB (to convert)?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:19 Evan

12:19

Darin Gantt:

I think they're always looking for linemen, as last year's trades for Leonard/Tyler attest.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:19 Darin Gantt

12:19

[Comment From Thomas PinckneyThomas Pinckney: ]

Even if we get Marshall to show up, it seems like we're still a little shallow at CB, as well as Safety, how do we address those needs?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:19 Thomas Pinckney

12:20

Charles Chandler:

One thing that's important is to realize this team just isn't going to go out and make any big veteran acquisitions. As John Fox has said a time or two, "it is what it is."

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:20 Charles Chandler

12:20

[Comment From J-MacJ-Mac: ]

What are the guys saying about the new WR coach? Do they like him, what type of changes is he making at the position?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:20 J-Mac

12:20

Darin Gantt:

He's a younger presence, but compared to Williamson, anyone would be.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:20 Darin Gantt

12:20

[Comment From GregGreg: ]

Brian Baker as HC, haven't even thought about that. Think that's a real possibility? I love his intensity!

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:20 Greg

12:21

Charles Chandler:

There have been recent examples of asst. coaches who weren't coordinators getting head coaching job. Raheem Morris in Tampa is an example. It's all a matter of whether the Panthers think he's ready. He definitely has the potential of not only becoming a head coach, but a good one.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:21 Charles Chandler

12:21

[Comment From cozarellicozarelli: ]

J E T S jets jets jets just had to do that.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:21 cozarelli

12:21

Darin Gantt:

Better win it all, because they've made anything less than 16-0 and a title seem like a let-down. Lot of teams that win in March and April end up disappointed the following February.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:21 Darin Gantt

12:21

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

The decision to draft 2 quaterbacks this year, do you think it is a case of drafting the best available at the spot they were picking, or trying to make some good competition for the starting job?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:21 Adam

12:21

Charles Chandler:

Best available.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:21 Charles Chandler

12:22

[Comment From jbwbubbajbwbubba: ]

Why are the Panthers inviting a QB controversy? Much of the talk from Panther HQ is about an open competition; you don't hear that from Philly where Kolb was named starter.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:22 jbwbubba

12:22

Charles Chandler:

Why not? Didn't they have one last season?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:22 Charles Chandler

12:22

Darin Gantt:

I think it's just competition. They haven't had multiple QBs in the pipeline for years.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:22 Darin Gantt

12:22

[Comment From AllenAllen: ]

Do the Chicago Bears have a mole in the Panther's offices because why does everybody leave the Panthers and join them? It smells fishy.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:22 Allen

12:22

Charles Chandler:

Coincidence.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:22 Charles Chandler

12:22

[Comment From J-MacJ-Mac: ]

Why is it that our secondary is always in the middle of the pack when it comes to INT's?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:22 J-Mac

12:23

Darin Gantt:

I think there's a chance at more plays with Martin instead of Harris.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:23 Darin Gantt

12:23

[Comment From NickNick: ]

with the panthers getting more media coverage than usual, do you think it's possible that they'll do poorly this season? historically, they've never done well when they weren't under the radar.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:23 Nick

12:23

Darin Gantt:

Yes, it will be our fault if they lose.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:23 Darin Gantt

12:23

[Comment From Mister ScotMister Scot: ]

Based on what we know at this point (with preseason still unseen) who's more "stashable" on the practice squad between Tony Pike and Hunter Cantwell?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:23 Mister Scot

12:23

Charles Chandler:

They're getting media coverage, but not as a team to beat. John Fox will have no trouble convincing the players that it's them vs. the world.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:23 Charles Chandler

12:23

Darin Gantt:

I think Pike is a project. Cantwell's closer to helping.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:23 Darin Gantt

12:24

[Comment From JustinJustin: ]

What's the likelyhood of us being able to keep Williams and Stewart on the roster in the coming years. If we had to let one go, which would you choose.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:24 Justin

12:24

Charles Chandler:

I think they'd like to keep both for the long-term, and both players seem to want that too.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:24 Charles Chandler

12:24

[Comment From ErikErik: ]

Is it me or do you also think that fiametta is a nick goings clone?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:24 Erik

12:24

Darin Gantt:

They do have a similarity, but Nick has a shinier head.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:24 Darin Gantt

12:24

[Comment From JASONJASON: ]

HOW IS J STEW AFTER HIS SURGERY

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:24 JASON

12:25

Charles Chandler:

He's doing much better, but it'll take a while for the healing to occur and the pain to subside. He should be ready by training camp, but might still have a light practice schedule there.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:25 Charles Chandler

12:25

[Comment From GregGreg: ]

How much longer is Steve Smith under contract with the Panthers? I'm thinking thru 2012 but could be wrong, any chance of an extension with him just to make sure he retires a Panther?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:25 Greg

12:25

Darin Gantt:

Steve probably wants one more shot at a paycheck.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:25 Darin Gantt

12:25

[Comment From kevinkevin: ]

What do think are the chances that Hayden makes the team? that would seriously anger me. For some reason, Fox seems to like the guy

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:25 kevin

12:25

Charles Chandler:

He could make the team, but it figures to be close. Fox has kept him because he hasn't had many other options, plus the guy works hard.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:25 Charles Chandler

12:25

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

Do you honestly think there will be a lockout in 2011?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:25 Mike

12:25

Darin Gantt:

I think there will be in some shape or form, but might just kill camps.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:25 Darin Gantt

12:26

[Comment From jbwbubbajbwbubba: ]

Since the draft anybody with the Panthers wonder why thirty teams passed on Clausen, including QB hungry teams like Buffalo twice?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:26 jbwbubba

12:26

Charles Chandler:

They Panthers don't much care what anybody else did. They're thrilled they got him.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:26 Charles Chandler

12:26

[Comment From cozarellicozarelli: ]

do you think the yankees will win the world series? 28 time world champs

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:26 cozarelli

12:26

Darin Gantt:

I had no idea Olson knew how to chat. Cincinnati Reds this year, baby.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:26 Darin Gantt

12:26

[Comment From DavidDavid: ]

Do u sense that the Richardson's are having problems monetarily....what with the reducing of payroll.....not renegotiating with Fox......I am also concerned with the Willis contract....Why don't we do a contract renegotiation with Davis and Beason now with the uncapped year....I see nothing good coming from these trends....what do u think?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:26 David

12:27

[Comment From RayRay: ]

Since he is on the finance commitee, do you think RIchardson knows something and that is why he trimmed salary?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:27 Ray

12:27

Charles Chandler:

One of the primary reasons for the tight budget is to prepare for next season in case there's a lockout. Jerry Richardson does not want to have to lay off any employees if there is no football. So every dollar he saves now helps to pay their salaries next year if income is way down.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:27 Charles Chandler

12:27

[Comment From GregGreg: ]

Do you think the coaching situation will become a distraction, or is Fox not like that?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:27 Greg

12:27

Darin Gantt:

It'll be a distraction if they're losing. Winning is the ultimate deodorant.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:27 Darin Gantt

12:28

[Comment From JasonJason: ]

How short of a leash is Matt Moore on? Is Jimmy Clausen entrenched as the number 2 if Moore is the starter?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:28 Jason

12:28

Charles Chandler:

Clausen isn't entrenched yet, but if he plays really well and Moore struggles, especiallyt if the Panthers lose, it'll get even shorter. As long as Moore plays well and they win, he'll be ok. But this won'

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:28 Charles Chandler

12:28

[Comment From JohnJohn: ]

Sutton showed good potential last year returning kicks and when the played RB. Do you see the Panthers using him more this year or even keeping him?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:28 John

12:29

Darin Gantt:

I think they'll definitely keep him. The world's littlest FB has a place here.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:29 Darin Gantt

12:29

[Comment From kevinkevin: ]

Was Nick Hayden the worst DT to get playing time in the NFL last season?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:29 kevin

12:29

Charles Chandler:

Didn't look at all of them.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:29 Charles Chandler

12:29

[Comment From jbwbubbajbwbubba: ]

What did you think of Tampa's draft? Seems like two starting DT, and possible two good WR's.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:29 jbwbubba

12:29

Charles Chandler:

Looks like an excellent draft that could go a long way toward transforming their team.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:29 Charles Chandler

12:29

[Comment From MorganMorgan: ]

So who will be wr # 2 on opening day?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:29 Morgan

12:29

Darin Gantt:

They keep saying Jarrett, but for some strange reason, I just don't trust that yet.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:29 Darin Gantt

12:29

[Comment From Eric DouglasEric Douglas: ]

How has Corvey Irvin looked? I had high hopes for him out of GA...

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:29 Eric Douglas

12:30

Charles Chandler:

Again, gotta wait till the pads are on to get a read on that.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:30 Charles Chandler

12:30

[Comment From mattmatt: ]

do you think the panther can compete and win games this year with fairly easy schedule?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:30 matt

12:30

Darin Gantt:

I think they can compete. The OL and RBs create a soft landing spot for whichever QB.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:30 Darin Gantt

12:30

[Comment From kevinkevin: ]

Any notes on Gettis from last weekend. We know he is fast, what else?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:30 kevin

12:31

Charles Chandler:

Extremely explosive off the ball and a smooth strider. Could definitely be a guy to stretch the field. He stays low and compact and leader explodes off the line of scrimmage. Tall, too. Very impressive.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:31 Charles Chandler

12:31

[Comment From cozarellicozarelli: ]

I AM SHOCKED YOU DID NOT MENTION THE NY JETS THEY WHERE 22 MINS AWAY FROM GOING TO THE SUPERBOWL?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:31 cozarelli

12:31

Darin Gantt:

Now they're nine months and 19 games away.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:31 Darin Gantt

12:31

[Comment From JasonJason: ]

Where does Coach Fox end up next year?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:31 Jason

12:31

Darin Gantt:

If he leaves, he'll be looking for a big-time offer. Think NY Giants, Dallas and the like.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:31 Darin Gantt

12:31

[Comment From Thomas PinckneyThomas Pinckney: ]

With this youth movement in swing what are your thoughts on if it would be better to keep Fox for consistency sake, or promote someone, rather then sign a coach from another team.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:31 Thomas Pinckney

12:32

Charles Chandler:

Just depends on who becomes available. Ron Rivera is an outside candidate who could fit very well.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:32 Charles Chandler

12:32

[Comment From jbwbubbajbwbubba: ]

Is JR willing to lose his fan base by being cheap, in order to set an example to the other owners?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:32 jbwbubba

12:32

Darin Gantt:

If they win, fans will come and won't remember any of it.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:32 Darin Gantt

12:32

[Comment From Eric DouglasEric Douglas: ]

With a new collective bargaining agreement pending, will the NFL finally put a cap on rookie salaries?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:32 Eric Douglas

12:32

Charles Chandler:

You can definitely expect the rookie salary structure to change. The owners won't do a deal without that.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:32 Charles Chandler

12:32

[Comment From NoahNoah: ]

Do you expect Julius Peppers to get a warm reception when the Bears come to Charlotte?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:32 Noah

12:32

Darin Gantt:

From everybody except Jordan Gross.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:32 Darin Gantt

12:33

[Comment From GregGreg: ]

Fox wants to get paid? Last I heard he was making top half in the league coach money and is making $6 million this year, how much does he want?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:33 Greg

12:33

Darin Gantt:

He hasn't said, but he deserves to be in the upper class.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:33 Darin Gantt

12:33

[Comment From DaleDale: ]

A little PTI version of "toss up" for you guys... who throws the most TDs this season... Matt Moore or Jake Delhomme? Most INTs?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:33 Dale

12:33

Charles Chandler:

That's bait right there!

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:33 Charles Chandler

12:33

Darin Gantt:

Jake's going to have to throw more often, so he might win both.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:33 Darin Gantt

12:33

[Comment From Eric DouglasEric Douglas: ]

I believe Ron Meeks was our most prominent offseason additin last year, who do you believe takes the crown this year?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:33 Eric Douglas

12:34

Darin Gantt:

Matt Moore.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:34 Darin Gantt

12:34

Charles Chandler:

There's only candidate, so make it Tyke Tolbert. Jeff Rodgers was already here.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:34 Charles Chandler

12:34

[Comment From TowelboyTowelboy: ]

is there any interest in bringing moose back? has he visited other teams?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:34 Towelboy

12:34

Darin Gantt:

Haven't heard a peep. Other receivers with similar resumes haven't gotten a whiff

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:34 Darin Gantt

12:34

[Comment From GregGreg: ]

Did you guys happen to pay much attention at mini camp to 7th rd pick Robert McClain from UCONN? Just curious of you opinions of him, I like his attitude.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:34 Greg

12:34

Charles Chandler:

Didn't watch him that closely, but I agree with you and all I've heard about him suggests he could be a keeper.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:34 Charles Chandler

12:34

[Comment From CBDellingerCBDellinger: ]

Is Beason's contract going to be as big as Willis' contract? And with all the impending contract situations we have, DWill, Davis, Kalil, etc... how are they going to make it all work? We certainly wont know the CBA situation is resolved will we?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:34 CBDellinger

12:35

Darin Gantt:

I imagine Hurney has a stack of proposals in a desk drawer ready to fax once we know what the CBA says.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:35 Darin Gantt

12:35

[Comment From Mister ScotMister Scot: ]

Who's most likely to start at right guard between Bernadeau, Schwartz, Robinson or someone else?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:35 Mister Scot

12:35

Charles Chandler:

Looks like Schwartz right not but Mac will have a say in that before it's over. Doubt it'

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:35 Charles Chandler

12:35

[Comment From JasonJason: ]

Will special teams be better this year, or will our return game be just as awful as it has been since Rod Smart left?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:35 Jason

12:35

Darin Gantt:

They have to be better. They have actual special teams players for a change.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:35 Darin Gantt

12:35

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

So with that said, do you feel the Panthers will try to move through the year with all 3 QB's on roster? or is a trade of some sort there desire after getting these guys some exposure in camp and preseason?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:35 Adam

12:36

Charles Chandler:

They'd probably like to keep all four, but one might have to be on the practice squad.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:36 Charles Chandler

12:36

[Comment From blackpantherb34blackpantherb34: ]

How long before Jarrett is replaced in the starting lineup?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:36 blackpantherb34

12:36

Charles Chandler:

Yesterday.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:36 Charles Chandler

12:36

[Comment From RobRob: ]

Where would you rank the shininess of Goings' head compared to the other great shiny heads of the league?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:36 Rob

12:37

Darin Gantt:

Nick definitely deserves to be in the conversation. It's a very shiny head.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:37 Darin Gantt

12:37

[Comment From JASONJASON: ]

WHO WOULD PICK FIRST IN FANTASY FOOTBALL D WILLIAMS OR J STEWART

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:37 JASON

12:37

Charles Chandler:

Still go with DeAngelo, but if you can get both, do it ... J-Stew is about ready to really bust loose.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:37 Charles Chandler

12:37

[Comment From GerryGerry: ]

Wouldn't it be wise to put Dan Connor in the middle and Beason outside as they played in college? Also, Beason is faster.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:37 Gerry

12:37

Darin Gantt:

Already have Thomas Davis at WLB, and you'd be wasting Beason at SLB.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:37 Darin Gantt

12:37

[Comment From kevinkevin: ]

surprise cuts this year? Pike, Goodson, Fiametta?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:37 kevin

12:37

Charles Chandler:

Don't think it'll be Fiammetta.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:37 Charles Chandler

12:38

[Comment From GregGreg: ]

By Fox answering the question about Chris Harris the way he did Sunday, is that a sign of Fox breaking or being mad about what's going on, or just answering the question truthfully? Fox never says anything like that, just weird imo.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:38 Greg

12:38

Darin Gantt:

Some of each. He's created an alibi if they go 5-11.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:38 Darin Gantt

12:38

[Comment From NoahNoah: ]

Now that Jake is gone, who is known as the class clown of the team?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:38 Noah

12:38

Charles Chandler:

Steve Smith ranks up there pretty high.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:38 Charles Chandler

12:38

[Comment From blackpantherb34blackpantherb34: ]

What is going to be our starting LB core?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:38 blackpantherb34

12:38

Darin Gantt:

Davis, Beason and either Anderson or Connor.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:38 Darin Gantt

12:39

[Comment From JohnJohn: ]

ProFootballTalk reported Clausen has a long way to go and wasn't as impressive in camp as many reported. They also said Smitty called Clausen a "punk"? Is that accurate?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:39 John

12:39

Charles Chandler:

I think that's baloney.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:39 Charles Chandler

12:39

[Comment From MattMatt: ]

Do you think the Panthers recent decisions regarding the veteran purges was partially due to not wanting another situation similar to what happen with Peppers (being stuck with someone who didn't want to be there)?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:39 Matt

12:39

Darin Gantt:

I think it was mostly clearing the decks of bad contracts while they could cut them without bonus accelerations.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:39 Darin Gantt

12:39

[Comment From jbwbubbajbwbubba: ]

With new smaller DT's and Harris gone, how badly will it hurt run D this year.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:39 jbwbubba

12:40

Charles Chandler:

Biggest thing that'll hurt that is Peppers being gone. He was very good vs. the run.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:40 Charles Chandler

12:40

[Comment From blackpantherb34blackpantherb34: ]

How long before people are calling for us to trade for Delhomme back?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:40 blackpantherb34

12:40

Darin Gantt:

Depends on how Matt and Jimmy play.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:40 Darin Gantt

12:40

[Comment From CBDellingerCBDellinger: ]

Who's gonna be the hardest to resign: Kalil, DWill, Beason or T.Davis?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:40 CBDellinger

12:40

Charles Chandler:

What makes it hard is there are four of them. I think Kalil will be the biggest challenge.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:40 Charles Chandler

12:40

[Comment From kevinkevin: ]

who is the strongest guy on the panthers now? charles johnson? Bernadeau? Lenoard?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:40 kevin

12:40

Darin Gantt:

Charles Johnson gets mentioned often in that conversation, but Mac is in there.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:40 Darin Gantt

12:40

[Comment From Mister ScotMister Scot: ]

Any chance of a vet receiver like Josh Reed coming aboard or is this it?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:40 Mister Scot

12:41

Charles Chandler:

Doubt it seriously. It is what it is.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:41 Charles Chandler

12:41

[Comment From DaleDale: ]

To free up a roster spot, why won't the Panthers move to a kicker who also can kick-off to the opponents end zone? Kasay has been great and deserves a statue outside, but it's time to move to younger K who can do both jobs.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:41 Dale

12:41

Darin Gantt:

Kasay is going to kick here until he doesn't want to anymore.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:41 Darin Gantt

12:41

[Comment From RonnieRonnie: ]

Hey Charles, I just think that John Fox and Marty are alot smarter than they appear to be. They knew Peppers was leaving, and drafted Everette Brown a year ago, let him play for a year and now he has a year under his belt as the new starter. I just thought how they did the Everette Brown thing was very smart. Kudos to Foxy and Marty

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:41 Ronnie

12:42

Charles Chandler:

They did not want to lose Peppers. Rest assured of that. But agree with you that those guys are very astute. They get a bad rap and not sure why.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:42 Charles Chandler

12:42

[Comment From SilasSilas: ]

Do you think we will trade Moore away if Jimmy fares well

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:42 Silas

12:42

Darin Gantt:

Yes, sure, trade away the only eight QB starts of experience on the roster. Great idea.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:42 Darin Gantt

12:42

[Comment From CBDellingerCBDellinger: ]

Who made the best play in last weekend's mini-camp? And what was it?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:42 CBDellinger

12:42

Darin Gantt:

Chris Gamble had a nice diving INT, and Armanti made several one-handed grabs with his left.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:42 Darin Gantt

12:42

Charles Chandler:

Best one was probably the one Darin mentioned, one-handed catch-and-run by his mman Armanti

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:42 Charles Chandler

12:42

[Comment From Andre DykesAndre Dykes: ]

Pardon me if I missed this already..but explain the hesitation by some towards Armanti Edwards..he's bigger than smith in height and weight. With 10lbs of NFL strength training..i wonder why some don't see Armanti as the next Muhsin or Bolden?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:42 Andre Dykes

12:43

Charles Chandler:

Actually, LaFell has been compared favorably to Boldin.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:43 Charles Chandler

12:43

Darin Gantt:

He's not nearly as tall as either of those guys.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:43 Darin Gantt

12:43

[Comment From MattMatt: ]

People still get paid if there is a lockout (didn't think players would)?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:43 Matt

12:43

Charles Chandler:

Depends on th eir job. Front office would. Players won't., Coaches pay varies around the league. Obviously, no coaches here are currently under contract for 2011.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:43 Charles Chandler

12:43

[Comment From ScottScott: ]

Whos going to be returning punts and kicks this year?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:43 Scott

12:44

Darin Gantt:

I think Armanti could do punts. KO a different question. Goodson, Sutton maybe.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:44 Darin Gantt

12:44

[Comment From TowelboyTowelboy: ]

how's the smoothie kicker looking? i haven't heard anything about him since he was signed.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:44 Towelboy

12:44

Darin Gantt:

He looks sleepy. Pettrey could end up making him obsolete.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:44 Darin Gantt

12:44

[Comment From kevinkevin: ]

how many WR do you see the panthers keeping this year?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:44 kevin

12:44

Charles Chandler:

Perhaps 5 or 6

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:44 Charles Chandler

12:44

[Comment From blackpantherb34blackpantherb34: ]

What will Eric Norwoods role be- DE or OLB?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:44 blackpantherb34

12:44

Charles Chandler:

Both

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:44 Charles Chandler

12:44

[Comment From DavidDavid: ]

Is it possible that we will not be resigning anyone before the lockout is finished? including Fox?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:44 David

12:45

Darin Gantt:

I think that's reasonable.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:45 Darin Gantt

12:45

[Comment From JoeJoe: ]

Who do you thing our starter at weakside linebacker is?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:45 Joe

12:45

Charles Chandler:

Same guy it was last year, Thomas Davis

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:45 Charles Chandler

12:45

[Comment From CBDellingerCBDellinger: ]

Do you really think Fox's comment about "the budget" having a large impact on the Harris trade was something Richardson was upset about?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:45 CBDellinger

12:45

Darin Gantt:

I think they'd probably prefer not to have their dirty laundry aired.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:45 Darin Gantt

12:45

[Comment From tfiztfiz: ]

If Louis Leonard gets hurt who plays the NT?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:45 tfiz

12:45

Charles Chandler:

Right now, Ed Johnson.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:45 Charles Chandler

12:45

[Comment From StevenSteven: ]

Darin, How did Moore end up in your dog house for so long, but Cantwell made your favorites list immediately? You did the same thing to James Anderson for the longest time.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:45 Steven

12:46

Darin Gantt:

I don't even have a dog. Moore regressed badly in 2008, and I just wouldn't trust him as explicitly as some would.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:46 Darin Gantt

12:46

[Comment From jbwbubbajbwbubba: ]

Is Pugh, the physical freak that has been reported?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:46 jbwbubba

12:46

Charles Chandler:

I wouldn't call him a physical freak, but he's a fit young man. How about that?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:46 Charles Chandler

12:46

[Comment From DavidDavid: ]

Can u tell us how likely Beason and Davis will be re-signed now that Willis re-signed

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:46 David

12:47

Darin Gantt:

Not sure there's a connection, but they want to keep both.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:47 Darin Gantt

12:47

[Comment From Andre DykesAndre Dykes: ]

What do you think of the coach at Syracuse playing a hand in almost sending Mike Williams (drafted by the Bucs) to the rookie free agent zone?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:47 Andre Dykes

12:47

Charles Chandler:

Not sure you can blame that on the coach. But watch out for Williams in Tampa. He can really play.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:47 Charles Chandler

12:47

[Comment From CBDellingerCBDellinger: ]

Who was/is your favorite Panther of all time to cover? (Darin you cant answer Armanti.)

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:47 CBDellinger

12:48

Darin Gantt:

Nate Newton was here such a short time, but he left an impression (on the kitchen).

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:48 Darin Gantt

12:48

[Comment From RobRob: ]

Does the defense look considerably more in tune with Meeks' system?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:48 Rob

12:48

Darin Gantt:

The guys they have look like Meeks guys, but Johnson/Brown/Martin have to play now. It's no longer about potential

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:48 Darin Gantt

12:48

[Comment From tfiztfiz: ]

How do the panthers feel about Derek Landi who they pick off waivers?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:48 tfiz

12:49

Charles Chandler:

They think he's worth keeping around at least until camp gets going good.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:49 Charles Chandler

12:49

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Do you think the oil spill in the Gulf is having a direct impact on the Panthers budget? How about Global Warming? The Nuclear standoff in Iran..........?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:49 Guest

12:49

Darin Gantt:

I think Sean Payton probably wants more attention paid to the oil spill

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:49 Darin Gantt

12:49

[Comment From ErikErik: ]

I honestly don't think that Jarrett has gotten a fair chance. Delhomme a.k.a Pick 6, had no vision and only looked for smitty. I believe that he will excel but you have to throw him the ball besides third downs(i picked up on that sitting at home so I know the whole league knew that they were gonna throw to him on 3rd downs). What do you think?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:49 Erik

12:49

Darin Gantt:

After three years, it stops being someone else's fault.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:49 Darin Gantt

12:49

Charles Chandler:

There are folks who think things like that, but bottom line is he needs to produce.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:49 Charles Chandler

12:49

[Comment From Eric DouglasEric Douglas: ]

Has Chalres Johnson not played well enough to unseat Tyler Brayton? Is Tyler and Everette Brown our two starting DE's as of right now?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:49 Eric Douglas

12:50

Charles Chandler:

Fox said at the owners' meetings in March that he did not see Brayton's role changing from last year.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:50 Charles Chandler

12:50

[Comment From blackpantherb34blackpantherb34: ]

Fox has been inconsistent- why does he deserve "Upper class" $$?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:50 blackpantherb34

12:50

Darin Gantt:

Look at the W-L record. He's Jeff Fisher, but with better playoff numbers.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:50 Darin Gantt

12:50

[Comment From kevinkevin: ]

what team finishes last in the NFC South this year?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:50 kevin

12:50

Charles Chandler:

Tampa, but keep an eye on New Orleans. Looks like an implosion may be happening down there.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:50 Charles Chandler

12:50

[Comment From Eric DouglasEric Douglas: ]

Will Julius Peppers regret leaving Carolina?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:50 Eric Douglas

12:50

Darin Gantt:

Have you seen his paycheck?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:50 Darin Gantt

12:50

[Comment From AndyAndy: ]

I haven't seen any of the mini-camp practices...how did Armanti Edwards look in practice as a WR?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:50 Andy

12:51

Charles Chandler:

Generally looks good, but he needs to be more consistent catching the ball. Had some spectacular plays. Still has a ways to go, but not sure Darin agrees there's much of a learning curve.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:51 Charles Chandler

12:51

[Comment From PompyPompy: ]

Why wont Peppers get a warm reception from Jordan Gross?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:51 Pompy

12:51

Darin Gantt:

It was kind of a joke, but they're going to be butting heads in a big way that day.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:51 Darin Gantt

12:52

[Comment From TowelboyTowelboy: ]

will we see some moore to moore tds this year?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:52 Towelboy

12:52

Darin Gantt:

I'm not sure Kenny's a lock to make the roster, much less get a uniform.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:52 Darin Gantt

12:52

[Comment From JasonJason: ]

Will Armanti get a chance to be a player in the return game?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:52 Jason

12:52

Charles Chandler:

yes, he's a leading candidate to be the punt returner

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:52 Charles Chandler

12:52

[Comment From RobRob: ]

Does anyone look to be in particularly bad shape?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:52 Rob

12:52

Darin Gantt:

Ed Johnson does not have a good body.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:52 Darin Gantt

12:52

[Comment From TowelboyTowelboy: ]

will armanti be the observer's next steph curry? all we hear is how great the guy is.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:52 Towelboy

12:53

Charles Chandler:

Steph has a much better jumper.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:53 Charles Chandler

12:53

[Comment From blackpantherb34blackpantherb34: ]

I just pulled an inch and a 1/2 long nose hair outta my face-- any sympathy?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:53 blackpantherb34

12:53

Darin Gantt:

None. But that is impressive.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:53 Darin Gantt

12:53

[Comment From NoahNoah: ]

How well did Gross handle Peppers in practice the previous seasons? Will the Panthers put a TE to help on Peppers?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:53 Noah

12:53

Charles Chandler:

Wow, already game-planning for 10/10/10!

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:53 Charles Chandler

12:53

[Comment From Eric DouglasEric Douglas: ]

How do you feel about the recent addition of former Louisville WR and Independence High star, forgot his name?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:53 Eric Douglas

12:54

Charles Chandler:

He looks very fast and quick, but has a lot of guys ahead of him. He'll probably need to excel in the return game. Remember that he had five returns for TDs at Louisville.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:54 Charles Chandler

12:54

[Comment From Eric DouglasEric Douglas: ]

Carolina will win twice as many games as Chicago! Maybe not twice but we will win more games...

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:54 Eric Douglas

12:54

Darin Gantt:

Twice as many? No. More? Maybe.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:54 Darin Gantt

12:54

[Comment From AllenAllen: ]

Who is this years bandwagon team?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:54 Allen

12:54

Charles Chandler:

Trent Guy is from West Charlotte, not Independence

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:54 Charles Chandler

12:54

Darin Gantt:

It's Jets now. Wait til HBO gets ahold of them

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:54 Darin Gantt

12:55

[Comment From Andre DykesAndre Dykes: ]

Ideal playing weight for Armanti...5'11 190lbs or 200lbs? I think he goes betweend 180 and 185 now.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:55 Andre Dykes

12:55

Darin Gantt:

I think he's probably best around 185.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:55 Darin Gantt

12:55

[Comment From BradBrad: ]

Who will be a better third WR Edwards or Moore?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:55 Brad

12:55

Charles Chandler:

Edwards

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:55 Charles Chandler

12:55

[Comment From HankHank: ]

Darin you creep me out sometimes. Are you sure your allowed in the locker room?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:55 Hank

12:56

Darin Gantt:

They put me through a complete background check when they gave me an Observer badge.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:56 Darin Gantt

12:56

[Comment From RobRob: ]

Does Barnidge surpass Rosario on the depth chart?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:56 Rob

12:56

Charles Chandler:

Not yet. Hasn't shown enough yet to do that. Plus, Rosario is a much better blocker.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:56 Charles Chandler

12:56

[Comment From DaleDale: ]

What is Sorensen's early take on the Panthers W/L record this year? We all know that he kills you guys when you make your preseason predictions.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:56 Dale

12:57

Charles Chandler:

Is that Lee Sorensen, his son, asking that question? Must be dreaming!

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:57 Charles Chandler

12:57

Darin Gantt:

His barista tells him what to pick. I don't even have a barista.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:57 Darin Gantt

12:57

[Comment From PantherFan21PantherFan21: ]

What are the chances of the rest of us getting some Cactus Cooler out of Clausen?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:57 PantherFan21

12:57

Darin Gantt:

You cant' do for him what Steve can do for him

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:57 Darin Gantt

12:57

[Comment From BynumBynum: ]

Is there are reason my questions aren't getting through.....(watch, this one will get through)

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:57 Bynum

12:57

Charles Chandler:

He seems willing and generaouse. Try putting an order in.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:57 Charles Chandler

12:57

Charles Chandler:

Moderator Mike is picky.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:57 Charles Chandler

12:58

Darin Gantt:

Maybe you'll win the gift card.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:58 Darin Gantt

12:58

[Comment From RobRob: ]

What is your prediction for the starting QB for both teams in week 12, Panthers at Cleveland?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:58 Rob

12:58

Darin Gantt:

Matt and Jake, together again

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:58 Darin Gantt

12:58

Charles Chandler:

Moore vs. Jake

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:58 Charles Chandler

12:58

[Comment From jbwbubbajbwbubba: ]

I think with Campbell at QB, the Raiders are a playoff contender, your thoughts?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:58 jbwbubba

12:58

Charles Chandler:

Agreed. They've had a nice offseason and appear to be heading in the right direction.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:58 Charles Chandler

12:58

[Comment From Eric DouglasEric Douglas: ]

Do the Panthers purposely request less primetime games or interview appearances?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:58 Eric Douglas

12:59

Darin Gantt:

If they thought it would work they would. It's kind of natural though.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:59 Darin Gantt

12:59

[Comment From JoelJoel: ]

Darin, what's got a better shot of happening this fall? Another emu running rampant through Rock Hill or Armanti Edwards running rampant through opposing secondaries?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:59 Joel

12:59

Darin Gantt:

They caught the emu.

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:59 Darin Gantt

12:59

[Comment From DougDoug: ]

What are Dexter Jackson"s prospects for this year?

Thursday May 6, 2010 12:59 Doug

1:00

Charles Chandler:

Well, let's just say there's only room enough in this town for one ASU guy on the roster.

Thursday May 6, 2010 1:00 Charles Chandler

1:00

Mike Persinger:

That's all for today folks. Thanks for joining us. The winner of the gift card has been notified by private message. Join us again soon for another chat!

Thursday May 6, 2010 1:00 Mike Persinger

1:00

Charles Chandler:

Thanks, everyone! Stay cool on this rather hot day!

Thursday May 6, 2010 1:00 Charles Chandler

1:00

Darin Gantt:

Thanks to all those who impugned my character. It was fun.

Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/05/0...l#ixzz0nLfT9h32

 

[Jeff Tefertiller]

Thanks for sharing. Several good nuggets

 

[lyon812]

Great stuff here. Very pleased to hear Clausen's looking so promising.

 

[Jeff Haseley]

Thanks for posting. Do you also have a link for this?

 

[VaCatFan]

Thanks for posting. Do you also have a link for this?

Here you go....http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/05/0...n-carolina.html

 

[VaCatFan]

Tolbert in LaFell's corner

Comments 0 | Recommend 0

Sunday, May 23 2010, 11:21 pm

Steve Reed

CHARLOTTE — New Carolina Panthers wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert is openly rooting for rookie wideout Brandon LaFell to succeed.

And the reasons go beyond the obvious.

Like Carolina’s new third-round draft pick, Tolbert also played wide receiver at LSU and has a fondness for Baton Rouge, La. Tolbert received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at LSU and still has plenty of contacts there, giving him a great knowledge of the inner workings of the Tigers football program.

“I followed LSU quite a bit so I know their situation over there,” said Tolbert, who spent three years (1988-90) playing wide receiver for the Tigers.

That’s why Tolbert isn’t worried when he hears some talk about LaFell’s supposed inconsistent play at times.

“Brandon can still work on a lot of things, but a lot of things weren’t his fault either,” Tolbert said. “There are some inconsistencies as far what he was being taught at LSU as opposed to what I’m going to teach him here with the Carolina Panthers. I think he will adapt well to how we do things, and I think he will be a better player because of it.”

One of the things that falls under that “wasn’t his fault” category was LSU’s inability to keep an established quarterback in place, prompting the Tigers coaching staff to use six different signal-callers the past two seasons. Despite that, LaFell flourished with 120 catches during that span, including 19 touchdowns.

LaFell wound up starting 35 of 51 games at LSU, finishing his four-year career with 175 receptions for 2,517 yards (14.38 yards per catch) and 25 touchdowns, second-most in school history behind only current Kansas City Chiefs receiver Dwayne Bowe.

“It was a tough,” LaFell said of working with so many different quarterbacks. “One week you’re working with this guy and then he was playing bad and you’re working with another guy. It was tough, but at the end of the day it kind of helps you out. In the NFL, you never know what can happen. The same thing that happened in college can happen in the NFL.”

Asked if the quarterback rotation affected LaFell’s production, Tolbert said, “There’s no question it did.”

The Panthers hope LaFell provides them with something they’ve been looking for ever since Muhsin Muhammad first left the team to join the Chicago Bears in 2004 — a true complement to Steve Smith.

LaFell will battle fellow third-round pick Armanti Edwards, a converted college quarterback, and disappointing fourth-year pro Dwayne Jarrett for the vacant No. 2 receiver spot that came available when the team opted not to re-sign 37-year-old Muhammad this off-season.

LaFell is coming off two solid seasons at LSU but will need to work on his consistency at the next level.

The Panthers like LaFell’s ability to block downfield, something that’s required given how much coach John Fox likes to run the ball with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart.

After being drafted by Carolina, LaFell talked about it being a strength.

“If you couldn’t block (at LSU), you weren’t stepping on the field,” LaFell said. “That’s one of the things I prided myself on. (In Carolina), Moose, whenever it was time to make a big block downfield, he did it, making that key block and springing the running back.

“If I can come in and do things like he did, I feel like I’m going to be successful.”

“It’s rare to hear (wide receivers) talk about blocking,” Tolbert said. “There are a lot of people that do it but it’s rare people talk about it. On this level you have to block. We have two great backs — actually we have more than two great backs — but we had two backs last year that rushed for over 1,100 yards so they know running is a big part of our game. They know already that run-blocking technique is emphasized every day.

“But to hear him talk about it, it doesn’t surprise me because I watched him at LSU go in and crack on safeties. That’s one of the things that was a big plus in our mind when we drafted him.”

LaFell spent time with Tolbert at the NFL Scouting Combine in February and LSU’s pro day a month later breaking down game film.

“We spent about 45 minutes before my pro day breaking down my good and bad plays,” LaFell said. “He said, ‘I’m pulling for you just because you’re a Tiger, and if we land you and get you here, you’ve got to make be proud. I’m going to try to live up to all the hype.”

Tolbert, who replaced long-time receivers coach Richard Williamson (retired) this past off-season, will be there to help.

He knows a thing or two about coaching up rookie receivers.

He helped Anquan Boldin emerge as a star in Arizona and later mentored Lee Evans in Buffalo.

In 2003 Boldin earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and was the only rookie to make the Pro Bowl that season with an NFL rookie-record 101 catches and 1,377 yards. Evans led all NFL rookies in 2004 with nine touchdown receptions and a 17.6-yard average per catch. After finishing second in the NFL with seven receptions for 40-plus yards in 2005, Evans continued to improve under Tolbert in 2006 - amassing a team-record 265 yards receiving in Week 11.

“I’ve had some good rookie receivers but those guys came in and were eager to learn,” Tolbert said. “But I teach (veterans and rookies) the same way. They all kind of adapt. I think my way works and it was proven that it works so I just keep doing it that way.”

LaFell said he understands what will be asked of him, but it’s too soon to consider himself the starter.

“You can’t just throw me in front of the guys that are already here, because I haven’t proved myself yet,” LaFell said. “I’ve got to go through minicamp and training camp. I’ve got to prove myself. Dwayne Jarrett is in front of me, and we’ve got Armanti trying to get a spot.”

 

[VaCatFan]

Panthers' Davis back? His 4.47 40 suggests so

The Panthers got some huge news last week, when LB Thomas Davis ran a 4.47-second 40 yard dash.

That's slightly off some of his previous times, but there is the small fact he's less than six months from surgery to repair a torn ACL.

Davis surprised folks with the speed of his recovery, doing more in the post-draft minicamp than expected.

But if he's out there laying down 4.47s now (as he reported, timed by a Panthers scout), it's a good indication he's nearly 100 percent back from last November's blown knee.

That's huge for a defense that has to be solid in the back seven to make up for the transition in the front four. With only one starter back on the defensive line, the rest of the defense is going to have to step up. Given the pace of Davis' recovery, it sounds like he's taking that challenge seriously.

Davis said he turned in the time last Monday, and that it isn't far off his previous record. The 240-pound linebacker said his personal best as a pro was a 4.42 he ran last year during offseason conditioning.

- Darin Gantt

 

[Jeff Haseley]

Another article on Armanti Edwards

Some clips from the article...

On Saturday, during one-on-one drills against cornerbacks, Edwards cut inside on a slant and reached behind his back to snare a pass from Tony Pike with one hand and barely broke his stride as he headed up the field. "His hands are great," Tolbert said. "If you think about it, most quarterbacks are good athletes and have good hands because they touch the ball on every play. He has really good hands. His route technique is getting better, but he has no bad habits and what I’m teaching him he’s learning for the first time. He’s getting it. He’s definitely getting it."

Have you watched Edwards? He has the gift that Carolina’s Steve Smith has. These guys could be asleep, a nasty tackle diving at their ribs in the dark, and they’d subconsciously roll 2 inches and make him miss. I’m not comparing Edwards, 22, to Smith, 30. I’m telling you simply that there will come a time when Smith no longer is the team’s lone threat to go deep. Edwards did not run all his routes perfectly on the first practice of mini-camp Friday morning. He says this. What he doesn’t say is that he caught every pass thrown his way, including a deep ball he snatched out of the air with an over-the-shoulder catch. "From a quarterback to a receiver it might not be as hard as people think," Smith says. "The quarterback has the responsibility to know where everybody is on the field….(Edwards) doesn’t have as many tasks as a receiver."

Pat Yaskinsas - I came away really impressed by what I saw out of Armanti Edwards, the rookie out of Appalachian State. He played quarterback in college, but the Panthers are going to use him as a receiver and a punt returner. This kid is pretty dynamic and can be an instant factor in the slot. Fox and coordinator Jeff Davidson haven’t used a slot receiver much in recent years. Might be time to change that and there could be other ways designed to get Edwards some touches. In fact, this kid could turn out to be what some people thought Tim Tebow could be. Plus, I think Edwards’ throwing motion might be better than Tebow’s.

 

[VaCatFan]

The Panthers opened the full-team portion of their OTA season Thursday (after spending the first three days on nothing but the passing game), but there are still new wrinkles aplenty.

There was a segment of the session devoted to a four-wide receiver offense, something that's always been behind the "in case of emergency, break glass," section of the playbook.

With all the youth at quarterback and receiver, it's going to be a continual learning process, and they're still in the very early stages of introducing what QB Matt Moore called some "new concepts." We'll have more on that, and Moore, in tomorrow's paper.

As for the other notes of the day:

-- While LT Jordan Gross (broken leg) and LB Thomas Davis (ACL) are healthy enough to work individual drills, they're not yet up to doing all the team work.

So for the team drills Thursday, their places were taken by Garry Williams and Jamar Williams, respectively.

Garry hung around last year as an undrafted rookie but didn't get a uniform until guys started getting hurt, and he's in better position to stay this year. He's one of the second-year guys who's arrived in great shape, looking much more like an NFL blocker than he did a year ago.

Jamar was the other half of the Chris Harris trade, but he may end up much more than a throw-in. At the very least, he gives them a legitimate fifth linebacker, and that's something I'm not sure they had before.

-- Several nice grabs during the passing drills. WR Wallace Wright, who was brought here to help special teams, climbed the ladder and made a nice catch. Say this for Wright, he may never be a vital cog to the offense, but he has better hands than long-time special teamer Karl Hankton.

There was also a highlight-reel grab by Armanti Edwards, but those are becoming more common with each practice.

-- Speaking of common, RB Jonathan Stewart was on an exercise bike for much of the day.

-- CB Richard Marshall stayed away to prove a point, but he's back making plays now, coming up with an interception of a deep Moore pass to Steve Smith.

— Darin Gantt

 

[VaCatFan]

Panthers LB Thomas Davis heals as fast as he runs (AP)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The long hours of rehabilitation, purchase of the electrotherapy machine and all the time cooped up in his hyperbaric chamber seem to have paid off.

Thomas Davis(notes) has his speed back.

Not six months after the Carolina Panthers weakside linebacker underwent surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, Davis recently was clocked running the 40-yard dash in a stunning 4.47 seconds.

"We've got guys out here right now that have been healthy at skill positions that still can't run a 4.4," Davis said with pride this week. "So I think that says a lot for the recovery and the hard work that I've put in."

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The 27-year-old Davis is sitting out team drills during the Panthers' optional workouts this month, but he insists it's only because the training staff is being overly cautious. After his best season as a pro was derailed in November, Davis is somehow already healthy again.

"He's worked really hard. I think he's probably ahead of schedule," coach John Fox said. "We'll definitely take it slow with him, though, to make sure he's ready to go. But he's out there working with the guys. He's in great shape."

Davis, the 14th pick in the 2005 draft, was in the middle of a solid, if unspectacular, career with Carolina when Ron Meeks took over as defensive co-ordinator last year.

Meeks' Cover-2 system depends on the weakside linebacker to make many of the tackles. That player is supposed to be fast, athletic and constantly swarming the ball.

Davis immediately thrived, collecting a team record-tying 18 tackles in the season opener. He had 71 tackles, 1½ sacks and two interceptions in seven games and was in line for perhaps for his first Pro Bowl berth when his season cam to an abrupt end.

Backpedaling into coverage in New Orleans on November 8, Davis planted his leg without anyone around him and his knee buckled.

In three agonizing weeks before the surgery, Davis worried if he'd ever be the same.

"That was my biggest concern," Davis said. "Am I going to be as fast as I was before I got hurt?"

Not long after the Nov. 30 surgery, Davis began a gruelling, five-day-a-week schedule of work with his leg. But it didn't stop there. Davis bought a fancy electrotherapy machine and hooked himself up to it regularly to help speed the process.

Then when he heard Indianapolis defensive end Dwight Freeney's(notes) dramatic recovery from an ankle injury to play in the Super Bowl included time in a hyperbaric chamber — a device that forces more oxygen into the bloodstream — Davis dragged out his old unit and did the same.

Getting stronger by the spring, Davis started some work in Carolina's off-season conditioning program. Last month, he followed some of his teammates out for a running session.

"I wasn't even going to run the 40," Davis insisted. "But when I came back out here, everybody else was running, me wanting to compete, I got out here. First one I ran a 4.49. Then, just to make sure it was legit, I did it again — and ran a 4.47. I think that's a pretty legit time. I was pretty excited about it. I didn't expect that to happen."

Davis, who said is best 40 time was 4.42 seconds last year, likely won't participate in team drills until training camp begins. It will mark the beginning of an important season for Davis, whose contract situation is uncertain.

A victim of the new free agency rules because there's no salary cap in 2010, Davis was a restricted free agent this off-season despite his five years of NFL service. The Panthers, apparently unwilling to sign players long-term with labour uncertainty looming, offered him a one-year tender worth US$3.268 million.

The experience hasn't swayed Davis, who said before the surgery that he wanted to finish his career in Carolina.

"That feeling hasn't changed. I still feel like Carolina is where I want to be," Davis said. "The management side of it, it's a business and they've got to handle what they've got to handle. At the end of the day, hopefully I can finish my career here. If it doesn't happen, I just appreciate everything the Panthers have done for me."

With five-time Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers(notes) now in Chicago, the Panthers are expecting Davis to do even more for the defense this year.

Davis and his knee are ready.

"I didn't know how my body would respond to the surgery or how I would recover," Davis said. "I just knew I was going to give it everything I had and rehab so I could get back out here with these guys. It's been a great turnaround for me."

 

[VaCatFan]

Observations from one of the Panther faithful in Charlotte....

http://www.nflfans.com/x/showthread.php?t=60914

Just some random observations-If you want more dirt, ask and i will deliver.

1. I had an unexpected chat with Richard Marshall. He said he is signing his tender today. He did most of the talking. He is a little frustrated, but he seemed happy that his standoff is over (he practiced). I don't know what this means. He agreed that it was bad luck to be coming into a second contract at this time. I told him that he was doing the right thing by going forward, and that he didn't need distractions. He agreed. Very Nice guy. The topic surprised me, but he brought it up. You could tell that it has been weighing on him. Surprised that he chose me to confide in.

2. Schwartz said he could play guard or OT, but he said he really wanted to play, so he is going hard after the RG spot. Duke Robinson might be one of the stories yet untold. He looked fast and agile to me. Gross looks thinner, Otah too. Otah was upbeat and talkative, mainly about the weather. What a huge man.

3. The WR depth was: 1) Smith, Jarrett; 2) K. Moore, Martin; 3) Edwards, Lafell. Look for that to change. Lafell looked good. His speed looked good, his blocking looked very good. He is a bit cocky, but shared a crack to me about some idiot fan who was there. We laughed and he left. He has the confidence. Jarrett and Smith got into an argument over alignment after a WR shift. In other words, does Jarrett know the playbook yet? Don't count out Moore.

4. Edwards had a good catch. He has tiny hands--he gave my son his gloves and my son could barely fit his hands in them (trying them on). Good news?: My son is nearly 6 feet tall. Bad news? He is an eighth grader. Doesn't really matter. Edwards is (and I was a huge skeptic) a special athlete. He told me that he was focusing on the route running, which seemed to be the big thing for him, but he got great separation on out routes. He is a lot like SS, but not there yet. SS caught a ball vs. Marshall and ran toward us. I couldn't tackle his shadow.

5. Gettis was smart and articulate when we spoke. He seemed determined. He is big!! Says he will make the team as a WR or ST--whatever he has to do. I was impressed with him.

6. Williams, Bernadeau, Schwartz, Robinson--all good enough to start--somewhere else.

7. The best QB I saw was--Hunter Cantwell. He seems to get it. He was running with the second team, Clausen with the third. Afterwards, Clausen was disgruntled. Moore had the worst performance of the day, throwing about 3 balls that were picked off or should have been. I think that Moore and Clausen are not friends and never will be. THey never spoke. Back to Cantwell--I would take him over Pike at this point, which isn't fair to Pike.

8. On Defense T, Tyler and Leonard seem solid--Tyler is wide. Irvin--I was not impressed, but his quickness is above average. Ed Johnson--He could be a run stopper. I said it before, the DT from Temple (Nesbett?)will find a spot--at least on the PS.

9. DE is interesting. Charles Johnson has taken on more of a leadership role. After practice he told me that this would be his year. I told him it should be-the door is open. E. Brown is as humble as ever, but fast and heavier. He is looking more like Indy DEs. Hardy seems to be a head case. He has a permanent pout on his face and is not pleasant. Could be the hazing (I saw McGlover go after Jenkins until he realized it was Jenkins, and then walk away pissed while Jenkins smiled). He is a tremendous looking athlete, however. Worth the risk. I think the DL hazes the young ones harder than other units.

10. I talked to Norwood a bit, and he said that he is a LB. He said he will have his hand down in some situations. He said they are going to move him around like they did at SC--They are going to Turn him loose. He has the look.

11. TD had to leave the field with a trainer. He seemed pissed, but was not limping.

12. Connor was behind Beason. That has to be the best 2 MLBs in football. Did not see J. WIlliams. Anderson talked as if the SLB spot is his. He really seemed excited about it. I have trouble with it, but he is a class guy and will give 100%.

13. Pugh looked very smart, reading run and reacting quickly. Good speed. I was impressed with our safeties. Martin is pumped, ready to go, Godrey and he are tight.

14. CB-Munnerlyn is excited, Gamble is now a veteran, and Marshall is out of the woods. CJ Wilson looked good at times. Didn't see the 7th rounders do much, but i was distracted at times.

15. Overall, THe morale seems to be higher than during OTAs last year. There are more competitions for spots, and the players sprinted from one station to the next. These were differences I noticed from last season.

16. They were running some four wide sets. Personnel varied.

17. Overall, this team is fast and young. The coaching staff is the best I have ever seen it. These kids are getting coached up. Lot of new energy out there and they all seem determined and hungry. Can you say, "Under the

radar?"

 

[Jeff Haseley]

Good stuff, thanks for sharing.

 

[H.K.]

Observations from one of the Panther faithful in Charlotte....11. TD had to leave the field with a trainer. He seemed pissed, but was not limping.

Out for the year. will look for a link.eta:

Thomas Davis-LB- Panthers Jun. 9 - 5:50 pm et Panthers WLB Thomas Davis is likely lost for the season after re-tearing his right ACL during OTAs.Tests confirmed the diagnosis on Wednesday. Davis, who tore the same ACL last November, had been recovering ahead of schedule and was recently timed at 4.47 in the forty-yard dash, which is an absolutely stellar time for a linebacker. Davis is an impact player on the weak side, so his loss will be felt in Carolina. Jamar Williams now has some sleeper appeal in IDP leagues.Source: Charlotte Observer

 

[VaCatFan]

Yeah, that sucks that Davis is done for the year most likely. Maybe Norwood steps in and plays well. In any event, someone is going to have an opportunity to make a name for themselves whether it's Dan Connor, Norwood, James Anderson, or Jamar Williams who we got in the Chris Harris trade. Two of those four are going to be starting outside of Jon Beason, so it's going to be interesting.

 

[omally]

Moose is retiring a Panther today. He is in my top 5 of favorite all-time Panther players. I hope he makes it in broadcasting.