The "Core" of this team

[bigdog10]

If this team had a five player "core" who's in it?

My list:

Beason

Smith

Harris*

Delhomme

Williams

Had a tough time with this one and wouldn't argue one bit if someone put Gross in where Harris is. The harris pick is more about leadership than his play.

[CharlotteBeer.com]

Steve Smith

Jake Delhomme

Jon Beason

DeAngelo Williams

Jordan Gross

I go with Beason over Harris, and for the same reason you cited: Beason is not only the best MLB in the league, he's one of the best defensive leaders to boot.

[bigdog10]

Reasoning behind Gross?

Leadership on the O-Line?

[CharlotteBeer.com]

I don't know about leadership, but he's certainly a guy you want in your locker room.

More than anything, though, he's a Pro Bowl left tackle. You have to hang on to those.

[bleys]

Have to agree with Beaux on that one... Can't think of anyone who would fit in better across the board.

[Fiz]

Beason - Best player on defense

Harris - Leader of secondary

Jake - QB

Gross - Senior member of run first oline

Moose - Second oldest Panther, and John Kasay doesn't strike me as an outspoken leader

[Jrock88]

D. Williams-elite tailback... phenomenal talent

Gross- Pro Bowl LT

Beason- stud MLB , natural leader

Peppers- Premier DE, 4 time pro bowler

Smith- no explanation needed

hard to name just 5.. the Panthers are STACKED

[bleys]

Can't say Pep is in the top 5.. Yes, his talent is hard to come by, but here's why I agree with Beaux..

Steve Smith - Premiere WR, one of best in league.

Jake Delhomme - his leadership and heart drive this team more than people give credit for.

Jon Beason - top 2 or 3 MLB in league, IMO.. Natural born leader who seems to possess intangibles that you dont' find in many players.

DeAngelo Williams - Gotta carry the rock and he stepped up big as a leader.

Jordan Gross - Every team needs an anchor, and he's doing it at LT, most important position on the line. Brings a lot experience and durability to the line...

All these players bring strong leadership... very important.

[Fiz]

how many times have you ever seen Smith talking to younger players, or dealing with people during the game, or doing something other than sitting by himself on the sidelines?

not saying he's not a great but he doesn't strike me as a leader

[uptowndlo34]

my five are

smith

d williams

beason

peppers

gross

no delhomme here guys, i just think we can win with mcown if needed

[faultlessjoint]

Beason - Best player on defense

Harris - Leader of secondary

Jake - QB

Gross - Senior member of run first oline

Moose - Second oldest Panther, and John Kasay doesn't strike me as an outspoken leader

He may not be the most outspoken, but Kasay is definitely a respected leader on this team.

[Fiz]

He may not be the most outspoken, but Kasay is definitely a respected leader on this team.

he's respected, sure, but...kasay is kinda weird

i mean i taught his kids how to swim i know this for a fact. he gives out bibles on halloween

[bleys]

how many times have you ever seen Smith talking to younger players, or dealing with people during the game, or doing something other than sitting by himself on the sidelines?

not saying he's not a great but he doesn't strike me as a leader

You're right. I view Moose as a bigger leader than Smith.

However, Smith is easily in the top 5 as "the core" of this team. We've been riding his coat tails for years now. That alone qualifies him as a very important piece to this team.

Now, it cannot go without mention that he does bring it every time in practice and sets a very good example of work ethic and passion for the game. Reports, even this year, show him getting on the DBs every time he catches the ball trying to get them to step up their game. Perhaps some may consider this small, and so be it.. But he does provide some sense of leadership to compliment him carrying this team for quite some time.

[bleys]

he's respected, sure, but...kasay is kinda weird

i mean i taught his kids how to swim i know this for a fact. he gives out bibles on halloween

He was the guy who talked with Smitty forever after the Lucas incident. Played a huge leadership role there.. As big as it gets, IMO..

but I wouldn't put him in the core.