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Top three concerns going to camp

DaveThePanther2008

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DaveThePanther2008 Grand Master

DaveThePanther2008

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I know it has been discussed before but instead of digging for the latest thread.  I started this one.

 

I am an eternal optimist.  I have faith in our GM.

 

That said.

 

Our whole season IMO evolves around three major areas.

 

Both Tackle positions, Wide receiver and our DBs

 

3.  Defensive Backfield:  Our front seven could make a high school defensive backfield tops in the NFL  I like the additions of Cason and bring Cotchery back. Drafting Benwikere could be a steal. Moving Godfrey could really solidify the corner position.  I think camp starts with White and Thomas  but could very well end with Godfrey and Cason.  Or any combination of the above.  I really think Benwikere is going to help us forget about Munnerlyn.

 

At the Safety position we bring in two former pro bowlers in DeCoud and Harper.  Though a little thin after those two if Lester continues to grow and Boston has a chance to learn from some of the best in the league.  Our safety position is going to be solid.  What intrigues me the most is the veterans DeCoud and Harper.  You have guys that know what to do and put them with the best front seven in football.  That only makes them more dangerous.

 

In conclusion I think our defensive backfield is going to be much better than last season.  Which is why it is 3rd biggest concern.

 

2. Wide Receiver: Every week we here how Cam isn't going to have anyone to throw to.  Last year was the first year I cringed about Cam throwing to Steve Smith.  He had drops that we not consistent with what we expected from No. 89.  Before I say this.  Steve Smith was one of my favorite players and will always be one of my favorite players. But honestly I got tired of the over pumped antics he gave us after a 5 yd reception.  The high adrenaline slapping of the helmet and trash talking was getting old. Which IMO was one reason why we parted ways.

 

Out goes Ginn, Lafell, SS and Hixon.  They got the job done and each will have highlight reels that will always be apart of the Panthers but when 2014 is over.   Benjamin, Avant, Cotchery and Underwood will have similar highlights.  They have better hands and know the game of football.  They'll get open and make the catches.  This doesn't even count, King, McNutt or even Pilares.  We are going to have a better receiving corps than 2013.  It is hard to believe or accept because none of us have seen any of these guys play.  In 1995 we had receivers none of us ever saw before and we set an NFL record with the best record of an inaugural franchise year.  In 1995 (in a tougher era for passing) We have over 3000 yds passing. we were 24th in the league and a rookie team.  In 2013 we were 29th.  If our passing game improves 5 spots it would mean our new receiving corps was a small success.   IMO we will be middle of the road.  14-18 is my guess.

 

An added thought.   Cam working and hanging out with Benjamin is two-fold.  I think Cam cares and wants the Rookie to get off on the right foot off the field.    On the field I don't think Cam is going to let him have a Rookie year.  I think Cam is going to push him to be a true #1 out the gate.     The excitement we have in the potential of Benjamin will be seen in 2014.

 

1.  Offensive Tackle.  I put it as offensive tackle because the right tackle is fighting for the left tackle position and if he wins we than have to fill the right tackle position.   Three names fight for these two positions. Chandler, Bell and Williams.  I think the majority of the huddle wants Chandler at LT and Williams at RT.   I think this battle is going to show whether Bell, the left hander, does better at the left side then the right because he is left handed.   Are the two years in training as our future left tackle going to happen for Chandler? IsWilliams going to come in and take one of those jobs from these two?  I think Chandler will win the LT spot and it is choose your poison on RT.  What I think the front office is betting.  Chandler wins LT and we sign a veteran for the right side.   What kills me is that this, of all three of these concerns, is the biggest.

 

I will say there is a wild card in the O-line situation.  WE have Silatolu returning and IMO Turner wins the other guard spot.  Stewart is as healthy as any of us can remember.  I believe that we are going to try to get our running game so strong that defenses will play the run.  That in itself should help the pass blocking.   

 

In the next 6 weeks we are going to see who wins what.  We are going to see if Gettleman is a magician.  I believe we start week one with a win and our season goes good.

 

But then again....  I am an eternal optimist.

 

 

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davos Grand Master

davos

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1.  Offensive Tackle.  I put it as offensive tackle because the right tackle is fighting for the left tackle position and if he wins we than have to fill the right tackle position.   Three names fight for these two positions. Chandler, Bell and Williams.  I think the majority of the huddle wants Chandler at LT and Williams at RT.   I think this battle is going to show whether Bell, the left hander, does better at the left side then the right because he is left handed.   Are the two years in training as our future left tackle going to happen for Chandler? IsWilliams going to come in and take one of those jobs from these two?  I think Chandler will win the LT spot and it is choose your poison on RT.  What I think the front office is betting.  Chandler wins LT and we sign a veteran for the right side.   

 

 

On the OL....I definitely agree with this if Williams and Bell aren't looking too hot.  We probably will need to wait though because it will be after teams make their final cuts around the league when we identify someone.  

 

With the secondary, I think the CBs we'll see in the most are White, Cason, and Benwikere by the end of the season.  I'm excited about Bene.  I actually feel better about this CB group than last season. Safety not so much but I'm interested in how we use Boston.  DeCoud could shine in our defense.  

 

WR I'm cool with.  I'm excited about the King-Underwood-McNutt-Brown-Bersin battle for that 4th spot behind Avant.  I don't think things will be spread like last year.  I foresee higher TE2 and WR4 numbers and less impact from our #3.  

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iamhubby1 Veteran

iamhubby1

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I would like to add that most teams have areas they wish were stronger. If your other areas can cover your few weaknesses, you can make do.

I don't see any legitimate reasons we can't compete with anyone. But then again. I am an optimist as well. Also, I have been saying for a while now that the future has already started. Would be counter-intuitive to say we aren't going to do well.

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CarolinaNCSU Proficient

CarolinaNCSU

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1. The obvious, OL. Specifically LT.

 

I think Bell is given the job, but I'd love to see Chandler jump in and steal it. Regardless, all I'm wanting or hoping for is average performance from the LT spot this year. Following Gross is hard. Following him when you're an average on his best days RT (Bell) or transformed DT to RT/RG/everything Nate Chandler is even harder. I'd expect us to pick up a vet after cuts, but just give me average protection here and I'll be happy.

 

2. WR

 

I love KB's potential...but if he comes in and puts up 500-600 yards, and 6 or 7 TDS, that's a nice rookie year and maybe above my expectations. I expect the other guys to be solid, but no where near great or even good. About like last season should be expected. We're simply going to have a move the chains WR corp, sans the occasional KB explosive play showing off that potential. 

 

3. Special Teams

 

Gano was great last year, and I'm cautiously optimistic that continues. Same for Nortman. The spot that worries me greatly, return guy. Kick returns are basically a wash these days with all the touchbacks, but we've seen our share of bad punt returners. If our offense sputters at times like last year, a game changing PR/KR guy could be huge. Sadly, I don't think we have that. GInn was at least a threat to return it last year and did well (albeit no TDs minus the preseason game if I remember correctly). This year, as of right now, who is even our return guy? Underwood? Barner? Pilares? All 3 cut potential guys...yikes. 

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OneBadCat Grand Master

OneBadCat

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I think Chandler will be a solid LT. However DG's job isn't finished and I'm fulling expecting him to bring guys in after cuts. It's entirely possible we could pick up a WR with the speed with need or a solid veteran JOAT lineman. 

 

 

I'm not worried about CB at all. I think White is a #1 CB in the making and between Godfrey and Cason we should have a decent #2 and #3 with our front 7. Also there is the enigma Josh Norman who could(I say COULD) finally steps up. 

 

Lester/Decoud will be fine. Harper worries me and I know nothing about the Boston guy.

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JawnyBlaze Grand Master

JawnyBlaze

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With the secondary, I think the CBs we'll see in the most are White, Cason, and Benwikere by the end of the season.  I'm excited about Bene.

 

Every time I start feeling this way, I remind myself that I felt the same way about Hogan and then Norman.  Helps ease the eventual heartbreak.

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