Voth's Unanswered Questions

[Mr. Scot]

What we haven't learned yet about the Panthers

Excerpts:

What role will Cameron Artis-Payne have?

Some are already penciling in the fifth-round pick directly behind Jonathan Stewart, but that’s not much more than an assumption right now. Artis-Payne may be able to handle a larger load than Fozzy Whittaker and Jordan Todman, but the two veterans remained ahead of the rookie throughout the spring.

 

Who will make up the back end of the receiver rotation?

Roster spots are likely reserved for Benjamin, Funchess, Corey Brown, Ted Ginn and Jerricho Cotchery. That leaves one or MAYBE two openings for guys like Stephen Hill, Brenton Bersin and Jarrett Boykin.

 

Which Michael Oher did the Panthers get?

Oher and his new teammates said all the right things this spring, but noncontact offseason workouts are a long way from actual game action. If Oher can again be the guy he was at the start of his career, the Panthers’ offensive line should be much improved. But if he is who he was the last couple seasons, the protection in front of QB Cam Newton could be a house of cards.

 

Will someone not named Charles Johnson emerge at DE?

It’s almost like this bunch has been playing musical chairs and no one’s sitting down even though the music stopped early last fall. The Panthers want to pick someone to get starter reps, but Frank Alexander, Kony Ealy, Wes Horton and Mario Addison remain a nondescript group. Alexander could eventually stand out, if he can stay on the field. And coaches have seen some growth from Ealy, but bouts of immaturity remain a concern.

 

What does Shaq Thompson look like in the defense?

We don’t have a good answer for this right now mostly because of the practices the first-round pick missed. But since the Panthers put linebackers on the field furthest from the media, it was tough to get a true sense of Thompson’s skills even when he wasn’t at Washington. He saw a very limited amount of reps with the starters in minicamp, something that should change quickly in Spartanburg. The Panthers say they can do different things with him in the lineup, so what those things are remain to be seen.

 

Which undrafted free agents are worth keeping around?

Some of Gettleman’s diamonds in the rough played big parts in the Panthers’ past two playoff runs, but it’s not ideal to annually depend on undrafted guys. Among the current crop, the backfield may be too crowded for RB Brandon Wegher, WR Damiere Byrd is likely practice squad bound and CB Garry Peters couldn’t get on the field in June. There may not be an Andrew Norwell or Corey Brown in this bunch, but it’s not like we knew what that pair was going to become a year ago.

 

How improved are the Panthers?

It’s hard to argue this roster isn’t better than what it was heading into 2014’s training camp. The important question is how much better? A healthier Newton seemingly has better weapons and protection, the top-10 defense remains largely intact and special teams underwent a much-needed makeover. But what happens if Stewart goes down or if Oher doesn’t work out? Or if the passing game can’t get vertical? Or if the front four can’t dial up proper pressure? Or if CB Charles Tillman and SS Roman Harper have no tread left? There are plenty of unknowns ahead, but that’s part of what makes sports agonizingly fun.

There are more at the link.

This is the first I can recall reading of "bouts of immaturity" from Ealy, though there was some non-specific discussion in All Pro before. I'd like to know more about that.  Could be just the adjustment from being a college kid to a professional athlete.  I guess we'll see.

I've said before I think undrafted players - even the good ones - are gonna have a tougher time making our squad in years to come.  As the roster improves, that's just a natural consequence.

The biggest issues in my mind are how the OL plays out and who shows up at DE.

[juliosantos]

Is cotch really a lock? I cant picture him as a clear cut to make the roster especially if other players out perform him

[Captain Morgan]

Kony had a little bit of an attitude problem in TC last year, but I don't

remember any reports of problems during the last half of the season.

 

If anyone's attitude on this team worries me, it's KB.

 

both are young guys though, everyone deserves to make a few mistakes while learning.

and I think the coaches value Cotch being a veteran, especially because

our wr core in incredibly young.  Other than Ginn, our core receivers are a rookie

and 2 guys with one year of experience, one of whom wasn't even drafted.

[caatfan]

That leaves one or MAYBE two open

ings for guys like Stephen Hill, Brenton Bersin and Jarrett Boykin.

I'd bet big that Bersin is in. Boykin's gonna have to tear it up in camp to get a spot.

Will someone not named Charles Johnson emerge at DE?

If Alexander isn't the full time answer, I think they can get by with DE by committee.

[neverlosethefeeling]

Is cotch really a lock? I cant picture him as a clear cut to make the roster especially if other players out perform him

I think the coaching staff and front office really like what Cotch brings to the table as a veteran. In the press conference after the Funchess pick, Gettleman went out of his way to mention Cotchery as a guy that's a "crafty, crafty veteran" who can still do it. I don't think they want to put 3 or 4 pups out on the field without having a veteran guy also in the WR room. I think he makes the team guaranteed, even if it's in a 4th string role. 

[iamhubby1]

I am fine with Cotch hanging around one more year to help ensure KB and now Funch, and hellz Corey as well. Anyway, Proehl can only do so much. Having Cotch as a player, who is with those guys all day, every day, has to pay dividends. Let him help Ricky get the young Bucks up to speed one more year. Then drop-kick his big ol' butt to the curb. Then curb stomp, Bristol stomp, and any other stomp in your playbook.

 

He can do the mentoring thingy. He can get him some catches, throw some blocks, and maybe even a TD or two. Hellz, as far down the depth chart he is, he shouldn't take too many reps from somebody...you know...capable. But once this year is over. Thanks for the memories.

[KSpan]

If anyone's attitude on this team worries me, it's KB.

 

both are young guys though, everyone deserves to make a few mistakes while learning.

and I think the coaches value Cotch being a veteran, especially because

our wr core in incredibly young.  Other than Hill, our core receivers are a rookie

and 2 guys with one year of experience, one of whom wasn't even drafted.

That's an odd comment - why would Hill not be included as a young player? Boykin, KB and Bersin are all physically older than him (and Corey is only a few months younger), Bersin has 2 more years of Panthers seniority and experience and he and Boykin have the same number of NFL years overall, and KB has already doubled Hill's NFL production. Hill has little to no edge in the age, maturity, or experience departments.

[Captain Morgan]

That's an odd comment - why would Hill not be included as a young player? Boykin, KB and Bersin are all physically older than him (and Corey is only a few months younger), Bersin has 2 more years of Panthers seniority and experience and he and Boykin have the same number of NFL years overall, and KB has already doubled Hill's NFL production. Hill has little to no edge in the age, maturity, or experience departments.

 

 

it is odd.  I meant to say Ginn.  I don't think Hill makes the team btw.  

[TheRed]

Being a crafty veteran will mean dick if Cotchery is dropping game winning touchdown passes again this year.

As far as immaturity on the DL, I'm assuming that is in reference mainly to Frank Alexander. I'm fine with Ealy having a mean streak, we need that.

Some of these aren't really unanswered questions, but more stating the obvious, particularly in regards to Oher. Helpful nonetheless though.

[caatfan]

Being a crafty veteran will mean dick if Cotchery is dropping game winning touchdown passes again this year.

 

Cotchery had one drop last season. 

[TheRed]

Cotchery had one drop last season. 

Is that the drop against the Bengals that essentially cost us a .500 record?

He also only had one touchdown on the season, as many as Brenton Bersin, and that's coming off 10 the season before with Pittsburgh.

You can look at various statistics, but the fact of the matter is, Cotchery was often disappointing last season. Not all of it was his fault mind you, but he was brought in to be reliable when the game mattered, and to help in the red zone. He put up 580 yards, but netted us only 7 points out of 18 games. At this point, if it comes down to Cotchery or Bersin, I would rather take Bersin considering how reliable he was on 3rd down for us.

[pantherfan49]

there is precedent under the Getts era to keep a vet WR though the first part of the season and then let him go. 

[PanthersAlv]

Not that the Vet leadership and mentoring is not important, cuz it is. But, with Funchess being able to "play all the positions" already, and Bersin in the same boat (and has Cam's trust)...

Having the WR coach comparison with Bersin and the talk about him helping the younger players with things because he's actually been there and done that "all these years" with the Panthers. I am not sure how solid Cotchery's spot really is.

Not saying he shouldn't be on the roster. I'm just saying, for me, it's hard to see them let go of a young guy that's solid and still improving, for a guy who has the same skills for the most part, and is getting to the end of his career.

I think the things the Vets on this team right now can REALLY help the young guys with is dealing with Playoff atmospheres, attitudes, and emotions.

but it's nice to actually be able to talk about this sorta thing. It's been a long time since we've talked "Who's gonna stay" in the WR position.

[MountainHeel66]

Any chance, with Cotchery being someone who has lived in the area, that he may decide to retire after this season and we keep him in the organization as an assistant to Proehl?