Proehl believes in KB & Funchess, quite naturally, and I hold out hope too.

[Daeavorn]

Here is the version of this article authored by David Newton. It actually has some interesting tidbits in here.

Heres a link to the article: http://www.espn.com/blog/carolina-panthers/post/_/id/24372/ricky-proehl-was-warned-panthers-wr-kelvin-benjamin-might-not-be-fully-back-to-form-in-2016

Quote

Former Carolina Panthers wide receivers coach Ricky Proehl was skeptical in August when strength coach Joe Kenn warned that Kelvin Benjamin, who tore his left ACL during training camp in 2015, probably wouldn't get back to his rookie form until 2017.

He was even more skeptical after the first two games when the 28th pick of the 2014 draft had a combined 13 catches for 199 yards and three touchdowns.

But as the year wore on, Benjamin's left knee became increasingly sore. He went through a five-game stretch with a combined 10 catches for 158 yards and one touchdown.

The Strength and Condition coach warned the staff that KB wouldnt be at full capacity yet they ignored him...

Quote

"Kelvin was limited in what he could do in training camp, so it affected his process as a receiver and coming back from his injury," Proehl said. "He hit a wall a little bit where his leg had a tremendous amount of soreness and swelling, and it affected him in practice to where he couldn't practice.

Here is the most damning part, in my opinion. The clear lack of leadership brought on by not replacing Cotchery on the roster as the vet leader of the WR.

Quote

But the passing game struggled for many reasons and the Panthers had 14 fewer touchdown catches than the previous season (35) when quarterback Cam Newton was the league MVP.

"It was a tough year," Proehl said. "We struggled at times at the receiver position. But you've got to struggle sometimes to grow and to learn."

Moving on from veteran Jerricho Cotchery and the leadership he brought was a factor in the group's struggles. Proehl admitted that.

Benjamin admitted late in the season he was trying to become more of a leader; a role he simply wasn't ready for coming out of training camp.

Knowing all of this, it makes perfect sense why our guys struggled this year.

[PanthersBigD]

Moose didn't do crap until his third year. Both of these guys will be entering their third year next season. I have seen enough to feel optimistic about their performance next year. 

[Khaki Lackey]

With our problems on the OL this year, and considering Funchess was Cam's third or fourth read, I don't see how anyone can write him off as a bust at this point. I saw numerous plays this year where Funchess would have been wide open if he was the first or second read.


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[Hoenheim]

16 hours ago, rico6 said:

It'd be nice to stop seeing KB lined up outside for starters. He's not a #1 WR and we need to stop forcing his square ass in a triangle hole, hell, I barely see Muhsin Muhammad. 

If KB could transition to TE he'd  wreck.

Convert him to a TE to work with Greg (IDK how good he is at blocking honestly) , get rid of funchess, draft DeDe Westrbrook in the 2nd and KD Cannon in the 4th or 5th. Start Ginn and Westbrook with Philly and KD spotting them off the bench.

[Kakarot]

Hmmm...

Seeing that KB was still hurting last year does explain some things. Should've had a vet in that WR group last year besides Ginn; especially if there was warning that KB wouldn't be the same until 2017. Probably should've gotten Boldin.

Another screw up by the front office and coaching staff. Not good, not good. Another check mark against them...

[top dawg]

1 hour ago, Hoenheim said:

Convert him to a TE to work with Greg (IDK how good he is at blocking honestly) , get rid of funchess, draft DeDe Westrbrook in the 2nd and KD Cannon in the 4th or 5th. Start Ginn and Westbrook with Philly and KD spotting them off the bench.

KD Cannon's hands aren't as reliable as I'd like to see, and both he and Westbrook need to put on a marked amount of weight and muscle. There may be better options out there in the 4th and 5th.

[AceBoogie]

23 hours ago, uncfan888 said:

nah, that's not realism.. you're being a debbie downer. There's nothing wrong with people being optimistic for the next year

No i acknowledge the good and don't turn a blind eye to the bad. It makes November/December a lot easier on me when i recognize the team's flaws in June. I say it June and turn around and laugh when you guys say the same thing months later. Im a psl owner, but never a homer. I calls it like I sees it.

[OneBadCat]

I think Funchess will be a great player. He gets open. He just isn't on Cams radar as the #3,4 option. Everytime he catches a pass he's in space. Obviously he has work to do but he has displayed nice athleticism.

KB is an enigma to me but I personally thought he was getting the spring in his step back for the last few games. He looked faster out there.

[heel31ok]

On 1/17/2017 at 8:49 PM, Saca312 said:

I see you're still the pessimist, as per usual.

 

sometimes pessimism is the right call...

[heel31ok]

17 hours ago, bull123 said:

Can lazy be coached?


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Sonny J. says yes............

[My Goodness My Guinness]

As someone who got on KB for being lazy, the fact that his knee was getting sore does add some light to the situation. They probably should have just sat him for the last few games to give him some extra to heal up. Honestly though, playing with a sore knee for a season might have developed some bad route running habits. Hopefully he heals up and improves. 

People also forget that Funchess is 22 years old and playing WR for only 2 years. He has time to improve.