Lance Taylor: Closest thing to in-house hire...without being in-house hire

[top dawg]

Granted we didn't know a lot about the Panthers' new wide receiver's coach, and still won't after this article, we do know that he has close ties to the organization, and couldn't be happier to be back as reported by Max Henson.

There was a Huddle discussion as to whether or not Taylor is experienced enough for the job. He surely isn't concerned that things will be too big for him.

"Receiver is more of my natural position. I played the positon in college and have worked with receivers at the college and pro level," Taylor explained. "I feel comfortable jumping back in that room - kind of like riding a bike. I don't think there will be much of a transition. I think it was more difficult for me going from the receiver room to the running backs at Stanford. That was a new position for me and there were some things to learn, and that helped me grow as a coach. It was a very valuable experience."

Now I am sure that some may consider it a bad thing, as we've heard some Huddlers. Begin to question Ricky Proel's effectiveness, but Taylor sounds like he will certainly be bringing some of the things that Proehl brought to the table.

"Ricky is a great friend, and he's been a great mentor," Taylor said. "He handed down a wealth of knowledge when I was with him in 2013. I loved working with him."

And if that doesn't bring some eye-raising, good or bad, Taylor has also "built a close relationship" with the OC. 

Now before you get the wrong idea, I would assume that most assistants build somewhat of a close relationship with their offensive coordinators. It doesn't mean they'll be carbon copies of their bosses by any means. Sometimes the assistants are the ones taking over after the OC gets canned. Say what you want about Shula, the guy also has a wealth of information.

Let me stop my mild trolling (I seem to be doing that today), and say that count me in for the continuity-is-a-good-thing camp, especially when you can bring someone young to hopefully infuse some new energy into players, and pepper old philosophy with a new spin. It doesn't take much a lot of times.

And though I know that some of you have blindly lost sight of the potential that our young receivers have, Taylor hasn't, and he's primed to bring it out.

 

"There is a ton of talent in the room. Ricky called me and raved and bragged on each one of them. Everybody really believes the sky is the limit for this group. Now we have to focus on rolling up our sleeves and getting to work," Taylor said.

"We're going to strive to be the best. The way to do that is through hard work, staying hungry and humble, and committing to the process of improving every day."

 

[Growl]

"great friend"

 

 

sigh

[countryboi]

I dont think he has enough experience to take this group to the next level.  this group underachieved last year and in my opinion needed a established coach to help them take the next step but what do i know lance taylor is not a great friend of mine.

[panthers55]

One area we really haven't developed were running backs as receivers. I could see him crossing over and helping both groups. I also see him helping receivers become better blockers which is a big deal for most running backs. 

This could be a half full discussion isn't always half empty.

[t96]

5 minutes ago, panthers55 said:

One area we really haven't developed were running backs as receivers. I could see him crossing over and helping both groups. I also see him helping receivers become better blockers which is a big deal for most running backs. 

This could be a half full discussion isn't always half empty.

Interesting point, with what he learned on the job as RB coach. Hadn't really thought about that but would love it if this happens.

[top dawg]

17 minutes ago, countryboi said:

I dont think this has enough experience to take this group to the next level.  this group underachieved last year and in my opinion needed a established coach to help them take the next step. what do i know lance taylor is not a great friend of mine.

The entire offense underachieved!  Can we really blame the wide receivers coach for that?

Honestly, I think that Panthers fans have lost perspective as it pertains to receivers. Everyone isn't going to be OBJ. Proehl took a receiver in Benjamin---raw as hell---whom many thought would be a bust, and helped him become a productive NFL receiver. Funchess was  even more raw than Benjamin coming out, but he showed good promise the last few weeks of the 15-1 season (even going for a 100 yard game, something LaFell took years to do). He also helped Brown to probably play beyond himself as the de facto WR1 (at least as far as snaps) during that same season. What do you think that he could have done with someone more polished? The coaches coach, and the players have to execute as some point. The thing is though, the OC and the HC have to put players in the best position to succeed, and that didn't happen with the receivers last year (and at other positions also).

[CWORS]

Maybe a new voice in Benji and Fun's ear might do them both some good!

[philp]

The Christian Mccaffrey connection.

[mc52beast]

Say what you want about Shula, he has a wealth of information...

3rd and 20= draw up the middle

[top dawg]

29 minutes ago, mc52beast said:

Say what you want about Shula, he has a wealth of information...

3rd and 20= draw up the middle

Information is not sufficient in and of itself. It has to be applied strategically if and when the time comes.

[Snake]

I'm not really thrilled with the hire. If a HOF WR can't help them how is a under experienced WR coach going too. This is a Dorsay pick.