Jump to content

  • Welcome!

    Register and log in easily with Twitter or Google accounts!

    Or simply create a new Huddle account. 

    Members receive fewer ads , access our dark theme, and the ability to join the discussion!

     

Rodrigue answers (mainly TC) questions from the CO mailbag

top dawg

By top dawg,
in Carolina Panthers

Recommended Posts

top dawg Grand Master

top dawg

Posted
Posted

I try to get as much info as I can about training camp so I can get an overall big picture of what's happening or likely to happen. Jourdan Rodrigue's answers of her paper's mailbag questions helps to provide even more clarity.

Rodrigue believes Damiere Byrd has locked down that fifth roster spot slotted for receivers, and it's hard to argue with her reasoning. The Panthers need to replace the vertical threat that they lost in Ted Ginn, and Byrd has proven to fit that bill. Rodrigue does believe that the Panthers will keep six receivers though, and as of right now, Huddle favorite Brenton Bersin is her bet to make it being that he has been a Panther the longest."As of right now, I’d think Bersin gets the sixth spot based solely on his tenure with the team and his ability as a route-runner. Also peaking at the right time is Kaelin Clay, but he doesn’t have the tenure of Bersin. Keyarris Garrett feels like a long shot again, based on the expectations of the two players he’s a copy of: Benjamin and Funchess."

I understand her reasoning on Bersin, and she is probably absolutely right if Ron Rivera sticks to his "routine," but I'd like to think that everyone involved has evolved in their thinking enough to be more flexible with the status quo. If Clay (whom @Jeremy Igo mentioned as wanting to see against the Titans), Fred Ross or Keyarris Garrett show well in these next couple of games, perhaps their upside will be enough to upset the apple cart (so to speak).

Rodrigue notes the similarity of Garrett to Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess, but my thing is, is Bersin so different than them? He has displayed better hands for sure, but that's pretty much his only appeal in my opinion. If Garrett is superior in every other way (which I'm not saying that he is), then why keep Bersin simply because he's been here the longest? 

Getting back to Byrd, after his performance in the preseason game, he kind of overshadowed the player who "had the best camp of any of the receivers in practice." That person, in her opinion, was Devin Funchess. 

We keep hearing this from several sources, including our very own Jeremy Igo who basically intimated in a tweet that (if camp is any indication) Funch may be the best receiver on the roster. Funchess was apparently that guy during camp. Rodrigue admits that she would probably made him the MVP runner up to James Bradberry, but did mention our rookie RB in a "colorful" manner.

"I would say Funchess would get a nod for runner-up, but McCaffrey put so many linebackers in a blender all throughout camp that it would really be a tough call.

 

So the accolades for Christian McCaffrey, that seem to border on hyperbolic sometimes, are coming from so many sources that the hype just may be closer to reality than we intellectually believe.

Rodrigue also answers that she believes Fozzy Whitakker will get the nod over Cameron Artis-Payne if it comes down to it, because he plays special teams. Moreover, she says that Safety depth is our biggest need (but mentions L.J. McCray and Dezmen Southward as possible fill-ins). She also thinks that Cole Luke might provide good depth at corner.

For a little more specifics, read here:http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article167136592.html


 


 


 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
top dawg Grand Master

top dawg

Posted
  • Author
Posted
26 minutes ago, ShutDwn said:

Why did you re write her article?

First off, it's not an article, it's a synopsis of answers to questions that people asked. Secondly, I do propose a question that somewhat diverges from her thought process. Third, her thoughts are pretty much in line with others' (meaning that it's not necessarily original). Fourth, I give her credit. And fifth, I'm fairly sure that the Charlotte Observer and Jeremy Igo would have something to say if I rewrote Rodrigue's article.

3 hours ago, csx said:

He isn't. Route running and hands are the areas where Bersin excels. Those are important. 

So, are you saying that Garrett can't run routes as well as Bersin? What about Ross or Clay?

What does @Jeremy Igo say?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
×
×
  • Create New...