Artis-Payne getting a little national attention

[top dawg]

Joe Marino says that Artis-Payne is a keeper. Who is Joe Marino? That's really beside the point, but here is something directly from Fanrag.

"Marino began his career as the Assistant Editor for USA Today Digital Properties Draft Sites Network in 2011. A member of the FWAA, Marino writes about the NFL, College Football and NFL Draft for FanRag Sports."

Fairly impressive compared to us forum dwellers.

Anyway, Marino wrote an article about five "bubble players" that should not be cut, and Artis-Payne made his list.

 

"The 1-2 punch of Jonathan Stewart and Christian McCaffrey at running back working alongside dual-threat quarterback Cam Newton with gigantic pass catchers Kelvin Benjamin, Devin Funchess and Greg Olsen presents matchup issues galore for defenses. But the offense’s focal point includes elements that McCaffrey and Stewart pose in terms of power-running dynamics as receivers and versatile backs. Those complementary skill sets make each other better.

"Stewart has been susceptible to injuries throughout his career and Carolina cannot afford to lose his contributions. Artis-Payne is a player who can step in for Stewart if needed and offer similar power components to complement the elusive McCaffrey.

"In three preseason games, Artis-Payne has 20 rushes for 129 yards (6.5 average) with three touchdowns. Carolina would be wise to retain Artis-Payne as insurance for Stewart."

 

I think that he's spot on about the absolute necessity of keeping CAP to keep the continuity of the dynamic between the Stew-CMC elements rolling.  At this point, I really believe it's safe to say that CAP is a lock. My only question about CAP is one that no one has really addressed from what I've seen (hint, @Jeremy Igo or @RoaringRiot) and that's whether or not his blocking has improved enough to be taken seriously as an adequate replacement for a featured back (or one day become the featured back in a power-downhill run scheme). 

[Nails]

Would be a huge boon to this football team this year and going forward.

[LinvilleGorge]

I agree with him. If we cut him and Stew goes down we're back to Cam being the only short gardage power runner on the roster. 

[TheSpecialJuan]

CAP has been so impressive that the question of "will he make the team" has changed to, "will the team keep both CAP and Fozzy"?

[Castavar]

18 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

I agree with him. If we cut him and Stew goes down we're back to Cam being the only short gardage power runner on the roster. 

That's why it would be asinine to keep Fozzy over CAP

[t96]

Really hoping that CAP can keep improving enough to be the future replacement for Stew when he inevitably has to hang them up. He's already old for a RB, and I don't really see him here past next year. Hopefully CAP can step up then to compliment McC so we don't miss a beat.

[t96]

20 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

I agree with him. If we cut him and Stew goes down we're back to Cam being the only short gardage power runner on the roster. 

Young and Armah if we keep him too (unlikely) can both be short yardage backs. And people overlook this but McC will be used in short yardage situations too. He has the vision and ability to push forward and not dance behind the LoS to pick up the necessary yards. We gave him carries with the first team red zone offense in the 3rd preseason game over Stew. Don't necessarily need a huge hulking power back who can break tackles to pick up short yards.

[Hogmolliesmaht]

I'm not so sure CMC won't be better than Stewart in short yardage. He seems to have  a knack for getting a couple of yards when it doesn't look like it's there.

[TheRed]

I've been impressed. He's earned a spot. I will admit I thought he was all but done here, but he has proven me wrong. Good for him.

[XOBlackxJokerOX]

CAP is looking pretty darn good this preseason. Especially his decision making in regards to finding the hole. I'll admit, I was in the pool of folks wishing for them to cut him too. We might have to let Sir Foswhitt depart. That's if he's not kept for ST alone but is it worth keeping a fourth RB?

[panthers55]

Before the last few weeks I didn't see what CAP brought to the team but honestly I think CMCs work ethic and desire have rubbed off on CAP. He seems to be on a mission every time he touches the ball. The guy I saw the last 2 preseason games looks totally different from the guy I saw last season. He does deserve a roster spot.

[Nails]

A nod to GMan, again, not only for the pick, but he was actually a COMP pick, the fruits of which were given after GMan "foolishly" let our entire WR corps and others walk after 2013, aiding in the comp pick formula.

[Ace_Aladdin]

2 hours ago, top dawg said:

 

I think that he's spot on about the absolute necessity of keeping CAP to keep the continuity of the dynamic between the Stew-CMC elements rolling.  At this point, I really believe it's safe to say that CAP is a lock. My only question about CAP is one that no one has not really addressed from what I've seen (hint, @Jeremy Igo or @RoaringRiot) and that's whether or not his blocking has improved enough to be taken seriously as an adequate replacement for a featured back (or one day become the featured back in a power-downhill run scheme). 

 

Yea I said that awhile go and ppl where giving me flack for taking CAP over Fozzy

CAP also can do a lot of things CMC can especially on the outside runs and dump offs

[Raskle]

My biggest concern with CAP his rookie season was how he held the ball, as it looked to me that he wasn't securing it as well as he should when trying to break off big gains. This preseason, he's holding it tight, and against his body, where it's not as easily punched out by a defender, so it looks as though that's been coached out of him, and he's learned over the offseason.

 

At this point, we'd be foolish to cut him, as everything else about his game has been solid, and he can only get better with more experience. This kid needs to make the roster. He's a tough runner, keeps his legs churning, and his vision has gotten better so far. I'm definitely in favor of him over Fozzy at this time, and I hope the coaches are too.