Funchess on playing time.....

[WarPanthers89]

Devin Funchess on drop in playing time: Nothing is frustrating

Posted by Josh Alper on December 13, 2018, 1:41 PM EST

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Panthers wide receiver Devin Funchess is set to become a free agent in the offseason and it appears the Panthers are getting a jump on acclimating themselves to life without him.

Funchess was in on at least 71 percent of the team’s offensive snaps in each of the team’s first 10 games of the season, but missed Week 12 with a back injury and has returned to see much less playing time in the last two games. He’s played 61 snaps over the last two weeks and has just one catch.

DJ Moore, Curtis Samuel and Jarius Wrighthave been seeing more action, but Funchess says that he’s not stressing over the change in circumstances.

“Nothing is frustrating,” Funchess said, via Joe Person of The Athletic. “I’ve gotta be smart with my back and make sure everything’s good. And when I’m out there, try to make sure my guys can make a play, as you saw. I’m trying to spring DJ. I’m trying to spring [running back Christian McCaffrey]. I’m trying to spring everybody. Just make sure my body is healthy and try to do what I can for the W.”

The Panthers season has gone off the rails during their current five-game losing streak, so it’s not surprising that the team would be looking for the right mix of players to get a better result. Should they fail to settle on one that wins them Monday night’s game against the Saints, the end of the season and Funchess’ potential exit will feel much closer.

[Seltzer]

I don't hate Funchess, he's not terrible, but he's also not worth investing further resources into this offseason given our other needs, depth at WR, and available cap space.

I wish him well, but it is evident the offense is much better with CMC, Moore, Samuel, & Wright

[BrianS]

If he was making the plays that came his way, I'd be ok with that answer.  However, when you aren't making plays and you don't show some desire to get better, that is a problem to me.

[t96]

I’d have no problem keeping Funch for like $5M/year, but he’ll probably get $10M/year plus. WR salaries are out of control and Funch has shown some ability as a #2. But just like LaFell years ago, he fell flat on his face as a #1.

[t96]

Funch is better than Donald was and Donald is STILL in the league...

[Car123]

4 minutes ago, t96 said:

Funch is better than Donald was and Donald is STILL in the league...

Debatable

[WarPanthers89]

He is solid but we have too many holes to

fill this offseason to sign him to an extension and he is not worth the money he will get similar to all the wide receivers signed this last offseason. I am more than happy with Moore, Samuel, Wright, Smith and whoever else going into next year. 

[CRA]

12 minutes ago, t96 said:

Funch is better than Donald was and Donald is STILL in the league...

I disagree. 

I'd give The Donald a slight edge actually.  I've actually seen The Donald make plays with the ball in his hand.  On more than one occasion.   Funch is a TE playing WR.  One that is extremely inconsistent with his size. 

[arbnranger]

Not sure if it’s fair but I jumped off the Funchess bandwagon when he got weird about being called “Fun Fun”

Being focused on that tells me something. 

[t96]

22 minutes ago, CRA said:

I disagree. 

I'd give The Donald a slight edge actually.  I've actually seen The Donald make plays with the ball in his hand.  On more than one occasion.   Funch is a TE playing WR.  One that is extremely inconsistent with his size. 

Donald became the de facto #1 at the end of the regular season in 2013 with Smitty hurt and he proceeded to have the greatest disappearing act of all time. Funch actually held up pretty well as the #1 last year after Benji was traded. He was a significantly more consistent route runner than LaFell, which easily would outweigh any after the catch ability Donald had. Both about equally bad at catching the ball. 

[KeePounding]

I know some people only care about what goes on in games but some of these players realize life is bigger than football and work to make this world a better place. Funchess is having and event next week to help underprivileged youth in what is usually a tough time of year for them. I know I'll be there. 

[cornholeboard]

I think these will be his last games in a Panthers uniform.  He is not worth the money and the younger guys are more talented with the ball in their hand. 

[CRA]

12 minutes ago, t96 said:

Donald became the de facto #1 at the end of the regular season in 2013 with Smitty hurt and he proceeded to have the greatest disappearing act of all time. Funch actually held up pretty well as the #1 last year after Benji was traded. He was a significantly more consistent route runner than LaFell, which easily would outweigh any after the catch ability Donald had. Both about equally bad at catching the ball. 

The Donald was still the #2 though in 2013.   He was neve rgameplanned into the role Fun had in 2017.  I mean that was also a Ginn year too.  So The Donald was reasonably the 4ish option in the pass game that season.  Fun got crazy opportunities that don't really compare. 

I don't know if Fun is a more consistent route runner.  Like KB.  Fun pretty much runs one route well.  That's all his game is.    The Donald could do more.    The mere fact Belichick was willing to use him for an entire season goes to show that LaFell was at least smart and a decent route runner IMO.  I mean BB values that over talent. 

[WarHeel]

1 hour ago, t96 said:

I’d have no problem keeping Funch for like $5M/year, but he’ll probably get $10M/year plus. WR salaries are out of control and Funch has shown some ability as a #2. But just like LaFell years ago, he fell flat on his face as a #1.

Lafell 2.0