LaFell ready to block his way to Panthers' starter

[Tommy Jone]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Rookie Brandon LaFell gets an earful each time he's around new Panthers teammate Jonathan Stewart.

In Carolina, blocking isn't optional for a receiver. So if LaFell hopes to replace Muhsin Muhammad as a starter, he'll not only have to catch balls, he'll need to open holes downfield for Stewart and DeAngelo Williams, the first teammates since the 1970 merger to each rush for over 1,100 yards.

"Every time Jonathan sees me in the training room or we're at the lunch table that's what he talks about," LaFell said Tuesday. "He's like, 'Hey man, Moose caught a lot of passes but he was mostly downfield blocking. I'm going to make some big runs if you're downfield blocking.'"

http://www.wralsportsfan.com/panthers/story/7744940/

[SorthNarolina]

I had a really busy months last year so I missed the whole "Tommy Jone" thing. I know there is an obvious connection to Jake's elbow surgery but why is it spelled J-O-N-E?

[The Saltman]

Stop derailing the thread and talk about the topic, jeez!!!

[Woodcookedbbq]

This thread will explain Tommy Jone's legacy around here.

http://www.carolinahuddle.com/forum/carolina-panthers/20928-tommy-jone-hurt-jake-arm.html

[Pejorative Miscreant]

I think it is cool that Stewart, who is still a fairly young guy, is mentoring rookies. Says a lot about character.

[CLTPanther]

Fook Tommy Jone!

[Darth Biscuit]

Tommy Jone kidding aside, it's good to see football related news being posted.

[The Saltman]

Tommy Jone kidding aside, it's good to see football related news being posted.

even for the thread derailer I agree

[Khyber53]

He's also giving him the best advice possible to beat out Jarrett for the starting spot. If you can consistently open downfield running lanes for our running backs, they are going to be your biggest supporters for a starting position.

That being said, it takes a certain kind of wide receiver to be able to take a safety or linebacker out of a play like Moose did. Moose could catch and run routes, but he was (and still is) built like a will-technique linebacker. Beyond body type, it takes chutzpah to knock the hell out of a defender.