With Harris departed, Martin is Panthers' safety net

[Dpantherman]

SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- It's one thing to raise the level of your game, but that can raise the expectations people have for you.

That's why the Carolina Panthers were encouraged by what safety Sherrod Martin was able to do as a rookie, and why they need him to do even more this year.

Martin inherited the starting strong safety job when Chris Harris was traded to Chicago, a move the Panthers felt good enough about based on a few performances. Now, they need him to be steadier, since he's going to be counted on for much more.

"I think he's handling it pretty well," safeties coach Mike Gillhamer said of Martin's transition. "We've got really high expectations for him, and maybe my expectations are too high right now. I think he's got to pick it up a little now in practice. He's making some mental mistakes, and some things we hadn't seen.

"Sometimes when you're the relief pitcher and you come in, things work very well. Then when you're the guy who has to start, it's a whole different deal. It hasn't been as fast a process as I'd have liked, but I have confidence in him that he can get it done."...

Entire Article: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/08/03/1600165/with-harris-departed-martin-is.html#ixzz0vekejGCN

[The Saltman]

that didnt sound too good...let's hope that he can pull it off and be a dependable starting safety.

[Dpantherman]

Yea its obvious reading the article that hes still a bit green. But they have confidence in him. Im so anxious to see these guys in the preseason im going nuts. lots of big shoes to fill around the team

[Montsta]

I'm taking half day off next Thursday to be at home for kickoff. Will have greasy pizza in front of me with a delicious Black Butte Porter in my hand.

Mike Gillhammer better not interview for our HC job anytime soon. Wayyy too candid and up front when it comes to players. I'm diggin it.

[The Saltman]

awesome...its my birthday on thursday...what a wonderful bday present indeed!!!

[Pantherman]

Man these sports writers at the newspaper is a bunch of dumba$$es. They act like martin the ****** key to the secondary success this season. Tired of the paper pointing out key people on panthers and saying these certain people are the key to panthers having a good season or not. This ain't a one man army type game. This is a ****** team game. Martin is a part of a group of guys who need to gel together to make one big tuff unit to help us win. There should not be one guy standing out in papers. This is a team game. Martin is just one of a11 guy group that is going to play on sundays to help win are loss. Martin ain't going to do it all by himself. Sports writers are dumb.:toetap05:

[beastson]

Why Martin not back at FS, and Godfrey at SS

[Dingo_ate_Babies]

Bring back Deke Cooper! :eek:

[KatsAzz]

I like what Panthers safety Sherrod Martin brings to the position with his size (6-foot-1, 198 pounds) and speed.

I still have flashbacks of the Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald running wild through the Panthers secondary with no one able to stop him.

[Delhommey]

I like what Panthers safety Sherrod Martin brings to the position with his size (6-foot-1, 198 pounds) and speed.

I still have flashbacks of the Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald running wild through the Panthers secondary with no one able to stop him.

DeAngelo Williams played more safety that game than anyone else.

[Jrock88]

not sure if I like Martin starting at SS... not sure if I like our safety situation period right now

[Future of the Funchise]

nice read. really enjoyed it.

[raleigh-panther]

lol good one.

[prowler2k8]

not sure if I like Martin starting at SS... not sure if I like our safety situation period right now

I can't understand why the Panthers feel the need to play guys out of position so much. Martin was a good FS in college, and his athleticism, speed, and size appear to suggest he's better suited for this position in the NFL then he is the SS spot. I know the company line of 'our safeties being interchangeable' but this makes no sense to me. Sherrod did a pretty good job filling in for Godfrey at the FS spot last year; why change things up by having him learn the SS position and the growing pains that come along with it? :confused: