Lafell has won starting job

[panthers55]

but again, you are saying Jarrett should have earned a spot ahead of Moose/Smitty. Wasn't gonna happen regardless.

Jarrett only played here 1 season and was a super young rookie at that. Moose was brough back b/c they hadn't found anyone from 2005-2007 that worked out.

LaFell may be better and he may start against NYG....but Jarrett will play with the first unit tonight. That I am certain of.

You are getting so carried away defending Jarrett that you are remaking history.

Jarrett was brought in to start right away. Sure he was young but the FO wanted him to play which is why we let Johnson go (that and he had a big mouth complaining about firing Henning). When Jarrett failed miserably to play at all and had all the issues, we brought in Moose to take over the spot temporarily and mentor Jarrett to replace himself. After two more seasons and still Jarrett did nothing, we went out and brought in a flood of guys to replace him. He has had plenty of chances to succeed and hasn't done it. Moose did everything he could to help him and he has had a ton of opportunities. When you can't outplay a rookie with similar skill sets to you, it suggests a problem that isn't going to get better. LaFell has come in and looked better than Jarrett and obviously has avoided all the problems that Jarrett had. The difference is that Jarrett came in here expecting to play and didn't take it seriously. LaFell came in with a chip on his shoulder for falling so far in the draft, and wanted to prove everyone wrong.

Jarretts issues have always been in his head not his skill level and that hasn't changed. His legacy will be the cautionary tale they tell rookies each year about what happens if you come in with a big head and don't take it seriously and put in the work.

[HPPantherzfan]

but again, you are saying Jarrett should have earned a spot ahead of Moose/Smitty. Wasn't gonna happen regardless.

Jarrett only played here 1 season and was a super young rookie at that. Moose was brough back b/c they hadn't found anyone from 2005-2007 that worked out.

LaFell may be better and he may start against NYG....but Jarrett will play with the first unit tonight. That I am certain of.

We shall just have to wait an see I guess. Whatever happens I hope someone emerges and becomes a good #2. I'm really excited with the young talent we have at WR, I believe we may finally be on to something!

[Brandon]

Why can't you guys be happy that Lafell is doing wel? He's a very hard worker and if anyone could pull it off it would be him.

[CRA]

You are getting so carried away defending Jarrett that you are remaking history.

Jarrett was brought in to start right away. Sure he was young but the FO wanted him to play which is why we let Johnson go (that and he had a big mouth complaining about firing Henning). When Jarrett failed miserably to play at all and had all the issues, we brought in Moose to take over the spot temporarily and mentor Jarrett to replace himself. After two more seasons and still Jarrett did nothing, we went out and brought in a flood of guys to replace him. He has had plenty of chances to succeed and hasn't done it. Moose did everything he could to help him and he has had a ton of opportunities. When you can't outplay a rookie with similar skill sets to you, it suggests a problem that isn't going to get better. LaFell has come in and looked better than Jarrett and obviously has avoided all the problems that Jarrett had. The difference is that Jarrett came in here expecting to play and didn't take it seriously. LaFell came in with a chip on his shoulder for falling so far in the draft, and wanted to prove everyone wrong.

Jarretts issues have always been in his head not his skill level and that hasn't changed. His legacy will be the cautionary tale they tell rookies each year about what happens if you come in with a big head and don't take it seriously and put in the work.

well, no offense but you are getting carried away if you think an NFL team is going to draft a 2nd round WR leaving school early to play....and expect him to be a starter right away. Normally takse a couple years for WRs to be ready.

also, Moose may have been brought in to tudor Jarrett. Fox wasn't going to leapfrong Jarrett on that depth chart though. Moose was also brough in b/c every possible replacement never worked out and he wanted some consistancy back while they continued to look.

again, I don't see how anyone can make these "plenty of chances" claim. Fox has said point blank he hasn't been able to give Jarrett lots of chances but when he does Jarrett has always played well.

not sure what history you think I am remaking.

[Snake]

Hilarious guys. I just checked Yasinskas' blog post on espn.com and he made no mention of Opening Day. I have never said LaFell won't be a starter later in the season. My entire point in the signature bet was that he wouldn't start on OPENING DAY. How difficult is that for you guys to understand? He could even start Week 2, doesn't matter, I only made reference to one game: the opener vs. the Giants.

PLENTY of rookies have started under John Fox, it's just on OPENING DAY where the list of names shrinks considerably.

By the way, if you weren't one of the 2 people that officially took the bet against me, why are you even commenting? If you didn't have the balls to bet this weeks ago like the few that did, then trying to comment on this NOW is weaksauce.

I would be more worried if both Moore and Jarrett were not performing so poorly of late. I am indeed wanting to see what all the WRs do tonight.

[Sam Mills Fan]

Moore's performing poorly? OH MY GOD, HE DROPPED THAT PASS AT FAN FEST, THAT TOTALLY NEGATES HIS STELLAR TRAINING CAMP THUS FAR!

[Wither]

Why can't you guys be happy that Lafell is doing wel? He's a very hard worker and if anyone could pull it off it would be him.

I don't think anyone minds that he is doing well, I just think some of us doubt he will be the starter at the beginning of the season unless he shows off in pre-season. I don't think that is so unreasonable.

[Peppers90 NC]

I think we should kill the original messenger

[Brandon]

I don't think anyone minds that he is doing well, I just think some of us doubt he will be the starter at the beginning of the season unless he shows off in pre-season. I don't think that is so unreasonable.

Thing is though that Lafell really is that talented, and he's a great blocker. I'm sure that'll weigh heavily in the decision on who starts.

[Peppers90 NC]

By the way, if you weren't one of the 2 people that officially took the bet against me, why are you even commenting? If you didn't have the balls to bet this weeks ago like the few that did, then trying to comment on this NOW is weaksauce.

What a bet buddy. I hope we come out 3 or 4 wide on the first play.

[CRA]

Thing is though that Lafell really is that talented, and he's a great blocker. I'm sure that'll weigh heavily in the decision on who starts.

that is the thing...he was a great college blocker. Jarrett beasted CBs in college. WRs have just been a disappointment in Carolina.....and all have been hyped post draft and the first few days of camp as rookies.

I just think the few in this thread are simply saying before we assume LaFell is FINALLY going to be the answer....let's see what he has in something other than a Carolina practice. Luckily, there is a game tonight.

[dksmith17]

LaFell might start. He won't start over Jarrett. With Smitty out, you simply have to name 2 starters. Fox is old school....even if he likes LaFell's progress I don't see him giving the rook the nod over Jarrett preseason game 1. Not b/c Fox won't play rooks but b/c Fox still makes guys earn it when they have competition and the rookie doesn't have an automatic job.

I agree with you I think Jarrett starts tonight.

But from what I have seen we are the only one voicing it.

The Panthers depth chart and Yas comments have everyone convinced LaFell will start tonight. I guess I'll believe it when I see it.

[Mr. Scot]

Brandon LaFell-WR- Panthers Aug. 12 - 9:36 am et

According to ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas, the starting job opposite Steve Smith belongs to Brandon LaFell barring a "disastrous preseason."

We've had LaFell pegged for the starting job since he was drafted in April. Kenny Moore has had a solid camp, but he's not NFL starting material. Dwayne Jarrett's standing as the favorite lasted just one day in training camp, and he's now in a dogfight for a roster spot. LaFell is a reach as a late-round flier, but keep him on your watch list for in-season pickups.

Source: ESPN.com

Related: Dwayne Jarrett, Kenneth Moore

Let's be clear on something. This is Yasinskas' opinion, not an official statement.

It may pan out (hope it does, honestly) but the question is still open at this point.

[eaton_branden1]

Regardless if he starts tonight or not I'm sure he's going to see the field a lot tonight Jarrett as well to form our own opinion on his progress. This is great news though hope he continues to work hard and get better DJ as well hope the competition drives both man to step up.