Need To Give Clowney A Chance

[top dawg]

I finally got around to reading the Huddle's initial David Clowney thread, and I was somewhat annoyed by the nature of some of the remarks (that are unfortunately characteristic of the Huddle). Granted, some of the concerns are valid (e.g., his NFL career is somewhat similar to Jarrett's), but to be honest there is no real definitive information or stats to intelligently use to judge Clowney's career (or lack thereof).

I pretty much scoured the Web to see what I could find out, and there is really nothing really negative to say about the guy's character or potential to be a quality WR. Now, of course, logic says that because he barely got on the field, and was cut twice by the Jets, that he can't be that good. But looking at it from another perspective, you could say that the Jets must have felt there was something there---potential. I know that Panther Land is somewhat tired of the term "potential", but ultimately that is what you want young players to have, and Clowney apparently has it. The best synopsis that I could find on Clowney---which basically was the gist of other bits and pieces I found here and there---was from patriots.com which listed a write-up in April 2007, by Tom Casale of Patriots Football Weekly:

David Clowney, Virginia Tech (6-0, 188) – Clowney isn’t a big guy but he’s physical and breaks a lot of tackles for size. Clowney always catches the ball with his hands and isn’t afraid to go over the middle and take a hit. He played with some bad quarterbacks at Virginia Tech, so Clowney is used to making the difficult catches.

Clowney has good speed and is a dangerous deep threat. However, he also does a good job of driving corners down the field and coming back for the football. Clowney is quick in space and tough to bring down in the open field. He needs to add some weight but Clowney is already pretty strong for being only 188 pounds.

He may not have had great numbers at Virginia Tech but in his defense, the Hokies weren’t known for their passing game while Clowney was there. Because of his quickness and fearlessness going over the middle, Clowney has a chance to be a productive slot receiver in the NFL. He’s a little raw but Clowney has good overall skills and a lot of upside for a mid-round selection.

If interested, here is a link (the write-up also includes some, now, entertaining opinions on Jarrett)

All I am saying is that, like all the other youngsters we have on the team, we need to give Clowney a chance before we start talking poo about him. He probably is not going to light BOA on fire, but he may be just what the doctor ordered to kick-start our passing game (especially when Smitty returns). We need to keep our expectations in check for a few weeks, and see what the kid can do, because from what I have gleaned from the internet is that Clowney hasn't had an opportunity to shine, and it's not because of lack of talent or ability, it's because he was in Rex's dog house (and, sorry, Rex is not yet the football genius that he and some media nuts would have us believe). Moreover, Clowney does not have the limited work ethic, football intellect, lack of speed, and off-field issues that Jarrett possessed. Like I said, he just hasn't had the opportunity. Now he'll have one, so let's hope that he is a diamond in the rough that we so desperately need.

[firstdayfan]

I for one will give him a lot more than a chance...I think he could do some good things in this offense and if we can at least attempt a deep ball or two to him at least will make the defense think twice about single coverage and bringing 8 or 9 in the box. We have to stretch the field and he could help...not to mention it will be nice to have someone who could get some yards after catch. He is experienced, hungry, and right now better than any healthy receiver on the roster so he has a great chance to make an impact and earn a spot on this team.

[Anybodyhome]

"Hard Knocks" spent nearly an entire episode on him when the team was getting close to final cut down day. He was initially going to be cut to keep the young fullback John Conner "The Terminator," but one of the linebackers got hurt, so he was saved another day. But he was ultimately cut in favor of the Woodhead kid who was eventually cut as well and is now a running back for the Pats.

If nothing else, he's another special teamer who can return punts as well and plays on the coverage team also.

[Cyberjag]

He sounds a lot like Drew Carter.

[Davidson Deac II]

Regardless of what we say about him here, he is going to get his chance to prove it on the field.

[panthers55]

Regardless of what we say about him here, he is going to get his chance to prove it on the field.

Exactly, he might very well be the best receiver we have on the field on Sunday.

[trucpfan]

He sounds a lot like Drew Carter.

not even close drew wasnt a hard to tackle kid ever......I agree Topdwg I have a post similar in which I just felt a little optimistic to have a young man with dangerous speed and a little hunger. We need speed at multiple positons that changes how you defend us.

Somebody should put it up here like Dpanth he knows how to handle those request find my post for me so I can reference it.:ihih:

[Razeyfingers]

damn son, want him to shine ya shoes too?

[monstercat]

If nothing else, he obviously brings more energy than Jarrett ever did. He wants to work hard and he wants to be here too, so how could anybody not pull for the guy? I don't think anybody is expecting miracles, but there is no reason why Clowney can't help us.

[ed bell]

I saw the "Hard Knocks" episode that dealt with him quite a bit. From what I could tell, he was going to have to make a significant special teams contribution to make the team. In other words, that was his primary value to them going into this season. The Jets S.T. coach wasn't optimistic that he was fitting in, but they were indeed impressed with his speed and athleticism.

[panthers55]

I saw the "Hard Knocks" episode that dealt with him quite a bit. From what I could tell, he was going to have to make a significant special teams contribution to make the team. In other words, that was his primary value to them going into this season. The Jets S.T. coach wasn't optimistic that he was fitting in, but they were indeed impressed with his speed and athleticism.

It is interesting that his supposeded take on it when he was signed back was that they were going to use him as a receiver and not that much on special teams. He said he was surprised they used on him on special teams almost exclusively. How many concussions has he had, LOL

[blackcatgrowl]

I don't think anyone here is throwing him under the bus just yet. But his resume is very sub-par for a 4 year career. That merits some concern and a little poo talk.

First impressions can be lasting impressions but aren't always accurate. Maybe he just wasn't paired up with the right QB or Coaches. Who knows?

I'm willing to give him a chance.

So here... here's your chance David Clowney:

Win us a game and you've earned it. Disappear or do something stupid like fumble the ball on the 2 yard line, and I'll take it back.

[CatMan72]

I agree with the OP, I was shocked to see the thread on the main page that Clowney = Jarrett. On paper they look very similar in terms of production but it has been too entirely different situations.

Jarrett was getting beat for a starting job by his own lack of work ethic, low-round draft picks and players in the twilight of their career while Clowney was getting beat for a starting job by Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes and Jerricho Cotchery.

Yes the Jets cut him but they also brought him back, which says something. I don't know how things are going to work out with Clowney but lets let him play a few games for us before we label him.

[Peppers90 NC]

This place is a bitchfest, 90% of the clowns on here have no clue. Panther fans are in the same category as Dallas fans, as far as ignorance is concerned.