Rookies not using it as an excuse

[chef17]

http://www.panthers.com/news/article-1/Strickly-Panthers-Growing-pains/568cd4f7-36f8-4c66-ba6d-fa8ffdd23e22

"We don't look at ourselves as being young guys. We look at ourselves as being guys in the NFL. We're professionals," LaFell said. "People don't worry about a rookie pilot when they get on a plane, so don't worry about rookie receivers. Just go out and play well."

LaFell readily admits he didn't play well against the Bears, but he didn't pin it on his lack of experience. Players who have been in his shoes before, like safety Charles Godfrey, look at it the same way.

Godfrey started all 16 games as a rookie for the Panthers as a rookie in 2008.

"About the youth, I don't look at that too much. That's not an excuse," said Godfrey, who leads the NFL with four interceptions. "When I first came here, when I messed up, it never was, ‘It's OK. I'm a rookie.'

"If I'm in a position where I'm on the field, I have the responsibility to make plays, so I don't look at it about us being young or whatever."

Clausen agreed, saying that "we expect things to go smoothly," but he also admits that experience certainly helps.

"You aren't going to go from a rookie quarterback to all-pro quarterback in one week or a few games or a season. It's a progression you have to go through," Clausen said. "I'm trying to excel at that as much as I can, as fast as I can for myself to give this team an opportunity to win games.

"I think it's a matter of time."

I think they have the right mindset. I appreciate them not using their youth as an excuse. Just thought it was a good thing to hear from them.