Rivera on the receivers besides Smith: "We've had nobody step up"

[PanthersPhan18]

If what Rivera said is true, I am glad we have Shockey and Olsen

I would see no reason for him to flat out lie about it if they've been performing well.

[Grammer]

what a fugin hater

[MHS831]

If 89 is the #1 isnt AE too small to be the #2?

Seems like he he has [so far] solidified the slot position.

Yes, I would say so. This brings up an interesting point. Imagine Armanti playing behind Smith, giving him breathers 15 plays a game. Armanti learns from SS. In 2 years, Smith could be giving AE breathers.

At #2, you have Gettis and Lafell, rotating.

In the slot, Naanee and Pilares. (I realize that slot is where people line up when you go to 3 or 4 WRs or use 2 on one side, but bear with me here. We are actually referring to the fifth and sixth WRs. I imagine we would only use the slot 15-20 plays a game, but these two players have very different skill sets and abilities.)

Yes, we would be keeping 6 WRs, but three of them would be key special teamers (Edwards, Pilares, and Naanee).

[armistice]

Gettis and Lafell rotating? Doubt it, Gettis > Lafell by a large amount methinks.

[HeatCheck]

Guys.....slot is NOT a position on the team. It is where a WR lines up.

stop calling the #3 WR the slot receiver.

For real. I mentioned that in another thread. Wes Welker is NE's best WR but he is the slot a lot.

[Catalyst]

I love that Rivera is calling guys out rather than just giving generic answers. I think this was a not so subtle hint for Gettis/LaFell to get their asses on the field and stop screwing around with hamstring injuries.

I also think Armanti, right now, is probably our #2 WR based on what I've heard. Rivera, IMO, is going to go based on performance in this camp and I don't think he's very impressed by Gettis/LaFell apparently mailing it in so far.

I think it goes to show how Fox's camps were. He never seemed to really be anymore honest with the players than he was with the media. Almost like a 'cold shoulder' treatment when he didn't like their performance. Rivera seems to be willing to get in their face about it, which is very good.

I fully expect he'll have this team in shape sooner rather than later, though I expect some shake-ups on the depth chart along the way to snap guys out of their complacency. Gettis & LaFell, it seems, were just put on notice.

[MHS831]

So if we have gaping problems at WR... is this more evidence that Hurney is one of the worst GMs for WR talent acquisition (with the exception of Smith)?

I am upset with Hurney for freakishly re-signing our own players and dabbling in the market in areas of need. It is as if he is afraid. However, since Dwayne Jarrett, we cannot complain about the productivity of our WRs consdierring where they were drafted (2 3rds and a 6th)

I do not understand this comment by Rivera. He says that Edwards has been the surprise of the camp in one breath, then says nobody has stepped up in the second.

Lafell better watch himself. Gettis and Smith are better and Edwards is on the rise. We have Naanee now, and Pilares is a rookie they like. If this is a signal to anyone, it is Lafell. However, you don't sign veteran free agents to light a fire under someone. If a coach has to do that to inspire his troops, he is weak.

[MHS831]

Gettis and Lafell rotating? Doubt it, Gettis > Lafell by a large amount methinks.

Did not say equally. They rotated last year.

[Squirrel]

Alot of assumptition just off of a article and 1 week of triaining camp. Armarti hasnt proven anything except he is a good training camp wr in week one. Lets see how he does in preseason and regular season games. As far as Lafell and Gettis goes they need to step it up. Fight through the aches and get back on the field.

[CatMan72]

I like that Rivera is willing to use the media to send a message to his players...

[Zod]

Smith hasn't looked that great either.

There, I said it.

[Squirrel]

He hasnt looked good the past 2 years.

[Sam Mills Fan]

Are you being serious Zod or are you just doing your schtick again? I thought he looked great the other night.

[Zod]

I have a schtick?

He hasn't looked great. Routes are not as crisp, he is not as fast. He looks good in the 7 on 7s because he is being covered by scrubs. Interested to see how he does with a legit shut down corner on him.