Stop it with the oversized DT talk....

[Jackofalltrades]

Rookies can learn in a rotational role.

[Punisher]

I think the general assumption is that weight compensates for a lack of talent.

No talent in FA? Sign the biggest guy there is. At least that's what people seem to think.

I like the idea of letting the rookies play and learn, but if they are as bad as they were last week, I just don't think that's something you can tolerate. Difference between a weakness and an absolute hole.

The Gilbert Brown effect.

[Jackofalltrades]

Ted. Washington.

[I am Hubby]

I get what your saying.. you can't magically sign a probowl DT and chances are our DTs will be sufficient, however it takes time for them to grow into an NFL caliber DT..

We have a young team. You can only fill x amount of holes each year. This year was spent on our core talent, and the draft. The kids get a year of experience, and next year we can address what needs we can.

Yeah is stinks that we have to wait a year to fix our existing holes, unfortunately, that is the nature of the beast. You never know who will be cut, or why. But I won't be holding my breath for someone who may be able to help us. I could happen, just not very likely. Mostly because I believe Rivera HAS to evaluate what he has before he starts adding pieces. Unless that piece is a vet with talent that could help us. I think.

Just my thoughts. And GOOOOOO PANTHERS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[koolkatluke]

Rookies can learn in a rotational role.

This is correct. None of our rookies are Suh. Most Dt learn from being in a rotation. That's how Jenk's was used before he became a full time starter.

All these people talking about just dealing with the rookie don't understand. We have small quick LB. We don't have Levon Kirkland in the midddle. Beason, Davis, Conner, and Anderson can't keep taking on 300+ OG and OT without risking injuries. The way the rookies are playing right now you open our LB and DB to injuries having to deal with olinemen coming down hill.

[koolkatluke]

We have a young team. You can only fill x amount of holes each year. This year was spent on our core talent, and the draft. The kids get a year of experience, and next year we can address what needs we can.

Yeah is stinks that we have to wait a year to fix our existing holes, unfortunately, that is the nature of the beast. You never know who will be cut, or why. But I won't be holding my breath for someone who may be able to help us. I could happen, just not very likely. Mostly because I believe Rivera HAS to evaluate what he has before he starts adding pieces. Unless that piece is a vet with talent that could help us. I think.

Just my thoughts. And GOOOOOO PANTHERS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Their are atleast 3 guys in FA right now who can come in and be 2 down run stoppers for cheap. That is all people are talking about. You don't think Pat Williams, Jamal Williams, Marcus Stroud, or Kemo can give you more stability on run plays then what we have now?? I would do just to protect the investment we have at LB's.

[bleys]

makes sense.. I'd have to assume those guys may be asking for more than they are worth though, may be the reason NO team has signed them yet..

[Jackofalltrades]

Gantt seems to think it's because DT is a simple position to play and those older vets don't want to bother with Camp and Preseason. Favre syndrome.

I get it.

[csx]

Admittedly, I'm a fan of the DT position and feel it's one of the top several important elements of a team. IMO, if they can get a crafty veteran....just happens to be a few available that are quite large....you give can uplift the entire team given it's current situation. If they are constantly getting gashed and cant get off the field and get behind early this young team could suffer a lot this year. However, if they can shore up the line a bit with a one year contract for an old fatty than I think it could help a lot of aspects of the defense (stop run leads to allowing Johnson & Hardy to pressure & take pressure off of questionable corner play). With a young QB, they can't allow the other team the ease of eating up clock with the run. Plus, the nature of having an older bigger guy lends itself to good rotation in there. The rookies will get plenty of time to get experience.

To me it's obvious, but that just the way I see it.

[CatMan72]

DT play is more about leverage than weight. Being a fat ass only allows you to be more sloppy in your technique. A fullback with superior leverage can move a 350 pound lineman.

That's true, but in most cases when you're being double-teamed by a center and guard it helps to be a fat ass.

[carpanfan96]

Nick hayden right now is the only DT on this team with game exp. Doesn't that scare you a little??

scares isn't the word I'm looking for, I believe terrified would be more appropriate. I've been wanting the team to sign Williams for a while, I think he's still got a season or 2 in him.

[thennek]

In 2009, Kemo went to IR and the interior of the d-line was awful. After a few bad games, the Panthers signed Hollis Thomas. He made an immediate impact. So yes, I think signing an old/aging DT vet could diffenitely help. There are a few available out there.

I don't know about Fua and McClain yet because they are rookies, but I'm pretty much of the opinion that Irvin will never be good. He barely made the field under Fox, and I think we can all see why.

[jarhead]

. Size does not necessarily mean much"

Tell a woman that.

[csx]

Nick hayden right now is the only DT on this team with game exp. Doesn't that scare you a little??

Balmer, Neblett, Robinson, and Irvin have game experience......not that it's still not scary.