Think Safety over Cornerback?

[MHS831]

Sherrod Martin was pulled from the Saints game at halftime due to "sickness." When Jerry Richardson was bestowing praise on players when asked, all he could say about Martin was, "He plays safety." Richardson also said he would be drafting "tough" players and not "finesse" players.

Charles Godfrey recently signed a 4-year, $28 million contract because we have a dumb GM. At any rate, he underperformed this season, to say the least. He is due a roster bonus of $5 million.

Is he worth the money?

The Panthers have reason to look for replacements at both positions. But most Panther fans are shouting "Cornerback!!"

I would argue that we are better at CB than we are at S. (We are better at CB than we are at OLB, OT, and DT). Here is why:

Gamble quietly had a pro-bowl level season. Sure, oppnents were picking on Butler and Munnerlyn, howver, they were out of position. If Hogan can play opposite CG, then what is the problem? (Some say, "Well, Hogan is unproven." I say, "How are we going to draft a proven player?" When the DC cannot count on his safeties, he puts more on the shoulders of the CBs. I think that is the problem. For Butler, that was the problem in New England. Get in some top Safeties, a QB at FS, and the Corners we have become better.

I say save the second round for a FS and look to trade for a SS. Who do we have to trade? Clausen. A west coast team may take a chance on him. What would Harbaugh do with Clausen? His contract and expectations are low, he has a high upside.

[Cat'sGrowl]

I'd like to see you provide evidence that Godfrey underperformed this season.

[Ruff]

I'd like to see you provide evidence that Godfrey underperformed this season.

Seriously.

McDermott and Rivera both commented on how well Godfrey played, and how he is such a great fit into McDermott's system.

[carpanfan96]

I think there's a pretty good chance the team goes after a safety in the second round, but Godfrey isn't going anywhere. He would cost the team to cut or trade him, He played well and was also a captain on defense.

[DaCityKats]

he played decent this year besides the missed tackles.

[The Huddler]

This guy doesnt know what hes talking about. How bout ya lay off making threads for a while bud? Martin is kinda soft but Godfrey will be a decent saftey

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

We need a CB and a S.

[Kuech the Sneak]

What's with the Godfrey bashing the dude played great this year

[MHS831]

I'd like to see you provide evidence that Godfrey underperformed this season.

Watching the games should be enough, but you need evidence--There is not a lot of measurment that evaluates Safeties, but here you go--

Passing defense--What was the QB rating of every pass thrown toward Godfrey? This excerpt should be enough, aside from the fact that Godfrey is not rated in the top 10 (or 5 honorable mentions) SS in the NFL in 2011. Several sites list these. You don't need me to google that.

"At safety, Carolina had three young safeties, Charles Godfrey going into year 4, Sherrod Martin into his second full starting year, and Jordan Pugh was very good in relief. Both had OK moments, but neither put together good seasons. Martin was our third worst run defender, and the pair of starters combined to make up 1/3 of our missed tackles. The unit is not physical, and it's not a big enough playmaking unit to

Godfrey's QB rating was a mediocre 92, Martin's an OK 82. Pugh struggled, topping 110.

The problem with Godfrey being the bigger problem in coverage is this - he's signed for five more years, and due an option bonus that won't make it any easier to get rid of him. He's here to stay for the long term. "http://absolutepanthers.blogspot.com/

[MHS831]

This guy doesnt know what hes talking about. How bout ya lay off making threads for a while bud? Martin is kinda soft but Godfrey will be a decent saftey

I provided the fact that QBs had a 92 QB rating throwing against Godfrey. You think that is good? This is called common sense, so you will need a translation. Not discussing facts with you because you have demonstrated biased stupidity in every one of the three or four posts of yours that I have read. I post to intelligently share opinions, not to attack others for not agreeing with me. I do not have the time to rid the world of ignorance-I usually ignore it, so this is the last you will hear from me.

Now, if I think he underperformed a $7 million per year contract, and the stats prove he was "mediocre", Who the hell are you to argue?

[HeatCheck]

Godfrey is a good fit for SS. But people considering changing him to FS worsens this team. Godfrey's strength is run support and weakness is coverage, does not translate well to FS.

Martin on the other hand could use some competition.

[MHS831]

What's with the Godfrey bashing the dude played great this year

Not bashing. Godfrey was weak in pass coverage. Making more than most SS in the NFL, but not rated in the top 15.

Seriously, if QBs have a rating of 92 against him for the year, that is slightly below average. That is not great.

I was very surprised when I read this, but if I am the GM and have to write him a $5 million check for being mediocre, I might second guess the decision. He really didn't play great. He was a pretty good tackler, but...

Did you know Godfrey's guaranteed bonus money was higher than Troy Polamalu's?

[MHS831]

Godfrey is a good fit for SS. But people considering changing him to FS worsens this team. Godfrey's strength is run support and weakness is coverage, does not translate well to FS.

Martin on the other hand could use some competition.

Martin is the weak spot. Godfrey was asked to do some totally new things in this system. I think he will be ok, but he underperformed this year. However, as I read comments and look deeper into Godfrey's play, I have to be honest--the circumstances put more pressure on him to fill in as run support. When we get DTs and LBs stuffing the run, Godfrey willl improve in pass coverage.

I would love a QB in the secondary-- a smart leader at FS. Godfrey is probably not going anywhere.

FWIW, I was bashing Martin all year, and people gave me hell about it. Some of the same people are crucifying Martin now. Not to sound like a know-it-all, I was anti Cam Newton at this time last year. Embarrassing.

In fairness to everyone, TV is no way to assess safety play. Rarely do you see them until they enter the picture halfway through the play. In addition, their responsibilities vary and it is not always easy to tell what they were.