Why Do Some Of You Guys Still Have Doubts About Brandon Lafell?

[panther4life]

My favorite reception of his last year was on 4th and forever against Minnesota that extended the drive to give us a chance to tie, only to have mare choke and miss a chip shot.

In spite of where he was listed on the official depth chart he still played nearly as many snaps as Naane. He was in on 706 snaps vs Naane's 761. For comparison Steve Smith was on in 980 snaps and Olsen played on 889 snaps.

Lafell was targeted 56 times for 36 receptions for 613 yards.

Naane was targeted 74 times for 44 receptions for 467 yards.

It appears that Lafell just had a harder time separating or Cam just could not find him as often.

Lafell:12.6 snaps per target

Naane:10.2 snaps per target

Another thing to note is Naane also had 7 penalties vs Lafell's 1.

Bottom line on my thoughts are I like Lafell and hope to see continued improvement from him

[Lumps]

Hurney Picks them he doesn't develop them that's up to the coaching staff. We need to get away from blaming Hurney for not having a WR.

1. Anybody would have picked Jarret in the 2nd round he had top WR talent. Nobody could've seen that he would be a dumb ass and not learn the playbook or work hard at his job.

2. Keyshawn was a really good #2 wr. He just didn't mesh with the coaching staff and locker room.

3. Colbert is still the leading rec. leader at USC. You can use Hindsight 20-20 and all that. But most of us would have drafted him.

4. Everybody was hyped about DJ Hacket and Rod Gardner when they were signed as FA. So we can't blame Hurney for them not working out either.

I think it's short sighted to say there is no expectation of the GM to the responsibiity of taking the coaching staff and system into consideration when picking prospectvie players.

I am not trying to put all the blame on Hurney but I think he lacks the talent scouting in the WR position. All GMs could blame the coaches but some WRs will eventually flourish. We could always sit around here and say anyone would have taken Jarrett or traded a second for Armanti.

Hurney is not a perfect GM just because he is the GM of the team you are a fan of, saying Hurney has no fault in the neglect and mihandling of the WR altogether because coaching as to blame is a little much. Why are there so many excuses such as 'anyone would have picked him there'? They just sound like excuses to me because no one picked him there but us and that is all we know for sure. Also blaming Hurney for not bringing in the busts also points to neglect/failure of the position, my main point.

There is no reason to lay out a bunch of reasons why drafted WRs failed or coaching is the reason no FA or drafted WR ever worked out, ever (besides moose a smitty which I don't think were Hurney not sure) there are plenty of reasons but to say Hurney can't be listed as one is just being naieve. The same poeple who say don't blame hurney for no WR are the same ones praising him for other draft picks. How can you praise him when really, we should be praising the coaches? Maybe the coaches were responsible for the olsen trade.

If you want to stop all blame fine, but you should chime in about how the coaches are to blame when he is credited for a player/pick working out as well.

[La Pantera]

Its LaFells third year,the year that most WRs finally understand the position as a pro. I think he will breakout, im going to say 800 yards 6 TDs.

[koolkatluke]

I think it's short sighted to say there is no expectation of the GM to the responsibiity of taking the coaching staff and system into consideration when picking prospectvie players.

I am not trying to put all the blame on Hurney but I think he lacks the talent scouting in the WR position. All GMs could blame the coaches but some WRs will eventually flourish. We could always sit around here and say anyone would have taken Jarrett or traded a second for Armanti.

Hurney is not a perfect GM just because he is the GM of the team you are a fan of, saying Hurney has no fault in the neglect and mihandling of the WR altogether because coaching as to blame is a little much. Why are there so many excuses such as 'anyone would have picked him there'? They just sound like excuses to me because no one picked him there but us and that is all we know for sure. Also blaming Hurney for not bringing in the busts also points to neglect/failure of the position, my main point.

There is no reason to lay out a bunch of reasons why drafted WRs failed or coaching is the reason no FA or drafted WR ever worked out, ever (besides moose a smitty which I don't think were Hurney not sure) there are plenty of reasons but to say Hurney can't be listed as one is just being naieve. The same poeple who say don't blame hurney for no WR are the same ones praising him for other draft picks. How can you praise him when really, we should be praising the coaches? Maybe the coaches were responsible for the olsen trade.

If you want to stop all blame fine, but you should chime in when he is credit for the exact same thing- successfully drafting a future prospect/position.

Bull crap argument from you. I want to see where you jump up and thought that Jarret or Colbert were bad picks when they were drafted?

Lets be real their were more people on here Mad about the Ryan Kali pick then Jarret that year.

Nothing in either one of their college Career said they would be a bust. Hell DJ has the same # as Justin Blackmon coming out of school. Colbert while at USC is still the REC. leader and this is a school that has Keyshawn Johnson, Curtis Conway, Frank Gilford and Lynn Swan as Alum WR's.

I also would like to see how you were acting when Marty brought in Keyshawn, Hackket , and Ron Gardner. Which again everybody was happy about.

The Fact none of these player workout like we all thought they would isn't Hurney's fault. It's Hypocritical on your part or anybody's to blame Hurney for players that we all thought had talent not panning out.

[CatMan72]

I don't have any doubts about LaFell, he's developing into a very solid # 2 WR.

[GRWatcher]

36 receptions

613 yards

Average of 17 yards a catch

3 TDs

His stats from last year, as the number 3 receiver. I don't understand the doubts either.

I'm for sure a believer. I want more LaFell

That amazing grab he had against the bucs at home was something that only a legit NFL receiver could make.

not to mention the 2 vs GB. the first TD and the one late in the game where he managed to get both feet down. incredible, close-as-you're-going-to-get type catches.

I love LaFell. :wub: Absolutely love the way he plays. He has feet of gold that know exactly where that side line is. He blocks like a mule. Quite a few times he was wide open in the soft spot just waiting for Cam's throw. He breaks tackles; that's why his YPC are high.. As was said, it was a short off season (I think LaFell worked with Cam on their own during the lockout) with new coaching and a rookie QB that was sensational on his own. And LaFell worked his way into the #2 job. He's my favorite player on the offense and I like them all. :D It's too bad most of you don't get to watch the games in person. Then you can key in on a player and see how good he really is or how much trouble he's having. I have no doubts about LaFell. None what so ever. I believe he has set lofty goals for himself and he'll be even better this year.

[Gallagher]

My favorite reception of his last year was on 4th and forever against Minnesota that extended the drive to give us a chance to tie, only to have mare choke and miss a chip shot.

This was my favorite of Lafell's catches last year too. I think that was the moment he solidified in my mind that he had a future as our #2 WR.

[Kuhndog86]

Looking at these stats from last season makes me even more impressed with Cam...He spread the ball around very well...LaFell was 6th overall on the team by number of receptions, but there is no question that the quality of his receptions were very high. I think he has a problem creating seperation at times and thats gonna hurt his ability to get on the field especially if Joe Adams is as good as everyone thinks he is. I like LaFell and I think he does his job as a possession WR well...dunno if I would call him a number 2 guy though.

[Marguide]

I am not trying to put all the blame on Hurney but I think he lacks the talent scouting in the WR position. All GMs could blame the coaches but some WRs will eventually flourish. We could always sit around here and say anyone would have taken Jarrett or traded a second for Armanti.

Hurney is not a perfect GM just because he is the GM of the team you are a fan of, saying Hurney has no fault in the neglect and mihandling of the WR altogether because coaching as to blame is a little much. Why are there so many excuses such as 'anyone would have picked him there'? They just sound like excuses to me because no one picked him there but us and that is all we know for sure. Also blaming Hurney for not bringing in the busts also points to neglect/failure of the position, my main point.

Ozzie Newsome, widely considered one of the best in the league, has had WR problems too. It is a tough position to scout. Many, many teams have histories littered with WR failures.

[Toundra]

Lafell is a solid Wr with good hands, Lafell is catching everything thrown in his direction.

I even dare to speak for Lafell himself, you want more? throws more then.

Smitty 79 Rec 1,394 yards 7 TDs

Lafell 36 Rec 613 yards 3 TDs

Lafell with the same number of rec 1342 yards 6,5 TDs, this is almost as good as master catcher aka king Smitty.

Both Lafell and Smitty are averaging 17 yards/pass by the way.

And finally because Nanee was the second WR.. sigh.. Lafell was not playing much but each time he was on the field and the ball thrown in his direction something was happening.

And remember, during their first season Gettis was a litle better than Lafell so i am not worried with our WR corp, they just rocks!

Like our new Italian buddy, sorry for my English. ;-)

[OchoNueve]

Smitty 79 Rec 1,394 yards 7 TDs

Lafell 36 Rec 613 yards 3 TDs

Lafell with the same number of rec 1342 yards 6,5 TDs, this is almost as good as master catcher aka king Smitty.

I am excited for Lafell... but Smitty is doing it against #1 CB's and double teams... Lafell is benefitting from Smitty's double teams and going against #2 CB's. There is no logic to your misleading stats or comparison of the two players. The only thing they have in common is that they both play for the Panthers.

[CRA]

LaFell is a nice player but he doesn't have elite athleticism. ESPN/NFLN are looking for the Panther to get a legit no.1 to replace Steve in the next few years. If you draft one the three year rule applies so the sooner the better.

LaFell is a nice no.2 in my opinion. There were times last year were he got open by sitting down in the zones. He did a nice job but he couldn't beat people over the top or break away for a TD. Don't even bring up the 91 yrd TD. The safety gambled and still almost caught him.

Some people think Gettis can be that guy to go deep but we really don't know. He had a mediocre rookie season on a super bad team and then blew out his knee. I rather get a real talented guy in here than depend on a 6th round pick coming of knee surgery.

Adding talent at WR is never a bad thing. Green Bay went 15-1 with all the guys they have.

LaFell has more athleticism than Gettis....just sayin.

[Toundra]

I am excited for Lafell... but Smitty is doing it against #1 CB's and double teams... Lafell is benefitting from Smitty's double teams and going against #2 CB's. There is no logic to your misleading stats or comparison of the two players. The only thing they have in common is that they both play for the Panthers.

Look again then, i find Lafell VERY surrounded..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6ccljvaCdU

[Dash Global]

Love that highlight mix!

Lafell really improved his hands in his 2nd year. I didnt really think someone could improve their hands that fast, but man Lafell proved me wrong!

Really love our offense. All we need is a freak TE and a tall vertical / red zone threat WR.