Byron Bell Starting At Rt In Otas, Ahead Of Jeff Otah

[jtnc]

Some fans are oblivious if Otah's work ethic isn't being questioned, there's a reason Rivera is being hard on him........I remember Rivera talking about Otah like he was a legend when Rivera got the job. That opinion has changed quickly, and he is in Rivera's doghouse like Goodson.

[Vagrant]

This is not a slight against Otah. Rivera has never seen the man take a snap. He wants it proven to him. No more free lunches in Carolina.

[CPF4LIFE]

Effort and health are two different things. Not the same.

[Urrymonster]

I want some of that crack you are smoking. Otah may be average in pass blocking, but Bell was one of the worst pass blockers ever to play for the Panthers. He forced the offense to completely adjust their system and continuously provide help to his side. This is the reason why the two TE system did not excel in the second half of the season. I think Pro Football Focus said it best: "Bell was horrible in every phase of the game."

You like PFF? In that case...

In 2012 Bell gave up pressure on 7.77% of his pass blocking plays

In 2012 Otah gave up pressure on 7.59% of his pass blocking plays

Both judged in the same way, both with the same QB

Did Carolina adjust it's play calling and formations to compensate? Neither Shockney, nor Olsen were kept in to block more often than when Bell was in the game. In fact, Olsen blocked MORE when Otah was playing.

[Millions]

Love what Harbaugh is doing but im Still "SMH" at the people that aren't sold on Coach Rivera he is the perfect fit for this new era Panthers love it.

[panthers90]

Byron was our starting RT last season. Why does it surprise everyone that it's Bell's spot to lose?

Beason and Ron Edwards were not starting... so is it Fua and Senn's job to lose?

Plus, Bell was working with first team, but Otah got the majority of the snaps with the first team...

[jtnc]

This is not a slight against Otah. Rivera has never seen the man take a snap. He wants it proven to him. No more free lunches in Carolina.

Ummm what are you talking about? Otah played four games last season.

[Ivan The Awesome]

Beason and Ron Edwards were not starting... so is it Fua and Senn's job to lose?

Are Beason and Edwards always injured? Nope... You can't use that comparison at all.

[La Pantera]

I hope Otah beats out Bell (and he should easily) because I grew pretty tired of hearing " false start #77 " or " holding #77 " and it seemed to come at theeeee worst times.

[Catweisers]

Watched a bunch of players play like never before in a contract year!!! Ole Moose was a master, come to dislike that kind of playing because it makes it all about the money.

Don't think RR going to push real hard on the folks that's been hurt and rightly so. Jeff gonna be there when season starts if we can keep him healthy.

Gooooo Panthers

[SN03]

Clausen was #1 on the depth chart last August. Just saying.

[SN03]

Watched a bunch of players play like never before in a contract year!!! Ole Moose was a master, come to dislike that kind of playing because it makes it all about the money.

Don't think RR going to push real hard on the folks that's been hurt and rightly so. Jeff gonna be there when season starts if we can keep him healthy.

Gooooo Panthers

Sorry to burst your bubble but it is all about the money. They are professional football players. Do you always give 100% at your job, or do you slack off unless the boss is around? Same concept.

[panthers90]

Are Beason and Edwards always injured? Nope... You can't use that comparison at all.

How is it not valid? Not Bell's job to lose- it's Otah's. If Otah does not stay healthy, he doesn't play, and has lost his job

Similarly, Beason and Edwards if healthy will regain their starting positions...

Assuming Otah is healthy right now, just because he has always been injured is not going to hurt his chances of being the starting RT... his past injuries are going to affect whether or not he is on the team next year, or how much less his contract extension is going to be worth

[Ivan The Awesome]

How is it not valid? Not Bell's job to lose- it's Otah's. If Otah does not stay healthy, he doesn't play, and has lost his job

Similarly, Beason and Edwards if healthy will regain their starting positions...

Assuming Otah is healthy right now, just because he has always been injured is not going to hurt his chances of being the starting RT... his past injuries are going to affect whether or not he is on the team next year, or how much less his contract extension is going to be worth

Consistency. Beason and Edwards were not Injury prone like Otah was. Do you think the new regime is not aware of Otah's health issues?

Edwards had a freak accident, much like Beason. Otah on the other hand has a consistent injury. His knee. It's always been that. He has to show Rivera that he's ready to make it through a season without making it to IR.