Training Camp Match-Ups: What To Watch For.

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

This thread is not about positional battles in training camp. It isn't about who starts over who or the depth chart at any given position. This thread is about match-ups. Offense vs. Defense. The BIG uglies against Monsters Inc. Superman (Cam) vs. Clark Kent (Luke). 

 

 

Which match-ups are you most excited for? I'll get it started.

 

"Clash of the Tongans"

 

Left Guard; Amini Silatolu 6'4" 315lbs.

 

vs.

 

Defense Tackle; Star Lotulelei 6'2" 315lbs.

 

Two large, strong, and young players each with something to prove this season. Similar in stature, Silatolu and Star possess unique athleticism and both were highly touted prospects coming out of college. Amini is looking to elevate his game after a decent rookie season while Star is anxious to make his mark in this league and show why he was the best defensive player in this draft. I think both of these young players have a chip on their shoulder: Amini struggled early on had to overcome a large learning curve coming into the NFL while Star, once a top three talent in this draft class, was passed over by thirteen teams before landing with the Panthers because of a misdiagnosed heart condition. Look for these two to beat up on one another for a couple weeks and make one another better. I really believe this Tongan duo will be a great asset in our trenches for years to come.

 

What other match-ups are worth noting? Who gets the best of who? Does one offensive unit dominate or vic-versa? What say you?

 

[TheRumGone]

i just hope Hardy doesn't hurt anybody.

[OneBadCat]

I think Amini vs Star will be an awesome match up. I expect Hardy to beat Gross more often than not if they are facing each other.

 

Whoever is at RG will probably get destroyed. Kugbila should have some nice blocks here and there though.

[La Pantera]

All the CBs vs. all WRs.

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

Steve Smith vs. Whoever emerges as the #1 corner.

 

Can they hang with an aging 89? 

[beastson]

Luke vs Cam

I love the friendly rivalry that's brewing between them. This match up has the potential to bring out the very best in both of them, and we need it since these two are our leaders and future.

 

Doesn't Cam face the defensive backs?

 

Isn't it RB vs MLB?

[lovelett]

Hardy vs the Jimmy.  I have my money on Hardy.

[Monday Night Shyamalan]

Lester (or Mikell hopefully)

 

Smitty vs. the many corners fighting for #1 spot

 

Would like to see how Beason moves around in his new position

[CashNewton22]

I'm most excited about seeing Jon Beason/Thomas Davis when they're matched up with Olsen. Moreso Beason just to see if he's back or lost a little step. Either way looking forward seeing how he does in coverage considering he'll be matched up against TE's Jimmy Graham, Vernon Davis, Tony Gonzalez, Rob Gronkowski ect. Could be a glimpse of things to come if he does well covering Olsen or gets abused.

[bigskypanthersguy]

Hardy vs the Jimmy.  I have my money on Hardy.

 

 

"Someone call Greg Hardy's momma, 'cuz he just killed a man"

[Swaggasaurus]

I'm most excited about seeing Jon Beason/Thomas Davis when they're matched up with Olsen. Moreso Beason just to see if he's back or lost a little step. Either way looking forward seeing how he does in coverage considering he'll be matched up against TE's Jimmy Graham, Vernon Davis, Tony Gonzalez, Rob Gronkowski ect. Could be a glimpse of things to come if he does well covering Olsen or gets abused.

I really think that it will do us well having Davis on the strongside covering the TE. He is so athletic, the change from Anderson to him there will really change the success that the TE has had against us.  I think Beason will do well covering a back in the flat from the weakside. 

[csx]

I think Amini vs Star will be an awesome match up. I expect Hardy to beat Gross more often than not if they are facing each other.

 

Whoever is at RG will probably get destroyed. Kugbila should have some nice blocks here and there though.

Hardy is a LDE and Gross is a LT. They don't line up against each other.

[TheRumGone]

Hardy is a LDE and Gross is a LT. They don't line up against each other.

 

yes they do

[La Pantera]

Hardy is a LDE and Gross is a LT. They don't line up against each other.

Hardy played most snaps at RDE last season.