Losing KB is going to be a huge blow for us. The only reason why our other average-at-best receivers were going to be semi-productive was because he's a clear #1 and Cam's second favorite target. We're still a run team and a strong D team. However....if our DEs keep struggling like they are then we're going to be in a lot of trouble.
Devastating loss for the Panthers. KB is about the only player on the Panthers offense that worries me. Hate seeing that regardless of team.
Is it safe to say we won already?
I had the Panthers clearly winning their division. I'm not ready to say they won't, but losing their star young WR sure tightens things up in that division.
I still think the Panthers win the NFCS, if only for lack of competition. The Falcons and Saints both carried out a gut-job this offseason, and the Bucs are still missing lots of puzzle pieces. The Panthers are the most-talented team in the division...and that's saying a lot more about the division than it is the Panthers.
Quote:Is it safe to say we won already?
Absolutely not.
I really like Panthers linebackers but I'm not Inpress with rest of defense. Where's the pass rush and secondary is average at best.
Quote:I really like Panthers linebackers but I'm not Inpress with rest of defense. Where's the pass rush and secondary is average at best.
I agree with you about their secondary, but they managed 40 sacks last year. Charles Johnson has been a pretty good pass rusher, and notched 8.5 sacks last year.
Considering Joeckel's inconsistencies and the OL's struggles as a whole last year, at this point I'm not sure we can dismiss anyone's pass rush.
This weekend's games should be an interesting watch for us. Carolina is playing Miami. We'll get to scope out our first two games at the same time
Quote:This weekend's games should be an interesting watch for us. Carolina is playing Miami. We'll get to scope out our first two games at the same time
Good point, when do they play the carolina/miami game on nfl network?
Awful to hear about Kelvin Benjamin. We can all relate to this though. Sucks for them.
This is definitely bittersweet news about Benjamin. On the one hand obviously we now have a much greater chance at winning that game, I was definitely looking forward to seeing the spectacular plays he was going to have on the highlight reel all year long. He set Carolina records in yards, receptions, and td's for a rookie. The sky was (could still be) the limit for this kid.
Quote:This is definitely bittersweet news about Benjamin. On the one hand obviously we now have a much greater chance at winning that game, I was definitely looking forward to seeing the spectacular plays he was going to have on the highlight reel all year long. He set Carolina records in yards, receptions, and td's for a rookie. The sky was (could still be) the limit for this kid.
The Panthers, imo, have a real issue with speed on offense. Unless Ted Ginn takes Benjamin's job, Cam Newton might be their fastest starter at this point. Three of the players I would consider to be their top four receivers (Jerricho Cotchery, Devin Funchess, Ted Ginn, Jarrett Boykin) are slower than snails in molasses, and with Ginn being the only speed guy, they won't really have a threat over the top. Jonathan Stewart isn't as fast as he once was, and Greg Olsen, despite being an aging tight end, is clearly the best receiver on the team at this point. It could be a long year of horizontal passing and "cloud of dust" runs for the Panthers if one of those receivers doesn't emerge as a playmaker despite their lack of wheels.
Quote:![[Image: CM319mEU8AAMNj6.jpg]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CM319mEU8AAMNj6.jpg)
Holy cow
Quote:The Panthers, imo, have a real issue with speed on offense. Unless Ted Ginn takes Benjamin's job, Cam Newton might be their fastest starter at this point. Three of the players I would consider to be their top four receivers (Jerricho Cotchery, Devin Funchess, Ted Ginn, Jarrett Boykin) are slower than snails in molasses, and with Ginn being the only speed guy, they won't really have a threat over the top. Jonathan Stewart isn't as fast as he once was, and Greg Olsen, despite being an aging tight end, is clearly the best receiver on the team at this point. It could be a long year of horizontal passing and "cloud of dust" runs for the Panthers if one of those receivers doesn't emerge as a playmaker despite their lack of wheels.
And I still think the Carolina receivers will get past our secondary in week 1.
Quote:Is it safe to say we won already?
won already? Lol
Quote:And I still think the Carolina receivers will get past our secondary in week 1.
Cotchery, Funchess and Boykin won't. Ted Ginn might, but that's ok because he couldn't catch a break if you hit his leg with a sledgehammer.
Quote:And I still think the Carolina receivers will get past our secondary in week 1.
Lol so scared of Cotchery, rookie fuchness and god knows who else.