The Panthers' not-so-sweet 16th training camp begins today. Players will report to Spartanburg in preparation for their first practice at 9 a.m. Thursday.
The Panthers got rid of a ton of veterans this off-season, which leads me to my choice for what should be their 2010 team motto – "Our Players Are Young and Cheap, But Your Ticket Prices Still Went Up."
Snarkiness aside, though, I believe this will be as difficult an NFL camp as any of the remaining Panther players have been through.
Head coach John Fox only has one year remaining on his contract and will quite possibly become a coaching free agent in 2011. He doesn't want the blot of a 4-12 season on his resume when, and if, he's searching for a new job in January.
So Fox will push. And the players, knowing that their own jobs are even more on the line than usual, will try to respond.
Will Fox be outwardly different in his ninth Panthers training camp? No way. Fox admires consistency. He will be outwardly optimistic, as always, believing that "it beats the alternative" as he likes to say.
But internally, Fox's mind will simmer. He has many more issues than usual to resolve in late July and August, most notably at quarterback but also in the defensive line and at wide receiver.
I've been at this newspaper for all 15 previous Panther training camps – all held in my Spartanburg hometown at Wofford College – and I'm perpetually glad to see another one roll around. It always feels like the beginning of a school year. For fans and media, it's a chance to study a new team, searching for its new stars and its imperfections.
For veteran players assured of a roster spot, "Training camp is Groundhog Day," as former Panther fullback Brad Hoover said back when he was an integral part of the offense. There are constants – Spartanburg's searing sun, the playbooks and the air horn that barks everyone out of bed each morning at Wofford College. Veterans frequently forget what day it is.
Steve Smith said in the offseason he would like to be a No. 2 receiver this year — that if the Panthers grabbed a new No. 1 receiver and he didn't have to get double-teamed all the time, he would welcome that. Fat chance. Smith, 31, is No. 1 until proven otherwise — even after re-breaking his arm while playing flag football in the offseason. He didn't have many big plays in 2009, but he still led the team in receiving yards (982).Steve Smith, who is expected to be healthy by Week 1, might have lost a step but remains faster and more elusive than most NFL receivers. But who will be the No. 2 guy? Rookie Brandon LaFell, a third-round pick from LSU, could have the inside track. LaFell is not a burner but is strong. Dwayne Jarrett could also be a factor in the race, although he has been a great disappointment in his three NFL seasons. Kenny Moore has good hands but is a possession type. Armanti Edwards, another rookie third-rounder, will be switched from his college quarterback position to receiver and will be very raw and athletic. At tight end, the Panthers employ the three-headed monster of Jeff King, Dante Rosario and Gary Barnidge. King is slow but a steadier blocker, while Barnidge and Rosario both can occasionally get deep over the middle
Tailback is the Panthers' best position. Put it this way: DeAngelo Williams (pictured) was a Pro Bowler last season, and he didn't even lead the team in rushing. That honor fell to Jonathan Stewart by 16 yards, but both backs had great seasons. They each rushed for more than 1,100 yards — the first time two backs from the same NFL team have ever done that. Stewart is the pile-driver who runs through people but still has enough burst for big gains. Williams is a powerful scatback who excels at turning the corner. Fox likes to rotate the two almost evenly to keep them fresh, but either one is strong enough to carry the ball 30 times if necessary. Tony Fiammetta has basically been handed the fullback job over popular mainstay Brad Hoover in a cost-cutting move. The Panthers' fullback rarely does anything but block, and Fiammetta has the size to do that
The Panthers football jerseys have less experience at this position than any other NFL team. Moore has a 6–2 record as a starter and was 4–1 at the end of 2009, which made the Panthers decide to christen him the tentative No. 1 for 2010. Those eight NFL starts are all the Panthers have — combined. The other three quarterbacks in camp, Hunter Cantwell and rookies Clausen and Tony Pike, have never started an NFL game. Moore is a strong-armed, "What, me worry?" sort who doesn't know every nook and cranny of the playbook but throws well on the move and can really hum a deep ball. The Panthers jerseys were delighted when Clausen dropped to them in the second round. There are some questions about his leadership ability and a confidence that borders on cockiness, but none whatsoever about his arm. Pike, at 6'6", has ideal size for a quarterback but not quite the arm strength of Moore or Clausen. He will likely compete with Cantwell for the No. 3 spot
2010年7月27日星期二
2010年7月25日星期日
Panthers made this offseason created a situation
Without many of the familiar faces of recent years, the Panthers will depend on a new cast if they're to make anything of the coming year.
After jettisoning popular and productive veterans in favor of young (i.e. cheap) players, the Panthers will be relying on folks they've never had to before.
Here's a look at the five guys under the most scrutiny when they report to Wofford next week:
QB Matt Moore
For three seasons, Moore's been defined by his easygoing demeanor as much as his on-field serendipity. Now, the pressure's on, and he'll need to stay cool to remain the starter.
He's made the most of his chances, going 6-2 in meaningless December games.
This time, there will be actual consequences when he steps on the field. The Panthers won't be eliminated from playoff contention when he walks into the huddle in September, and opponents will actually bother game-planning against him.
He'll also have to become more assertive in the locker room. In the absence of Jake Delhomme, teammates will be looking for Moore to lead as much as throw passes. As a backup, Moore has been able to respond with a grin and a shrug. This year, much more will be expected of him.
The presence of future replacement Jimmy Clausen adds to the heat Jonathan Stewart under Moore, and with a contract that only promises this season, it amounts to a one-year audition.
DE Charles Johnson
Hey, no sweat Charles. All you really have to do is replace Julius Peppers.
It's unfair to expect Peppers-level production from the fourth-year end. It's unfair to expect it from anyone. But Johnson will be the guy running through the tunnel in Peppers' spot, which means eyes will be on him.
Johnson's shown flashes of pass-rush potential the last few years. He has 10 sacks in three seasons, but if he doesn't push that number this season, it could put the Panthers in a tough spot.
He's not the only one expected to pressure the passer. They're going to need Everette Brown and others to contribute. But as the starter, the onus is on Johnson to prove himself.
Johnson also has his own incentive to do well, since he's in the last year of his rookie contract, and could stand to cash in somewhere (perhaps even here) with a breakout season.
WR Dwayne Jarrett
So what's it going to be Dwayne? Are you going to be like Keyshawn Johnson (who you look like in practice) or Keary Colbert (who you resemble in games)?
Jarrett's been nothing more than a tease for three seasons. After catching 41 touchdowns in three seasons at Southern Cal, he caught his first in the NFL against the Saints' reserves in the 2009 finale.
As long as he's disappointed here, there have been excuses made for him. They're all gone. No veterans in front of him, no myths of quarterbacks who'll only throw to the other guy.
This year, it's all on Jarrett to decide whether he wants to be DeAngelo Williams a player, or just another cautionary tale against drafting skill position players from USC.
Head trainer Ryan Vermillion
While you can't blame injuries on the training staff -- they're just there to look after the victims - it is imperative that the Panthers stay healthy while they're in Spartanburg.
The offseason philosophy has created a team with decent front-line talent, but little to no depth. That means no margin of error whatsoever.
You can say this of most teams, but the choices the Panthers jerseys made this offseason created a situation in which wins and losses will track perfectly with the number of guys on injured reserve.
A rash of injuries at any spot will make a hash of this roster, but some positions are thinner than most. If the bug hits the already thin linebackers or receivers, the defensive line or the secondary, things could get ugly in a hurry.
DT Tank Tyler
Lost in the glare of Peppers leaving was the fact another 50 percent of the defensive line followed him out the door.
While Damione Lewis and Maake Kemoeatu didn't add star power to the roster, they did lend a certain gravity - the assurance of having known commodities in the middle of the defense.
Now, the interior line needs name tags, because it's hard to tell at the moment who's going to step into a larger role.
The Panthers would love it if Tyler delivers on his potential. Miscast in Kansas City's 3-4, the Panthers brought him back last year, but a knee injury kept him from showing much here. When well, he's shown some pop in the middle of the line, and if he could get some push replacing Lewis, it would go a long way toward easing the burden on the defensive ends who figure to be overtaxed anyway.
The new Carolina Panthers jerseys are set to audition former University of Miami defensive lineman Dave Howell on Monday, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation.
We've been told that the Panthers are going to conduct a major tryout.
The Panthers could use definitely some defensive linemen to upgrade their depth.
Howell is a fairly obscure, unaccomplished former Hurricanes player who lined up on both sides of the football.
He enrolled at Miami as a highly regarded recruit, ranked as the 29th defensive lineman by SuperPrep.
After jettisoning popular and productive veterans in favor of young (i.e. cheap) players, the Panthers will be relying on folks they've never had to before.
Here's a look at the five guys under the most scrutiny when they report to Wofford next week:
QB Matt Moore
For three seasons, Moore's been defined by his easygoing demeanor as much as his on-field serendipity. Now, the pressure's on, and he'll need to stay cool to remain the starter.
He's made the most of his chances, going 6-2 in meaningless December games.
This time, there will be actual consequences when he steps on the field. The Panthers won't be eliminated from playoff contention when he walks into the huddle in September, and opponents will actually bother game-planning against him.
He'll also have to become more assertive in the locker room. In the absence of Jake Delhomme, teammates will be looking for Moore to lead as much as throw passes. As a backup, Moore has been able to respond with a grin and a shrug. This year, much more will be expected of him.
The presence of future replacement Jimmy Clausen adds to the heat Jonathan Stewart under Moore, and with a contract that only promises this season, it amounts to a one-year audition.
DE Charles Johnson
Hey, no sweat Charles. All you really have to do is replace Julius Peppers.
It's unfair to expect Peppers-level production from the fourth-year end. It's unfair to expect it from anyone. But Johnson will be the guy running through the tunnel in Peppers' spot, which means eyes will be on him.
Johnson's shown flashes of pass-rush potential the last few years. He has 10 sacks in three seasons, but if he doesn't push that number this season, it could put the Panthers in a tough spot.
He's not the only one expected to pressure the passer. They're going to need Everette Brown and others to contribute. But as the starter, the onus is on Johnson to prove himself.
Johnson also has his own incentive to do well, since he's in the last year of his rookie contract, and could stand to cash in somewhere (perhaps even here) with a breakout season.
WR Dwayne Jarrett
So what's it going to be Dwayne? Are you going to be like Keyshawn Johnson (who you look like in practice) or Keary Colbert (who you resemble in games)?
Jarrett's been nothing more than a tease for three seasons. After catching 41 touchdowns in three seasons at Southern Cal, he caught his first in the NFL against the Saints' reserves in the 2009 finale.
As long as he's disappointed here, there have been excuses made for him. They're all gone. No veterans in front of him, no myths of quarterbacks who'll only throw to the other guy.
This year, it's all on Jarrett to decide whether he wants to be DeAngelo Williams a player, or just another cautionary tale against drafting skill position players from USC.
Head trainer Ryan Vermillion
While you can't blame injuries on the training staff -- they're just there to look after the victims - it is imperative that the Panthers stay healthy while they're in Spartanburg.
The offseason philosophy has created a team with decent front-line talent, but little to no depth. That means no margin of error whatsoever.
You can say this of most teams, but the choices the Panthers jerseys made this offseason created a situation in which wins and losses will track perfectly with the number of guys on injured reserve.
A rash of injuries at any spot will make a hash of this roster, but some positions are thinner than most. If the bug hits the already thin linebackers or receivers, the defensive line or the secondary, things could get ugly in a hurry.
DT Tank Tyler
Lost in the glare of Peppers leaving was the fact another 50 percent of the defensive line followed him out the door.
While Damione Lewis and Maake Kemoeatu didn't add star power to the roster, they did lend a certain gravity - the assurance of having known commodities in the middle of the defense.
Now, the interior line needs name tags, because it's hard to tell at the moment who's going to step into a larger role.
The Panthers would love it if Tyler delivers on his potential. Miscast in Kansas City's 3-4, the Panthers brought him back last year, but a knee injury kept him from showing much here. When well, he's shown some pop in the middle of the line, and if he could get some push replacing Lewis, it would go a long way toward easing the burden on the defensive ends who figure to be overtaxed anyway.
The new Carolina Panthers jerseys are set to audition former University of Miami defensive lineman Dave Howell on Monday, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation.
We've been told that the Panthers are going to conduct a major tryout.
The Panthers could use definitely some defensive linemen to upgrade their depth.
Howell is a fairly obscure, unaccomplished former Hurricanes player who lined up on both sides of the football.
He enrolled at Miami as a highly regarded recruit, ranked as the 29th defensive lineman by SuperPrep.
2010年7月21日星期三
Panthers don’t have any big guys on the front line
The 2009 season saw multiple injuries on the defensive front for the Panthers. It all started with nose tackle Ma'ake Kemoeatu, who was sent to injured reserve, shortly thereafter.
As the season pressed on, more injuries to the defensive front occurred, forcing the team to look to other teams with younger, inexperienced players with some potential upside to their abilities.
So the Panthers traded for Tank Tyler, Louis Leonard, and also signed Hollis Thomas.
When Thomas was signed, I merely shook my head, as I was well-versed in his injury-prone days with the Philadelphia Eagles. But beggars can't be choosers, and at least at that time, I figured we had a guy who could contribute, until the inevitable happened. To my surprise, Thomas never sustained an injury, and actually turned in the best season of his career.
Tyler and Leonard showed a lot of upside during their first season in Carolina, and look to be among those vying for a place with the starting lineup.
Others returning from the 2009 and previous seasons to lock in on DeAngelo Williams a starting job are Corvey Irvin, Ed Johnson, Derek Landri, Nick Hayden, and Andre Neblett.
Of the names mentioned, the most likely — at this time — to be starting are Tank Tyler, Louis Leonard, Nick Hayden, and Ed Johnson. Not that all these guys are a lock, but they currently have the most experience among the defensive tackles.
Corvey Irvin, while massive, was on a good track of possibly seeing a lot of playing time in 2009, until he too suffered a season-ending injury.
The players most likely under pressure to perform are Tank Tyler and Louis Leonard. Look at what the Panthers traded to acquire both.
Both Tyler and Leonard showed some upside in the later half of the Panthers 2009 campaign, and left a lot of us feeling better about where the defensive line is at.
I keep hearing and reading how the Panthers football jerseys don't have any big guys on the front line. To the contrary, they do. Maybe not behemoths, but the "smaller" guys who are also younger, make up for brute strength with speed and other power.
On the defensive front, the Panthers jerseys tackles average 300 lbs. Some of the guys are a little on the light side, but those whom I project to be the starters average a little more, at 304 lbs.
Sports Illustrated just released its seventh annual Fortune 50 of the highest-paid American athletes, with Tiger Woods topping the list for the seventh-straight year at $90 million.
Chicago is represented on the list by Bears defensive end Steve Smith Julius Peppers, who checks in at No. 36 at $20 million for 2010. He was in the same spot last year after signing a one-year, $16.6 million tender with the Carolina Panthers.
Peppers inked a six-year contract with a max value of $91.5 million. He is due $40.5 million over the first three years of the contract and a record $42 million guaranteed.
If Peppers looks as good throughout the season as he did during mini-camp and organized team activities, he'll be worth every penny.
As the season pressed on, more injuries to the defensive front occurred, forcing the team to look to other teams with younger, inexperienced players with some potential upside to their abilities.
So the Panthers traded for Tank Tyler, Louis Leonard, and also signed Hollis Thomas.
When Thomas was signed, I merely shook my head, as I was well-versed in his injury-prone days with the Philadelphia Eagles. But beggars can't be choosers, and at least at that time, I figured we had a guy who could contribute, until the inevitable happened. To my surprise, Thomas never sustained an injury, and actually turned in the best season of his career.
Tyler and Leonard showed a lot of upside during their first season in Carolina, and look to be among those vying for a place with the starting lineup.
Others returning from the 2009 and previous seasons to lock in on DeAngelo Williams a starting job are Corvey Irvin, Ed Johnson, Derek Landri, Nick Hayden, and Andre Neblett.
Of the names mentioned, the most likely — at this time — to be starting are Tank Tyler, Louis Leonard, Nick Hayden, and Ed Johnson. Not that all these guys are a lock, but they currently have the most experience among the defensive tackles.
Corvey Irvin, while massive, was on a good track of possibly seeing a lot of playing time in 2009, until he too suffered a season-ending injury.
The players most likely under pressure to perform are Tank Tyler and Louis Leonard. Look at what the Panthers traded to acquire both.
Both Tyler and Leonard showed some upside in the later half of the Panthers 2009 campaign, and left a lot of us feeling better about where the defensive line is at.
I keep hearing and reading how the Panthers football jerseys don't have any big guys on the front line. To the contrary, they do. Maybe not behemoths, but the "smaller" guys who are also younger, make up for brute strength with speed and other power.
On the defensive front, the Panthers jerseys tackles average 300 lbs. Some of the guys are a little on the light side, but those whom I project to be the starters average a little more, at 304 lbs.
Sports Illustrated just released its seventh annual Fortune 50 of the highest-paid American athletes, with Tiger Woods topping the list for the seventh-straight year at $90 million.
Chicago is represented on the list by Bears defensive end Steve Smith Julius Peppers, who checks in at No. 36 at $20 million for 2010. He was in the same spot last year after signing a one-year, $16.6 million tender with the Carolina Panthers.
Peppers inked a six-year contract with a max value of $91.5 million. He is due $40.5 million over the first three years of the contract and a record $42 million guaranteed.
If Peppers looks as good throughout the season as he did during mini-camp and organized team activities, he'll be worth every penny.
2010年7月19日星期一
Carolina Panthers how they feel about Steve Smith
The experiment confirmed to Jenkins his lack of career regrets, and he said he decided to listen to his position coach, Mark Carrier, who told him to look no further than the next season.
Jenkins also considered the new direction of his life, including his first wedding anniversary recently and his responsibility to his three young children. All of that played a role, but with training camp now two weeks away, with a season full of promise on the horizon, Jenkins said that one factor, Coach Rex Ryan, registered as most important.
"The biggest thing was Rex," Jenkins said. "If it had been any other coach, it probably would have been my last year."
That speaks volumes about Ryan's leadership style and magnetic personality. It also speaks to the talent at Ryan's disposal.
To the top-ranked defense in the N.F.L., the Jets added cornerback Antonio Cromartie, the pass-rush specialist Jason Taylor and safety Brodney Pool. They drafted cornerback Kyle Wilson in the first round. Jenkins is also scheduled to return after missing all but six games last season.
Ryan likes to say that "there aren't many" players like Jenkins in the league. And in this team, Jenkins said he saw a roster as or more talented than any he had played on. Only some of his early Carolina Panthers teams — in 2002 or 2003, Jenkins said — come close.
With HBO filming the Jets for its annual training camp series, with Ryan's pronouncements growing bolder in his second season, with expectations that have grown exponentially, Jenkins and the Jets feel a greater sense of urgency.
"When you have magnified expectations in New York, you better get it done," he said. "We've got to win. There's no if. We have to win. Trash has been talked. Things have been said. We need to make it happen, or we're going to be embarrassed."
As Jenkins spoke, he drank diet soda and ate only half of his meal at a Manhattan restaurant, then boxed the leftovers. His friend Tony Washington, a former Panthers teammate, said that was one of several changes he noticed in Jenkins the past few years.
Carolina looked like it might be on the verge of another Super Bowl run in 2008 after going 12-4 in the regular season and Carolina Panthers 2010 NFL Predictionsearning a home playoff game. That run never happened, though, as the Arizona Cardinals stunned the Panthers 33-13 at Bank of America Stadium in the Divisional Round. Still, despite that bitter loss, Carolina appeared to be in a position to contend for the division title again in 2009. That never happened either as the club battled its way through an 8-8, third place season.
The Panthers football jerseys lackluster record prompted big changes in the offseason with a number of veterans being cut or traded. Among those being shown the door by the club or by their own volition were Jake Delhomme, Julius Peppers, Mushin Muhammad, Damione Lewis, Dante Wesley, Quinton Teal, Ma'ake Kemoeatu, Landon Johnson, Chris Harris, and Na'll Diggs.
The offense, which ranked 19th in yards per game at 331.1 and 21st in points per game at 19.7, will now be directed by Matt Moore. Moore threw for 1053 yards and eight touchdowns after taking over for Delhomme last year, earning him a 98.5 passer rating. The Oregon State product will have two great running backs at his disposal in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart as well as a respectable line in front of him. The problem for Fox, and Moore, is the lack of depth and experience at receiver. Steve Smith returns but outside of his veteran presence, the team has nothing in the way of a proven commodity.
The team took two wideouts in the third round in Brandon LaFell (LSU) and Armanti Edwards (Appalachian State) that figure to get see the field quite a bit this season. And, should Moore falter, the club might elect to make a change at quarterback by throwing rookie Jimmy Clausen into the fire.
He went and suffered and Achilles tendon injury in April while playing basketball. Now he's being punished (sort of).
Ask the Carolina Panthers how they feel about Steve Smith breaking his arm while partaking in extracurriculars.
But, enough with the tongue-in-cheek approach. Here are the facts.
The Bengals released Shirley in the "waived/non-football injury" category.
Jenkins also considered the new direction of his life, including his first wedding anniversary recently and his responsibility to his three young children. All of that played a role, but with training camp now two weeks away, with a season full of promise on the horizon, Jenkins said that one factor, Coach Rex Ryan, registered as most important.
"The biggest thing was Rex," Jenkins said. "If it had been any other coach, it probably would have been my last year."
That speaks volumes about Ryan's leadership style and magnetic personality. It also speaks to the talent at Ryan's disposal.
To the top-ranked defense in the N.F.L., the Jets added cornerback Antonio Cromartie, the pass-rush specialist Jason Taylor and safety Brodney Pool. They drafted cornerback Kyle Wilson in the first round. Jenkins is also scheduled to return after missing all but six games last season.
Ryan likes to say that "there aren't many" players like Jenkins in the league. And in this team, Jenkins said he saw a roster as or more talented than any he had played on. Only some of his early Carolina Panthers teams — in 2002 or 2003, Jenkins said — come close.
With HBO filming the Jets for its annual training camp series, with Ryan's pronouncements growing bolder in his second season, with expectations that have grown exponentially, Jenkins and the Jets feel a greater sense of urgency.
"When you have magnified expectations in New York, you better get it done," he said. "We've got to win. There's no if. We have to win. Trash has been talked. Things have been said. We need to make it happen, or we're going to be embarrassed."
As Jenkins spoke, he drank diet soda and ate only half of his meal at a Manhattan restaurant, then boxed the leftovers. His friend Tony Washington, a former Panthers teammate, said that was one of several changes he noticed in Jenkins the past few years.
Carolina looked like it might be on the verge of another Super Bowl run in 2008 after going 12-4 in the regular season and Carolina Panthers 2010 NFL Predictionsearning a home playoff game. That run never happened, though, as the Arizona Cardinals stunned the Panthers 33-13 at Bank of America Stadium in the Divisional Round. Still, despite that bitter loss, Carolina appeared to be in a position to contend for the division title again in 2009. That never happened either as the club battled its way through an 8-8, third place season.
The Panthers football jerseys lackluster record prompted big changes in the offseason with a number of veterans being cut or traded. Among those being shown the door by the club or by their own volition were Jake Delhomme, Julius Peppers, Mushin Muhammad, Damione Lewis, Dante Wesley, Quinton Teal, Ma'ake Kemoeatu, Landon Johnson, Chris Harris, and Na'll Diggs.
The offense, which ranked 19th in yards per game at 331.1 and 21st in points per game at 19.7, will now be directed by Matt Moore. Moore threw for 1053 yards and eight touchdowns after taking over for Delhomme last year, earning him a 98.5 passer rating. The Oregon State product will have two great running backs at his disposal in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart as well as a respectable line in front of him. The problem for Fox, and Moore, is the lack of depth and experience at receiver. Steve Smith returns but outside of his veteran presence, the team has nothing in the way of a proven commodity.
The team took two wideouts in the third round in Brandon LaFell (LSU) and Armanti Edwards (Appalachian State) that figure to get see the field quite a bit this season. And, should Moore falter, the club might elect to make a change at quarterback by throwing rookie Jimmy Clausen into the fire.
He went and suffered and Achilles tendon injury in April while playing basketball. Now he's being punished (sort of).
Ask the Carolina Panthers how they feel about Steve Smith breaking his arm while partaking in extracurriculars.
But, enough with the tongue-in-cheek approach. Here are the facts.
The Bengals released Shirley in the "waived/non-football injury" category.
2010年7月15日星期四
The Carolina Panthers are currently favored
The new Carolina Panthers jerseys are led by head coach John Fox who brings with him 8 years of NFL coaching experience. The Carolina Panthers are currently favored at 35/1 betting odds to win Super Bowl XLV.
Below you will find a review of the Carolina Panthers broken down into three categories: Offense, Defense and Special Teams.
The 2010 Carolina Panthers offense, which was traditionally led by Jake Delhomme the past few years, will now be led by a young Matt Moore at quarterback. Last NFL season the Panthers scored an average of 19.7 points/game and had 174.9 passing yards/game which Jonathan Stewart sports handicappers are expecting the Carolina Panthers to improve on this season with a new offensive look.
Last season the Carolina Panthers defense was 9th in the NFL for points against, averaging 19.2 points/game and the Panthers were 22nd in the NFL at stopping their opponents running game, averaging 124.8 rushing yards against per game.
The Carolina Panthers special teams are ranked 19th in the league for field goals and ranked 31st in Kickoff returns which is an area of interest for them in the upcoming NFL season.
Currently the 2010 Carolina Panthers are favored at 16/1 betting odds to win the DeAngelo Williams NFC conference and they are favored at +550 to win the NFC South Division.
Smith broke his arm last month while playing flag football, and the injury typically takes two months to fully heal. Smith has been regularly working with trainers, a team source said Thursday, and could be back in time for the Panthers' Sept. 2 preseason finale at Pittsburgh.
Smith is a notoriously fast healer and already is making good progress Kenneth Moore toward a return, the source said. Even if Smith isn't ready for a preseason game, the Panthers remain confident that he will be back for the Sept. 12 season opener against the New York Giants.
Below you will find a review of the Carolina Panthers broken down into three categories: Offense, Defense and Special Teams.
The 2010 Carolina Panthers offense, which was traditionally led by Jake Delhomme the past few years, will now be led by a young Matt Moore at quarterback. Last NFL season the Panthers scored an average of 19.7 points/game and had 174.9 passing yards/game which Jonathan Stewart sports handicappers are expecting the Carolina Panthers to improve on this season with a new offensive look.
Last season the Carolina Panthers defense was 9th in the NFL for points against, averaging 19.2 points/game and the Panthers were 22nd in the NFL at stopping their opponents running game, averaging 124.8 rushing yards against per game.
The Carolina Panthers special teams are ranked 19th in the league for field goals and ranked 31st in Kickoff returns which is an area of interest for them in the upcoming NFL season.
Currently the 2010 Carolina Panthers are favored at 16/1 betting odds to win the DeAngelo Williams NFC conference and they are favored at +550 to win the NFC South Division.
Smith broke his arm last month while playing flag football, and the injury typically takes two months to fully heal. Smith has been regularly working with trainers, a team source said Thursday, and could be back in time for the Panthers' Sept. 2 preseason finale at Pittsburgh.
Smith is a notoriously fast healer and already is making good progress Kenneth Moore toward a return, the source said. Even if Smith isn't ready for a preseason game, the Panthers remain confident that he will be back for the Sept. 12 season opener against the New York Giants.
2010年7月13日星期二
Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson
Green Bay's minor league baseball team has it's eyes on downtown as well. The Bullfrogs Aaron Rodgers hope to build a new 20 million dollar stadium along the Fox River to be used for baseball and more."A multi-use facility something that we can accommodate youth sports, high school sports, other college sports, and then totally non-sports related facilities;" Bullfrogs owner Jeff Royle said.
Financing for the project would be tight and there could be A.J. Hawk another snag for the new Bullfrogs stadium. It seems the Green Bay Packers may want to get into the baseball business A Packers youth sports complex on the horizon would likely include a baseball stadium.
But city leaders like Tom Weber "If it was a choice between two funded locations, I think that the riverfront location does ten times what anything on Lombardi avenue will do."
Green Bay Packers jerseys cornerback Charles Woodson was not injured after escaped from a burning home early Saturday morning in Bay Harbor, Mich.Woodson was one of 11 people staying in the multi-million home at the time the fire broke out according to WTMJ-AM in Milwaukee.Per the report, Woodson and an associate smelled smokearound 4 a.m., but were unable to find the source.Fire officials were called to the B.J. Raji scene at 4:43 a.m. to check on a fire alarm that was going off at the residence.
2010年7月11日星期日
When the Carolina Panthers arrive for work each morning
We all like to question the Panthers football jerseys personnel moves. There seems to be more turnover for the Panthers this year than in almost any year in the past. The theme has been moving on from veteran players and getting younger through the draft. Some of these moves over the past couple years have proven to be smart ones, but others can leave you asking "What were they thinking?" The only chance most of us active fans get to play GM is fantasy football, but this is your chance to play GM of the new Carolina Panthers jerseys for a day. What one change would you run out and make? The only requirements - you need to list the personnel involved and why. Here's your public opportunity to display your as-of-yet unrecognized football genius.
By this logic, some of those fellow owners have gladly been betraying him. The Panthers either released or opted not to re-sign nine starters from last year's 8-8 team, and several were snatched up by other teams. Most notable among them was defensive end Julius Peppers, who got a six-year $91.5 million contract ($42 million guaranteed) in Chicago. Following Peppers through the exit doors were quarterback Jake Delhomme, wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad, fullback Brad Hoover, defensive tackle Ma'ake Kemoeatu, linebacker Na'il Diggs and safety Chris Harris.
Health and old age were a factor in many of these moves. But a bigger factor was money. After Harris got away, Coach John Fox acknowledged that the club was on a tight budget. Fox would know; he's in the final year of his contract. The Panthers actually allowed him to void the final year of his deal back in January (a highly unusual move) so that he could have a crack at filling one of the league's head coaching vacancies. When nothing worked out, it was agreed that Fox would return to finish out his contract in '10.
The Panthers jerseys may not be willing – or able – to give Fox a $5 million to $6 million salary next year. The players understand his lame-duck status. In fact, financially speaking, many of Carolina's best players are in a similar boat. Linebacker Jon Beason, cornerback Richard Marshall and running back DeAngelo Williams are stars entering their primes and pining for new deals.
The young dancers broke up into groups and learned the choreography to a dance to a popular Justin Bieber song. The girls particularly enjoyed interacting with the Top Cats.
"They were really fun," said Sarah Grace Durant from Kershaw, South Carolina. "I had a really good time with them."
Some of the older dancers also looked to the Top Cats for some inspiration.
"The main thing I learned is you can keep dancing through high school and college and on to being a professional," said St. James High School student Hannah Maloney. "I'm on the [St. James High] Sharkies dance team, it's just really inspiring that I can keep dancing my whole life."
2010年7月7日星期三
Needham-raised former NFL tight end Eric Johnson
Johnson started for the Needham High Rockets his junior and senior years. He played running back, wide receiver, free safety and even punter for the Rockets, who went 8-2 and 7-3 those seasons, respectively.
Johan said he couldn't quite tell if the then slender Johnson had the makings of a professional athlete, but he knew he had the drive.
"I would say he was an on the field type leader," said Johan. "He kind of led by example. He worked hard in practice. He was a very intense kid in that regard."
Johnson, a seventh round draft pick of the new San Francisco 49ers jerseys in 2001, hit the ground running after his days on the Needham High School gridiron. He was a star wide received at Yale University in 2000, and went on to catch 40 passes for 362 yards his rookie season in San Francisco. Plagued by injuries throughout his years in San Francisco, he signed a new contract with the New Orleans Saints in 2007. He was eventually released by the team in 2008 and hasn't seen the field since, or the media spotlight, since.
"A lot of people have listened to a lot of the commentaries throughout a lot of the media outlets, mainly ESPN, that has my character in question as far as things that have happened in the past," Owens said. "And I think even though I may do 99 good things right and if I do one thing wrong, ESPN and the people on there is gonna make it out to be the worst thing ever."
He is probably half right and half wrong here. Yes, ESPN and many media outlets do spotlight him when he does something wrong, but it's only because over the course of his career, he's asked for it. He's done enough bad things (team-wrecking things, not seriously bad things like rape or murder, and we do need to be clear on that) to put the microscope on himself.
He even says that he's willing to take on a No. 2-WR role and that he's "probably in the best shape of my life," and ready "to give a team an opportunity to get to a Super Bowl."
Owens hasn't gone on any visits, but it's not because teams don't think he can play. We're sure there is interest there. But supposedly he wants $5 million per year and that's probably where the sticking point is.
Johan said he couldn't quite tell if the then slender Johnson had the makings of a professional athlete, but he knew he had the drive.
"I would say he was an on the field type leader," said Johan. "He kind of led by example. He worked hard in practice. He was a very intense kid in that regard."
Johnson, a seventh round draft pick of the new San Francisco 49ers jerseys in 2001, hit the ground running after his days on the Needham High School gridiron. He was a star wide received at Yale University in 2000, and went on to catch 40 passes for 362 yards his rookie season in San Francisco. Plagued by injuries throughout his years in San Francisco, he signed a new contract with the New Orleans Saints in 2007. He was eventually released by the team in 2008 and hasn't seen the field since, or the media spotlight, since.
"A lot of people have listened to a lot of the commentaries throughout a lot of the media outlets, mainly ESPN, that has my character in question as far as things that have happened in the past," Owens said. "And I think even though I may do 99 good things right and if I do one thing wrong, ESPN and the people on there is gonna make it out to be the worst thing ever."
He is probably half right and half wrong here. Yes, ESPN and many media outlets do spotlight him when he does something wrong, but it's only because over the course of his career, he's asked for it. He's done enough bad things (team-wrecking things, not seriously bad things like rape or murder, and we do need to be clear on that) to put the microscope on himself.
He even says that he's willing to take on a No. 2-WR role and that he's "probably in the best shape of my life," and ready "to give a team an opportunity to get to a Super Bowl."
Owens hasn't gone on any visits, but it's not because teams don't think he can play. We're sure there is interest there. But supposedly he wants $5 million per year and that's probably where the sticking point is.
2010年7月5日星期一
Seattle Seahawks' Wide Receiver
Wide Receiver
T.J. Houshmandzadeh - Houshmandzadeh had a pretty nice thing going for him in Cincinnati with Chad Ochocinco garnering the attention and Houshmandzadeh getting receptions and touchdowns. But he opted for the "big bucks" and has produced two mediocre seasons in Seattle. It looks like more of the same for 2010 which means he'll have a couple of decent games during the season, but he won't put up the "75-catch, 975-yard, nine touchdown seasons" we were used to in Ohio. He has value as a late No.2 or early No.3 receiver, but his ADP of 90 might be a little overpriced.
Golden Tate - The rookie has a chance to start on Opening Day across from Houshmandzadeh and have an immediate fantasy impact. That is of course, if he can beat out second-year receiver Deon Butler and veteran Deion Branch and Hasselbeck stays healthy. Those are a lot of "ifs" but with an ADP of just 139, it might be worth the gamble.
Deion Branch - Branch hasn't played a full season since he left New England and hasn't been a fantasy factor since then either. Perhaps he should have seen the value in staying with Tom Brady and the Patriots' offense. Given his production over the past four years, his injury history and the question marks at quarterback, I have to believe you can find a better option. Neither Deon Butler, Ben Obomanu nor former USC first-round bust Mike Williams should have any fantasy value in 2010.
Tight End
John Carlson - Carlson got off to a great start in 2009 with six receptions for 95 yards and two scores in Week 1. Unfortunately, it was downhill after that as the weak offensive line left him blocking more than going out for passes. Hopefully, the addition of Russell Okung from Oklahoma State will help stabilize the line and allow Carlson to catch the ball again, but that's not a guarantee. Fantasy owners apparently don't think the Seahawks did enough for the line because Carlson has dropped from the No.9 tight end off the board in 2009 to an ADP of 158 and the 16th tight end off the board in 2010.
Quarterback
Matt Hasselbeck - As recently as 2007, Hasselbeck was a starting fantasy quarterback, throwing for almost 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns. However, time, a bulging disc in his back and a bad shoulder have left the Seattle Seahawks quarterback as a huge question mark. And most fantasy players don't want a question at quarterback which explains his ADP of 191 and his being around the 27th quarterback off the board. If he can avoid back problems, Hasselbeck could once again help a fantasy lineup because the Seahawks have added weapons and just as importantly improved the offensive line in front of him. Still, if you are considering him for a major role on your roster, you better have another quarterback who can carry the load, too.
Charlie Whitehurst - Should Hasselbeck get hurt again, or start out slowly, there is a distinct possibility that new head coach Pete Carroll will give Whitehurst a shot. With almost no information on Whitehurst's ability to play at the NFL level (his entire pro career consists of two rushing attempts for 13 yards and a touchdown back in 2006), I can't recommend him at this time, even as a "handcuff" to Hasselbeck.
Seattle Seahawks running back Quinton Ganther of Richmond was arrested Saturday morning on suspicion of DUI in Sacramento.
Ganther, a John F. Kennedy High of Richmond graduate, was booked into the Sacramento County main jail at 6:50 a.m., according to the Seattle Times. The California High Patrol arrested Ganther around 3:15 a.m. in downtown Sacramento.
Ganther, who turns 26 on July 15, joined the Seahawks as a free agent during the offseason after playing last season with the Washington Redskins. The Oakland-born Ganther is expected to compete for a role as a backup running back and special teams player. Ganther spent his first three seasons with the Tennessee Titans as a role player.
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