Panthers in Need of Playmaker/Leader
November 6, 2007
Last season I asked Mike Minter who on this team inspired him to play at a higher level. This was his answer:
“Steve Smith is a guy that I look at and say, ‘man you know if this guy can go out and compete and play hard like that then I want to do that too.’ Guys on the defense like Pep, Ruck, Dan Morgan, Ken Lucas, guys like that that I look at and see them going out 100 mph it’s definitely going to make me want to compete on that level also.”
John Fox has often said that stats are for losers and that what he wants on his team are playmakers. Since I asked Minter that question he has retired, Peppers has disappeared, Dan Morgan is out for another season, and Rucker is playing on the downside of his career.
The only player on defense left that Minter named is Ken Lucas. Lucas has a big contract and has made some plays this season. He is a veteran and nobody else on the team takes as much pride in the way they play the game than Lucas. If he wants it, he has the opportunity through these events to step up more and become the leader of this defense. There is much room for this team to be inspired and motivated to play at a level their talent would suggest.
On offense Steve Smith is a capable playmaker captain, but he can’t throw the ball to himself. His play inspires others to play harder but it’s hard to inspire in that method if you don’t ever touch the ball. There is still a lot of football left, and plenty of time for the Panthers to get on a roll. There are more than a dozen coaches and a 53 man roster of professionals that are capable of getting their problems fixed.
The Bright Side…
November 6, 2007
Yes, there are a few bright spots to look at in regards to the Carolina Panthers season.
Allow me…
- Jon Beason looks to be the most promising first round draft pick since Jordan Gross. The coaching staff would be wise to keep him at MLB regardless of Dan Morgan’s health.
- Fans can once again get tickets on Sunday for twenty dollars or less. Corporate club seats will be hard to give away at the offices.
- Jeff King continues to develop into the first real TE on the team since a guy named Wesley Walls.
- Don’t let the lack of offensive production sour you on Jeff Davidson and the system he brings. The offensive line will not completely grasp the concepts until a full season is under their belt. It starts to become effective when the players no longer have to think about the scheme, but instead mainly react within it.
- Kris Jenkins has emerged as a team leader on defense, for better or for worse. His contempt for the Carolina fans is worrisome, hopefully it will not spread to the others.
- Carolina teams usually finish stronger than they start. At 4-4 with eight games to go, the Panthers are far from mathematically out of the playoffs.
