Panthers in Need of Playmaker/Leader

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.