19 replies to this topic

[koolkatluke]

http://profootballta...mply-offensive/

7. The Panthers have apparently elected to go with slow and steady over athletic ability at free safety.
Former Ravens backup Haruki Nakamura (who was stuck behind some guy named Ed Reed) got the start and took all the work with the first offense.
Former second-round pick Sherrod Martin, who unlike Nakamura has range, is now a bench warmer.
This was initially a competition, but it appears the Panthers have made their decision. Martin’s such a better athlete it’s comical, but he had a series of gaffes in coverage last year that even had the owner cracking on him.
Basically, they’re electing to go with a limitation they can plan on rather than guessing where the more talented Martin will be.

Are we really benching the more talented player?

[Proudiddy]

Athletically, it's possible... I don't see much drop off in athleticism, if there is any. But, I'll tell you what - Nakamura is a bad A dude. When Slauson came in with the cheap shot and he pulled his helmet off, I suddenly remembered how highly decorated he was in martial arts and was wanting Slauson to take him up on his invitation, lol.

[Jrock88]

i dunno i think nakamura is underrated as an athlete... coming off the edge on a few blitzes he looked really quick. and the one deep ball to holmes, guess who was back there waiting for it. thought he was gonna pick that off.

[megadeth078]

The only thing PFT knows is that we benched a 2nd rounder in favor of a 6th rounder.

I think it's funny that they pretend to know anything about this team.

[Tarheels23]

Darin Gantt wrote the article.

[PhillyB]

he's looked pretty good in coverage so far. nothing blown, always there for the stop, good against the run, good in deep zones.

and a vocal communicator.

there's a reason he's the starter.

[megadeth078]

Darin Gantt wrote the article.

*processing*

nope, means nothing to me...

[Tarheels23]

*processing*

nope, means nothing to me...

Me neither, but the sad thing is, he's probably the best beat writer we have, and he doesn't even cover the team anymore.

[Marguide]

he's looked pretty good in coverage so far. nothing blown, always there for the stop, good against the run, good in deep zones.

and a vocal communicator.

there's a reason he's the starter.

Exactly. They're called "safeties" for a reason. Protect the field deep first and foremost and you'll probably never lose your job.

[megadeth078]

He makes it seem as if Martin didn't give Rivera enough reasons to seek other options. Nakamura might not be the answer for the long run, but the season is starting soon. He doesn't have all day to see if Martin is going to pan out anymore. He can't just keep Martin as the starter because he's "more athletic" or has a "higher ceiling". Rivera wants his defense to improve now. I doubt he cares about potential (b-b-but the potential!) at this point. If we want our safeties to be reliable and athletic, then oh well. Beggars can't be choosers.

[Tarheels23]

Once Beason gets back, him and Nakamura will communicate well with the rest of the defense. I'm excited!

[Proudiddy]

Nakamura also gives us that chipiness and edge that hasn't been a strength of ours recently.

[The Special One]

Darin Gantt wrote the article.

DGantt is the man.

[Daddy Uncle]

Nakaraki has shown verbal leadership and intensity on the field. Also he is where we need him to be at all times. He isn't going to make silly little mistakes. He will surprise some people.

[Daddy Uncle]

oh and Martin talks like a girl