Roman Harper

[London Loves Luke]

So this probably isn't going to be the most popular opinion on here but over the last few weeks RR and the young defensive backs have been giving Harper a lot credit for being a smart guy in the locker room and providing veteran leadership.  

 

http://espn.go.com/blog/carolina-panthers/post/_/id/11086/roman-harpers-experience-proving-priceless-for-panthers

 

"He’s not going to be a parent to you, over-coach you, but he’s always there when you need him," Benwikere said. "He’s always there to answer any question you need, to show you the ropes. 

 

"Roman has meant the world to me," he said. "It’s kind of hard to say the world when you have family, but in this football world Roman has really helped me to become a man, understand the game and life." 

 

There's a couple of quotes in this article that make me think that without Harper on the field, there's no way we could be playing Norman, Bene and Boston together this early in their careers. 

 

Think its worth understanding the benefit of this veteran leadership even though he's had some pretty poo moments on the field this year. Stuff like this, and the way he's played the last few games, almost make me want to see him have a few good games next year in this new look secondary. 

[Dex]

fug grey bush and his awful angles.

[1989]

Good stuff

[SteveSmithTD89]

He can be an all world mentor and I'll thank him for his part in developing what looks like a promising young duo of corners.

 

But he can do that from the bench.

[DanTheMan]

Harper the man = Great Guy...Harper football player = His glory days are over.

[PantherBrew]

Obligatory post about hiring Roman as secondary coach.  

[electro's horse]

Roman has played better since Boston has replaced Decoud. 

 

Even though Boston doesn't always know where he's going, he at least gets wherever he ends up quickly and decisively. Decoud was hesitant and slow. 

 

I think with just an athletic kid out there Harper is more comfortable. 

[RelaxImaPro]

Harper gets a lot of unjust hate due to being a big time Saint all those years, and yeah he's had some whiffs... but he's also made some good plays.  It's not like he's the only subpar player on the team this year.  At the very least he had a great game against the Saints, and was laying mother fugers out left and right.

 

I wouldn't mind if he was on the team next year.  Helping those young guys is crucial.  Think about how quick Luke came along thanks to Beason, TD, Anderson, and Senn... which he credits time and time again for helping him mature so fast as an NFL player.

[Toundra]

Let's see how he is playing against better teams..

Wait.. we already know.

CUT HIM !

 

[Ricky Spanish]

Truth be told, Harper HAS looked better the past two weeks. No reason to get pissy over it, it only helps us. 

 

 

[saints4life25]

Harper has always been a great guy in the locker room. Hes a smart player, just not all that gifted athletically.

[VerticalThreat]

This shouldn't be a surprise though. Roman is an average safety at best. He was brought in to be a leader and play on a backend that would be sheltered by a powerhouse front 7. That all changed when teams were afforded the opportunity to double-team CJ.  The DL has played better and has allowed Harper to play the role he was brought in to play.  As much as we like to rag on Roman about the grey hair and how slow he is, he was playing against a stacked deck all season just like many others on this team.  Finally the pieces are coming together and that's helped him tremendously.

[PantherDynasty]

Harper has looked a lot better the last couple of weeks IMHO. Seems to be making a few plays

[Darth Biscuit]

So what you're saying is Harper should be a coach...  because he's done as a player imo.