Jump to content
  • Welcome!

    Register and log in easily with Twitter or Google accounts!

    Or simply create a new Huddle account. 

    Members receive fewer ads , access our dark theme, and the ability to join the discussion!

     


Jeremy Igo
 Share

Recommended Posts

Punt returners became a bit clearer at OTA practice today, and kept the same rotation throughout practice. 

In order...

 

Ted Ginn

Brenton Bersin (Don't shoot the messenger)

De'Andre Presley

Damiere Byrd

Obviously, Ted Ginn is the favorite to win the starting punt return position. He has proven effective there in the past for the Panthers. 

For me, the most interesting prospect here is Damiere Byrd. During rookie camp I noted the Panthers would probably be taking a look at him at punt returns. South Carolina Gamecock fans were quick to point out the fact he had never attempted punt returns in college. 

None the less, the Panthers appear to be giving him a shot. And with his quickness, why not. Any hint of daylight and Byrd could be in the end zone. 

 

Byrd looked pretty comfortable for a guy that had never fielded punts before. I saw no drops on any catchable punts. Ted Ginn did drop an easy punt. Go figure. 

It will be interesting next week to see how this unit is shaping up. 

 

 

Edited by Jeremy Igo
  • Pie 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think Bersin being on the list is just a nod to giving him the most opportunities they can at making the team. This team hasn't had this much competition at WR for awhile. There's no chance he's our punt returner.

At this point, its his job to lose... and he's going to lose it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Glad Philly isn't on the list. Not that he wouldn't be better than some of the other guys, but I want to see him focus all of his attention on wideout 100%, so when he wins that #3 spot on the depth chart he can be even better than if he was also returning. Funch in the slot with Philly and KB outside will be beautiful to see.

  • Pie 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Glad Philly isn't on the list. Not that he wouldn't be better than some of the other guys, but I want to see him focus all of his attention on wideout 100%, so when he wins that #3 spot on the depth chart he can be even better than if he was also returning. Funch in the slot with Philly and KB outside will be beautiful to see.

Choke on a Byrd bone! :)
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share


  • PMH4OWPW7JD2TDGWZKTOYL2T3E.jpg

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • If you are an athlete or former athlete (myself?  Cornhole 2021-present; Disc Golf 2013-got a mega blister and had to retire; speed walking--every black Friday at Walmart 2003-2009) you know what it is to lose confidence.  Self-inflicted or not (in my view, a lot of 2023 was coaching and a lot of 2024 was confidence), he has confidence now. How fragile is it?  I think the light is on, the game slowed down, and he is ready to do his thing.  He seems to be "mobile in the pocket" instead of "running scared."   Last year, there were times when AT was out, Johnson gone, and all he really had was XL and Coker--a raw rookie with upside and an UDFA rookie.  TE was rarely a viable option. It reminded me of Benjamin and Funchess.   Moore had to step up.  This season, Bryce has weapons.  I expect XL to improve.  I expect TMac to help tremendously, and I think Coker will be solid.  Renfrow?  Horn?  bonuses.    
    • His points are valid.  However, it seems a bit based on past performance and fails to take into consideration trends and conditions that might suggest growth in 2025.   For one, he breaks the team down by position and ranks them separately.  I guess that is a fair way to do it, but they are dependent upon each other. Last year, our DL sucked.  That impacts the rest of the defense.  With no internal pressure, the QBs simply step up to avoid the Edge rush.  I would have suggested that the internal DL is now featuring pass rushers and large people who can collapse the pocket.  Secondly, the LBs were not protected very well in 2024.  It is hard to see the holes and step up when a guard is in your earhole a second after the snap.  Finally, the defensive backs will be forced to make fewer tackles and they will be better in pass protection with a new and improved DL.    Canales made an interesting comment the other day, and I (from the outside looking in) feel the same way:  (paraphrasing) "I have never seen a better group of rookies."   I think the biggest concern is the learning curve.  How long before these rookies are ready?   I am bullish on this team.  I think they win 3 of their first 4 and get confident.  The get the fans behind them.  From there, they win 6 of the remaining 13.  If they stay injury free, they have an outside shot at the NFC south.     
    • Biiiiiig eyeroll on this.  First, Look at historical stats of the most recent historical great DBs.  I plucked 3, Revis, Sherman, and Norman (cuzz he was our guy).  Combined post age 30, there are TWO pro bowls between those 3 and wanna get this...ZERO seasons with 16 games started.  ALL missed time.  It is RARE that Corners survive that long in the NFL and its about time we started recognizing this fact.  Jaycee is a good bet because it hasnt been anything seriously devastating injury wise, and with his sample size he could and should be an incredible piece for the panthers through age 30. Jaire kinda flops on the other side, hes 28...so hes under 30, but he wants his payday before it comes up, hes also been injury prone lately.  Bulk of the contract will be on opposite side of 30.  Will both of these guys help us be better in 2026?  SURE!  No doubt, but the question is, will these guys help us past 2026...not sure. The investment isnt worth the risk, nor would the ROI be anywhere close to worth it.  Neither guy is moving us from a 6-8 win team to a 8-10 team, period. My point is we're in this state a 6-8 win team IMO and he projects us as  a 4-6 win team.  EVEN if we think Jaire or Ramsey will make us a 6-8 win team, it in NO WAY is worth the money or capital to move that much just to suck kinda less.  
×
×
  • Create New...