Lee Ward - The Punisher

[Jeremy Igo]

During Sunday's press conference, Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart called rookie fullback Lee Ward a "Punisher". 

Ward likes that description. 

"That's a huge compliment, especially coming from that guy" Ward told me after practice. "He is an absolute monster and I expect huge things from him this year." 

During Monday's practice, Ward began to showcase why Jonathan Stewart classified him in that unique way. 

Ward, in charge of protecting his quarterback, stifled linebacker Adarius Glanton for the duration of the play. 

Glanton appeared not to have taken too kindly to Ward's tenacity and got in a little extra curricular activity, knocking his helmet off after the whistle. I asked Ward if he had lost his helmet and had a busted chin before.

"It's something that has happened my whole career. I've busted my chin too many times to count at this point. They say the ladies like scars, so I guess it is only a good thing, right?"

On the very next play, Ward picked up his protection assignment again, this time linebacker stopping Jason Trusnik in his tracks. The result was much the same, namely proper protection and enough time for Derek Anderson to make a good read and throw. 

Ward does not seem to be too concerned about any ramifications from defensive players not accustomed to being stopped by a rookie. 

"I just try to get them on the play and do the best I can. I'm not really worried about the extra curricular stuff. The veterans don't appreciate a rookie coming and hitting them in the mouth, but I am trying to make this team just like they are."

Ward appears to have the right mind set required for any rookie, especially an undrafted one, to make a NFL team. If he can keep impressing like he did today he could very possibly make the Panthers practice squad or even regular roster. 

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[Darth Biscuit]

I really, really hope this guy sticks.

[h0llywood]

You're slowly turning me on to the guy.

[PhillyB]

one of the best things about 2013 was using mike tolbert as a battering ram to punish defensive players. that sort of thing wears defenses down.

based on jeremy's reporting the question isn't whether or not this guy can punish defenders but whether or not the offensive line can drive open lanes so he can get a head of steam.

[Riverboat Ron]

Really like Ward though the guy needs a better fitting helmet.

[shaka]

I said it in another topic:

 

All aboard the Lee Ward hype train, the punisher express.  We'll be making no stops, and running everything over in our path. 

[L-TownCat]

If the vet doesn't like getting hit in the mouth, hit him again, but harder.

Love tough players!

MOAR FULLBACK PLEASE!

[Batman]

We might not be the most talented offense, but between Norwell, Turner, Ward, Stewart, Tolbert, Newton, Benjamin, Funchess, & Olsen we are the biggest offense and are gonna punch people right in the mouth.

[Cary Kollins]

You're slowly turning me on.

ME TOO

[nctarheel0619]

Gonna be a solid signing to the practice squad, no doubt.  

[nctarheel0619]

If Ward doesn't make the cut, I'll be upset. Forget the hype for a minute, we just need all the protection for Cam we can provide. Lee is an old school, bruising FB who paves the way for our RBs and picks up blitzes from LBs and DBs like a boss.

Why the fug not. Especially since LBs have gotten smaller. I want to see him lay out those big mouth defenders like Wagner, Sherman and Chancellor like bitches.

They'll probably keep Brockel over Ward.  Just on "cohesiveness" alone.  

[caatfan]

I'm pulling for Ward to make the roster. Maybe he can play LT.

[TheRumGone]

His legs are like tree trunks.

[PhillyB]

with oher looking shaky ward might make the roster simply because he's such a good blocker. if he's versatile enough to leak out into the flats and catch a few balls he'd be someone else defenses would have to consider.