The "four or five guys" according to Strickland article on WRs

[top dawg]

In a way, I guess you could say that there is really little to be learned from Bryan Strickland's article about how Rivera views our group of receivers, but it does perhaps provide more clarity than most of us believe (or some of us want to admit).

That first group of "four of five guys" is comprised of Kelvin Benjamin – a 1,000-yard receiver as a rookie last season – veterans Ted Ginn, Jr., and Jerricho Cotchery, speedster Corey Brown and second-round rookie Devin Funchess.

Now some may believe that Cotchery is on the bubble, but I would say that his spot is as safe as those of KB, Funchess and Ginn.  The Panthers love his veteran presence both on and off the field. And it's not like he has in any way hurt his chances since camp started. I can almost feel the vibe of camp and Cotchery's security through my laptops's LCD. I can't say that about Brown who is probably the 5th guy in that group.  By making plays, Brown can assure that "four or five five guys" turns into just "five guys".  He has the best opportunity to take the "or" from Rivera's mouth in that equation, or he will be pushed back with the rest of the group that is squarely on the bubble.

Still not buying that Cotchery is in the top four?  Well, Rivera said that he is looking for consistency. He will be looking for consistency under the lights during the preseason games. 

"I'm looking for guys to make plays and take advantage of the opportunity," Rivera said. "Especially with the second and third groups, guys we put in position to make plays have to make plays."

Now if you are really being truthful to yourself, Cotchery is the most consistent wide receiver that we have (I said WR, not TE). He just is. He has really already proven himself in that department.  Ginn has been a pretty consistent WR as a Panther as well. KB is a beast, and you know our second round pick ain't going anywhere.  Consistency and making plays will be key to who makes the cut.  So while you're looking at these games during the next month, watch for consistency and play making to figure out who on that bubble is going to likely be our 5th and 6th receiver (and maybe 7th).  The receptions, route running and YAC will obviously be at a premium, but don't forget that plays can be made on special teams and while blocking as well.

 

 

 

[t96]

You really hate Corey don;t you.

[top dawg]

You really hate Corey don;t you.

Not at all.

[jayflip]

^^^ Philly Brown took @top dawg's lunch money many moons ago. Also have him a swirley. 

[Mother Grabber]

thread should have been titled, "Article by Strickland on WRs reveals the 'Four or Five Guys'"

[ecu88]

^^^ Philly Brown took @top dawg's lunch money many moons ago. Also have him a swirley. 

I thought the purple nurples did him in.

 

[top dawg]

thread should have been titled, "Article by Strickland on WRs reveals the 'Four or Five Guys'"

I know what you're doing, but mine is actually more accurate, as was my suggestion in the other thread. It has nothing to do with grammar, as was the suggestion.

[TheRed]

Brown is a UDFA making peanuts, but he is a potential solid contributor at #3, and possibly if he elevates his game even further, #2. He would need to have a spectacularly bad preseason for coaches to even begin considering the idea of cutting him. If they did, he would be scooped up very quickly. Which they obviously know.

Corey is not going anywhere. You're just going to have to get used to that man.

[top dawg]

Brown is a UDFA making peanuts, but he is a potential solid contributor at #3, and possibly if he elevates his game even further, #2. He would need to have a spectacularly bad preseason for coaches to even begin considering the idea of cutting him. If they did, he would be scooped up very quickly. Which they obviously know.

Corey is not going anywhere. You're just going to have to get used to that man.

I don't think he is going anywhere provided that he shows up this preseason.  I still don't believe he is anyone's WR2.  If he is our WR2 at any point this season, then something would have gone very wrong at that time. Moreover, If I "hate" brown so much, I guess that other people "hate" Ginn, while even more "hate" J-Co.  Just as much as some think that Brown is a lock (which is possible), I am telling them that Cotchery and Ginn are even more locked into the 53 man roster. 

Lastly, both J-Co and Ginn are making veritable "peanuts" for what they are bringing to the table.  People are going to have to reconcile that both of these vets from a purely football and team needs standpoint are going to be here in 2015. 

 

[TheRed]

I don't think he is going anywhere provided that he shows up this preseason.  I still don't believe he is anyone's WR2.  If he is our WR2 at any point this season, then something would have gone very wrong at that time. Moreover, If I "hate" brown so much, I guess that other people "hate" Ginn, while even more "hate" J-Co.  Just as much as some think that Brown is a lock (which is possible), I am telling them that Cotchery and Ginn are even more locked into the 53 man roster. 

Lastly, both J-Co and Ginn are making veritable "peanuts" for what they are bringing to the table.  People are going to have to reconcile that both of these vets from a purely football and team needs standpoint are going to be here in 2015. 

 

For all the talk about how Ginn dropped passes for us in 2013, Jerricho was even less reliable in 2014, and even dropped a game winner in Cincinnati. I don't know if he's "on the bubble" or not, but I don't know that i would call him a lock either. Cotchery will likely only be around one more season anyway, so if it comes down to letting go of a promising younger WR, or Cotchery, I think you can figure out the outcome on your own.

[h0llywood]

I would much rather Ginn be the "veteran" guy on the team instead of Cotchery taking up a spot on the roster. We need YAC players to complement our two towers. I wouldn't be opposed to Benjamin/Funchess - Ginn/Brown and let Bersin/Byrd fight for the final spot.

[top dawg]

For all the talk about how Ginn dropped passes for us in 2013, Jerricho was even less reliable in 2014, and even dropped a game winner in Cincinnati. I don't know if he's "on the bubble" or not, but I don't know that i would call him a lock either. Cotchery will likely only be around one more season anyway, so if it comes down to letting go of a promising younger WR, or Cotchery, I think you can figure out the outcome on your own.

Cotchery had a drop. He can't catch them all. Since you are calling him "unreliable", do me a favor and tell me how many drops he had last year. Hint: I've already answered it.

As for Ginn, everyone knows that Gman, Rivera and Ginn weren't letting any dust settle under there feet to get him back in Charlotte. Not only is he likely the best (and perhaps viable) return man that we have, he has also upped his stock in camp as a legitimate WR3/4.

[TheRed]

Cotchery had a drop. He can't catch them all. Since you are calling him "unreliable", do me a favor and tell me how many drops he had last year. Hint: I've already answered it.

As for Ginn, everyone knows that Gman, Rivera and Ginn weren't letting any dust settle under there feet to get him back in Charlotte. Not only is he likely the best (and perhaps viable) return man that we have, he has also upped his stock in camp as a legitimate WR3/4.

Yeah, and it just so happens to be the drop that cost us a .500 record.

He had 1 touchdown all year, down from 10 the year before. He was supposed to help us in the red zone.

It was a disappointing season for him. There is no way around that.

[Kuhndog94]

Yeah... Corey Brown is more of a lock than Cotch. Sorry bro.