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2015 Training Camp Awards

Jeremy Igo

By Jeremy Igo,
in Carolina Panthers

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the_philosopher Newbie

the_philosopher

Posted
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Rivera played 7 rookies in the playoffs last year and has shown he will play the best players.  If Harper is starting he will be the best we have at that position hands down. That is plain to anyone but people with a story and preconceived agenda.

I disagree. Harper looked physically outmatched on the field last year. If he starts, it's because of his "veteran leadership," which I do think Rivera puts too much emphasis on. Many of the rookies getting playing time at the end of the year were in because Rivera was forced to by injuries and bad play. But it took too long in my opinion. Let's not forget, for just one example, how long Josh Norman rode the pine because of his "inexperience." We missed out on pretty much all of his team-friendly rookie contract years in order to watch guys like Cason be "experienced."

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Captain Morgan Grand Master

Captain Morgan

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I disagree. Harper looked physically outmatched on the field last year. If he starts, it's because of his "veteran leadership," which I do think Rivera puts too much emphasis on. Many of the rookies getting playing time at the end of the year were in because Rivera was forced to by injuries and bad play. But it took too long in my opinion. Let's not forget, for just one example, how long Josh Norman rode the pine because of his "inexperience." We missed out on pretty much all of his team-friendly rookie contract years in order to watch guys like Cason be "experienced."

Norman was benched because he was free lancing and not doing his job.  Now that he is doing his job he is having success.  It didn't have anything to do with Rivera playing an experienced player over him.  It had everything to do with Norman not doing what he was told.

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the_philosopher Newbie

the_philosopher

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Norman was benched because he was free lancing and not doing his job.  Now that he is doing his job he is having success.  It didn't have anything to do with Rivera playing an experienced player over him.  It had everything to do with Norman not doing what he was told.

In my opinion, that kind of junk should only last a couple games when the other guys are outmatched. You have to play your potential.

By the way, I doubt Norman is a new man. I'd say there's a good chance he could blow a game for us this season. But he's too talented relative to the other options to sit on the bench, and he was all those games he was on the bench.

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Wundrbread33 Grand Master

Wundrbread33

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Panthers.com writer (and friend of the Huddle) Max Henson gives some solid insight here....

 

http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/2015-Training-Camp-Awards/802035ec-580f-48bc-928b-e3ede924c71e

 

Definitely worth your clicks to read his analysis. 

 

Here is my take on his picks.... 

 

Offensive MVP: KB

No question. KB looked primed for an All-Pro year. 

Defensive MVP: Luke

Can't argue this. 

Standout Newcomer: Oher

Oher started shaky but finished strong as he acclimated to the left. Hard to argue this. But I might give the nod to Peanut Tillman also who forced many a fumble and looked solid all camp. 

Most Improved: Corey Brown

Corey did improve over last camp, that is for sure. I am tempted to give this to Josh Norman though who is really coming into his own. 

Pleasent Surprise: Kurt Coleman

Can't argue here. Coleman is this year's Mike Mitchell, but perhaps even better. 

Hustle Award: Norwell and Todman 

Yep and Yep. Norwell is always running to the ball downfield. Go watch the last preseason game again. The guy has a motor. 

I have been preaching Todman for weeks now. The guy is going to really turn heads this year. 

 

I would also add....

Best Rookie: 

Daryl Williams - As of today, Williams has stood out as the most consistent rookie on the field in addition to playing at a very high level. Only a matter of time folks.... 

 

 

 

View full article

Daryl Williams was a guy I watching in college. I always kept my eye on Oklahoma since they always kicked my Mizzou Tigers in the face every time they played. Lots of talent.

Getting Williams where we did was amazing. Huge, powerful man who performed at a high level at a big school and had a good combine. He would dominate ends in college. The negative every "scout" seemed to focus on was "slow foot speed, most likely a guard at the next level" even though he dominated at the tackle position and demonstrated solid foot speed in workouts. He was a team leader and had everyone's respect, and on top of it, he plays with a mean streak.

I just don't see why he fell so far.

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Captain Morgan Grand Master

Captain Morgan

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In my opinion, that kind of junk should only last a couple games when the other guys are outmatched. You have to play your potential.

By the way, I doubt Norman is a new man. I'd say there's a good chance he could blow a game for us this season. But he's too talented relative to the other options to sit on the bench, and he was all those games he was on the bench.

 I think he learned his lesson and that is why he is blooming.  Either way we'll find out this year for sure, and I'm leaning towards him having a very good year, possibly so good we can't afford him.  He's a baller, he was covering Smitty so well in his rookie training camp that he was trash talking him, but his play on the field was why he got sat.  As he matured and learned his role, he and the  team got better.  I know RR likes veterans, but there is a reason for that...veterans know their role.

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