What happens when the lead dogg goes down?

[London Loves Luke]

A couple of weeks ago Top Dawg posted this thread about how Funchess might not have the character or experience to immediately take on the lead receiver role with KB out for the year. The added pressure along with being a rookie receiver who never really had to be the #1 option in a top tier offence at college means there's a real risk of him imploding and worrying more about what happens if he doesn't make the play then if he does. 

I think there's a real chance we're seeing the same thing with Brown, he seems to be worrying more about having to make the play for the team, instead of wanting to make the play for himself. For players like Brown and Funchess, this is the first time they're having to think like number 1 receivers, and as they're not blessed with the same physical ability as KB, its very dangerous if they worry about being a #1 instead of just becoming a good NFL receiver. 

Both of these guys need to be reined back and someone like Ginn or Cotchery needs to step forward to drop Brown and Funchess behind them on the depth chart. Its a mental thing rather than a production thing but the coaches can't risk Funchess and Brown getting their confidence wrecked by overthinking their roles on the team. 

 

[KB_fan]

@London Loves Luke Very valid points I think.  I hope the lesson learned about Brown's situation last night will influence how they play Funchess.  Granted they are probably very different men, but I think the high pressure on Funchess could be detrimental to his development unless handled well by the team.  I've been struck by how quiet he seems.  He's not got the swagger of KB.  (Though he did come right out and say he thought Offensive Rookie of the Year was possible!  http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article25288975.html)

I hope he's ready for the spotlight and scrutiny he now is going to get.

 

[TheRumGone]

Rivera said as much during his presser. Something along the lines of "he thinks he has to make up for KBs play."

 

i think the coaching staff will get a handle on this, hopefully. Drill into their heads it's a unit effort not one man. 

[CRA]

Brown is a 2nd year undrafted kid whose catches last year looked painful....

and Ron is trying to make him a NFL starter....

just like he he tried to make Bersin a NFL returner.

Some things obviously don't work....those seem to be the toughest for Ron

[Jeremy Igo]

How about having Shula maximize the offense instead with new 2 TE looks, quick backs out of the backfield, and a couple speedy wideouts running vertical. 

 

nah. Lets use the same scheme and pretend we have KB still.  

 

 

 

[London Loves Luke]

Rivera said as much during his presser. Something along the lines of "he thinks he has to make up for KBs play."

 

i think the coaching staff will get a handle on this, hopefully. Drill into their heads it's a unit effort not one man. 

Rivera can say it all he wants, as long as the team lines up with Brown and Funchess as X/Z with the first team, these guys will probably still feel the pressure. Even though they don't have the luxury, it would be best to introduce them both back into first team snaps slowly and give them the chance to earn their reps and gain their confidence naturally. 

[tiger7_88]

How about having Shula maximize the offense instead with new 2 TE looks, quick backs out of the backfield, and a couple speedy wideouts running vertical. 

 

nah. Lets use the same scheme and pretend we have KB still.  

 

 

 

Let me see if I understand what you're saying... 

You telling me that Shula should show some creativity and adapt?

Dude... THAT'S CRAZY TALK.

Are you drunk, by chance?

[London Loves Luke]

How about having Shula maximize the offense instead with new 2 TE looks, quick backs out of the backfield, and a couple speedy wideouts running vertical. 

 

nah. Lets use the same scheme and pretend we have KB still.  

 

 

 

To be fair, Brown has struggled with a variety of routes this off season, he's failed to catch curls, crossing and go routes, all catches that he showed he could make last season. His problem seems to be entirely mental, not a lack of ability to run the routes he's being asked to. 

 

[Navy_football]

How about having Shula maximize the offense instead with new 2 TE looks, quick backs out of the backfield, and a couple speedy wideouts running vertical. 

 

nah. Lets use the same scheme and pretend we have KB still.  

 

 

 

Cam has had one - 4 thousand passing yards season since coming into the NFL. Shockey and Olsen played huge roles in Cam's early success. Well that, a good online, and a competent play caller.

[CarolinaSamurai]

Stop saying we need to reign in Funchess. Let the kid play before we start saying he can't handle it.

[Carl Spackler]

if the Lead Dogg goes down we just get a Lead Lion

[uncfan888]

How about having Shula maximize the offense instead with new 2 TE looks, quick backs out of the backfield, and a couple speedy wideouts running vertical. 

 

nah. Lets use the same scheme and pretend we have KB still.  

 

 

 

Two tight ends? You savage

[Lemory]

This was probably not the year to switch Marcus Lucas to a TE. Could have really used his sure hands in the redzone. I feel he could have been a big contributor this year at WR. 

[KB_fan]

This was probably not the year to switch Marcus Lucas to a TE. Could have really used his sure hands in the redzone. I feel he could have been a big contributor this year at WR. 

But what about 2 TE sets.  I'm thinking Lucas, Greg & Funchess could give us some of that height for mismatches we were hoping for?