The Unmentioned Effect of Losing KB

[Frizzy350]

I've been waiting a while to post this and think now is the best time as we've solidified our capabilities without him on the field.

While we all primarily miss KBs ability to always be open utilizing his ridiculous catch radius, I think almost everyone has forgotten a nuanced attribute that the Panthers have been accustomed to: High quality blocking on the perimeter.

Moose, Smitty and even Brandon Lafell were considered some of the best blocking wide-outs in the NFL while they were with us.  KB took up that mantle as well. Philly Brown and Ted Ginn Jr? Well I'm sure they are capable, but they certainly are not known as "impact" blockers (although Ginn makes some nice blocks downfield, I'm looking more at the LOS).

Do you think not having top-tier perimeter blockers has attributed to the lack of explosive runs this year?

Do you think the coaches identified this and is why we suddenly saw Funchess so much in Seattle?

Do you think this is why our formations haven't been as heavy and wide as previous Shula years?

[Dex]

If KB was here Olsen would be on pace for 1500 yard season imo.

[Ivan The Awesome]

The effect it has really taken is that Cam has to spread that Ball around and make better decisions. He doesn't have KB AND Olsen to rely on. 

[Car123]

Ginn is an underrated blocker.

[motocross_cat]

If KB was on the feild, stewart would have more rushing yards....thats forsure.  Not due to blocking but would pull the 8th man out of the box. 

Not that he isnt a great blocker of course.

[SIGCHI222]

What wonderment does next year hold?  Seriously?

[CarolinaCoolin]

Guys just imagine how much the running game and passing game would open up with KB out there. When KB is healthy we are going to have a really good offense.

[JustLurking]

The KB thing is not as bad as it seems, now I feel teams sleep on our WRs and focus on cam and the RBs/Olsen. It also allows Cam to spread the ball around not only keeping the D guessing but keeping even himself guessing he is going through his reads and finding the open target. This has been great for his development however ...damn I wish KB was here lol

[Daddy_Uncle]

The effect it has really taken is that Cam has to spread that Ball around and make better decisions. He doesn't have KB AND Olsen to rely on. 

yeah as much as it sucked losing KB,  I believe this season was exactly what Cam needed to grow and get to the next level. He has become a lot better and smarter. I do beleive with the WR injuries this year though Gettleman will go out and get Cam the weapons he deserves in the offseason