Good article on Amini Silatolu's return

[KB_fan]

I don't know if we'll ever know if DG considered using Amini as depth at LT.  It doesn't seem like it was being talked about or tried during OTAs, but of couse that was before Oher's situation became clear.

Whether this is Gettlemagic or Hurneymagic, bringing Amini back may prove to have been a good thing for us in terms of shoring up tackle depth.  My confidence is slowly growing about the LT situation. 

Good article on Amini's return at Panthers.com

http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/Quiet-resolve-drives-Amini-Silatolu-/08381d37-2a7c-4737-bd61-a0cfb1c01d14

Here's an excerpt:

Quote

There was a time where Silatolu appeared to be on the fast track to being a longtime starter in the league as opposed to a valuable provider of depth. After showing a lot of promise playing and starting right away as a rookie, he held the same role in 2013 before suffering a torn right anterior cruciate ligament four games in.

Various injuries cost him nine games in 2014, and in 2015 – as a reserve after guards Andrew Norwell and Trai Turner had established themselves – he tore his left ACL after playing in nine games.

Silatolu became an unrestricted free agent after the 2015 season. The Bears brought him in just before training camp last year but waived him before the first game. He spent the 2016 regular season getting stronger – physically and mentally.

"I was still healing up from the previous ACL in 2015, so I just sat out the year," Silatolu said. "It helped me a lot. My body is fully recovered. I feel good this year.

"My mind never left the game. I was still watching, still studying – watching a lot of Panthers games. My plan was that if I had the opportunity, this would be my first place to come to."

Silatolu said he weighed about 325 pounds this time last year, but with his focus last fall on running to rehab his knee, he got down to 285. He's now at 308 pounds – heavy enough to compete at guard and tackle but also light enough to do what is required of a tackle.

"You're working with quicker guys out in space," Silatolu said. "Being in better shape is helping."

Defensive end Wes Horton tangled with Silatolu his first time around with the Panthers. Horton has lined up some at defensive tackle this year at training camp, so the second time around he's faced Silatolu at both guard and tackle.

"He seems like a very determined player right now," Horton said. "I see a really fine focus with him. He has a lot to prove, being off a year and coming back. When you look in his eyes at the line, he looks very serious, very focused.

If Matt Kalil's groin injury lingers (heaven forbid), he may have to watch his back..., which is a very good thing.

[dpm0409]

Love that he's tuned in and focused, but he's gotta prove he can stay healthy.  Hopefully that's something he can do carrying a little less weight on his frame perhaps.

[Hogmolliesmaht]

It's hard not to pull for a guy like Silatolu. Frankly, I would rather see Matt Kalil prove he can stay healthy though.

[KB_fan]

51 minutes ago, Hogmolliesmaht said:

It's hard not to pull for a guy like Silatolu. Frankly, I would rather see Matt Kalil prove he can stay healthy though.

Totally.  I wasn't meaning I want Amini to win the job over Matt, but the thought that he's actively trying to get back to be a starter, wants it, may be good.  Competition should help them both get better.

[TheSpecialJuan]

Good for him but I'm gong to wait to see how he fares during pre-season games to really get excited about our backup LT situation.

[Udogg]

The Panther fan in me wants him to succeed. 

The human being in me loves to hear about people overcoming adversity and having success.

That being said, he worries the heck out of me at guard, at tackle he terrifies me.  

 

[The Huddler]

56 minutes ago, Udogg said:

The Panther fan in me wants him to succeed. 

The human being in me loves to hear about people overcoming adversity and having success.

That being said, he worries the heck out of me at guard, at tackle he terrifies me.  

 

One thing ive learned in life is to confront and run towards your fears