Suprisingly, Connor not being asked to compete for starting SLB spot

[scpanther22]

When the Carolina Panthers parted ways with Na’il Diggs this off-season, the general assumption was former third-round draft pick Dan Connor would be given a chance to compete for that starting spot.

But that’s not been the case – at least not yet.

Instead, James Anderson has been running with the first-team at strong side linebacker during OTAs while Connor said he's been working exclusively as the second-team middle linebacker behind Pro Bowler Jon Beason.

Connor said Friday he hasn’t taken a single rep on the strong side during practice.

Instead, Mortty Ivy and some other younger players have been competing with Anderson.

http://www.carolinagrowl.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=482:suprisingly-connor-not-being-asked-to-compete-for-starting-slb-spot&catid=1:articles

[CRA]

Connor is more of a MLB than anything. I don't mind it b/c I think if Beason goes down he can keep the ship sailing.

[BF91]

That's odd. I really expected him to compete for, and win the SLB job.

[pantherfan49]

James Anderson playing the strong side is not going to work.

I believe the best three should be on the field and the best three includes Connor IMO.

[panthers55]

Not that surprising. Connor will be the MLB backup and Beason has gotten dinged each year. So Connor needs the work there. Plus Anderson and the backups in particular need the work in OTAs. Lets see if Connor still gets no work at Sam during training camp. If he doesn't then it might be surprising.

[scpanther22]

He spent three years playing outside linebacker at Penn State and even played some strong side linebacker last year for the Panthers late in the season.

“I’m pretty used to it,” Connor said. “Right now I’d have to shake a little rust off because I haven’t played there, but yeah, it’s something I’ve done there before. It’s a fun position. I like it a little bit.

So he has played there before

[cookinbrak]

Not that surprising. Connor will be the MLB backup and Beason has gotten dinged each year. So Connor needs the work there. Plus Anderson and the backups in particular need the work in OTAs. Lets see if Connor still gets no work at Sam during training camp. If he doesn't then it might be surprising.

Yeah, I thought he was Beast's backup, and could spell the other guys during games. I think he starts if Beast goes down, but that's it.

[mmmbeans]

Yeah, I thought he was Beast's backup, and could spell the other guys during games. I think he starts if Beast goes down, but that's it.

i think he starts if pretty much anybody goes down and from what I've seen, anderson is better in coverage than conner which is why he might end up getting the nod at slb.

[scpanther22]

If we were just going to have Connor as a backup then we should have just traded him..IMO.I hope we give him a real shot.

I also don't get when people say Connor does not "fit" diggs old spot.

[KillerKat]

James Anderson playing the strong side is not going to work.

I believe the best three should be on the field and the best three includes Connor IMO.

Based on what? Assumptions you pulled out of thin air?

[koolkatluke]

James Anderson playing the strong side is not going to work.

I believe the best three should be on the field and the best three includes Connor IMO.

Then you would be wrong Connors is not good in coverage or rushing the passer. I think he and Anderson lose the job too Norrwood.

[AceMan]

Then you would be wrong Connors is not good in coverage or rushing the passer. I think he and Anderson lose the job too Norrwood.

Yeah, I'm starting to think Norwood wins this battle as well

[Cyberjag]

How is Connor not good in coverage? And why on earth would you think a fourth round rookie has an edge on either Anderson or Connor?

[scpanther22]

Then you would be wrong Connors is not good in coverage or rushing the passer. I think he and Anderson lose the job too Norrwood.

Norwood is the worst in coverage.