NFL.com rates players

[Swarly]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8193ef39/article/nfc-look-has-saints-cowboys-with-a-wealth-of-bluechippers

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Blue-chip players: OT Jordan Gross, WR Steve Smith, RB DeAngelo Williams, LB Jon Beason and HC John Fox.

Red-chip players: OT Jeff Otah and RB Jonathan Stewart.

The obvious problem with the Panthers is their lack of a top-level quarterback, but they also need reserves to step up and fill the void of the veterans the team has lost, especially on defense.

"Blue-chip player: Rates among the top 10 at his position in the league. He is good enough to create mismatches vs. most opponents. He must also be one of the team's featured players and have a direct impact on the outcome of the game.

Red-chip player: Plays the game with no real weaknesses, is a solid starter, and will be able to capitalize on certain opponents, but is never consistently dominant. He might not play as well against the league's very best, but shows up each week and has a high degree of competitiveness, ranking among the top 15 at his position."

edit- could someone change title to "Michael Lombardi rates players"

[pepaw]

Kalil should def be on there. Another list to temporarily remove the sting of the offseason. Thx for sharing.

[pepaw]

We also have two blue chip Rbs thank you =).

[Swarly]

Yeah definitely agreed about Kalil/Stewart. Could also argue Chris Gamble being top 15 at his position.

[DickolausJ]

That list can go fug itself. No Kalil and no Gamble is a fuging joke. Kalil is top 5 Center and Gamble is top 10 corner.

[dixontosanders]

That list can go f**k itself. No Kalil and no Gamble is a f**king joke. Kalil is top 5 Center and Gamble is top 10 corner.

lol. calm it, all that poo is political, let the players play speak for themselves.

[The_Cannon]

I think the only reason Kasay isn't a red chip kicker is because of his age he isn't "all purpose" any more.

Kalil should definitely be up there, and I'm slightly shocked to see Fox as a blue chip...he's certainly a red chip but it's interesting to see where he would rank among coaches...

[SorthNarolina]

That list can go f**k itself. No Kalil and no Gamble is a f**king joke. Kalil is top 5 Center and Gamble is top 10 corner.

ehhhh prob not top 10. Red chip def.

Kalil is definately a blue chipper as he's top 5.

[SorthNarolina]

John Kasay could be a red chipper but the weak leg is really hurting him.

[DickolausJ]

ehhhh prob not top 10. Red chip def.

Kalil is definately a blue chipper as he's top 5.

Yea now that I thought about it Gamble might be more top 15-20.

[C-A-T-S]

I think of John Fox as more of a Red-chip if that!

[SorthNarolina]

I think of John Fox as more of a Red-chip if that!

I kind of understand why most sportswriters love him so much but at the same time I don't.

[Jbro]

Armanti Edwards needs to be a blue chip QB.

[firstdayfan]

I made a list myself the night I saw the afc version of this and my list was identical except I also had kalil, gamble, kasay, and baker. I was ok with it for the most part but I agree with everyone else that kalil being left out is a joke. It'd funny bc I don't think he even listed 10-15 centers but maybe he meany offensive linemen in general???

As far as fox goes it just shows how much we are blinded to how good fox is and how highly he is respected around the league. We are fans, passionate fans (or we would be doing something else with our time) so it's obvious that we get upset with fox and make things much more personal when he doesn't win. We get upset when he pulls the draw play out on third and long, we get irate whenever he keeps veterans in the game way past their prime, and we absolutely lose our minds when he says the phrase "it is what it is" or doesn't go out and spend hella money on primadonna wide receivers. We all miss the fact that he is the most consistent coach we have ever had, we have never lost more than 9 games in a season...some teams haven't lost LESS than 9 games in years. He has built the leagues best oline and running game and he has drafted well over his tenure that has filled our team with a core group of players that is pretty impressive.

So let's try and get off his back for a change and respect our coach and realize that we could be in a much worse situation. We are spoiled because we haven't got over the hump the past few years...oh wait we went to the playoffs two years ago. We have a good coach...he isng perfect but he is pretty damn good. So give it a rest and realize what people around the league already know.