FB situation

[g5jamz]

Current roster has:

42 Tony Fiametta

38 Rashawn Jackson

1st question: Does Jackson have any chance of unseating Fiametta for the starting spot?

2nd question: With the WR situation as it is and roster positions in high demand AT that position, do the Panthers simply cut Jackson and utilize Dante Rosario as the backup FB? He did play that some last year.

From the TC visitors: What can you tell of this position battle.

[MHS831]

I think they are good questions. My guess is this: Jackson is more like Goings and Fiametta is more like Hoover. Jackson is better at catching and running the ball, but Fiametta will block a little better. Fiametta has the advantage of having worked with Hoover, stealing pointers etc. I think it all comes down to special teams for Jackson, and he has the makings of a great special teamer and backup FB. If they can do without him on special teams, I would put him on the PS for the year. I think he will be safe there since he was not drafted.

As for using Rosario (I heard he was taking handoffs in practice), I think he was considered a FB/TE/Athlete when drafted. I don't think he would have the vision to be very effective over the long haul at FB; he is probably just a wrinkle designed to give the defense match-up problems. He has been lined up in the slot in 4 wr packages as well.

[CharlotteBeer.com]

I think it's still too early to tell, but it sounds like Jackson could give Fiammetta a run for his money.

As to your second question, I would be in favor of keeping only one fullback on the roster. Both Rosario and Sutton have shown they can fill in if need be. We'll probably keep four running backs and six receivers this year, so we're really going to need to make some room for those spots.

[panthers55]

Right now Fiametta is playing a lot of HB while jackson is taking most of the reps at FB.

This is due to all the injuries at HB but it either suggsts that Jackson needs the work at FB, or that Fiametta is more like a HB than Jackson is at this point. Could be as simple as the fact that Fiametta has a better handle on the playbook and can play the HB position better at this point.

But from everything I read, Jackson was considered the best player not drafted and several pundits felt he was a very good player. With Fiametta's history of a severe concussion last year which sidelined him for several games, I might be tempted to keep Jackson is he can play special teams.

[Wither]

Could be as simple as the fact that Fiametta has a better handle on the playbook and can play the HB position better at this point.

I'd put my money on that more-so than the other options.

[monstercat]

I don't think there is any question about Fiametta being the starter. I know a lot of fans weren't impressed with him last year, but you have to remember that FB is a tough job to learn. He is the guy who has to pick the holes for those RB's, and no rookie is just gonna come in and do it like Brad Hoover has done it after years of experience. If you listen to the coaches though, I think they will tell you that Fiametta was starting to get it late last season, and there is no reason to believe he won't keep improving.

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

I really don't like Fiammetta, but with all the injuries to our backfield right now I think it would be better to just keep all of them.

[DickolausJ]

I hope we keep em both.

[g5jamz]

I'd love to start seeing the roster speculations...as much as I'd love to keep a lot of these guys, until the NFL expands the rosters we're always going to be disappointed.

Maybe a byproduct of the CBA? fingers crossed

[pantherj]

Using Rosario as a FB would be a major mistake imo. Not that he can't do it, but because he isn't built for it. He would almost certainly end up on IR in a hurry.