WRs not named Smitty - through preseason game 2

[CRA]

A review by CRA AKA Mr. Negative through 2 preseason games.

K. Moore - targeted 9 times, 2 rec, 51 yards

D. Jarrett - targeted 7 times 4 rec, 24 yards

B. LaFell - targeted 5 times, 1 rec, 15 yards

A. Edwards - targeted 11 times, 4 rec, 33 yards.

*granted there are other plays like pass interference calls, plays called back, blocking, etc that don't show on a stat sheet that factor in.

K. Moore - currently (only 2 meaningless preseason games) Moore has shown to be the overall best WR. He runs the best routes out of the group and looks to have the most big play potential. His hands? While he does make some tough highlight quality grabs...... his hands are far from consistant and lacks the blocking ability we seem to rely on from our starting WRs of seasons prior.

D. Jarrett - Jarrett is a big body who pulls in catches. Nothing spectacular. He does appear to have the most consistant hands out of this group by a fairly significant margin. However, if he isn't getting open often and forcing balls into coverage probably isn't the option we would like to see Moore take in this offense.....you gotta wonder if he simply just won't workout no matter how much he studies and workst. Jarrett being on the field in 2 WR sets could cause Moore to force balls to both the WRs. Jarrett b/c he never gets legitimate seperation and then to Smith b/c he is a miracle man and our QB could often hope to see if he can perform one.

B. LaFell - probably has the potential to be the best WR out of this group in the long haul imo. He simply needs some NFL reps to work on his game in terms of postioning himself for some of the tougher grabs he would be required to make in this offense. I think the transistion to being an NFL WR is probably a lot easier for guys not coming into a playaction running offense.

AE - very diverse and talented. He is a rookie. Much like LaFell (well, actually to a much greater extent) he just needs reps. Practice, preseason, and tons of practice as this season goes on. He needs reps before he is able to contribute on this team. Maybe by midseason he could be ready but I think it is a bit much to assume a converted QB can pick up new positions as quickly as people assume should happen. Realistically, it isn't fair to even think of him as an option heading into week 1 and likely not even this season as a WR.

Now, while I give Kenny Moore the slight edge at this point overall as a WR, I am not sure the power run game of Carolina will want to put Moore out there to do a fair amount of blocking. Jarrett and LaFell clearly outperform him in that aspect.

Things could change drastically after the third preseason game where there is actually some prep work done by Fox. In addition to that, I would wager Moore and the offensive line could look signficantly better as they prepare for the defensive scheme Tenn will run (which also happens to be a 4-3 look that players here are more use to seeing every day in practice). The wildcard of Steve Smith remains at play and I would guess if Smitty was going to see any action he might make an appearance in the one game coaches in the preseason hold to a slightly higher standard. Smitty on the field would probably give a more realistic look at what the number 2WR might be facing. Teams will not be able to be as risky imo with some of the early blitz work with 89 on the field. So week 3 imo will be the chance for one of these guys to really show if they are ready to contribute heading into week 1.

Now, if things relatively stay the same next weekend and no player makes any signifcant movement. I think Carolina SHOULD look to bring in a veteran (even if only a few years are under his belt) that is cut to at least provide some stable play. A youth movement is great, but while LaFell and AE practice and get better we simply need someone to be relaible in that department. Assuming we run a similar offensive scheme as the past 2 seasons I am not sure the #2 spot fits either Moore or Jarrett. At this point, no one imo really looks good enough to be considered a starting WR for this offense. I do think that could change this season as LaFell could be ready by midseason or even before.

So as of now, I think it is basically too early to get to high or low on these guys. I think however after next week (game 3 against Tenn) it will then be fair to start making some more concrete opinions on this guys. And let's face it, we are fans, we are far smarter than coaches. All they have to do is ask us what to do and the team would be 16-0

Anywho, that is my 2 cents. Feel free to rip it apart.

[Wither]

I think most of it is accurate, but I still think Jarrett is going to be the #2, Moore the #3, LaFell the #4, etc. and that is how I felt before the first game. I doubt it will change over the next two, but hey, it could.

[HPPantherzfan]

A review by CRA AKA Mr. Negative through 2 preseason games.

K. Moore - targeted 9 times, 2 rec, 51 yards

D. Jarrett - targeted 7 times 4 rec, 24 yards

B. LaFell - targeted 5 times, 1 rec, 15 yards

A. Edwards - targeted 11 times, 4 rec, 33 yards.

K. Moore - currently (only 2 meaningless preseason games) Moore has shown to be the overall best WR. He runs the best routes out of the group and looks to have the most big play potential. His hands? While he does make some tough highlight quality grabs...... his hands are far from consistant and lacks the blocking ability we seem to rely on from our starting WRs of seasons prior.

D. Jarrett - Jarrett is a big body who pulls in catches. Nothing spectacular. He does appear to have the most consistant hands out of this group by a fairly significant margin. However, if he isn't getting open often and forcing balls into coverage probably isn't the option we would like to see Moore take in this offense.....you gotta wonder if he simply just won't workout no matter how much he studies and workst. Jarrett being on the field in 2 WR sets could cause Moore to force balls to both the WRs. Jarrett b/c he never gets legitimate seperation and then to Smith b/c he is a miracle man and our QB could often hope to see if he can perform one.

B. LaFell - probably has the potential to be the best WR out of this group in the long haul imo. He simply needs some NFL reps to work on his game in terms of postioning himself for some of the tougher grabs he would be required to make in this offense. I think the transistion to being an NFL WR is probably a lot easier for guys not coming into a playaction running offense.

AE - very diverse and talented. He is a rookie. Much like LaFell (well, actually to a much greater extent) he just needs reps. Practice, preseason, and tons of practice of this season goes on. He needs reps before he is able to contribute on this team. Maybe by midseason he could be ready but I think it is a bit much to assume a converted QB can pick up new positions as quickly as people assume should happen. Realistically, it isn't fair to even think of him as an option heading into week 1 and likely not even this season as a WR.

Now, while I give Kenny Moore the slight edge at this point overall as a WR, I am not sure the power run game of Carolina will want to put Moore out there to do a fair amount of blocking. Jarrett and LaFell clearly outperform him in that aspect.

Things could change drastically after the third preseason game where there is actually some prep work done by Fox. In addition to that, I would wager Moore and the offensive line could look signficantly better as they prepare for the defensive scheme Tenn will run (which also happens to be a 4-3 look that players here are more use to seeing every day in practice). The wildcard of Steve Smith remains at play and I would guess if Smitty was going to see any action he might make an appearance in the one game coaches in the preseason hold to a slightly higher standard. Smitty on the field would probably give a more realistic look at what the number WR might be facing. Teams will not be able to be as risky imo with some of the early blitz work with 89 on the field. So week 3 imo will be the chance for one of these guys to really show if they are ready to contribute heading into week 1.

Now, if things relatively stay the same next weekend and no player makes any signifcant movement. I think Carolina SHOULD look to bring in a veteran (even if only a few years are under his belt) that is cut to at least provide some stable play. A youth movement is great, but while LaFell and AE practice and get better we simply need someone to be relaible in that department. Assuming we run a similar offensive scheme as the past 2 seasons I am not sure the #2 spot fits either Moore or Jarrett. At this point, no one imo really looks good enough to be considered a starting WR for this offense. I do think that could change this season as LaFell could be ready by midseason or even before.

So as of now, I think it is basically too early to get to high or low on these guys. I think however after next week (game 3 against Tenn) it will then be fair to start making some more concrete opinions on this guys. And let's face it, we are fans, we are far smarter than coaches. All they have to do is ask us what to do and the team would be 16-0

Anywho, that is my 2 cents. Feel free to rip it apart.

This post surprised me; coming from you! Good write up.

[CRA]

I think most of it is accurate, but I still think Jarrett is going to be the #2, Moore the #3, LaFell the #4, etc. and that is how I felt before the first game. I doubt it will change over the next two, but hey, it could.

yeah, it wasn't so much what I think will happen but some thoughts on those competing for the starting job(s). I wouldn't be surprised if Jarrett starts week 1. Just not sure if things remain that same that he should. I think Fox could easily just put a body out there while he continues to wait for someone to really be starting material on this roster.

No way Fox brings in another body. However, I think if nothing changes against Tenn I think he should in order to have a reliable option early in the season.

[Sloth]

Good write-up.

Believe it or not, this biggest disappointment to me so far is LaFell. Camp-hype I guess. He really hasn't stood out much at all. He's a rookie, so it's to be expected, but I was really hoping he'd take off right away.

Jarrett looks better than LaFell so far and probably has the #2 spot locked in for this season, so:

1. Smith

2. Jarrett

3. Moore

4. LaFell

5. Wright

6. Edwards

is what I'm guessing, barring a vet signing.

[SorthNarolina]

I think Jarrett will make the team. We'll carry 6 WRs. Nobody else can step up right now.

[Wither]

Good write-up.

Believe it or not, this biggest disappointment to me so far is LaFell. Camp-hype I guess. He really hasn't stood out much at all. He's a rookie, so it's to be expected, but I was really hoping he'd take off right away.

Jarrett looks better than LaFell so far and probably has the #2 spot locked in for this season, so:

1. Smith

2. Jarrett

3. Moore

4. LaFell

5. Wright

6. Edwards

is what I'm guessing, barring a vet signing.

Looks correct to me, but Edwards/Wright could be either (and it doesn't really matter).

[Snake]

At this point I don't see how any WR is separating himself from the pack. Jarrett last night got a lot of work and so did Moore and I didn't seem much IMO. I think LeFell and Edwards are too green and they are our best hope. I guess we will see next game but I think its still a one man show in Carolina.

[DickolausJ]

Anyone else see Gettis make that catch with the defender right on his back and then throw the punk off em and run for a first down? I'm telling you all the kid is a beast.

Wallace Wright also made some good special teams plays.

[Wither]

No one is separating themselves, but Jarrett and Moore are reinforcing their statuses, which does count for something.

Anyone else see Gettis make that catch with the defender right on his back and then throw the punk off em and run for a first down? I'm telling you all the kid is a beast.

The problem is that was against 2nd and 3rd stringers (I believe).

[CRA]

At this point I don't see how any WR is separating himself from the pack. Jarrett last night got a lot of work and so did Moore and I didn't seem much IMO. I think LeFell and Edwards are too green and they are our best hope. I guess we will see next game but I think its still a one man show in Carolina.

I concur.

Which is why I think Fox should strongly consider bringing in someone cut if the right opportunity presents itself (which I don't think will happen since Fox seems so stubborn in certain aspects of his team). I would be willing to bet there will be some cut WRs that could probably be slightly better options than what we are working with. (granted, all rookies would remain on the roster). Not sure losing Moore or Jarrett wouldn't be worth that move though.

[Sloth]

Anyone else see Gettis make that catch with the defender right on his back and then throw the punk off em and run for a first down? I'm telling you all the kid is a beast.

Wallace Wright also made some good special teams plays.

If Edwards and Gettis were both picked in the 6th, I think you'd see Gettis make that #5/#6 spot and Edwards PS bound. As things stand, we'll try and stash Gettis and hope he makes it.

[Sloth]

I concur.

Which is why I think Fox should strongly consider bringing in someone cut if the right opportunity presents itself (which I don't think will happen since Fox seems so stubborn in certain aspects of his team). I would be willing to bet there will be some cut WRs that could probably be slightly better options than what we are working with. (granted, all rookies would remain on the roster). Not sure losing Moore or Jarrett wouldn't be worth that move though.

Yeah, Smith, LaFell and Edwards are locks. Wright is an almost definite. If we pick up a vet we probably lose one of Moore/Jarrett.

[Wither]

Yeah, Smith, LaFell and Edwards are locks. Wright is an almost definite. If we pick up a vet we probably lose one of Moore/Jarrett.

Don't see that happening, though.