Rivera on the receivers besides Smith: "We've had nobody step up"

[Sam Mills Fan]

http://blogs.charlotte.com/panthers/2011/08/rivera-sends-message-to-young-wrs.html

The Panthers sent a not-too-subtle message to their young receivers with the addition of veteran wideout Legedu Naanee: Don't get complacent.

Brandon LaFell and David Gettis combined for 75 catches last year as rookies. But first-year coach Ron Rivera said Naanee was brought in to increase the level of competition at the No. 2 spot opposite Pro Bowler Steve Smith.

“Probably the biggest thing is we've had nobody step up other than Steve. We've got to find guys that are going to step up and challenge for the position,” Rivera said today. “So this is an opportunity to have a guy that understands the system, knows the system, can help show the young guys how we do the system. What it takes to be a pro.

“He's been a good pro. He's been a guy that's been on the field for a Chargers and was successful for them.”

More at link.

Kind of a brutal quote, especially after all the praise Armanti has received. Maybe Rivera isn't high on Armanti and the others after all?

[Jrock88]

Probably trying to light a fire under their asses, elevating the competitions and all of our WR's games that much more

[Sword]

at least we know his honest opinion of our players..we'd always believe players like shelton and jarrett had a chance because fox was so vague with how he felt they were doing..

[LiQuiD]

This is my speculation as well and I welcome competition for all 46 active gameday spots. Defacto starters haven't gotten us very far in the past.

Edit: meant to quote Jrock's post

[blackcatgrowl]

So if we have gaping problems at WR... is this more evidence that Hurney is one of the worst GMs for WR talent acquisition (with the exception of Smith)?

[psyburn21]

Nothing wrong with competition at that position at all or any position for that matter. If they are under performing, then why not try lighting up the players at the position.

[Ivan The Awesome]

This coach is as subtle as a flying brick. Love it.

[PanthersGuy28]

Good, make sure they see this. If this doesn't pump them up then nothing will.

[mav1234]

So if we have gaping problems at WR... is this more evidence that Hurney is one of the worst GMs for WR talent acquisition (with the exception of Smith)?

Perhaps, but I personally think it is more likely that it means that between injuries, the lockout, and a totally new offense, our young receivers are way behind where they need to be for this team to be competitive. I don't think it is a coincidence that he's bringing in guys he *knows* can run the offense we're installing (anderson, naane) in case our young guys stumble out of the gate.

plenty of time for Lafell and Gettis to stop it up. This isn't Jarrett in his third year. Both guys did more than he ever did in their rookie seasons last year.

[scarface]

http://blogs.charlotte.com/panthers/2011/08/rivera-sends-message-to-young-wrs.html

More at link.

Kind of a brutal quote, especially after all the praise Armanti has received. Maybe Rivera isn't high on Armanti and the others after all?

If 89 is the #1 isnt AE too small to be the #2?

Seems like he he has [so far] solidified the slot position.

[CarolinaVeins]

If 89 is the #1 isnt AE too small to be the #2?

Seems like he he has [so far] solidified the slot position.

Ur right...i think Armanti for the most part solidified the slot. But now Chico is looking for that certified 2 spot

[MadHatter]

Guys.....slot is NOT a position on the team. It is where a WR lines up.

stop calling the #3 WR the slot receiver.

[DT3428]

If what Rivera said is true, I am glad we have Shockey and Olsen

[MadHatter]

Issue is that we have only had 1 week of practice....and Gettis LaFell are injured.