Sherrod Martin is starting free safety in OTAs; splitting snaps a possibility?

[Real Emotional Trash]

Per Rotoworld.com:

Sherrod Martin is running as the Panthers' starting free safety in OTAs.

Martin is "on alert" after the Panthers signed Haruki Nakamura and Reggie Smith, but still has the inside track to a starting job. It's possible Martin and Nakamura could end up splitting snaps, with Martin playing obvious passing downs and Nakamura obvious running downs.

I only brought this up to talk about Martin and Nakamura splitting snaps at free safety based on the run and pass. How would that make people feel? Is removing Martin from the run what will help him because less of a target to fans and even Jerry Richardson?

He had that pretty INT against the Colts, but it was a tip and it was the Colts (never thought I'd say that, ha). But a lot of his problem WAS the pass, so are the Panthers simply unprepared for what will happen at safety this year? We've all been concerned about the CB2 position, but the guys we've been relying on at safety reeeeally have to step it up. Our division will be airing it out.

[Frizzy350]

I'm kinda just hoping Reggie Smith or Nakamura can take total control over the position. Hell I'd be happy if they were both improvements over Martin AND Godfrey.

[Real Emotional Trash]

I just wish we could glue our starting safeties to our backup guys and hope no one says anything about it because there are obvious glaring holes in the starters' skills.

[Dex]

Martin to CB, Naka at FS, Battle between Smith/Godfrey at SS and Cam splitting snaps on the line across from CJ.

[jtnc]

I'd really like to just try Martin at CB.

[SOJA]

A lot of players make big jumps between years 2 and 3. Not saying its definitively going to happen, but its petty and uncharacteristic of a good fan to openly root against a player to not succeed.

[Chimera]

I'd like to try Martin as a preseason cut.

[Gallagher]

Martin to CB, Naka at FS, Battle between Smith/Godfrey at SS and Cam splitting snaps on the line across from CJ.

Hell yeah!!

[Pejorative Miscreant]

A lot of players make big jumps between years 2 and 3. Not saying its definitively going to happen, but its petty and uncharacteristic of a good fan to openly root against a player to not succeed.

I agree with this. To give some of these guys the benefit of the doubt, I think some of the comments on the board are reflective of the players past performance rather than rooting against the player. I know it sounds like they are rooting against a guy but think it is more frustration than anything.

I think both of our starting safeties need to get better but Martin might need to have an accelerated learning curve. I think Rivera upgraded the position this offseason which should help.

[Plewis]

I am actually a Sherrod Martin fan and hope he keeps his spot. I feel as though coming off a solid sophomore season, he felt he had to do too much last year and just got out of his game. When he's playing smart and confident in the defenders around him he can be a stud. I guarantee that if you put him on the Patriots, he's a star. He seems like a Belichick type of player to me and I really look for him to thrive this year.

[Snake]

I just hope the best man wins. Martin may just have been lagging behind in learning the new system. OTAs could help and a new DB coach could as well. If not then Im all for whoever does the best job.

[jarhead]

From what Rivera said he gets a pass from last year.He better have his head and ass wired together,A 2nd round safety should be pretty good in the NFL.He seemed to regress last year which is concerning

[Razeyfingers]

Yeah Rivera says he regressed since the LB's werent communicating. Its true, a safety needs every piece of info he can get, but damn son, you got eyes and a brain. . make the read. . . idk easier said than done.

The one thing I would say he does ok is tackle, he doesnt hit big but most of the time he will make the tackle if in position to do so. That, to me, is a priority for a safety and the starting point of "can he play at that spot?"

[BEASTfromdaEAST]

I am confused with all this Martin at CB. What has he done to warrant that, missing open tackles? Competition won't truly start till TC and both are hungry, I see Nakamura beating out Martin for the job and being the starting FS.

I wouldn't like them splitting time at FS. FS isn't built for switching players in and out IMO.