Is it time to give up on Jeff Otah?

[KendrickPanther]

The Jeff Otah saga makes me sick every time I think about it. We drafted an extremely talented right tackle that should be dominating the league for the next 8 years. Instead we got one brilliant playoff season and 31 missed games.

It's just so hard to let go. With a healthy Otah on the fied the Panthers could take that step from being good to being dominant. Those dry spells brought on by Byron Bell penalties and sacks become touchdown drives. Instead of Cam scrambling for first downs Johnathan Stewart rumbles for them. Jeff is like that girlfriend that you really really want it to work out with but she just keeps gaining weight.

I thought this was Jeff's year. He would come out motivated by a big contract and dominate for 16 games. Instead there are reports he's come in heavy. He has pain in his knee but an MRI reveals no structural damage. This raises the question does he really want it? Is he really a football player? It hurts because we need him. You only get one 1st round pick per season and we used one of ours on him. Jordan Gross will age out soon our next 1st round tackle will be for the left side.

So should we give up? Or should we keep clinging to the memories of 2008? Has Otah given up? In a way this reminds me of Kerry Collins. He took us to the playoffs, broke our hearts. Then a few years later he's in the Super Bowl with the Giants.

[Mage]

Is it time to give up on Jeff Otah?

With a healthy Otah on the fied the Panthers could take that step from being good to being dominant.

Yes, a right tackle is the difference between us being good and dominant.

[pantherclaw]

We'll win with and without him.

Why give up before the season even begins.

[Ivan The Awesome]

I've been done with Otah for a while now. Hearing how he's doing well, in the best shape ever, only to be put on IR 4 games in gets to be redundant and irritating. I don't believe this guy will make the team, but eh, I don't make those decisions. The writing is on the wall and it's up to him if he wants to be a part of this organization. The thing is that he's young. If he can stay healthy it's his job. He hasn't stayed healthy and that's the big problem. Not sure if its him, the trainers, or a combination of both.

[Sean Payton's Vicodin]

Huddlers will vehemently defend Otah, right up until he gets cut. Then, all of the sudden, people will act like they knew from the start that he was a wasted effort.

Same thing happened with dwayne jarret (though he was lazy, not injury prone), and will happen to Armanti as well. The only time this doesnt happen is when one guy completely sucks and another guy comes in and does much better at that position (Clausen to Cam)

[Herbert The Love Bug]

who cares honestly

[Marguide]

I've been done with Otah for a while now.

Me too. He had a relatively minor injury and yet he can't get back on the field. Call me an idiot, call me whatever you want, but I don't think football is that important to him.

My guess is we reach an injury settlement with him and let him go.

[rodeo]

Huddlers will vehemently defend Otah

What Huddle are you referring to? Pragmatism has been a minority opinion regarding Otah for years; most say stupid crap like "Fat lazy piece of poo" and "I don't believe this guy will make the team."

[Jesse]

I've just assumed he won't be healthy enough to play so my hopes aren't destroyed along with his knee.

[DaCityKats]

fat girls need love too. but i wouldnt hold my breath for Otah returning and playing at least 10 games.

[KillerKat]

Should've gotten rid of him earlier this offseason and pick up someone else, but since we didn't we have to wait at least until TC to make a decision.

[Match.com]

already have given up on this guy.

[Woodcookedbbq]

If he doesn't hold up in training camp, he must go.

[CatMan72]

Nope, it's the last year of his contract so it might be time to give up on him after this season.