NFC South Training Camp Battles

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

Atlanta Falcons (Linebacker): Lofa Tatupu vs. Akeem Dent

New Orleans Saints* (Offensive Line): Charles Brown vs. Zach Strief

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Running Back): Doug Martin vs. LeGarrette Blount

Carolina Panthers (Linebacker): Thomas Davis vs. James Anderson

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Linebacker: Thomas Davis versus James Anderson

After using the No. 9 pick on Boston College’s Luke Kuechly, it is pretty safe to say the rookie is going to be a starter in Carolina from the get-go. Like stalwart Jon Beason, Kuechly probably can play any of the three starting linebacker spots in the Panthers’ base 4-3 scheme, but he is at his best in the middle.

To ease the rookie’s transition to the NFL, keeping Kuechly at middle linebacker probably makes the most sense when it is all said and done. He just might be the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in the middle. If healthy, Beason will start at one of the outside positions and should wear the communication headset in his helmet as an every-down contributor. He, too, is a great player and very versatile.

The issue is with Anderson, a solid and steady linebacker who rarely gets the national credit he deserves, and Davis, who truly has great qualities but has a brutal injury history. If Davis isn’t Davis, this situation is easy: Anderson will play on the strong side and Beason on the weak side. But if Davis looks like his old self in the preseason, he needs to be on the field, which would in turn put Anderson on the bench for much of the time -- which he certainly does not deserve. It will be interesting as to how it shakes out.

[fieryprophet]

That's retarded.

Beason will be middle, Luke will play weakside, Anderson will play strong, and Thomas will play relief/hybrid rover role. End of story.

[Jackofalltrades]

I'm actually starting to think they'll kick Beason outside and put Luke at Mike. Regardless of TD's health I think you have to protect him by limiting his snaps. On short yardage I'd gladly sub TD for S Martin to have an extra sure tackler, thumper on the field.

[KendrickPanther]

Thomas Davis is getting paid like a backup, he will be a backup barring injuries.

[The_Cannon]

This is something I've struggled with. I don't think its a question of who will benefit the most from playing the Mike it's who will suffer the most by playing the outside. Beason wasn't BEASON when he had to play outside two years ago so I want him in the middle. But at the same time it will help Luke's transition playing in the middle where he's comfortable. I think it'll fall into place with a good balance between Anderson and Davis in one of the outside slots but the real question will be where will Luke and Beason end up.

[iamhubby1]

I want to say first, that if Davis had Anderson do his knee the first time, it would have been the only time. So I am going with the mind-set that he should be good to go. What actually happens? Who knows?

With that said. I think Rivera is hoping that all four are healthy, so he can actually run the D he wants. I can see some damm funky looks coming our way this year. My first favorite is a 3-5-3, with the 3 all being a safety. Or even a 3-6-2. Hey, why not?

If you have talent, you have to find a way to get it on the field. We have a pooload of talent at LB, going to have to find a way to get them all on the field. And I feel our S are better than our CB except for Gamble. So getting more LB and S on the field only makes sense. At least to me.

I also think that Rivera is wanting all his top LBs to be able to play all the positions. Interchangable parts mean more variables as to looks and schemes. The more versatility you have, the easier it is to disguise what you plan.

Just a thought or two. And GOOOOOO CATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[LinvilleGorge]

The battles I'll be watching will be at CB, safety, and WR. I feel good about our LB corps. If everyone is healthy, we should have 4 legit NFL starting caliber LBs.

I want to see how the secondary battles will play out and I want to see who will earn the right to see the field at WR. We have a lot of young talent in the WR corps and I want to see who is gonna step up.

[chef17]

I highly doubt Anderson gets bench. At worst he would be splitting time with Davis.

I want to say first, that if Davis had Anderson do his knee the first time, it would have been the only time. So I am going with the mind-set that he should be good to go. What actually happens? Who knows?

With that said. I think Rivera is hoping that all four are healthy, so he can actually run the D he wants. I can see some damm funky looks coming our way this year. My first favorite is a 3-5-3, with the 3 all being a safety. Or even a 3-6-2. Hey, why not?

If you have talent, you have to find a way to get it on the field. We have a pooload of talent at LB, going to have to find a way to get them all on the field. And I feel our S are better than our CB except for Gamble. So getting more LB and S on the field only makes sense. At least to me.

I also think that Rivera is wanting all his top LBs to be able to play all the positions. Interchangable parts mean more variables as to looks and schemes. The more versatility you have, the easier it is to disguise what you plan.

Just a thought or two. And GOOOOOO CATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why would you think we run a 3-5-3 with 3 safeties then say Gamble is better than our safeties? Why wouldn't you keep Gamble on the field?

[LinvilleGorge]

With that said. I think Rivera is hoping that all four are healthy, so he can actually run the D he wants. I can see some damm funky looks coming our way this year. My first favorite is a 3-5-3, with the 3 all being a safety. Or even a 3-6-2. Hey, why not?

If you have talent, you have to find a way to get it on the field. We have a pooload of talent at LB, going to have to find a way to get them all on the field. And I feel our S are better than our CB except for Gamble. So getting more LB and S on the field only makes sense. At least to me.

[Pejorative Miscreant]

With that said. I think Rivera is hoping that all four are healthy, so he can actually run the D he wants. I can see some damm funky looks coming our way this year. My first favorite is a 3-5-3, with the 3 all being a safety. Or even a 3-6-2. Hey, why not?

Not so sure I'm on board with this. I think we have fine outstanding linebackers but our safeties are at borderline poo. That said I agree there is some room for creativity but I don't think we need to get carried away. I think in most cases if you show Drew Brees a 3-6-2 he will show you 6 points and a touchdown dance.

[Brokenbad]

I'm actually starting to think they'll kick Beason outside and put Luke at Mike. Regardless of TD's health I think you have to protect him by limiting his snaps. On short yardage I'd gladly sub TD for S Martin to have an extra sure tackler, thumper on the field.

Me thinks if Davis is 100 percent, then on occasions Luke should line up in Martins spot and Davis play OLB. Not saying make luke a permanent safety, just on occasions because he would help stop the run and offers good pass coverage skills.

[Brokenbad]

I'm actually starting to think they'll kick Beason outside and put Luke at Mike. Regardless of TD's health I think you have to protect him by limiting his snaps. On short yardage I'd gladly sub TD for S Martin to have an extra sure tackler, thumper on the field.

Me thinks if Davis is 100 percent, then on occasions Luke should line up in Martins spot and Davis play OLB. Not saying make luke a permanent safety, just on occasions because he would help stop the run and offers good pass coverage skills.

[CRA]

It is only a matter of time before Luke is the MLB....

People need to get over the Beason man crush and realize it is about having the best team on the field....

[Jackofalltrades]

It is only a matter of time before Luke is the MLB....

People need to get over the Beason man crush and realize it is about having the best team on the field....

That's the realization I came to.