Lombardi on Jarrett

[Fireball77]

He thinks very highly of Williamson too. Don't know if there's a history there (they worked for the same team at one time or something) or not.

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2009/06/diner-morning-news-around-the-nfl-3/

FROM DARIN GANTT OF THE ROCK HILL HERALD… “Yeah, you always try to get better every year,” (Dwayne) Jarrett said. “Last year is done. Each year you try to redeem yourself and get better. The NFL is like ‘What have you done for me lately?,’ so you just have to keep working at it.” And when he’s on the field, he looks more focused, not the lost babe in the woods he’s been in the past. He was called out for cruising through his rookie year, and the drunk driving arrest the following offseason didn’t help. Last year, he was taking things more seriously, but found himself stuck behind free agent pickup D.J. Hackett in a move that only looks more and more ridiculous in hindsight. The Panthers have at least admitted a mistake and cut Hackett after one season, clearing the way for Jarrett to finally know he’s going to get a uniform week-to-week.

When I was first starting my football career and driving from Barstow, Calif., to Las Vegas, I saw a sign leaving town that said, “Eat here, or we both starve,” which meant there were no other food stops along the way. The sign has always served as a reminder to me when a situation was desperate for both parties. I remember telling Tyrone Wheatley, after he’d been cut by the Dolphins and before we signed him in Oakland, that exact saying. And it proved to be correct.

In the case of Dwayne Jarrett, this is a make or break year. His wide receivers coach, Richard Williamson, is one of the best wide receivers coaches in the NFL, in my opinion. He has a knack for making players exceed their level of skill, bringing out the best in each of them. Remember Donald Hayes? He was great for the Panthers but never was able to duplicate his production when he left for New England. Williamson’s ability to highlight a player’s skill made me a little worried whenever there was a wide receiver available from Carolina. I would ask myself, if Williamson struggled with this player, how can we get him to be factor?

With those two tales as a backdrop, Jarrett, the former USC wide receiver, is at a crossroads. The Panthers need him to be a player, and he has a coach who can make him a player — so all the cards are aligned to work, assuming he has the skills to be a player. I wrote about this all through the draft process, that bigger wideouts without suddenness or quickness struggle to separate in the NFL. They struggle to get away from press man to man and are very easy to cover. Based on my two years of watching Jarrett play in the NFL, I would say he’s a glowing example of these problems. He will need to keep his weight down, improve his quickness and win with his physical play more than his skill level — much like Keyshawn Johnson used to do.

The Panthers need a dependable player to play away from Steve Smith. Muhsin Muhammad found the fountain of youth last season, maybe in part because he was back with his old coach, Williamson. But to expect a 36-year-old wideout to have another impact year is asking for a small miracle.

Jarrett must perform this year just as that sign said — or else they both starve.

[outlaw4]

Notice how just about all the user comments are on the first part about Vince Young. Nice to know how little the interweb people care about the Panthers.

His wide receivers coach, Richard Williamson, is one of the best wide receivers coaches in the NFL, in my opinion. He has a knack for making players exceed their level of skill, bringing out the best in each of them.

Well, considering what meager contributions Colbert and Carter brought to the table when they were here, that statement kinda scares me. Are we really crappy at finding receivers or does Williamson not deserve that high of praise?

[rayzor]

But to expect a 36-year-old wideout to have another impact year is asking for a small miracle.

Jarrett must perform this year just as that sign said — or else they both starve.

very good point that i over look....jarrett has to be ready this year. i think he is.

also overlooked...williamson. one of the unsung legends of panthers football. if only he had been able to do something with colbert and carter...though if he couldn't probably not anyone who really can.

[Fireball77]

Whether he is a great coach or not, Williamson IMO isn't the reason that Moose had a nice year though, like Lombardi speculated.

[thefuzz]

Nope, Moose had a great year because he was in a role that suits his talent and ability.

Having a WR on the other side that some DC's would like to triple cover doesn't hurt either.

[Fireball77]

Yeah Moose isn't a #1 WR as he was brought to Chi to be, and he benefited from Smitty and his chemistry with Jake.

[rayzor]

Whether he is a great coach or not, Williamson IMO isn't the reason that Moose had a nice year though, like Lombardi speculated.

i agree with that.

[Mr. Scot]

Well, considering what meager contributions Colbert and Carter brought to the table when they were here, that statement kinda scares me. Are we really crappy at finding receivers or does Williamson not deserve that high of praise?

Tony Softli

[thefuzz]

Yeah Moose isn't a #1 WR as he was brought to Chi to be, and he benefited from Smitty and his chemistry with Jake.

Yup...There are some things to be said about his being happy to be back with the Panthers as well. Just an overall better mindset.

[Montsta]

Well, considering what meager contributions Colbert and Carter brought to the table when they were here, that statement kinda scares me. Are we really crappy at finding receivers or does Williamson not deserve that high of praise?

Don't overlook the other part of the article though, that applies DIRECTLY to Colbert and Carter...

The Panthers need him to be a player, and he has a coach who can make him a player — so all the cards are aligned to work, assuming he has the skills to be a player.

[mantal]

Notice how just about all the user comments are on the first part about Vince Young. Nice to know how little the interweb people care about the Panthers.

Well, considering what meager contributions Colbert and Carter brought to the table when they were here, that statement kinda scares me. Are we really crappy at finding receivers or does Williamson not deserve that high of praise?

How much do you notice the St. Louis Rams, The Tennessee Titans? ... and you're a fan!

Let's get disrepected...

[TDW]

Unless Jarrett has developed a meaner more physical attitude on the field, I suspect he'll disappoint again...

To Lombardi's point, does anyone see any 'suddeness or quickness' out of Jarrett's game?

[outlaw4]

Tony Softli

Granted, but on the record, I HATED the Jarrett pick and was indifferent for Robinson. If either can produce Drew Carter numbers (sans the injuries), then I would be satisfied.

How much do you notice the St. Louis Rams, The Tennessee Titans? ... and you're a fan!

Titans get more attention than we do. The Rams, well, they are probably in our neighborhood in regards with media attention.

Whatever, like I care if we don't get mentioned. They can't get half of what they say about us right.

[scpanther22]

am i the only one who would still take drew carter not as a #1 or 2 but for good depth