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Brandon LaFell a #2 WR? (LaFell vs Moose)

*FreeFua*

By *FreeFua*,
in Carolina Panthers

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*FreeFua* Grand Master

*FreeFua*

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Yes... Another Brandon LaFell thread. I enjoy discussing WR's and talking about the players we have surrounding our franchise QB. If not interested please don't reply.

LaFell: 6'2" / 210lbs / 40 time: 4.54

Moose: 6'2" / 215lbs / 40 time: 4.52

Alot has been made about how we haven't had a number 2 reciever since Moose. Well, I think we finally have one in LaFell. I've gone back and forth with this one but I think LaFell has finally turned the corner. LaFell, is currently on pace for 58 receptions, 720 yards, and 6 TD's.

LaFell currently has 40 receptions (tied for 53rd in the NFL) 495 yards (61st in NFL), and 4 TD's. LaFell has been targeted 66 times (53rd in NFL) (61% completion rate).

So I went back and checked what Muhsin's numbers were like during our playoff seasons in 2003 and 2008. In 2003 Moose had 54 receptions, 837 yards, and 3 TD's (very similar to what LaFell is on pace for this year). 117 more yards but 3 less TD's.

In 2008 Muhsin finished with 65 receptions, 923 yards, and 5 TD's. Mushin was targeted 108 times (60% completion rate). If LaFell got the same amount of targets, combined with his completion percentage he would be projected to finished with 65 receptions as well.

However in 2004, when Smitty went down. Muhsin stepped up big time. Moose finished the year with 93 catches, 1,405 yards, and 16 TD's (Muhammad's 9th year in the league). Im not going to try and convince you that LaFell could do this. I know LaFell isnt ready for that kind of role. But while lined up across from Smitty, Moose produced statistical season's that Brandon is capable of achieving.

Moose also had great seasons in 99 and 00. Pointing these out because i don't want to sound like I'm selling Mushin short of anything. The guy was a beast at times.

Greg Cosell wrote an article after the Patriots game, not about LaFell but did say this about LaFell:

On Brandon LaFell: He’s a very good receiver. I think he’s evolved since they drafted him, into a really solid football player. The notion that Carolina doesn’t have a number two receiver is wrong. He’s got excellent size, good physicality, and deceptive movement.

Link: http://charlotte.cbslocal.com/2013/11/22/greg-cosell-gettleman-is-awesome-and-knows-what-it-takes-to-win/

I hope Brandon is realistic when negotiating his contract. Lots of work to do this offseason with a limited budget. I like LaFell and hope he sticks around.

TL;DR version:

LaFell is a solid number 2 WR. If given the targets and opportunities his numbers would reflect that more. Numbers comparable to Muhsin's while playing with Smitty.

Alright guys, I'm done!

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*FreeFua* Grand Master

*FreeFua*

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Still improving too. Cam is spreading the ball around more and Lafell's numbers are still very good.

Thats the thing, they spread the ball around so it obviously affects his numbers. Greg Olsen has been targeted 67 times this year. Ted Ginn 49 times. Only so many balls to go around a game.

Where as Alshon Jeffrey has 58 catches for 860 yards. You assume Alshon is having a much better year at first glance. However Alshon has been targeted 103 times (56% completion rate)

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*FreeFua* Grand Master

*FreeFua*

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I agree Rook35200 and PF. However, we need to try and keep LaFell around because solid #2 WR's apparently don't grow on trees (as panthers fans we know this).

I've said this before but Ebron would be my first choice but I think he'll go top 20. Next on my list is Moncrief and Robinson.

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MCC

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The issue with the Panthers receiving corps isn't the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th options, but with our 1st option.  Smith no longer has the ability to stretch the field like he used to. 

 

I believe if the Panthers were able to grab a true #1 receiver (say Mike Evans or Sammy Watkins in the draft), Smith would dominate in the slot, and either Lafell or Ginn would be wonderful as the 3rd option.  I think it would truly take our offense to the next level. 

 

 

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