It's only May, so we're months away from seeing the proof here, but it seems the big story about The Train Wreck That Is The Carolina Panthers -- you can thank the FanHouse commenters for that moniker -- is that they have (*gasp*) actual depth at receiver.First, there's D.J. Hackett, who reportedly made "several fine catches" during the weekend workouts and had nothing but good things to say about Jake Delhomme. In turn, the Panthers QB had nothing but good things to say about Muhsin Muhammad's return.
"I'll be honest with you -- the day we got Moose back, that was huge. And not for what he's done in the past. Just the way he works, the way he blocks. He brings a presence."
Another report has Jason Carter, the third-year man from Texas A&M who spent last season on the Panthers' practice squad, making the most spectacular catch of the weekend and looking generally impressive. That same report says, "Dwayne Jarrett has great hands. That's all." (Translation: He runs routes like Keary Colbert.)
Of course, it's way too early to tell whether any of these guys will take the double- and triple-teams off Steve Smith during actual games, but it sure sounds like there's a light at the end of the tunn-- Agh! It's an oncoming train! Run!
ADVERTISEMENT
_thumbnail.jpg "NASCAR Cowboy Hats")
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. Dave is that Drew Carter in your pic there??? LOL, why'd you use his pic for the story?
Posted at 3:14PM on May 5th 2008 by soulcitysigma1914
2. Getty Images labeled that photo as Jason Carter. I suppose they could be wrong. Maybe they saw the guy actually catch the ball and say, "Naw, that can't be DREW Carter..."
Never mind. I just replaced the photo.
Posted at 3:17PM on May 5th 2008 by Dave
3. That group of receivers looks great, right thru preseason. At that point, Moose looks as quick as a Moose, Smith looks double teamed and injury prone, and the rest are practice squad fodder. Add in a one armed quarterback (off arm being the healthy one) and this offense will make last years Bears look good. On the bright side, they will have a high pick in next years draft. Hello, 5-11, and thats indefinite.
Posted at 3:39PM on May 5th 2008 by Dave
4. People seem to forget that Jarrett was never expected to be the starter at the beginning of the season last year. It was Carter and Colbert as the 2nd options as Jarrett was often on the inactive list despite not being injured. When Jarrett finally got on the field Delhomme was already hurt and Testaverde and Carr are not guys you want to be learning from your Rookie Year. I think Jarrett improves with Delhomme under center.
Posted at 6:55PM on May 5th 2008 by PimpinSmurf
5. Of course Jarret will improve. He did nothing last year, you can't do much worse. . . or can he.
Posted at 7:17PM on May 5th 2008 by Grim Reaper
6. I was at mini camp and Jarrett looked terrific. He's gotten better at shedding blocks and getting off the contact at the line, catches everything in the area and looked to be gaining the respect of much of the team.
Posted at 9:13PM on May 7th 2008 by John