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February 22, 2008
Some pros and cons of signing Muhammad
My friend and colleague Scott Fowler wrote in today’s Observer that bringing wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad back would be a great idea. Well, it would at least be controversial. Some pros and cons:
IT’S A GOOD MOVE BECAUSE
++Muhammad has experience in coach John Fox’s offense, is a friend of fellow receiver Steve Smith and is familiar with Jake Delhomme as a quarterback.
++He’s a strong blocker, and could be a factor in a rejuvenated ground game.
++Given the stage of his career and the fact that he already lives in Charlotte, he will give the Panthers a hometown discount--maybe even take the veteran’s minimum of less than $1. million, to play for Carolina.
IT’S A BAD MOVE BECAUSE
++Muhammad will soon turn 35; most 35-year-old wideouts are in decline in the NFL. And he is in decline. In 2004, his last season with the Panthers, Muhammad caught 93 passes, gained 1,405 yards and scored 16 TDs. He’s been slipping ever since; last season, he had 40 receptions for 570 yards and three scores.
Because of that, he won’t be the No. 2 receiver who can take the pressure (and all those double-teams) off Smith. One of Carolina’s most important offseason goals is to find that second guy. Muhammad was it once upon a time, but no longer.
++Are we sure about that hometown discount? Muhammad jumped to Chicago and the big money immediately after that 2004 season, even though Carolina believed it had made him a fair offer.
Sure, Moose played well when he was here, and maybe you like him. In the NFL, sentiment and $1 will get you a cup of coffee.
Even if Carolina cuts Keary Colbert and possibly Drew Carter, they won’t give up on Dwayne Jarrett after just one season. But they can’t be convinced that Jarrett is ready to be that second receiver yet, so they’ve got to add someone.
The negatives mean that paying for Muhammad again at this stage is difficult to justify.
STAN OLSON
Posted by Observer Sports on February 22, 2008 at 04:02 PM | Permalink
Comments
I think we HAVE to sign Moose if he takes something around the veteran minimum... he and his family have strong ties to the area and love Charlotte. I think he'd be a valuable reciever/blocker as a #3 guy. I say this thinking they won't resign Colbert or Carter.
After getting him, they still need to go after another big play WR... this FA pool is flooded with talented wideouts, so we have to make our claims! If we could get someone the likes of Bryant Johnson, etc. then we'd be set. Imagine an offensive attack w/ Steve, Moose, another FA, Crumpler, a still developing Jarrett, a starting RB in D-Will, and a power RB added via the draft or free agency (I think we can get just as good of a power back in the draft for much cheaper than paying Turner a HUGE contract). All in all, that would be a FANTASTIC offensive attack, and keep in mind I don't think our defense is in very bad shape as it is now... we still have the draft to go add even more talent. GO PANTHERS
Posted by: appgrad08 | Feb 22, 2008 4:22:39 PM
Signing Muhsin Muhammad is a good move for one other reason - mentoring Dwayne Jarrett, who is really of the same ilk as Muhammad more so than Steve Smith. A big receiver needs a mentor who is also a big receiver and the rub on Jarrett was his blocking, not his catching ability. Same way we all salivated that Keyshawn Johnson would be a great mentor for Jarrett, Muhammad could do the same and really improve his blocking skills. Plus all the Panthers fans with Muhammad jerseys could wear them again, including Catman.
Posted by: John | Feb 22, 2008 4:23:58 PM
John makes a good point on the mentoring aspect; something I should have added in the why it's a good thing but did not think of..
Posted by: stan olson | Feb 22, 2008 4:27:41 PM
Moose would be a great addition. Yes, Moose is getting older, but there is no real reason to think he has declined that much in three years. REX GROSSMEN and Kyle Orton was his quarterback during his first two years and still managed 60 rec and 800 yards(which about the productivity that is needed from him. Last year was a little bit of a decline, but the Bears had nothing but OB turmoil throughout the whole season. With Jake and Steve Smith, Moose will be able to put up the same type of numbers Key Johnson had.
Posted by: Roy Smith | Feb 22, 2008 4:51:07 PM
Blah, Blah, Blah! This rhetoric reminds me all too much of Mike Ditka and his chasing after the second coming of Walter Payton (aka Ricky Williams). Look, I know this is not exactly the same thing, but by the way some of you sound, it's getting there. Moose was slipping before the 2004 season. As a matter of fact, there were rumblings that the Panthers should get rid of him because of high price tag and low production for several years that he was here. Fox insisted we keep him because of all the extra things he does on the field (run blocking) and in the locker room (gets busted for drugs and weapons and possibly tries to convert everybody to Islam).
The thing is, 2004 was a contract season for Moose. All too often in the NFL we see great players take a couple of years off and coast, and when their contract year comes around put it all on the line to demand a better contract. Moreover, the injury to Steve Smith greatly helped his cause by making him the only viable option.
Now then, Moose never was willing to renegotiate to help out the team, and was publicly stating so on the very first day of the offseason. Is that what we want in a mentor? Let's not forget he had fumble problems (many of which he recovered himself) and was never much of a deep threat (except in the West Coast Offense where things opened up for him).
Couple that with the (what should be obvious) cons that Chandler states, and the guy becomes questionable even at league minimum. As far as mentoring Jarrett, who is going to be mentoring/pushing Moose??
All that being said, I would still take him at league minimum just for the potential and slot him at the no.3/4 WR postion. Fact is, he is too full of himself to take that offer, despite his deep-rooted "ties to Charlotte."
Posted by: SYRPIS | Feb 22, 2008 5:09:53 PM
Yes sign him if he will sign for around the vet mim. Perhaps throw in a few performance incentives get him on the field. Even at his age he is miles better than Colbert and carter. Also pursue, other FA like Stallworth; the entire WR corp needs overhauling not just one spot. Moose would be okay if he had to be number #2, but imagine him at #3.
Posted by: jbw | Feb 22, 2008 5:10:59 PM
One more thing, he was a great help during the Panthers Bowl run (run blocking and receiving), but let's not forget the punishing running game that Stephen Davis provided.
Davis has been railroaded when it comes to getting due credit. It was his efforts that opened up things in the second half in Jacksonvile game that year, not to mention the play-action that won the game. Then, despite the silent Fox telling the world they will run up the middle regurlarly and eventually injuring his ankle, Davis still amassed the highest rushing total in Panther history. Any QB would love to have a guy like that on his team. Let's not overlook the fact that the defense remained well rested thanks to his efforts. It was Stephen Davis that took the Panthers to the Superbowl, not Jake (need) Del-go-Homme!!! That being said, it was easier for Moose to get open that year.
Posted by: SYRPIS | Feb 22, 2008 5:20:22 PM
Signing Moose would be taking the easy way out. He turned his back on Carolina in a heartbeat. Now that Chicago has decided he's not worth it we should take him back with open arms? No way. It'll be a mistake if it happens. Remember all the fumbles?
Posted by: irishkitty | Feb 22, 2008 5:25:49 PM
BTW, Chandler... thanks for posting a comment about Foster's contributions to the team. For those of you who missed that:
FOSTER'S HIGHLIGHTS
• He's Carolina's all-time leading rusher with 3,336 yards.
• Has the second- and third-longest runs from scrimmage in team history: 71 yards at Kansas City (Sept. 19, 2004) and 70 yards at Atlanta (Jan. 1, 2006).
• His one-yard touchdown run that included four broken tackles at Philadelphia in the 2003-04 NFC title game is among the most memorable plays in team history.
Posted by: SYRPIS | Feb 22, 2008 5:36:39 PM
BTW
It won't take Deangelo long to become our all time leading rusher.
He also forced a fumble on himself last season. It was a joke. He tried to reverse field and his knee knocked the ball out of him hand.
The one yard gain against Philadelphia was him getting knocked in from behind by one of our lineman. Next time you look at that hightlight watch the Panther knock Deshaun and the ball into the endzone.
Good bye and good ridance.
Posted by: pslholder | Feb 22, 2008 5:55:49 PM
pslholder -
GREAT point about D'Angelo, and I agree with saying adios to Foster.
HOWEVER, ya GOTTA give him credit on that run in Philly, though...and YOU need to watch that play again, budro. That was incredible individual effort and desire - he hurdles a down O-lineman at the four, gets knocked backward from to the 2 to the five, and then keeps his legs chruning all the way to the pylon and reaches across the plane ON HIS OWN. And it was HOOVER that runs into the defensive guys, but Foster was already all but in. I remember watching that on TV in Christopher's in Matthews. I said it when it happened, and we've all been hearing it ever since - that was absolutely one of the greatest 1 yards carries you'll EVER see. Period.
Now the topic - Moose for the league minimum if at all. Let's take those "deep roots in Charlotte" for a test drive and see what it does for us.
Posted by: Panther Fan in GA | Feb 22, 2008 7:23:43 PM
stallworth
Posted by: reggie | Feb 22, 2008 8:23:33 PM
Stallworth and Mushin with Alge is not a bad idea just have to wait and see what happen.
Posted by: telling it like it is | Feb 22, 2008 9:29:11 PM
What is this hometown guy crap. I don't care if he is from Russia. We should not bring him back because, if you forgot he drops alot of balls and is lazy. He had more little injuries than anyone and, then wanted to play. It was just a ploy to not workout.He had 2 good years and, they were both contract years. This puts us back to looking for a #2 wr and, if we want to take a chance take one on a young wr.
Posted by: Jon | Feb 23, 2008 12:02:33 AM
Dont bring back Moose! Id rather much see Jarrett get the action as the # 2 reciever! This guy was one of the best...if not the best wide reciever to come from USC! Great things happen when he is inside the 20 yard marker! Throw it up and let him go get it! It wouldnt hurt if we got another quarterback too! Sure Jake started off good last season, but how long could it have gone on before he got hit in the back and started fumbling the ball every time someone touched him or panic when someone gets into his face and he throws the ball into double coverage instead of throwing the ball out of bounds! Id love to see McNabb in Carolina myself! Why couldnt we trade a 4th round pick for a guy like Moss from last year??? There are alot of questions we could ask, but what good will it do if we're not active in free agancy and drafting better in the late rounds!!!
Posted by: Duston | Feb 23, 2008 12:08:57 AM
Oh by the way...SIGN CRUMPLER!!! Give him what he wants! Tell him Ill cut his grass if he wants me to! We NEEEEEED a TE! Great move in letting Foster go! ITS ABOUT TIME! Everyone keeps talking about the one play that he broke 4 tackles! WHOOPY FREAKIN' DOOOO! The guy gets millions a year...should he be doing that all the time!!! Bettis would run over 5 guys and not break stride! I wouldnt take him over a player like DeAngelo Willians! Williams is a playmaker! I love the fact that we wont be sharing the carries with Foster anymore!I say get another RB the 1st round of the draft! HELLO... SLAYTON or MCFADDEN(would have to trade up to get him)!!! These guys would look great in a Panthers uniform! Come to think of it...Turner wouldnt look bad either!
Posted by: Duston | Feb 23, 2008 12:20:57 AM
Okay. First off, cutting Foster had to be done, his cap figure was too high, and he doesnt have much of a place here anymore. That goalline play was great, and he had some other great plays, but should have done more of it.
And why are you guys gonna bash Jake Delhomme now? I bet you are the same guys calling David Carr's name when we got him. Jake Delhomme is great, but he needs a supporting cast instead of just Steve Smith. Even Steve Smith wants another guy, and HE wants Jake Delhomme back at the helm. Please tell me who can run this offense better? Exactly. "Oh he fumbles the ball when he gets hit in the back", NO DUH what QB doesnt fumble the ball when hit by a 350 lbs DE when your holding the ball in one hand? Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and every QB that lives does the same thing. And to say that he panics when guys are in his face; no he is running away to not get SACKED and trying to buy time. All QBs make mistakes, and when its Steve Smith, I would throw it up for him in triple coverage! Also DID YOU EVER FORGET THAT WE HAVE A INCONSISTENT OFFENSIVE LINE? Dont blame the QB cause he cannot get his pass protection. This is the #1 thing I hate about Panther Fans, they will cheer behind one player and hiss behind another. We dont need McNabb, cause he is so injury prone and Philly would never give him up. McFadden will not come here, it will cost us WAYYY to much to get him, and we have, idk, DEANGELO WILLIAMS, Steve Slaton is another DeAngelo Williams style runningback (I'd take him maybe in the 4th round), and we need a big "change of pace" HB that does what Williams doesnt do....run over guys instead of around them.
Benard Berrian? He is a Keary Colbert with deep speed. Thats it. If he was anything, Bears would have resigned him. Come on now.
Donte Stallworth is overrated, why do you think the Saints, Eagles, and now the Patriots let him go? Inconsistancy people. I would like him if he was a 3rd WR slot option. The Patriots even said Jabar Gaffney out played him for his spot...JABAR GAFFNEY are you kidding me? Drew Carter is better than him! I read that the Lions are wanting a 2nd round pick for Roy Williams, Javon Walker wants to be released from the Broncos, the Patriots didnt even resign Randy Moss, Lavernues Coles might get axed by the Jets and dont forget about Bryant Johnson from the Cardinals. If Moose comes cheap, he would be a great 3rd WR option. We can get our great 2nd WR that we need. He needs to be No.1 WR material, incase if Steve Smith, God forbid, gets hurt. Its only a matter of time folks.
Posted by: Michael | Feb 23, 2008 4:44:31 AM
And by the way, Michael Turner will never come here cause he wants to be a starter, and wants starter money. We have our starter, and that being said, he wouldnt want to play here.
Posted by: Michael | Feb 23, 2008 4:47:39 AM
Let's at least be honest about the reasons for Moose's production during the last half of his career. In '02 and '03 he was the solid #2 guy you want while Steve Smith emerged as the downfield burner.
In '04, his performance as the league's #1 receiver wasn't a function of him being motivated for a contract year... it was because Smith got hurt and missed 15 games! You had Proehl and Keary Colbert, a rookie, beyond that. The running game collapsed during the first half of the season (Nick Goings didn't hit his stride until later). So the Panthers/Delhomme had nothing left but to throw the ball more... and Moose was it! Lucky for his accountant, it happened to be in a contract year and he cashed in, whether it was fair or not to the hometown team.
During his career with the Bears, look at what has happened... you had a downfield guy emerge in Berrian and some of the weakest collection of stiffs as QB's in recent memory. In '05, he was mostly playing with Kyle Orton, whom the Bears didn't trust at all with the ball and instead relied on their D to win. In '06, you had flaky Grossman and in '07 you had the same guys plus Griese. His production was a function of the Bears' inability to put a decent QB on the field. Their offense has been terrible the last three years.
His skills have most likely diminished because of his age, but whose wouldn't? I'd say give him a shot with the Panthers. The cats have the tools for an honest offense (solid QB, number 1 WR threat, explosive runner) and he's familiar with the system. Familiarity with the system/playbook is what doomed Jarrett this year. In this topsy-turvy league, he has as good a chance as anyone to become that #2 guy for at leats one more season... but the price has to be right!
Posted by: Stinger | Feb 23, 2008 12:00:35 PM
Is Girl Procton away at band camp this weekend?
Don't see any of his god complex posts on here.
Posted by: Toddy | Feb 24, 2008 12:56:27 AM
Did you know I can like my own balls?
Posted by: Michael Procton | Feb 24, 2008 8:26:53 AM
you mean lick? disgusting.
Posted by: Tmac | Feb 24, 2008 9:44:28 AM
I dont know why everyone is so up on signing Moose and Crump -
Moose would help but will want a 3-4 yr commitment and destroy the room we had to scrape out under the cap. Yeah he had a bad QB in Chicago BUT he turned his back on us when we made him a fair offer in 05. Anyone who thinks this guy will take the league minimum to come back is dreaming, he was is and will be about the bucks. We can get someone better, younger and cheaper in FA or in the draft. I'd rather take our chances watching Robinson, Jarrett and possibly Rosario develop into down field threats than overpay him and have another David Carr on our hands. For that matter I'd rather see the money go to Stallworth than Moose.
Why is everyone so up on Crumpler? Yes he is good BUT has injury problems and again he wants a lot of money. Plus we have 3 good TEs on the roster right now - King, Fauria and Rosario. No need to go out and waste money on him when we have other pressing needs.
We will be better served taking the Moose money and signing a stud FA DE or FS since those are the positions that are difficult for rookies to shine at. Or take the money and sign Turner for the power running game we need (and havent had since 03).
Posted by: Ben | Feb 24, 2008 10:19:36 AM
Boy...bad news, when somebody can't even make fun of me properly.
Ben, I understand the idea of saving money on Muhammad, but the $2-mil-ish isn't gonna go very far towards a stud at any position. Except maybe kicker...or long snapper.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Feb 24, 2008 2:14:49 PM
Obliviously this guy has not watched the Panthers receivers over the past couple of years. We have waited for both Colbert and Carter to show that they can handle the No. 2 spot, and they both have failed miserably. They just don’t have what it takes to be a big time receiver. They look scared and timid on the field playing, and they never beat any of the cornerbacks that are covering them. As for Jarret, do you really expect a guy who the panthers did even allow him to put a jersey until the end of the season to step up and fill that whole? I think the No. 2 Receiver should at least know the routes he should run, which Dwayne has proved his does not. So back to Moose, can you really say that he could not be a No. 2 receiver. You talk about how is production fell off last season, but don’t forget he has arguably the worst starting quarterback in the NFL throwing to him, Rex Grossman. The next best receiver on the bears last season, Berrian, racked up only two more touchdowns than Moose. Word is the Panthers have the biggest lack of leadership in the locker room of any team in the NFL, and moose is a guy that can step in and become a leader immediately. The panthers should sign Moose, let Colbert and Carter go to free agency( I doubt any one will even pick those guys up, just like deshaun is begging for a chance to play in Tampa Bay), and take a receiver in the draft with our 2nd or 3rd pick.
Posted by: Shane | Feb 25, 2008 5:43:22 PM
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