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May 14, 2008
Fox: Stewart could return kickoffs
First-round pick Jonathan Stewart could be the Panthers' primary kickoff returner as well as their featured running back.
Asked at the Charlotte Touchdown Club luncheon earlier today who would be the team's kickoff returner this season, Fox said:
"Jonathan Stewart was one of the leaders in the country, as well as leading the Pac-10. He's the guy who'll start off with those duties when we go to (training) camp. Not only is he an outstanding running back, but that was one of the key factors but in our search for a kickoff returner -- that we were able to address that."
Stewart returned 58 kickoffs at Oregon for a 28.69-yard average, with two touchdowns. He ranked third in the Pac-10 last season as a junior.
Fox said he wasn't concerned about one of his top running backs also being exposed to injuries as a kick returner.
At 5-10, 233 pounds, with 4.45 speed in the 40-yard dash, Stewart would be one of the NFL's biggest, most powerful kickoff returners. Fox said there had been big kickoff returners before, but then couldn't name one.
But Panthers.com editor David Monroe thought of a good one -- Herschel Walker.
Carolina ranked 31st in the 32-team NFL in kickoff returns last season, averaging 19.1 yards per return. That's the lowest average in team history, with the second lowest coming the year before (19.4) in 2006.
The Panthers other leading candidates to return kickoffs are reserve cornerback Ricardo Colclough, a free agent signee, and second-year pro Ryne Robinson.
(x)
Fox made it clear that third-round pick Charles Godfrey of Iowa made a strong impression in his first minicamp. Godfrey practiced at free safety with the first-team defense after playing cornerback the past two seasons in college.
"He adapted well," Fox said of Godfrey. "It didn't look like it was too big for him. He fit in well. Our players liked him."
Fox said receiver Steve Smith came back to the huddle at one point, saying, "Man, (number) 30 is pretty good."
"Smitty doesn't give out a lot of compliments," Fox said, smiling.
-- Charles Chandler
Posted by Observer Sports on May 14, 2008 at 11:56 AM | Permalink
Comments
I've been listening to Sirius NFL Radio gush over the Panthers' draft and free agency acquisitions for a couple of weeks now.
Gil Brandt and Adam Schein think we got 4, possibly 5 starters in the draft this year, counting Stewart, Otah, Godfrey, and Gary Barnidge(!), as well as Dan Connor, who won't start here but could start just about anywhere else.
They also said that Geoff Schwartz would eventually be a solid starter at right tackle for us.
Posted by: Another Idiot | May 14, 2008 12:32:55 PM
I could care less who they put in at kick returner, as long as it is a vast improvement. That is another area that was horrible last year, and it's too bad that the best returner on the team also happens to be the most explosive offensive player in Smitty. I did see some good kick return highlights of Stewart on youtube that makes me think he'd do well in the nfl, good vision and all. Not to mention that at his size, he'll be the one laying the licks on returns, not the other way around. If we don't wear him out I like the idea of having a big fast guy returning. As long as special teams improves their blocking and we don't have the same crap as last year from the returner (ie. standing there waiting for the defense to move out of your way and looking terrified) then we'll be okay.
Posted by: James | May 14, 2008 12:36:20 PM
I agree. ANYTHING we can do to improve special teams would be great. Stewart as a return guy could be scary. Also, watching footage of Barnidge made me think he has HUGE potential to be a great receiving threat. Go Cats!
Posted by: JPanther | May 14, 2008 12:42:01 PM
I agree! We need someone to make things happen, NOT wait for it.
Posted by: pnthrfan | May 14, 2008 12:44:54 PM
Damn, this dude about to take D. Williams job and Ryan Robinsons.
Posted by: matt | May 14, 2008 12:47:51 PM
I like it...BUT I do believe D.W. would be a little better at it..he's more agile and nefty....I mean I thought he was solid with it..but I assume Stewart would be getting a few more carries than Deangelo...so...Just a thought Guess it doesn't matter with them two splitting....but...Deon could be back there...and it won't matter if the blocking does not improve...We have got to take some risk and put some Athletes on return team to block T. Davis/Seward/Connor/Sharwtz/MoosE I don't care anyone and any thing to improve this pathetic unit.
Posted by: Cheven | May 14, 2008 12:59:29 PM
Not sure I like my 1st rounder returning kick-offs. However, in my minds eye I can picture the fear he could put into the eyes of someone trying to tackle 230+ lbs of rolling thunder. Looks good, and funny, in my mind anyway. Also, it could have the potential to screw with opponents Special Teams. Trying to get bigger players out there, so their little guy don't get killed trying to tackle someone with Stews size and speed. Personally, I thought Ryne finished the year off strong. Once he got it figured out, he did a great job of getting us field position.
As always, GO CATS!
Posted by: iamhubby | May 14, 2008 1:01:00 PM
I think Najeh Davenport may have been one of the "big" kickoff returners Fox was alluding to. He's returned 67 kickoffs for 1,533 yds in his career (22.8 avg)--not too shabby for a guy known more for power, and much less for speed.
Posted by: hillbilly | May 14, 2008 1:23:56 PM
Video is not the only way the NE Paper Champions cheat! Add steroides and paid off officiating to that list!!!
http://www.charlotte.com/panthers/story/622851.html
Posted by: SYRPIS | May 14, 2008 1:48:50 PM
what? our guys used the steroids and no one paid off the freakin refs!!!
Posted by: matt | May 14, 2008 2:02:04 PM
I've said it a hundred times. We need 10 guys that can block better more than we need another return guy. THAT is where the problem is.
Posted by: Mark | May 14, 2008 2:24:59 PM
Robinson's numbers improved a lot as the season went on, I think he could be a good return man in this league with decent blocking.
Posted by: Billy | May 14, 2008 4:07:53 PM
This won't make any difference if they don't shore up the blocking units. Ryne Robinson was one of the most decorated and accomplished kick returners in NCAA history, and they made him look ordinary.
Those boys on the satellite radio are crazy. Barnidge can't block, and Schwartz (who I actually like) will be lucky to stay on our roster, including the practice squad.
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 14, 2008 4:58:51 PM
Procton, just wondering something.
How is it that you use the fact that Robinson was a one of the most decorated KR's in NCAA history to make your point that he is a good KR.
But when people mention that D. Williams was one of the most decorated RB's in NCAA history, you discredit their argument because he Memphis played against subpar teams, yet Miami (OH) played against weak competition too.
Why do you factor in the competition when you bash Williams but you ignore it when you praise Robinson?
Posted by: matt | May 14, 2008 5:20:26 PM
If we are going by college stats....We should have signed Timmy Chang to back up Delhomme a long time ago....
Posted by: rhackney | May 14, 2008 5:24:32 PM
Or better yet....start Timmy Chang....
Posted by: rhackney | May 14, 2008 5:25:16 PM
Because Procton is an authority on everything, you should have known that Matt
Posted by: David | May 14, 2008 5:25:59 PM
Because returning punts has far less to do with your level of competition. The kicking game is about instincts, reaction, and vision, something players can possess on any level. Defending the run is about size, strength, talent, etc, something that is in short supply at Tulane and Southern Miss.
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 14, 2008 5:31:53 PM
so instinct, reaction, and vision apply to KR's and not RB's
Posted by: matt | May 14, 2008 5:56:53 PM
Procton, if you think your opinion is better than Gil Brandt's, you should check yourself into the mental ward.
Posted by: Another Idiot | May 14, 2008 6:28:39 PM
Last I checked "Proctologist" D-Lo didnt have to defend against the run. The man (D-Lo) was spectacular at what he did and you have no reason (even more-so with you) to say he cant get the job done.
Even the "Other" Proctologist" wether he was fake or not had better thoughts than you.......Bring him back,at least he knew about the game of football.
Posted by: Ghost of Sparta | May 14, 2008 6:42:42 PM
Gil Brandt is on point all the time....nfl radio is the real deal. His points are always right on. Procton you are the real idiot.
Posted by: agree with that idiot | May 14, 2008 6:44:01 PM
Hey you douche bags leave me alone!
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 14, 2008 6:53:30 PM
Well at least thats one true "Proctologist" prophet............
Id just like to add that even though a couple of blogs ago someone stated that or typed copying anothers name and posting, is wrong, blah,blah,blah.
However when it comes to the "Proctologist" I can find no fault in it,because hell it might as well be some uneducated wanna be the way he expresses his B.S.
Posted by: Ghost of Sparta | May 14, 2008 7:01:11 PM
I thought they said that RB was one of the easiest transitions into the NFL. Not KR.
Posted by: Duh | May 14, 2008 7:27:58 PM
Wow, Smitty gave a compliment? Oh thats huge. Can't wait to see Gidfrey out there on D.
But as far as KRs go I would suggest rotating D-Lo, J-Stew, and Ryne at KR and see who is the most effective. J-Stew is a good returner, but Ryne is pretty slippery and could break one anytime, while D-Lo has crazy agility. I would rotate them until a proven KR arises.
Posted by: The Advisor | May 14, 2008 7:30:15 PM
Opps, meant *Godfrey not *Gidfrey lol.
Posted by: The Advisor | May 14, 2008 7:35:22 PM
Procton, you and your boy Sypris are the most worthless ass clowns on these blogs.
Posted by: CCU | May 14, 2008 8:36:45 PM
Can anyone here remember any kick returner getting injured on a return? for us or anyone? any punt return suffering injury? I can't remember one significant one, so I wish announcers, reporters, and arem chair pundits would shut it about "risking starting WR/RB/DB at returner" it's bogus, either name the names of the injured or quit saying it cause everyone says it, in 60+ years of playing, coaching, watching football, I just can't recall any srious injuries to the return man in pro's or college (look ma, no tupos!)
Posted by: COACH | May 14, 2008 10:49:22 PM
Patriots used two starters on KRs last year. Worked out pretty well for them through 18 games at least. By the way they do usually say RB is the easiest transistion into the NFL but they mean for a regular skill position. KR is often said to be about ability and natural instinct which will translate no matter what in a lot of people's eyes. Also having a knack for scoring off of these is a big bonus IMO. Some people just have that as an intangible.
Posted by: JayJ6 | May 15, 2008 4:06:45 AM
Procton,
Shut up for once. It turns out that Gil Brandt and Adam Schein actually get to paid to talk about the NFL and to know what is going on. They know what is going on and it's great to hear that people are respecting what the Panthers are doing this offseason. I can't wait to see how well all of these acquisitions work out for us.
If Steve Smith is giving Godfrey compliments I can't wait to see what he does when he steps on the field! Go Panthers!
Posted by: teacha | May 15, 2008 5:11:14 AM
Coach, I remember Rod Smart, who was a good return man, getting his knee bent backwards on a kick return. I think he was untouched though.
Posted by: rayray | May 15, 2008 5:20:32 AM
I also remember Jason Seahorn tearing an ACL in a preseason game and being out for the year. Kick Returns or the most dangerous plays in football and to risk or only offensive weapon, would not be very smart.
Posted by: Billy | May 15, 2008 5:29:29 AM
sorry I put or when I meant are
Posted by: Billy | May 15, 2008 5:30:23 AM
While it wasn't included in the above blog, in the Observer today there is a claim that Robinson had a 23.0 return average last year. He only returned 26 of the 60 kicks. Had he been the only one to return kicks and maintained this average the Panthers would have been 13th in the NFL.
To add an additional piece of perspective, Chicago was last in kick returns last year (18.1 yards) and they have a guy named Hester on their team (21.7 yards). Hester had two returns for touchdowns last year and Robinson still had a higher average return than he did. Anyone think the Bears want to upgrade their special teams by trading Hester for Robinson?
Posted by: Wizard | May 15, 2008 5:40:09 AM
Wasn't Procton the one who said the Godfrey pick was horrible and that there was no way he could play safety. I think Smitty might disagree, however his opinion probably is worthless and we should go ahead and cut Godfrey right?
Also, Goings returned a good deal of the kicks early in the season and he was absolutely awful. He barely ever made it past the 20 and had a huge fumble. I thought Ryne did a decent job later in the season but it doesn't hurt to give Stewart a shot at it. Think this would mean Fox plans on starting D Will or think he would use Stewart on the kick return and then bring him in to start the series?
Posted by: Mason | May 15, 2008 6:06:52 AM
Not to mention, a couple of blogs back I was arguing FOR Ryne Robinson and my point was that our blocking was horrible, and Procton said that blocking didn't matter because the function of a blocker on punt returns is to "deflect or slow down the gunner." So why is it that NOW blocking DOES matter and Robinson could be a good returner.
By the way, Michael Bates was the best returner in Panther's history, and wasn't his career derailed by injuries? What about Dante Hall? Desmond Howard? Charles Woodson? Devin Hester?
Get a clue.
Posted by: Steve | May 15, 2008 7:34:15 AM
Yeah that's a great point Wizard. You would rather have a guy who average's 3 whole yards more per return, than a record setting return man who puts points on the board for you.
Hester's specialty is the Punt Return anyways...something that we have not had (quality punt returner) since Smitty stopped. I would take a dynamic punt returner over an above avg KR anyday of the week.
It was Hester (and the Def.) who in 2006 practically carried that team to the Super Bowl. But I guess you are right, who would want to trade R.Robinson for the greatest return man ever??
Posted by: rhackney | May 15, 2008 7:37:58 AM
No, Mason, I didn't say that. I said I was concerned that we were planning on starting a third-round pick at a position he hadn't played in two years. I'm glad he looks good so far, but let's let him get pads on before we talk about how incredible he is, Smitty complimetn or not.
Steve, I've never been against Robinson, and I've also consistently maintained that our blocking has been the weak point of our kick return units. Don't know where you're coming up with that line about deflecting gunners. I've never written anything like that, ever.
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 15, 2008 8:02:54 AM
Didn't we draft Godfrey last year? I think his name was CJ Wilson. THAT worked out really well.
Posted by: Michael Procton | Apr 27, 2008 12:09:59 PM
This was only one of the many posts you have saying that you don't like Godfrey. Obviously he has yet to play an actual down, lets re-visit this in December.
Posted by: Mason | May 15, 2008 8:24:18 AM
Right...I'm concerned about a guy (unlike Wilson, actually), who hasn't played the position we're trying to switch him to (to start) in two years. Nowhere does that say "He can't play safety" or "this was a bad pick." Simply a statement of concern.
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 15, 2008 9:05:19 AM
Couple of things:
1) Procton: CJ Wilson played corner in college too; not safety. So if you're worried about Godfey because he hadn't played safety in two years, why aren't you concerned about Wilson (who was actually cut, and then brought back) who only played corner in college?
2) To me, I don't care who they have returning kicks, or even who's blocking on kick returns. The biggest mistake the panthers made in the offseason (unless I missed something, which may be the case) was not firing Danny Crossman. He is absolutely horrible, and I don't see how he kept his job after two years with stats like the ones posted above. For a team like the Panthers, who depend on field position for a big part of their games, there's a huge difference between starting at the 20 and starting at the 28 on average. Plus, until Richard Marshall and Donte Curry starting coming on as the gunners, the coverage units sucked as well.
3) What ever happened to D.W. returning kicks. He had the one return for a TD in the preseason his rookie year, but did absolutely nothing afterwards? Wasn't his return abilities one of the reasons he was drafted over Addai? I still can't believe they didn't draft Addai when they had the chance. And don't even start with that "college production, and weak line" crap, Procton. If we had gotten our bigger RB then, we would only have to fix our O-line now instead of both. Then we would still have our 1st round next year.
Posted by: Irony | May 15, 2008 10:07:15 AM
Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought that was Procton's point...That Wilson played CB in college and we were trying to get him to play safety?? Anyways....
Posted by: rhackney | May 15, 2008 10:29:43 AM
I have a huge problem with my #1 franchise back returning kicks.if fox even experiments with this he is a bigger idiot than i thought.remember jason sehorn?
robinson did a good job for us the last part of the season
fire crossman and we will have good s.t
do you fox lovers see now what an idiot fox is and how hes trying to undo the good work hurney and don gregory did this offseason.
Posted by: ray | May 15, 2008 10:32:13 AM
Schein and Brandt know the game and know their stuff and I trust their judgement. Gil knows more about this game then all of us who comment here today combined. Adam is the facts guy but also can back it up and is nto afraid to say what he thinks and if he thought this draft sucked, he would have said so. I think they had a good draft and the improvements will show on the field.
Posted by: chuck | May 15, 2008 10:49:25 AM
1. Because Wilson, who played corner in college, was transitioned to safety, just like Godfrey.
2. The kick coverage team had problems in the early parts of the season due to injuries to key ST guys (Melton, Wesley, Goings, Deloatch.) Thus, we had to use a lot of young players who didn't have the reps or the experience in those spots. Keeping Rhys Lloyd on the roster as a kicker who can actually put a kickoff into the end zone should help mightily with the field position game.
3. In 45 returns, Williams has averaged a sparkling 19.0 YPR. He's never taken a kick back for 40 yards (longs of 39 in '06, and just 29 in '07.) In 26 returns, Ryne Robinson averaged 23.0 YPR. He had two 40+ returns, including a 60-yarder. Further, Robinson is a far less integral part of the offense, making the injury risk less of a big deal. I don't see why Williams would get the nod over Stewart or Robinson. He's proven not to be very good in the role.
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 15, 2008 10:59:50 AM
Seahorn was injured in 1998 pre-season game and was the UP man not the deep back, so one guy in ten years got injured?
dante hall injured an ankle as a receiver not on a kick return.
Michael Bates nagging, not severe injuries came as a receiver not returning kicks.
Desmond Howard you ask, he was only the Super Bowl MVP for returning kicks and here are his stats (PS no injury returning kicks!)
In his 11 NFL seasons, Howard caught 123 passes for 1,597 yards, rushed for 68 yards, returned 244 punts for 2,895 yards, and gained 7,595 yards returning 359 kickoffs. He also scored 15 touchdowns (7 receiving, 8 punt returns). Overall, Howard gained 12,155 all-purpose yards.
Charels Wooden - turf tow one year, cracked fibula and seperated shoulder, both as a DB NOT as a return man. He did return kicks, but punts, and he did that on a limited basis until well into his careeer when he returned 41 punts one year for Green Bay (no injuries)
Hester No injuries returning kicks, so other than Seahorn's injury over ten years ago in a pre-season game, we've idntified NO injuries for return men - it's football, put your best players on the field all the time, period, it's waht they get paid to do, make plays and win games, whther it's RB, WR, DB, or return man or combinatin thereof!
Posted by: COACH | May 15, 2008 11:19:16 AM
Godfrey is going to be the best FS we have had in years. We finally have someone with decent speed back there and good ball skills. On certain blitz packages where we match him up on the slot receiver, he has the talent to cover them. How he does in run support we will have to wait an see, however the FS does not have to provide a ton of run support, espicially not in a cover 2.
Posted by: Mason | May 15, 2008 11:27:48 AM
It's not injury that I would be worried about necessarily but overuse. Returning kicks can take a lot out of a guy, and if Stewart is to be our pounding back as well he could get gassed earlier than we'd like him to. Keeping him on the field more than necessary can eventually wear him down. The good thing is that he's splitting carries, so he could potentailly be fine returning kicks as well. So, like I said before, if it doesn't wear him out AND special teams blocks better I'm all for it. Otherwise Ryne Robinson was the only bright spot we had, and the only one that I would omit from my "standing there" comment.
Posted by: James | May 15, 2008 12:16:51 PM
It's not injury that I would be worried about necessarily but overuse. Returning kicks can take a lot out of a guy, and if Stewart is to be our pounding back as well he could get gassed earlier than we'd like him to. Keeping him on the field more than necessary can eventually wear him down. The good thing is that he's splitting carries, so he could potentailly be fine returning kicks as well. So, like I said before, if it doesn't wear him out AND special teams blocks better I'm all for it. Otherwise Ryne Robinson was the only bright spot we had, and the only one that I would omit from my "standing there" comment.
Posted by: James | May 15, 2008 12:21:15 PM
I think Rhyn still has a lot of potential as a returner and as a spot receiver. But I just don't think returning kicks wears out players, cheesh, it's 30-40 yeards total running with a TV timeout following! and if it turns into 100-120 total yards run (as in Touchdwon, and before u critics write in, I know the field is 100 yeards long, but they do run side to side too) so if long run, then they have celebration, PAT, TV time out, opponents return, tv time out, defensive plays all to rest before offense.
I know this is ancient and different level, but I played every pla in HS both ways and returend punts and kick offs and punted on occassion, played college ball, including returning kicks and all offesnive special teams and partied hard on weekends and sometiems on Wednesday nights (Yea, repented for all that, am a straight shootin Jesus freak now) but the point is, these are professional athletes who play 5 to 6 second plays and then get 40 seconds of rest! plus tv time outs, etc. An entire 70 play game is 420 seconds or 7 minutes of action!!!! (each side) I thnk a pro athlete can buck up and get in shape for that and not get worn down returning 1-4 kicks per game (hopefully 2 max! ha)
Posted by: COACH | May 15, 2008 12:26:35 PM
Hey Coach....I bet you help serve the Gatorade too didn't you....
Posted by: rhackney | May 15, 2008 1:27:42 PM
Coach,
Steve Smith was hurt in 2004 on a kick return. That pretty much ruined our season, since we had no other decent number 2 reciever. Thats also the year after moose was gone. So I mean, its a huge risk. I would actually be scared to put Stewart at KR knowing he will be the main guy on our smash mouth football team.
Posted by: Cameron | May 15, 2008 1:38:28 PM
PS: He was gone the whole year, forgot to let ya know that!
Posted by: Cameron | May 15, 2008 1:38:55 PM
Sorry, but it wasn't during a kick return. It was on a recieving play. Did the research you forgot to do. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1881069
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina wide receiver Steve Smith broke his left leg in the fourth quarter of the Panthers' loss to the Green Bay Packers on Monday night.
Smith was injured when he was tackled by Hannibal Navies after a short catch with 4:52 to play in Carolina's 24-14 loss. Navies fell on Smith's leg while he pulled the receiver down from behind near the Carolina sideline.
Better luck next time on sounding smart though.
Posted by: Eric | May 15, 2008 1:44:36 PM
Uhh...Smith was hurt on a pass play on offense against Green Bay. He was basically horse-collared.
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 15, 2008 1:45:32 PM
Cameron, yolur absolutely WRONG
Steve Smith broke his leg playing WR after a catch
see link and research your facts frist
http://www.sptimes.com/2004/09/15/Sports/Panthers_receiver_has.shtml
He broke his leg late in Carolina's 24-14 loss to Green Bay on Monday when he rolled his ankle as he was being tackled after a catch.
Posted by: coach | May 15, 2008 1:49:11 PM
P.S. That was Keary Colbert's great rookie season. That was the only year he was a decent number 2 reciever. Forgot to let ya know that!
Posted by: Eric | May 15, 2008 1:51:24 PM
P.S. I also forgot to tell ya that the biggest reason our season went south in 2004 was because our starting running back started the season on 4th string. Remember we lost Stephen Davis, then Deshaun Foster, then we even lost good old Rod Smart. Even though he had a great season considering, he was no Davis or Foster. And dear old Cameron was starting to get cocky about his post, now He Hate Me.
Posted by: Eric | May 15, 2008 1:57:20 PM
my bad it was 4 years ago. I thought he did get hurt on a punt but how would I know. I was like 11 or so and didn't give a sh** about football when I was that young. Just thought he got hurt on a PR. But thanks for shoving it in my face. Procton, sorry everyones an ass to ya. This is a tough blog to talk on, considering everyone shoots down others opinions and smashes you in the face when your wrong. Have a nice weekend everyon =)
Posted by: Cameron | May 15, 2008 1:58:09 PM
I don't think fox should try him out in returning kicks let robinson do it.
Posted by: Reggie | May 15, 2008 1:58:19 PM
well cameron I'm 79 and know how to do a simple google search.
if you won't sure, post it as a question as in Didn't steve smith get hurt on a punt? then people would nicely say, no, it actually was a receiving play, God bless!
Posted by: coach | May 15, 2008 2:06:50 PM
you didn't care yet you felt confident enough to try and prove coach wrong. don't get is twisted though, procton will be an ass just as quick as everyone else on these blogs. keeps it lively. don't be sensitive.
Posted by: Eric | May 15, 2008 2:08:43 PM
I didn't try to prove him wrong. I just thought of it and through it out there. Like alot of comments. I have nothing against anyone here.
Posted by: Cameron | May 15, 2008 3:29:09 PM
About the Smitty thing, he was also taken off of kick returns so that he could be even more effective as a reciever, because too much was being placed on his shoulders (as if he already doesn't have enough, it's hard to carry 10 men on your back). Playing running back and returning kicks can take a lot out of you because of all of the cuts and trying to power through tackles. It takes an exceptional amount of energy to be a running back, but like I said if he can handle both duties more power to him and hopefully it'll help the return game.
Posted by: James | May 15, 2008 5:08:22 PM
bates career basically ended on a preseason st play - thought it was coverage though? dirty dirty play. I think the injury thing is over-rated, especially on KR.
robinson improved a ton over the 2nd half of the season, i thought. he was way too tentative early.
Posted by: John | May 15, 2008 6:23:25 PM
Wow, some of y'all seem to think that Stewart would tire himself out running kicks back. There are only 2 occasions in a game to run a kick back: either the opening kickoff or the second half kickoff, and when the opposing team scores.
If our defense is allowing enough touchdowns for our return guy to get fatigued, we are in (*&^%$# trouble from ground zero; it won't matter who our starting running back is.
Get a grip. Let the best man play.
Posted by: Roger | May 15, 2008 7:53:39 PM
If Robinson is everything that Procton hypes him up to be, Robinson should return kicks then.
Also Smart was injured on a fumbled kick return on the 5 yard line. I was there and it was a freak/nasty injury.
Posted by: rhackney | May 15, 2008 10:31:26 PM
Procton, You've missed the point again. I know they moved Wilson to safety after playing corner in college, but you said you were concerned that Godfrey wouldn't do well at FS because he hadn't played safety since he's sophmore season. My point was that why aren't you concerned about Wilson when he didn't play any safety in college, when you are concerned about Godfrey who has at least some experience there?
Second, I'm not saying that DW should be returning kicks because he didn't show he was terrific doing so his rookie year. But, Fox did have him there initially, and wasn't allowed the same time to get better at it like they gave Robinson. Also, why is it that you touted the fact that not many returners get hurt, but then say that because he is less of a role in the offense, Robinson should return kicks because it's less of an injury concern?
Third, while I like Rhys Lloyd's kickoff ability, we now have 2 kickers, one punter, one long snapper, and one punt returner (Robinson) that are in a sense specialists and have little to no impact in other areas. That's 5 active roster spots that are taken up on game day. Robinson needs to be able to return punts and kicks, our kicker needs to be able to handle field goals, and the long snapper needs to contribute in some other fashion (ex. Kalil or Hangartner could long snap if they are able). The Panthers used to be critized for having too many starters playing special teams, but their special teams units were excellent. Now, they seem to have a loaded the team with guys that either only start or only play special teams. I realize that some of their starters still play special teams, but it just doesn't seem to be to the same extent. That's hurt their ability to have solid depth, and their ability to have good production out of their special teams.
Posted by: Irony | May 16, 2008 7:19:32 AM
Get a grip Roger? All I was saying is that it COULD wear him down, and if it effects our running game negatively then I would rather see them stick someone else in there. The key point I made was that as long as he can handle it I'm all for it, but if it has a negative impact then I would rather see someone else returning kicks. If you really want the best man to play returner, then why aren't you arguing for Smitty?
Posted by: James | May 16, 2008 8:46:29 AM
Wilson actually, yes, did play safety in college. The reason I woudl be less concerned about him is that a. he was a 7th-rounder, not a 3rd, and b. he was drafted as a developmental prospect who had time to learn the new position; not a guy who was supposed to come in to immediately start.
How do you figure Williams wasn't given a fair shot as a KR? In 13 games his rookie year, he had 33 returns, and he then had another 13 (which were even worse than '06, implying that he HASN'T gotten better) last year. Robinson had only 26 returns in 16 games. Also, I wasn't "touting" ANYTHING about injuries on kick returns. I do think there's a higher chance of guys getting hurt on ST plays, but I think any player can get hurt at any time. No sense not using your best options at every position (Smitty should still be returning every kick if he's willing.) Yes, Robinson is less important than Williams, but it's not a bigger or smaller injury concern. They've both got about the same chance of getting hurt, but it would be less of a big deal if Robinson did.
Robinson is not a "specialist" player. He DID return punts and kicks, and he did it well. As a receiver, he had three seasons of 900+ yards in college and two of those were more than 1100...he can do that job, too. He was certainly more impressive than "non-specialist" Dwayne Jarrett last year.
There is nothing wrong with having a kickoff specialist AT ALL. An extra 10-15 yards back on opponent's drive starts is absolutely worth the marginal upgrade in kick coverage by keeping a 7th LB active.
While I certainly would like to get a long-snapper who has the capacity to do something else, very few long-snappers in the league actually do. The point has been brought up that there would be no time for Kalil to get his reps as the starting center and practice with Baker for punts and holding for kicks. Our best options at this point outside of Kyle are probably rookies Barnidge and Conklin, the guy from Wingate (?.) Unfortunately, Barnidge didn't do well when he got his shot.
Again, a big part of our problems last year were that key special teamers (Again...Melton, Wesley, Goings, Deloatch.) got hurt, so we had to fill in with rookies who weren't really ready to help out as much. If those types of guys can stay healthy (or if they can be permanently replaced by the young players who got the time last year (Shaw, CJ Wilson, Teal, Rosario), we'll be much better off.
Posted by: Michael Procton | May 16, 2008 9:04:33 AM
I have to agree with Procton, having a kickoff specialist (if he is good at it) isn't such a bad idea at all. Look at Devin Hester. I mean the guy had less than 300 yards and only 2 TDs recieving last year compared to his over 1,000 yards between kick and punt returns and 6 TDs. Obviously Hester is special but when the best returner in the game serves mainly as a return specialist, you can easily argue that having someone dedicated to the position is not a bad way to go. Arguments against taking a roster spot? If we had a returner that performed half as well he could surely have a spot and I would lose no sleep. The importance of special teams is overlooked way too often.
Posted by: James | May 16, 2008 12:49:15 PM
That wasn't aimed at you personally, James, in fact it wasn't aimed at you at all. I apologize for making you feel guilty enough to be personally offended.
Posted by: Roger | May 16, 2008 7:14:29 PM
Never said that I was offended, it'd be hard to do that on a blog. No apologies necessary on here man, just people speaking their minds about our team haha. GO PANTHERS!!!
Posted by: James | May 17, 2008 12:47:31 PM
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